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RV

Travel trailer

The tow-behind workhorse.

In short

A travel trailer is an unpowered caravan towed behind a car, van or truck. Typical length 4–9 m and typical dry weight 700–2,500 kg. In most jurisdictions a tow bar is required, and trailer brakes become a legal requirement above roughly 750 kg unbraked or 1,200 kg braked.

Typical valueNotes
Length4–9 m (typical)
Dry weight700–2,500 kg (typical)
Tongue weight5–15% of the trailer weight
BrakesElectric or overrun, from about 750–1,200 kg depending on country

What these vehicles look like

Strengths

  • Cheapest way to get a large interior
  • Leave it on the pitch, drive away without unpacking
  • Huge second-hand market

Limitations

  • Needs a tow bar and towing practice
  • Reverse parking takes skill
  • Crosswinds push a tall trailer around

Best for

CouplesBudget-conscious travellersEuropean touring

What it is

The travel trailer is the most flexible way to own an RV. The car stays a car, the trailer can be left on the pitch while you go sightseeing, and you can drop it and fly home. Across Europe the word caravan means exactly this, and in Latin America the same vehicle is called a remolque or trailer.

Why people choose it

Three things decide whether a trailer is pleasant to own: total weight versus your vehicle's capacity, axle load distribution, and how much sideways force the wind puts on a tall rear end. Tall, light and high-sided is the worst possible combination.

What to check before you buy

Always work in this order: vehicle kerb weight, then the vehicle's maximum braked trailer rating, then the trailer's real weight including battery, water and equipment. Water is not optional weight — 100 L of water is 100 kg.

Also calledCaravan (EU) · Remolque (LATAM)