In the RV world, there is a common saying which goes, “buy your third trailer first.” This is because, when you don’t know exactly what you want from an RV and have never bought one before, it can be quite tricky and time-consuming to find the right fit, requiring a little trial and error. As the saying suggests, people generally go through two to three RVs before they find the one that is just perfect for them.
Camping in Style would like to help newcomers to the RV world to short-circuit that process and get the right RV the first time around. So, we put together a list of what our experience has shown to be the best RV types for those who are new to the lifestyle. As someone exploring the market, you may not be ready or able to invest in a high-end, fifth wheel type moving palace, but you still want something that balances comfort with mobility and affordability. Here are some options we would consider if we were in your shoes.
As a general rule, a travel trailer, rather than a fifth wheel , is the best way to enter the market. There are various sizes to choose from and you can just hitch them to your family SUV and hit the road. There are a number of types of trailers that are most suitable for beginners and we can recommend some top brands and models of each.
TENT/ POP-UP TRAILERS
Tent trailers are small and compact, looking very much like an ordinary trailer. When they are opened up on the campsite, tent-like top and sides can be folded or cranked out to form a temporary living space. This is more akin to the tent camping experience than the RV one, as these trailers are short on the luxuries you will find in other models. They offer the basic shelter you need but, since the top and sides are only made of tent material, there isn’t much insulation against the cold. They’re great for lightweight haulage and quick set-ups in the summer months. They average between 8 and 20 feet in length, and sleep anywhere between two and eight people. In terms of price, tent trailers range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000.
All in all, tent trailers are great starter RVs for those with smaller budgets and those who are interested in the more basic camping experience.
TRAVEL TRAILERS
Travel trailers are the most popular type of towable RV, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Among their many variations are smaller trailers with a simple features and bed, small, low maintenance, moulded fibreglass models and more spacious and luxurious models. They can also come with a broad mix of features, from the bare basics to luxury. Generally speaking, they have solid walls, with a bathroom, air conditioning and some models include sliding or motorized sections that can be extended to increase living space. They can range anywhere in size between 16 and 36 feet and cost up to $55,000, with a lower price range of around $12,000.
When purchasing a travel trailer, you just need to make sure that your tow vehicle is big and powerful enough to tow the model of trailer you have in mind. Also, if you’ve never towed a trailer before, you will need to learn the skills required to do so.
The market for travel trailers is incredibly broad, and there are many brands and models on offer. Among our favourites is the Keystone Hideout brand. Keystone is one of the leaders in the RV market and their Hideout models sleep between two and ten people, offer many combinations of features and differ in price between $17,000 and $34,000. They offer great value for money and are perfectly positioned in the mid-range of the RV market. As a new buyer, not yet wanting to shop among the bigger, luxury models but still wanting something more than the basics, Hideout trailers are a great place to start and will grow with you.
Keystone’s Bullet brand are slightly higher-end than the Hideout family. Ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 in price, they are more deluxe in both external and interior design. They offer a more premium RV experience that is still within reach of the mid-budget, RV first-timer.
HYBRID TRAILERS
Hybrid trailers combine the solid sides of travel trailers with the collapsible, extendable sides of tent/pop-up trailers. This enables you to give yourself more living space without the need to buy and tow a larger trailer. You can buy a relatively small hybrid trailer to get the space benefits of a mid-sized to a large travel trailer, while still being able to tow it with an ordinary family SUV, instead of a truck.
Compared with travel trailers, there are a few drawbacks with hybrids, balancing out the increased sleeping space and more lightweight towage. They require more set-up time and the tent material needs maintenance. In addition, since the tents are made of fabric, they don’t insulate against sound and cold as well as solid-sided travel trailers do.
Fifth Wheel Trailers
If you want to get straight into a larger RV, then you can take a look at the many fifth-wheel trailers available. Fifth wheels are large trailers that need to be towed by a truck of at least a half ton in weight, equipped to haul heavy payloads. If you already have a large truck, then a fifth wheel could be a good choice, especially if you want the space and more luxurious experience that they offer. They usually have at least one dedicated bedroom and nicely appointed kitchen/living areas. These are big vehicles though and you or one of your family members needs to be a driver who is skilled and experienced in towing big loads.
Fifth wheels range from $45,000 to $75,000. Keystone produces a range of half-ton fifth wheels, such as their Cougar models, which come with a variety of features.
TOY HAULERS
Cougar Trailers. If you’re looking for an RV that will support and facilitate other outdoor activities such as motorcycling, ATVing or jet skiing, you may want a toy hauler. These could be fifth wheels or hybrids and their common features are the mini garages at the back, which can be used to house your favourite toy. A ramp opens downward from the back so that your bike or ATV can be loaded and unloaded.
When you buy a toy hauler, it means that you have a particular need for storage space, which they provide handsomely.
As far as towing is concerned, toy haulers present the same challenges as travel trailers and fifth wheels, depending on which model you choose. However, hauling heavy bikes, and the like can offer additional balancing and handling concerns, which you will need to take into account when loading and driving.
BUYING TIPS
When in the market for your first RV, while weighing up all these options, think carefully about what is available, what your needs are and what you have to spend.
- Be Thrifty:
There is no need to overspend on your first RV, even if you have the budget. You need to take other expenses into account as well, such as essential accessories, camping costs, and the like. So, remember to factor these in when calculating your budget. Also, remember that you may keep this RV for a while and then decide to trade it in for another. So, it’s worth controlling your budget on this first foray.
- > Buy What You Need and Stick to the Essentials:
You can always add on or upgrade later when you find you’re happy with the RV and the lifestyle it offers.
- > It Might be Best to Start Small:
We’re not saying you should go for a two-person tent trailer as your first RV. But, as a general guideline, buy the smallest one that will be comfortable for you. Once again, you can always size up or upgrade later, when you’re a more confident, more established RV-er.
- To Hedge Bets, Start Off with a Used RV:
There’s nothing wrong with going with a new one if you’re certain. But, starting off with a used RV saves you on the upfront cost, as well as the depreciation when the time comes to sell or trade-in. There are many good-as-new, pre-owned models out there that you can get started with at a fraction of the cost.
- Understand Your Tow Vehicle:
Know what your tow vehicle can pull safely and with a margin of error. There are many travel trailer or fifth wheel hitches available and should be included in your research.
- Do Your Research and Talk to the Experts: >
No matter where you are in your RV-ing journey and no matter what your budget and needs, buy the best model that can be found with the best possible deal. Just do proper research; then talk to the experts. We’ve been doing this for years so we know all the questions, as well as the answers to them.
Any one of the types we’ve looked at can be suitable for a beginner, depending on your requirements and budget. With our 30 years of experience as an RV dealer, Camping in Style offers the best trailers, as well as expert advice to RV-ers, both new and seasoned. Being the #1 Keystone RV dealer in Ontario, feel free to contact us with all your questions and we will help you find the new or used RV that is just right for you.