A towable, also commonly referred to as a travel trailer, is any recreation vehicle that can be pulled behind your van, SUV, or truck. It’s an exciting moment when you’re ready to purchase one. Maybe you’re ready to upgrade. Maybe this is your first-ever purchase. But how do you choose the right model for you? Here are some things to keep in mind as you explore – and before you make your final purchase.

  • What is your RV lifestyle?
    For those who have camped for a few seasons or more, you have a good idea of what your RV lifestyle is. You probably have a few favorite spots and allocate your vacation time to make plans to visit with your RV. If you’re just getting into camping, or you’ve reached a time in life when you want to and are able to do it more often, then that will factor into the type of travel trailer you will purchase. Be honest with yourself about how often the RV will be used, how many people will generally be coming along, how camping fits in with your family life and work responsibilities, and if you want a more comfortable or more rustic camping experience.


  • What are the choices for travel trailers?
    For campers who are upgrading, this is old news but it’s worth bringing up just the same. There are the types of towables you can expect to see:

    Expandable: True to its name, expandable trailers are those that can expand either horizontally or vertically depending on slideout and foldout options to give campers extra living space and sleeping quarters once reaching their destination.

    Teardrop: A tear-drop frame is what gives this travel trailer its name. They are generally small and lightweight, some are even small enough to tow with a large car or SUV. These have very basic amenities and limited space. Some have small cooking and dining features.

    Folding Camping Trailer: Similar to an expandable, pop-ups expand up and out once you’re at the campsite. It’s a more compact trailer that offers decent sleeping space, dining, and eating facilities.

    Fifth -Wheel: Probably the most stable traveler of the towables because of their gooseneck design and hitch location, fifth wheels are often favored by full-timers because of the ample living space and amenities they provide.

    Sport Utility: Some other towable RVs have the option of including a toy hauler portion to store motorized vehicles, separating that area from the living space by a wall. Sport utility trailers still have all the comforts of home, and some feature slideouts as well.

Take a look at the models and evaluate your needs to determine which type would best fit your RV lifestyle.

  • Are bathroom and shower facilities must-have features?
    If they are, then you’re automatically looking at a fifth wheel or large expandable RV. The benefit of having these facilities on board is that they are private and you don’t need to worry about cleanliness as you do for public shower houses and bathrooms. However, a larger towable means a larger price tag, so really think ahead whether those are absolutely necessary.


  • How many people does it need to sleep?
    Most travel trailers are limited to two to four, though some of the larger ones can sleep up to eight. If you have a family but some may choose to sleep in a tent instead, then you might be able to get away with a smaller towable.


  • Do you already own a vehicle that can tow it?
    Travel trailers can be anywhere from 12-38 feet long, and a bigger trailer means more weight bearing down on your tow vehicle. You need to make sure your current vehicle can handle the load, or you may need to invest in another vehicle that can if you have your heart set on a towable that requires it. If you don’t own a tow-worthy vehicle such as a four-wheel SUV or truck and you are committed to owning a travel trailer, then you will also need to commit to purchasing a tow vehicle.

Research each type of towable further online or by speaking with friends and family who own RVs, take a look around dealer websites at new and used model floor plans and to get a sense of pricing, and consider attending shows or visiting dealers near you to get input and more direct advice. Purchasing a travel trailer is an investment, but it’s one that will pay off– most abundantly – in memories and experiences.

Many of MARVAC’s members are RV dealers who would be happy to help you choose your towable. For a complete listing, visit www.marvac.org. We also have five annual shows throughout the year with the latest models. Visit www.marvac.org for information about the RV show – we hope to see you there!