 | Basic Travel Trailer: $8,000 |
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 | Average: $15,000-$30,000 |
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 | Luxury Travel Trailer: $65,000 |
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| A travel trailer is a hard-sided, non-motorized recreational vehicle that is typically towed by a pickup truck or van. Travel trailers are 10'-40' or longer. Inside they may have one large open area or several rooms. Outside they vary from a fairly rectangular shape to adaptations such as the classic aluminum "silver bullet," a teardrop or other aerodynamic designs. Specialized subcategories of RV trailers include fifth wheels and toy haulers. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A new travel trailer can cost $8,000 -$65,000 but averages $15,000 -$30,000 depending on size, weight, layout, materials and amenities.
- For example, the fiberglass Scamp 13 is 13' long overall with interior space of 10'x6.5', weighs about 1,200 lbs., has 13" tires and starts at $8,300 with basic kitchen appliances (mini-fridge, sink, cook-top) plus a sofa/bunk beds and a dinette/double bed. Options include a bathroom/shower. The fiberglass Casita Liberty Deluxe 17' starts at $15,000 -$16,000, weighs 2,185 pounds, has 15" tires and includes a marine toilet/shower stall, choice of bed size, a water heater and air conditioner.
- The 19'11" Rockwood Mini Lite Model 1809S weighs 4,636 lbs. when loaded with fuel and water; sells for $15,000 -$20,000; and comes standard with a heated mattress, slideout with sofa, bathroom with shower stall, microwave, gas oven, ducted furnace and more.
- The 40'11" JayCo Flight Bungalow 40BHS weighs12,500 pounds with fuel and water, and starts at $37,000 with multiple slide-outs; a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed; a full bathroom with bathtub; hookups for a stacking washer/dryer; full-sized kitchen appliances; and a free-standing dining table and chairs.
- An expandable travel trailer (also called a hybrid travel trailer or a hybrid camper) is hard-sided but with tent-like beds that fold down or slide out to create additional sleeping areas, and can cost $13,000 -$25,000 or more. The Rockwood Roo 183 sells for about $15,000 -$22,000, and comes with three soft-sided 60"x80" bed areas, and a bathroom with shower stall.
- RVs start depreciating as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-cared-for travel trailer that's a few years old could be 20%-30% less than its original purchase price.
What should be included: | - At a minimum, a travel trailer contains a bed, a table (which often converts to a bed), a food preparation area and storage. Larger models may include a galley kitchenette and small toilet stall, or a full kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom and living room. ChanginGears.com provides an overview of travel trailers.
- Driving with a trailer can be challenging. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists safety tips for driving with a trailer.
Additional costs: | - Larger and heavier trailers must be pulled by a medium- to heavy-duty truck, which can cost $20,000 -$50,000 or more. Towing a loaded trailer reduces the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon, and could cut it by as much as half (or more). Some owners of heavy travel trailers report getting 8-10 mpg while towing.
- Adding a standard ball trailer hitch to the tow vehicle can cost $50 -$700.If the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors start at $4 -$80 per pair for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150 -$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors.
- Overnight campground or RV park fees can cost $10 -$40 a night.
- RV insurance premiums vary significantly depending on value, frequency of usage, location, and company; get quotes before buying a specific trailer.
- Renting an RV storage space can cost $20 -$100 a month outdoors and $45 -$450 a month indoors. An RV cover can cost $50 -$1,200 or more, depending on size, materials and fit.
Discounts: | |
Shopping for a travel trailer: | |
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Article updated January 2011 |
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