If you’re tired of the same old hotel vacations and want something different this year, consider vacationing in a camping trailer rental. You’ll find that it not only saves you money, but it is a lot of fun for the entire family. You’ll be able to enjoy camping with all your creature comforts while reconnecting with nature and your loved ones. Imagine watching the wildlife in the distance as you enjoy your morning coffee. Then spend a leisurely day hiking, swimming, or heading off to a theme park. Whatever your family enjoys is available within a short walk or drive from your campsite.
A Small Camping Trailer Rental
If you have a small family, and only need the basic comforts, a small camper might be perfect for you. In a small RV, you’ll have an easy to tow trailer that can go most anywhere. You can stay in one of the many campgrounds nationwide, or choose to set up camp in a backwoods wilderness. Check the laws at your destination to find available locations.
For a small camping trailer rental, you have two options: a travel trailer or a pop-up tent trailer. You might also find a small fifth wheel, but, in general, they tend to be larger. We will talk about these in more detail later in the article.
Small camping trailers rental prices tend to be lower, and they are lighter and more economical to tow. In most cases, you’ll be able to tow a small trailer with a standard truck or SUV or any vehicle with a towing package.
Where to Rent a Camping Trailer
Most RV rental chains have camping trailers, but they don’t usually have the best prices. To find the best deal, you want to rent from an RV owner, rather than a dealership. RV owners rent their campers through nationwide peer-to-peer RV rental websites. Using these sites, you can easily compare rental prices and benefits and find the best deal for you – all from the comfort of your home or office.
Peer-to-peer rental sites tend to have the best bargains on renting a camping trailer because of competition with other owners. Also, owners do not usually intend to make a profit on their rentals. They just want to recoup some of the costs of ownership. So, you can end up getting a bargain rate on your vacation camping trailer rental.
Another advantage of a peer-to-peer rental is that you can communicate directly with the owner. He knows everything there is to know about that specific vehicle, and he is happy to help you. You’ll also have the services of a 24-hour customer service department, in case you encounter problems on the road. They’ll help you get back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Types of Camping Trailer Rentals
The term “camping trailer” refers to a towable trailer or RV. The trailer needs a towing vehicle, which un-hooks and becomes your transportation during your vacation. Camping trailer rentals vary in size and layouts, each having their advantages and disadvantages.
You can rent camping trailers in three basic categories: Pop-up trailers, also called tent trailers, travel trailers, and fifth wheel trailers.
Pop-up Trailers
A pop-up trailer folds down into a half-height trailer for travel and storage. It then pops-up or unfolds to make a full height trailer with additional height and length. Most have a canvas top. However, there are a few hard-sided pop-up trailers around. Usually, wings unfold on either side, forming the sleeping areas, with the main living area in the center. Some have slide-outs that give you more space in the center.
If you are an experienced camper and don’t need the latest and greatest creature comforts, a pop-up trailer may be perfect for you. Please check the amenities carefully before renting. Some have full kitchens and baths, while others have only the basic kitchen and may require you to use the campground showers or an outdoor shower. All the details should be detailed in the rental listing.
Pop-up rental camping trailers excel in the maneuverability category. They are easy to tow, even for less experienced drivers. You can take them most anywhere, and their low profile gives you excellent visibility when driving.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are the full-size trailers that you see most often on the road. They usually contain spacious living quarters and a full kitchen and bath. You can find travel trailer rentals in the basic to luxury categories, with prices to match. If you are looking for a good basic RV rental, travel trailers are a great first RV rental.
You can rent camping trailers in the 10 feet to 40 feet range. Obviously, the smaller trailers will be easier to tow and maneuver. Larger trailers are more luxurious, but they are difficult to drive and park. You may not be able to fit them into available camping spaces, so call your campground ahead for size restrictions.
Fifth Wheel Trailers
Fifth wheel trailers have all the features of a traditional travel trailer, but with a sleeping space over the towing vehicle. They attach to the towing truck by a special, round hitch, called a fifth wheel. Because the hitch is in the bed of the truck, they tend to tow better with less swaying. They are also able to pack more features into the main living area since the sleeping area is over the truck bed.
There are two major disadvantages of fifth wheel trailer camping trailers rental. The first is the need for a suitable towing vehicle with the 5th wheel hitch. You can get around this problem if you have the trailer delivered and set up for you. This service is often available for an extra fee.
The second major disadvantage is the height. Fifth wheel trailers are higher off the ground, requiring more steps to enter the camper. The bed is also accessible only by ladder or steps. If you are elderly or have problems with steps, the fifth wheel camper might not be right for you.
Kids, on the other hand, usually think it is quite an adventure to sleep in the sleeping loft area. A fifth wheel trailer may be ideal for young families.
What to Look for in Rental Camping Trailers
It is impossible to predict which camping trailer rental option is right for you without knowing your preferences. The best advice is to consider how you will use the trailer and your comfort level with towing. If you plan to use the trailer as a base-camp and want a high level of comfort, a larger travel trailer may be perfect for you.
If you want to travel and plan to do a lot of towing, or if you are uncomfortable with the idea of towing a large trailer, a smaller rental may be right for you. A pop-up is extremely easy to tow but requires more set up time. Most drivers quickly become comfortable with towing a smaller travel trailer, but larger trailers take a bit of practice and skill.
Whichever camping trailer rental you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your vacation. Take the time this year to reconnect with nature and spend more time with the people you love.