What are the different types of travel trailers?

Fifth-wheel trailers

A fifth-wheel trailer is a towable RV that's pulled using a hitch that's located in the bed of a truck. The hitch is known as a fifth-wheel coupling. Fifth-wheel trailers are commonly used for recreational camping and travel, including vacations and even full-time living.

• Size range: The length of a fifth-wheel trailer varies from 20 to 49 feet. The height of a fifth-wheel trailer varies from 11 feet 6 inches to 13 feet 5 inches.
• Price range: Fifth-wheel trailers cost anywhere from $38,000 for an entry-level model to more than $150,000 for a luxury model.
• Features: Fifth-wheel trailers are popular for their comfortable living spaces, spacious storage, stable towing, and maneuverability. The living spaces often include full kitchens, entertainment areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Towing a fifth wheel requires a truck with a fifth-wheel coupling and the towing capacity to safely haul the trailer. You may want to practice maneuvering the trailer before hitting the road. While fifth-wheel trailers allow for a tight turning radius compared to other RVs, they can be difficult to back into place.

Conventional trailers

Conventional trailers are the most common type of travel trailer — a towable RV that's pulled using a ball hitch that's mounted on the frame or rear bumper of the towing vehicle. They're used in much the same way as fifth-wheel trailers – for recreational camping, vacations, and full-time living.

• Size range: Conventional travel trailers vary in size from 12 to 40 feet long and 8 to 13.5 feet high.
• Price range: Conventional trailers cost anywhere from $12,000 for an entry-level model to more than $80,000 for a luxury model.
• Features: Conventional trailers often feature full amenities, including modern appliances, spacious entertainment areas, bedrooms, and designated sleeping areas, and bathrooms with a shower.

Most conventional travel trailers can be towed safely by a full-size truck or SUV with a higher towing capacity. Your towing vehicle must have a ball-and-coupler hitch installed to connect the trailer. You may also need to install an electric brake controller if the weight of your trailer is heavier than state standards. See if your state requires a trailer breaking system.

Utility trailers

A utility trailer is typically an open-air, flatbed trailer that's pulled using a ball hitch. They're more basic in design and function than conventional or fifth-wheel travel trailers and are used to transport large tools, materials, and equipment.

• Size range: Utility travel trailers vary in size from 8 to 22 feet in length and up to 8 feet wide.
• Price range: The average cost of a utility trailer is $2,400. Costs increase as features and size are added.
• Features: Utility trailers are basic in design, but can include treated floors, side rails, side walls, and some models include a roof. Some trailers include toolboxes or other custom add-ons.

Most utility trailers can be towed safely by smaller vehicles depending on the trailer load. They're commonly used to transport vehicles, machinery, equipment, furniture, and other large items. When using a utility trailer, be sure to load the heavier items in the front of the trailer and secure any items with tie-downs.

Horse trailers

A horse trailer is a trailer specifically designed for the safe, convenient transportation of horses. They come in several sizes and styles, including living quarters, gooseneck, horse bumper pull, slant load, single, or double horse trailers. 

• Size range: Horse trailers are often measured by how many horses they can transport but are generally 20 to 45 feet in length and up to 8 feet 4 inches wide.
• Price range: The cost of horse trailers varies widely. A single-horse trailer costs around $2,000, while a living quarters horse trailer can cost more than $250,000 depending on the model.
• Features: Horse trailers have several features, including saddle racks, tack rooms, storage space, and stalls. Living quarter horse trailers feature the amenities of conventional travel trailers, including kitchens, bathrooms, beds, and entertainment areas.

One-ton trucks or similarly powered SUVs are best suited to tow horse trailers. Half-ton and quarter-ton trucks are capable of safely pulling smaller horse trailers. There are several styles of horse trailers, so consider which type of horse trailer is best suited for the number of horses you're transporting, the distance you're traveling, and the comfort and safety of the horses.

Pop-up campers

A pop-up camper is a light, towable RV with a solid base and canvas top that folds in for easy storage and transportation but expands when set up for use. They come in several styles, including soft-sided, hard-sided, hard-top, A-frame, high-wall, and flip-out pop-up campers. They're popular for their convenience and modern amenities.

• Size range: Pop-up campers vary in size but are typically 8 to 16 feet long when packed and 16 to 32 feet long when expanded.
• Price range: Depending on the size, features, and amenities, a new pop-up camper costs anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, according to RV Share.
• Features: Pop-up campers have several features, including modern amenities depending on the model. Some pop-up campers have a kitchen, bathroom, cooking area, and sleeping area. Some models even have air conditioners and generators.

Pop-up campers are lightweight and easy to tow. They're also smaller and more rugged than larger types of travel trailers, which allows you to more easily maneuver tight camping spaces. While not as luxurious as some types of trailers, pop-up campers are a camping trailer type that offers a more comfortable and protected experience than camping in a tent. That combined with their lower price point and versatility make pop-up campers a popular choice for experienced campers.

Truck campers

While a truck camper technically isn't a travel trailer because it isn't towed, they're similar in function as many types of travel trailers. A truck camper attaches inside the bed of a pickup truck and offers a comfortable sleeping area for recreational campers.

• Size range: Truck campers are typically 6 to 18 feet long and 4 to 8 feet tall.
• Price range: Depending on the size and features, a new truck camper costs anywhere from $8,000 to $55,000. Used models with standard features can cost as little as $1,000.
• Features: Truck campers are more basic than larger types of travel trailers. They primarily include a comfortable sleeping space. Some more expensive and complex models have room for kitchenettes and water hookups.

Truck campers can be easily installed in the bed of a pickup truck. They're convenient to transport and don't require towing a separate vehicle, making them a popular choice for experienced and beginner campers, alike. If you're looking for a cheaper option than a typical travel trailer or RV, a truck camper offers an upgraded, but more traditional, camping experience.

Toy haulers

A "toy hauler" can refer to several types of travel trailers, including fifth-wheel, conventional, and utility trailers. A toy hauler is a trailer capable of transporting "toys" such as cars, motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or other larger vehicles.

Protect your trailer and your assets with RV insurance

A travel trailer insurance policy can pay to repair or replace your trailer if it's stolen or damaged due to an accident, vandalism, fire, or weather-related issues. You may also add coverage to for injuries to others and property damage you're responsible for while vacationing in your trailer or if you use it as a full-time residence.