A travel trailer is a huge purchase. Even RV prices for the least expensive trailers cost a pretty penny. You’ll want to do extensive research before choosing one. The first camper shopping question to ask is: What is the cost of RV travel trailers today?
In this article, you will find out the average cost of travel trailers in the current market. You will know exactly what to expect when entering the world of RV shopping. And you will also get answers to other common travel trailer questions that first-time shoppers typically ask.
What is a Travel Trailer?
Before you go any further, we need to make sure you understand what we’re referring to when we talk about a travel trailer.
Unlike motorized RVs or motorhomes, travel trailers are pulled behind a vehicle. Larger trailers require a large truck to tow them. They sometimes even need a ¾-ton or 1-ton truck in order to be towed safely.
Some small, ultralight camping trailers on the market can be towed by an SUV or passenger car.
Travel trailers do not hitch up in the bed of a truck like fifth wheels. Instead, these trailers hitch up to the very back of the vehicle. This gives them their alternative name, “bumper-pull trailers.”
Travel trailers come in many different styles such as pop-up campers, hybrid trailers, and A-frame trailers. All fall into the category of travel trailers because they are towed by another vehicle. For this article we are only discussing RV prices for hard-sided travel trailers.
What are the Pros of a Travel Trailer?
Not sure if a travel trailer is the right rig for you? These bumper-pull towable RVs have many things going for them. Below are some pros of travel trailers that we know you’re going to love:
Is there a Downside to Travel Trailers?
Of course travel trailers have downsides as well. Knowing these camper drawbacks can make choosing the right RV a whole lot easier. Let’s lay out the biggest cons of travel trailers:
How Much Does a Travel Trailer Cost?
Now for the big question: How much does a travel trailer cost?
The good news is that this type of RV is one of the cheaper RV options out there. Still, RV buyers should budget anywhere between $10,000 and $200,000 for a good travel trailer (plus licensing and dealer fees).
The price of any given trailer is of course going to be dependent on
If you’re trying to stick to a strict RV budget, don’t skimp on quality. Instead, choose the RV manufacturer that is known to make high-quality trailers. Skip the extra length, luxury accessories, and fancy features.
Examples of Average Travel Trailer Prices
The cost of a travel trailer can vary so drastically. It depends on everything from the style, such as a teardrop or hard-sided fiberglass model, to where you actually buy it.
In this section we list a few different types of trailers as well as their RV prices when bought new. This gives you a better idea of what kind of RV prices you might expect to pay at dealerships for the size and style of trailer you want.
Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE
Price: $30,000
This lightweight, small travel trailer comes in at just under 26 feet long and has a dry weight of just 5,125 lbs. It is an all-season RV, meaning it can be used year-round. The floor plan includes a queen size bed in a separate bedroom, and is perfect for a single traveler or a couple. The RV also has a single power slide-out, making the tiny space feel a bit more open.
Coachmen Apex 284BHSS
Price: $50,000
This is a bigger RV with a total length of 32.5 feet. The dry weight is also a bit higher, coming in at 6,022 pounds, so you will need a bigger truck to tow this one. A perfect pick for families with kids, you’ll find double bunk beds hidden away in the back corner of this RV, as well as a queen bedroom in the front.
We love the large slide that opens the space up, and the U-shaped dinette ensures there’s comfort and room for everyone at the table.
Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10
Price: $64,000
Want something to haul your toys around in? This 33.5-foot toy hauler trailer is the way to go! It has a dry weight of 7,860 pounds and can carry up to 3,546 pounds in cargo. It also sleeps up to 10 people, making it a great option for large families or those who like to travel with a group of friends.
Do Travel Trailers Hold Their Value?
Now that you know the average cost of RV travel trailers, you may be wondering if the trailer you buy will hold onto its value while you’re out enjoying the camping life. The unfortunate answer is that no, travel trailers—like all other RVs out there—simply do not hold their value. Tent trailers have one of the fastest depreciation rates out of all bumper pull models. RV depreciation is an unfortunate fact that affects RV prices on the used marketplace.
Nevertheless, we feel that travel trailers are a worthwhile purchase. Whether you buy a new travel trailer or a used one, bumper pulls offer the opportunity to see some amazing places, while making incredible memories that last a lifetime.
