Finding a camper trailer to suit your needs and camping lifestyle is pretty tricky. You know that you want something that’s going to make all your future trips more convenient and comfortable, but that’s about it. Not to worry! There are a few steps to take and tips to follow that are going to ensure that you’ll end up with the perfect fit for you and your fellow campers. Follow these tips for choosing the right camper trailer…
Nail down the numbers
First things first, you’ll need to get specific with your numbers - that means budgeting and figuring out how big a camper trailer you’re looking for. Your budget is going to determine where you can and can’t shop and what kind of a payment plan you can get into, so it’s absolutely essential that you figure this one out nice and early on.
Next, capacity. You’ll need to have a pretty good idea of how many people are going to come along for the camping ride. Take a look at the size of your family and decipher whether you plan on housing (so to speak) a few guests down the line to figure out your capacity needs.
Join the community
Getting involved in your local camping community will give you a lot of guidance and direction when it comes to the nitty gritty of actually choosing a camper trailer. This will also open you up to a whole world of advice concerning camping locations, tips and tricks - as well as exposing you to a new group of friends who have the same passions as you. You never know, you might just find your camping clan at a trade show or on an online community page.
Learn the lingo
Understanding the type of trailer that you’re hunting for is essential to getting the right model that fits with your expectations. Your predominant options include…
Rear Fold: Rear fold campers open up from a hinge at the rear of the vehicle, they provide amazing comfort due to their hard floor and home-like interior.
Forward Fold: A durable forward fold is similar to a rear fold, however the hinge is located at the opposite end of the model. Again, enjoy maximum protection, convenience and cosiness in one of these guys.
Soft Floor: These are more tent-like, with a fully soft interior and exterior that sits on the ground. Soft floor camper trailers are incredibly lightweight and are usually more budget friendly.
Dual Fold: A dual fold is as close to a caravan as you can get whilst still maintaining the lightweight convenience that camper trailers have to offer. This gives you more space, a larger bed capacity and some serious comfort points. A true treat for the campground!
Get up and out there
Make sure that you don’t spend all your time on your computer when you’re looking for a camper trailer. Although online shopping has definitely become the norm, there are some things that just need to be seen, felt and tried before you buy - and a camper trailer is definitely one of those things. Head to a local retailer or provider for great advice, first hand experience and in-depth inspections.
Shop all your options
Finally, you need to ensure that you’re shopping all of your options. This means taking a look at all kinds of camper trailers including second hand models. By keeping an open mind, you'll most likely land on your dream investment sooner rather than later.
Follow these tips to find the perfect camper trailer for you!
I love camping! The trailer idea is great…..but I may still get a tent and all the stuff that goes with it.
We’ll see….when this pandemic is over…..I’ll be planning for a great camping trip!!