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The Basics About Camping Trailers

from: TRB

Camping trailers are an American tradition that goes back to the early 1920s when they were known as "tin can" tourists. However, we've come a long way from that less comfortable version of trailers. Many people find today's campers comfortable enough to live in for many months of the year, if not year round.

Camping trailers range widely in size and cost, from the small pop-up trailers that look like a box being towed behind a vehicle until they are set up to the largest trailers that can be 65 feet or more in length. There are some important things to consider if you are interested in purchasing a camping trailer.

In the United States, camping trailers are classified as recreational vehicles and are subject to the same kind of laws as the rest of the vehicles in that group. These laws include things such as the type of hitch that is used to attach the vehicle to the car or truck that is hauling it, the lights that must be in operation on the vehicle and the weight limits that are allowed on the vehicle. Laws vary from state to state, so it is important to check on the regulations.

There are a number of regulations that are standard in all of the United States. It is not allowed for anyone to ride in camping trailers while the towing vehicle is in motion. If the camping trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds, the driver is required to have a "Class A" driver's license. The maximum allowable living space in camping trailers by law is 400 square feet.

Another consideration is the towing vehicle. If you only have a compact vehicle now, you would need to change your car as well. The smallest camping trailers are less than 3,000 pounds and 18 feet long, but they still require a larger car at the least. These trailers are usually meant for short-term travel, but it all depends on your personal requirements.

If you need more amenities or space, you can move to camping trailers that can be towed by V-8 vehicles, ranging up to 5,000 pounds and 25 feet long. For even more space, or for those who want to spend a greater amount of time in their camping trailers, the largest campers can reach 40 feet in length and weight upwards of 12,000 pounds. Of course, the larger ones would require a heavy duty truck.

If you aren't sure that you are ready for the financial commitment of owing your own camping trailer, it is possible to rent one. When you reach the point where you are renting a trailer often enough that it makes sense financially, then you will know it is time to buy your own.