What is a Destination Trailer?

Over the past few years, there has been a sudden spike in interest in a unique sub-category of towables known as destination trailers. While this style of RV has been around in a variety of forms for quite some time, new designs, better manufacturing techniques, and improved construction materials have made them a more viable option than in the past. So much so, that several major brands have introduced a slew of new models designed to appeal to a wider audience.

But what exactly is a destination trailer? What sets them apart from other travel trailers? Read on to find out.

Photo Credit: Forest River

What is a Destination Trailer?

Destination trailers—or park models, as they are sometimes called—are travel trailers that are larger, heavier, and roomier than most other types of towables, including fifth-wheels. They are essentially tiny homes on wheels, with features and amenities that are typically found in other RVs. Those include very high ceilings, numerous windows, skylights, lofted lounges and sleeping areas, and much more. They almost always come with residential appliances, too, including a large refrigerator/freezer, a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer.

Unlike traditional travel trailers and fifth-wheels, destination trailers aren’t meant to be towed all over the country. Instead, they are designed to be parked in a specific location for an extended period of time, creating a home away from home for those who enjoy RV living without sacrificing luxury or comfort. Many owners permanently park them in one place, while others move them around from time to time. However, due to their size, weight, and height, they can sometimes require a commercial truck to transport them from one place to the next.

That said, an increasing number of destination trailers are designed and built for more frequent towing. Destination fifth-wheel models are blurring the lines between a standard travel trailer and their larger, more luxurious cousins. Newer versions offer a more streamlined profile, improved suspensions, and reinforced hitches that help lessen the challenges of moving them from one place to another, including commercial campgrounds.

Photo Credit: Forest River

What Makes a Destination Trailer Different From a Traditional Travel Trailer?

So why are so many people suddenly more interested in destination trailers? As noted above, new designs, materials, and manufacturing processes have made these RVs more durable, affordable, and luxurious than in the past. Older park models were often used as temporary housing on job sites or in disaster areas but weren’t always packed with amenities. Those trailers were often spacious and comfortable, but otherwise unremarkable. New options—built from the ground up with consumers in mind—deliver more space and creature comforts in a design that feels more like home.

Many destination trailers are as much as 400 square feet in size and have a ceiling height of 8’ or even higher. Most have an expansive and airy open design in the living room and kitchen areas. Some models can sleep up to ten people, with a primary bedroom suite and lofted secondary sleeping spaces accessed via a staircase. One and a half baths or even two full bathrooms are not uncommon, either.

Large L-shaped couches, theater seating, big-screen TVs, multiple fireplaces, and island kitchens are all trademark features of destination trailers. Some models have integrated patios, and most have large windows and skylights that allow plenty of natural light into the interior. Storage is rarely a problem either, with numerous cabinets, closets, pantries, and wardrobes throughout.

Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze/Getty

Towing a Destination Trailer

Like traditional travel trailers, many destination trailers attach to a tow vehicle’s bumper, although some newer designs use a fifth-wheel hitch instead. Because these RVs can have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) approaching 14,000 lbs., they often require a burly truck to move them safely about.

But it isn’t just a destination trailer’s weight that makes them a challenge to tow. Because they are longer and taller than other models, most are much less streamlined and have a higher profile, making them more susceptible to strong winds, especially when traveling at higher speeds. That can be a daunting challenge for someone who isn’t accustomed to pulling such a large trailer, which is why some owners prefer to have their park models towed by a commercial service.

Photo Credit: Jayco

Who Buys a Destination Trailer?

While the size and amenities of a destination trailer appeal to a broad audience, they aren’t the perfect option for everyone. Most buyers intend to use these tiny homes on a regular basis, so quick and easy access is usually very important to them. Frequent weekend getaways and extended stays are the norm for park model owners, who typically care more about the destination rather than the journey.

Most RVers love the freedom and flexibility that their motorhomes and travel trailers give them. That isn’t the case with a destination trailer, which tends to stay in one place for extended periods of time. If you want a portable cabin that you can take with you on your cross-country adventures, this isn’t the type of rig for you. But if you’re looking for a well-appointed cabin to permanently park in a serene setting, these RVs will be especially enticing.

What are Some Examples of Destination Trailers?

A few years ago, there were only a handful of destination trailer models to choose from, but now there are a number of options available. Here are a few standouts that are worth a look:

Photo Credit: Forest River

Forest River Timberwolf

The Timberwolf has been leading the way in this category in recent years, offering upscale living in a beautiful package. It is currently available in five unique floorplans, the largest of which is over 44’ in length. That model—the 39HBA—comes with two bedrooms, two full baths, a free-standing dinette, and more.

Photo Credit: Keystone

Keystone Residence

The Keystone Residence is a relatively new arrival to the marketplace, but it brings its own unique styling and features to 18 different floorplans. This model can accommodate up to nine people, with some models offering double-lofted sleeping areas and expansive living spaces. The use of space and modern decor is particularly impressive here.

Photo Credit: Jayco

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow

Jayco’s entry into the destination trailer space is the Bungalow, an enticing option available in five different floorplans. With two upstairs sleeping spaces, a primary bedroom, and a sectional sofa with a hide-a-bed, it sleeps up to ten people. We especially like the island kitchen, which feels very welcoming and inclusive.

Photo Credit: Cross Roads RV

Cross Roads Hampton

The Hampton is what you get when you combine Cross Roads’ design expertise with its high-quality manufacturing. This destination trailer has 8’ ceilings, hardwood cabinetry, accent lighting, and stainless steel residential appliances. This model is available in nine different floorplans, giving buyers plenty of options to find one to meet their individual needs.

Photo Credit: Forest River

Forest River Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43

The ROOST43 floorplan is a hybrid model that is brand new to the market, combining the luxury and creature comforts of a destination model with the towability of a fifth-wheel. This makes it more versatile than most other options in this category, making it much easier to move around compared to the current competition. That doesn’t make it any less swanky, however, as it has plenty of luxurious amenities to help it stand out.

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