Should You Buy a Travel Trailer RV?

Here at Healthy RV Living, all things health and fitness factor into most of our decisions. Today we’re exploring travel trailer RVs and how they may support a healthy RV lifestyle.  You may be asking “which RV is right for me” and we hope this post can help you decide.

Is a Travel Trailer RV the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Travel trailers are widely known for their affordable entry point.  If you already own a truck, a travel trailer RV could be the easiest way to get into RVing.  Travel trailers can be towed on a standard bumper hitch with many types of tow vehicles.  This makes the logistics and financials of getting on the road simple. Much easier than compared to other types of RVs like fifth wheels or motorhomes.

It’s hard to say which class of RV is the best. There is no such thing as “The Best RV”. And a lot truly depends on your unique needs and travel style.  Whatever must-haves are on your list, you’ll likely find them in a travel trailer. There are so many diverse floor plans and options across this RV class. Plus, there is a healthy amount of supply on the used market. This may make it easier to find what you’re looking for.  Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider about a travel trailer if a healthy RV lifestyle is important to you.

Travel Trailer RV Size

Travel trailers range in size from twelve feet to forty feet long.  The weight and length that you can choose are typically determined by your tow vehicle.  If you already own a smaller tow vehicle and want to start shopping for an RV, you may need to look a the lightweight class of travel trailers under 5000 pounds.  These are often referred to as “half-ton towable” RVs.

You’ll probably find the interior space and floor space you might want for accommodating your RV workout routine.  What might surprise you though, is that travel trailers have limited exterior storage compared to fifth wheels and motorhomes.  If carrying gear for outdoor pursuits is high on your list, a travel trailer may not provide enough easy-access storage for your bigger items.

Indoor RV Workout Capacity

For the length of the RV, you’ll get more floor space in a towable trailer than in a motorhome.  Motorized RVs lose a lot of their overall length to the cockpit area, which is not really conducive to your indoor workouts.  If you can find a travel trailer you like that has a slide, that will open up a lot of floor space. The extra space is perfect for yoga, stretching, or resistance training.  

As mentioned above, you may find the exterior storage of a travel trailer limiting.  But if you’re doing mainly travel workouts, and not concerned about outdoor activities that require a bunch of gear, you’ll certainly find enough space for your resistance bands and yoga mat inside any travel trailer.

Travel Trailer Tank Sizes

Tank sizes are critical to your RV supporting your healthy lifestyle. Don’t overlook this important figure when searching for your next RV.  Larger tank sizes are going to allow you to cook meals for yourself at home, take showers after working out, and drink plenty of water without having to pee in the woods. 

Because there is such a wide range in travel trailer sizes, there is a wide range in tank capacities. I won’t even try to give you an average capacity for fresh, black, and grey tanks. If you’re hoping to take your RV off-grid, be sure to put larger tank sizes on your must-have list. If you’re planning to stay primarily at full hook-up RV parks, you won’t need to worry about the size of your tanks!

Travel Trailer Kitchens

An ample RV kitchen is important to supporting your healthy RV lifestyle with regard to your ability to store and cook healthy meals.  Your travel trailer kitchen is going to vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the travel trailer.  That said, most travel trailers will come with a standard RV fridge, not a dorm fridge like many class B campervans.  The fridge is your friend for storing healthy foods and prepped meals. So when it comes to a healthy RV life, a bigger RV fridge is better.

Due to the vast array of floor plans and model options across the travel trailer RV class, you are likely to find an RV with whatever kitchen layout you desire.  If you want a stove, you can find that.  If you want a big sink, you’ll find it.  So just know what your must-haves are, and begin the search accordingly.

Easiest Travel Trailer RV to Drive

If you already have a truck, it’s likely that you’ve also towed something at some point.  That’s a good place to start, and hitching up an RV may not be all that new for you.  But as with any class of RV, the easiest travel trailer to drive (tow) is going to be the shortest one.  If you tow a fourteen-foot Casita, you probably wouldn’t even know it was back there.  Casitas are small, lightweight, and more aerodynamic than other boxier travel trailer models.

Travel Trailer RV Pros and Cons

As with any style of RV, there are pros and cons to choosing a travel trailer RV.  The pros for a travel trailer are the easy entry point we’ve mentioned, especially if you already have a tow vehicle.  Plus, there’s less RV maintenance on them because they don’t have a motor.  Finally, the magnitude of manufacturers, models, and options means you’re likely to find what you’re looking for.

The cons of the travel trailer are that if you don’t already have a tow vehicle, the costs can really add up once you consider buying a truck and an RV.  Secondly, some (not all) travel trailers are poorly built.  Especially the ultra-lightweight trailers. They’re produced cheap and fast and are really made for occasional camping trips, not for full-time living.  Therefore, a travel trailer may not last as long as other RVs that are built better.

Is a Travel Trailer RV the One For You?

If you already have a truck or similar tow vehicle and feel comfortable towing, a travel trailer may be the easiest entry point into RVing for you.  Since you already have the motor (in your vehicle), you’re saving quite a bit of money right off the bat and can get more RV for your money buying non-motorized.

With regards to supporting a healthy lifestyle on the road, the travel trailer RV gets the job done.  It offers enough indoor space for workouts no matter the elements, you can choose a kitchen that works for you from the many configurations available, and most importantly it will get you out there adventuring as quickly as possible!