How Much Does a Travel Trailer Cost? | I Heart RVing

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If you love road trips and adventuring in the great outdoors, investing in a travel trailer can make every outing more comfortable and enjoyable. However, trailer costs and camper prices vary and have different resale values. How much a trailer costs depends on various factors, from the included features to the manufacturer’s brand. Here’s what you should know.

Understanding Travel Trailer Pricing Dynamics

For years, NADA travel trailer values were the gold standard of trailer pricing dynamics. This system stands for the National Automobile Dealer’s Association, and operates similarly to Kelley Blue Book. However, you’ll now find NADA travel trailer values under the JD Power umbrella when it’s time to do your research.

Prospective buyers should understand that travel trailers depreciate similarly to automobiles. This distinction is crucial, as more people investigate travel trailers as a full-time living option. Some do so for work reasons, while others hope to escape rising rents.

If following the 30% rule, someone earning $36,000 a year could afford $900 in rent a month — but housing at that price point doesn’t exist in some areas. According to Zillow, the national median rent is $2,000, and even studios go for $1,600 or more. In comparison, lot rent at a trailer park often ranges from $600 to $1,500 monthly.

Therefore, you must factor depreciation into the age-old question of buying old versus new:

Buying new allows you to stay in nearly any RV park, as some facilities restrict older RVs beyond a specific model year unless you can win an exception by proving yours is in good enough shape to maintain community standards. However, you will lose more through depreciation, so remember that if maintaining your travel trailer value is paramount.
Buying used means that much of the depreciation has already occurred before you took ownership. As a result, you won’t lose nearly as much in asset value. However, your trailer’s age may restrict your freedom.

Those researching camper prices for recreational use have ultimate flexibility. However, you must consider other factors.

Factors Influencing Travel Trailer Prices

Beyond used versus new, several other variables influence travel trailer prices. One of the most crucial is whether your current vehicle can tow your chosen camper. Though travel trailers are, on average, far more affordable than Class A, B or C RVs, having to buy a new truck to tow it will increase the price dramatically.

You can find campers under 2,000 pounds that you could pull with many sedans. However, these often lack amenities like bathrooms, though some, such as the Safari Condo, include running water and flushing toilets.

Those who drive midsized SUVs and crossovers can find multiple trailers under 5,000 pounds. Lighter models also reduce the wear and tear on the tow vehicle, so selecting the smallest trailer that meets your needs is a good rule of thumb. The weight distribution between your travel trailer and tow vehicle is also crucial. Somewhere between 50% and 100% is ideal for balance and handling, as your vehicles operate as one on the road.

However, you must also balance weight and size against your other necessities. Everything you add affects your travel trailer’s weight, but depending on its intended use, you might not want to go without specific amenities.

A bathroom: Is a toilet sufficient, or do you require a shower, maybe even a tub?

A kitchen: Some folks make do with a hotplate, while others prefer a stove/oven/microwave combo. How much counter space do you need?

Number of sleeping areas: Often, seating areas can transform into additional beds in smaller travel trailers, but it can make for tight quarters.

Financial Aspects of Travel Trailer Ownership

Owning a travel trailer incurs additional costs beyond the price of the trailer itself. Where will you store your camper? Some HOAs restrict such vehicles, and you may need to pay for parking or storage.

Winterizing your travel trailer is another expense, especially if your model includes plumbing. Many camper owners need to replace their water pump after the cold season. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of antifreeze and winterization to protect your pipes. Those who live in their trailer full-time will need skirting at a minimum to prevent the worst of the cold from below.

You’ll also have to register your vehicle with your state’s Department of Transportation. Those buying through a dealer often complete this during the sales process, but be aware of this extra step if you purchase from a private seller.

Finally, you must budget for maintenance beyond winterization. Some jurisdictions require annual inspections, but all owners must ensure they have solid enough tires and that all the lights and signals work.

Selecting the Right Travel Trailer for Your Needs

Choosing a travel trailer means asking yourself mindful questions, such as the following:

What is my budget?
What is my intended use of this vehicle? Living quarters or recreation only?
Where do I plan to travel? For example, some national parks only allow travel trailers up to a specific length.
How comfortable are you with towing? Heavier, lengthier trailers require additional driving skill.
Will anyone else use the trailer? If buying with a group, you must consider everyone’s needs.

Budget-Friendly Travel Trailers

Budget-friendly travel trailers include many teardrop designs and canvas-top travel trailers, similar to a luxury tent on wheels. Models to consider include:

The Vistabule teardrop base model starts at $23,995. Upgrade with a full water system and galley, and choose from multiple exterior color schemes.
Outbound Trailers feature a rectangular design, but many models are lightweight enough for a passenger car to tow. Enclosed trailers start at $7,545, and you can customize them with wiring and electricity, but no water service.
Time Out camping trailers feature a tent-top design. The Easy Camper model retails at $4,495, and some motorcycles can tow it.

Luxury Travel Trailers and Premium Options

At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find luxury travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers fit for royalty. What’s the difference? While a travel trailer has a full enclosure, the rear of toy haulers opens like a box truck, allowing you to drive quads, bikes and dirt bikes inside or stash canoes and kayaks. A fifth wheel is generally the largest trailer, with a special hitch that sits in your truck bed instead of towing behind.

These models often have all the bells and whistles, including full bathrooms, some with soaking tubs, a full kitchen and even a washer and dryer. Many also feature off-grid capabilities, thanks to installed solar generators. Many such designs require a one-ton or larger truck to tow, but provide all the luxuries of home while on the road. Some to consider include:

The Retreat Caravan eRV is a fully electric model designed for long-term off-grid living. Its built-in solar generator and extensive panels even power a washer and dryer, and while you’ll need water, you’ll have a steady supply of juice without shore hookups.
The Full House by DRV Suites comes on the toughest triple-box tube frame foundation for superior durability over long hauls.
The Luxe Fifth Wheel toy hauler combines the features of a toy hauler and fifth wheel for a longer ride that can carry your quads and fit the entire family.

Finding the Best Travel Trailer Deals

Scoring an excellent deal on a travel trailer depends on your needs, lifestyle and expertise. Used trailers will be less expensive in general. However, repair costs can quickly add up if you accidentally purchase a lemon. Be realistic about your automotive and mechanical experience, or consider taking someone with you who can test all the systems and ensure they work as intended.

Others might prefer to buy new to take advantage of manufacturer’s warranties. While doing so is more expensive upfront, you get peace of mind knowing you can take your travel trailer in for a free repair should anything go awry.

Buying from a dealership versus a private seller is another consideration. You can sometimes get the best travel trailer values from private sellers who invested in or inherited a camper they no longer use and can’t justify storing. However, going through a dealership may get you a warranty, even on a used vehicle. It boils down to your budget and how much you trust your mechanic’s skills.