Trailer Tours – Page 5

A travel trailer can be a great investment for a family. Even people who don't usually enjoy camping are sure to appreciate the freedom and comfort that campers can provide. However, travel trailers come in many different shapes and sizes, and not all of them are suitable for families. Before you begin your search, take a look at the following list. In our opinion, these are the ten best travel trailers for families on the current market. Read on to find out why. What Families Should Look For In A Travel Trailer Size Families of 5 or more should look for a trailer that measures at least 25 feet long, while smaller groups could probably get by with a 20-foot camper. On the subject of height, check the state regulations for the areas that are of greatest interest to you. Generally speaking, travel trailers can't be taller than 13 feet 6 inches tall, but it's best to make sure before you hit the road. Sleeping Capacity For obvious reasons, you'll want a camper that can comfortably sleep the entire family. You might even want to consider a unit that has an extra bed or two, just in case. Remember that the children will grow, but the camper will stay the same size. It's best to invest in one that will be able to accommodate everyone right from the start. GVWR When shopping for a travel trailer, pay close attention to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This number refers to the maximum loaded weight of the trailer, including cargo and passengers. You'll want to make sure the GVWR is lower than the overall towing capacity of your vehicle. Otherwise, you won't be able to safely transport the trailer. Personal Appeal Do you enjoy cooking most of your meals outdoors? Would you prefer a bathroom with a full tub, or would you be happy with a stall shower? What about the configuration of the sleeping areas? Only you can determine whether the layout and features of a certain trailer will suit your family's needs. Best Travel Trailers For Families: Product Review Guide In this guide, we'll provide brief reviews of each model listed, explaining why we believe they'd be a good fit for a family unit. See the table below for a list of basic specifications. Make and Model Length Height Sleeps GVWR Minnie Plus 27BHSS 31 ft 4 in 11 ft 4 in 10 9,995 lbsLivin' Lite Camplite CL23RLS 27 ft 6 in 9 ft 10 in 6 5,600 lbs Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 224BHW 26 ft 11 in 10 ft 4 in 8 6,000 lbs Forest River Alpha Wolf 31 ft 6 in 11 ft 10 7,600 Coachmen Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1650EX 19 ft 6 in 10 ft 5 in 8 4,700 lbs Heartland Trail Runner 27 ODK 30 ft 10 in 11 ft 4 in 6 9,000 lbs Keystone Outback Ultra Lite 210URS 23 ft 10 ft 7 in 8 6,500 lbs Shasta Oasis 18BH 22 ft 6 in 10 ft 6 in 6 4,750 lbs Forest River Salem 31KQBTS 36 ft 6 in 11 ft 3 in 11 9,865 lbs Jayco Jay Sport 12UD Length 15 ft 6 in* Height 4 ft 10 in* 8 2,750 lbs *For travel purposes, these numbers refer to the length and exterior height of the Jay Sport 12UD when the camper is in the "closed" position. Minnie Plus 27BHSS If you're looking for creature comforts, the Minnie Plus 27BHSS has you covered. This unit features an outdoor kitchen, an entertainment center, and plenty of storage. A queen bed and double bunks round out the sleeping options. Livin' Lite Camplite CL23RLS Livin' Lite's CL23RLS model has a sleekly attractive exterior and a cozy yet roomy interior, capable of sleeping 6 people. The dinette converts into a bed, as does the comfortable sofa. A queen bed gives the parents room to stretch out, but be forewarned that the bed area isn't closed off from the living space. The outdoor kitchen is well-appointed, with ample hooks for storing all your tools. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 224 BHW The Jay Flight offers several different floor plans, but we think the SLX8 224BHW is the most convenient choice for families. With a master bedroom located in the front, a central living area, and a rear bunkhouse, the layout is convenient for everyone. The shower is especially spacious, a huge plus if there are teenagers in your party. Forest River Alpha Wolf The Alpha Wolf features a walk-in pantry and outdoor kitchen, making it a great choice for cooking enthusiasts who like to hone their skills on vacation . Some later models also include a rear bath with full tub—a luxurious touch that's sure to come in handy after long days spent in the woods. Coachmen Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1650EX The Bullet Crossfire 1650EX is an expandable trailer, offering a queen-sized bed on one end and an optional foldout with an additional queen bed on the other. The sofa and dinette can be converted to sleeping space for larger families, but the extension is a nice option for smaller groups who prefer to keep the living space as-is for the duration of your trip. Heartland Trail Runner 27 ODK The outdoor kitchen on the Trail Runner 27ODK is made all the more appealing with the addition of outdoor speakers, which allow chefs to groove to their favorite tunes while they cook. The indoor kitchen is also conveniently laid out, with a good-sized refrigerator and freezer. There's a queen bed in the master bedroom, as well as a fold-out sofa. Keystone Outback Ultra Lite 210URS The king-sized bed and tub/shower combo make this an especially appealing option. Consider the Outback Ultra Lite 210URS if you would prefer private sleeping areas for both the children and the adults. Bear in mind that if there are more than two kids in the party, one of them will have to crash on the sofa sleeper just outside the master bedroom. Shasta Oasis 18BH The Oasis 18BH is a particularly stylish trailer, with a fully equipped kitchen and roomy storage spaces. Like the Keystone Outback, it features a separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed with a bunkhouse on the other end. Some layouts even offer a full bathtub. Forest River Salem 31KQBTS This model is equipped with two entertainment centers, one of which is located in the master suite. No need for the kids to fight with the parents over the remote on rainy days—everyone can have their own space. Note that the Salem 31KQBTS measures over 36 feet in length, meaning that it may be too large for some campgrounds and RV parks. Parking and maneuvering could be difficult as well. Jayco Jay Sport 12UD Unlike the other units we've listed, this is a pop up camper rather than a full-sized travel trailer. However, privacy curtains and separate sleeping areas located on each end of the camper make it feel more spacious than it looks. Families who are apprehensive about towing a full-sized camper would do well to consider the Jay Sport 12UD before investing in a larger unit. In Conclusion While the final choice rests with the consumer, we would strongly recommend the Keystone Outback Ultra Lite 210URS. At just 23 feet long, with a GVWR of 6,500, it's small and light enough for easy maneuvering, but provides all the comforts of home. For families of 6 or more, it could get a bit cramped, but for anyone else, it's a clear winner. Best of luck, and happy camping!