Many campers consider owning a travel trailer added luxury to their camping lifestyle. Travel trailers open up a world of travel opportunities not seen with other forms of travel. Not only do you get to see and do more with a travel trailer, but you also add major long term savings for active travellers.
Travel trailers are mobile recreational vehicles designed to be spacious and comfortable. A travel trailer is designed for easy towing with a bumper or frame hooked to a car, pickup or truck. It offers all the comforts of a home and is suitable for weekend trips, family holidays, and full-time travel.
Travel trailers are becoming popular for campers as they create wider living areas as they set up camp. These offer all the amenities of a homey RV like a kitchen, a bathroom, a dining area, a storage space, and more.
There are several types of mid-sized RVs that can be towed by a hitch fitted to an SUV, minivan or truck.
It sounds like a lot of fun owning a travel trailer, but is it for you? If you’re considering buying a travel trailer, you’ve got a lot to think about before you part with your money. There are tons of models and it can be hard to make a choice. Buying a travel trailer is a long-term, adventurous investment that’s not right for everyone. If you are considering purchasing, here are a couple of things to do before you buy.
Define your Needs
You’re surely thinking about purchasing a travel trailer for a reason. For such an expensive purchase, this reason has to be good.
It’s important to know exactly what you want from your new purchase in advance. Clearly define your space, fittings, and body needs before you head out to purchase. This will not only reduce your search time but also help you decide exactly what you want.
One helpful tip when deciding your needs is to think further into the future. It’s good to think a couple of years ahead so you won’t have to upgrade your trailer too quickly after purchasing it.
State Your Budget
The budget for a travel trailer is not as easy as you would imagine. There are various costs associated with the purchase of trailers. These range from upfront payments to ongoing expenditure.
Shopping for a Travel Trailer
When shopping for a Travel Trailer, there are some maintenance costs to consider including Travel Trailer covers. A nice cover will protect your Travel Trailer from elements such as sun, rain, snow and debris that can lead to rust and fading of the exterior. Not only will Travel Trailer covers keep your Travel Trailer looking pristine, but they can also save you money in the long run when it comes time to maintenance fees or reselling time. Investing in a quality cover is important if you want your Travel Trailer to stay looking its best for years to come.
Upfront Costs
The price of the truck or RV is included in the upfront cost. This is the amount you ‘re looking at when you’re preparing your budget. Trailers would almost always be a cheaper alternative to motor homes.
Now, this isn’t to say that all trailers are cheap. Many travel trailers can be incredibly costly. Still, you’ll have more budget-friendly choices with smaller trailers (e.g. pop-ups or campers).
Insurance
Insurance is another upfront expense that you need to factor in. As a rule, the larger your RV or trailer, the more expensive your insurance will be.
Ongoing Costs
Buying your RV or truck is not the end of your expenses — far from it. Whatever model you purchase, there are basic long-term costs of ownership. Storage is one. Large travel trailers will almost certainly be too big to keep in your garage. You’ll have to reach out to nearby storage companies and compare prices.
Maintenance Costs
Just like your car, RVs and trailers need routine maintenance and repairs. You ‘re probably going to have to buy gear or other items for your RV or trailer, such as space-saving appliances. The cost of these might add up to more than you would expect.
Take Some Time and Research
When you have a good understanding of what you need, and how much you ‘re willing to pay, it’s time to start researching. You need to know all options within your price range, requirements, and preferences.
Smart consumers search for a year or more before purchasing a travel truck. You should be careful not to buy RVs because of appearance and floor plan, without taking time to notice cheap components such as off-brand water pumps, substandard plumbing, or wall-mounted cabinets.
To make the right decision, you need to spend time reading and familiarizing yourself with the various models.
Learn about Towing
One major advantage of travel trailers over conventional and larger motorhomes is that they are towable.
The most important thing RV shoppers need to learn is how they intend to tow the trailer. Matching the rating of your tow vehicle to a trailer is important. Ensure your truck is optimized for the gross weights of your vehicle plus the projected weight that will be loaded into the trailer.
Understand Weights and Measurements
When buying an RV, research on the various weights and measurements you need to consider and see whether you ‘re going to have a good match between the RV and your tow vehicle.
Decide on Size
You ‘re going to have to determine which travel trailer is right for you, not only aesthetically, but in terms of size too. Be sure you pick a travel trailer that your car or truck will pull. You don’t want to buy a travel trailer that’s too big a tow.
Go for Enough Storage
Make sure you’ve got enough room storage room helps keep you organized and keeps the clutter away. Always search for more storage when buying a travel trailer.
Choose Your Manufacturer
With the high number of RV manufacturers and brands in the industry, it’s never easy to know where to start. Investing in a bad option can cause long-lasting pain and, of course, would be a massive financial loss.
You should target top manufacturers or brands that offer a variety of models. Brands such as luccatrailers.nz that make simple and durable travel trailers with fibreglass walls and luxurious features.
At the point of purchase, here are some final steps to take:
Check for Damage
Walk inside the car and the corners with your bare feet. It could be a great way to test for damage. Test the cabinets and other storage areas for damage as well.
Check the Trailer Parts
Check out the breaks, axles, tires, rear bumper, and front towing power. Check all the door seals and locks, as well as the utility connections and hook-ups
Setting out with the recommended guidelines can make your purchase a lot smoother.
