Why I Bought This: The Prime Time Tracer 230FBS is a Snug Snowbird Nest

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It’s that time again—the season when many northerners look at the long-term forecast and promptly flee south for the winter. For decades, we’ve called them “snowbirds,” often assuming they’ve checked out of the career world. Now, with remote work so common, the stereotype doesn’t hold: The media has talked about “young snowbirds” as a trend for years now. One truth remains. Any snowbird flight plan that includes living on the road for months demands the right RV.

Photo Credit: Mel and Jay Hanley

Veteran (yet youthful) snowbirds Mel and Jay Hanley found that ideal rig in the form of a 2016 Prime Time Tracer 230FBS, purchased in the fall of 2020. “For us, the layout was the most important factor,” Jay says. “We had seen a lot of bunkhouse models, which are great for families, but end up with wasted space for couples.” The Hanleys were especially drawn to the Tracer’s primary bedroom, equipped with a set of wooden privacy doors. The travel trailer’s outdoor kitchen is also a favorite, as is the spacious bathroom. “We really like the huge shower,” Mel says. “It’s larger than the ones at some Airbnbs we’ve stayed at.”

Excellent ground clearance also comes in handy, allowing the couple to navigate rough roads to exceptional boondocking. The trailer’s higher stature was especially helpful on the trek from British Columbia to Cabo, Mexico, where they spent the winter of 2022-2023. The couple stayed at remote desert campsites and parked along stunning coastal beaches.

Photo Credit: Mel and Jay Hanley

The 2025 edition of the Prime Time Tracer is a natural evolution of the Hanley’s 2016 model. A large dinette serves as a gathering place for meals and socializing while doubling as a good workspace. A private bedroom and large bathroom are mainstays of the brand, as is the use of slide-outs to expand interior space. Other features of note include a 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel, a tire pressure monitoring system and a Bluetooth-enabled package for monitoring climate, lights, power and holding tanks. The trailer includes a 15k BTU ducted A/C unit to stay cool in warm temperatures and a 30k BTU furnace for true four-season camping. Efficient LED lighting is found inside and out, and electric stabilizing jacks and an illuminated powered awning come standard.

After wintering in California last snowbird season, Mel and Jay sold their beloved towable. They’re now on the hunt for a camper van. “The Tracer was the very first RV that we ever owned,” Mel tells us. “After buying it, we immediately drove across the country, learning a lot of lessons along the way.” The duo shares that road wisdom via a website—homearoam.com—and a YouTube channel (@homearoam). The 2025 Prime Time Tracer starts at $29,995.

Three Alternative Options for Snowbirds

Photo Credit: Winnebago

Winnebago Sunstar

This easy-driving Class A model offers a spacious, modern interior with room to sleep up to seven. The open living area is perfect for entertaining, and the well-equipped kitchen comes with a large two-door fridge for stocking up on the essentials. Frameless tinted windows provide plenty of natural light, allowing the Vitamin D-deprived to soak up the sun, wherever they wander. MSRP starts at $208,855

Photo Credit: Jayco

Jayco Seneca Prestige

Luxurious inside and out, this Super C is packed with snowbird-friendly amenities. Those include a power-lift king-size bed, plenty of onboard storage, a residential refrigerator, and entertainment centers inside and out. Upgrade to the optional stacked washer/dryer combo to make life on the road even better. MSRP starts at $382,050

Photo Credit: Grand Design

Grand Design Reflection

Available in both travel trailer and fifth-wheel models. Open floorplans provide plenty of space and have room to sleep up to eight. All models come with washer/dryer prep, a 180-watt solar panel, a large refrigerator and a four-season camping package. MSRP starts at $69,625