In helping you choose the right type of camper we have separated all of the small campers into 6 basic categories.
Pop up Campers:
(Also known as Pop Up Trailers or Folding Trailers)
Pop up campers are the smallest, lightest and least expensive of all the categories. Typically they are used for camping trips, if you were looking for something to live in on a more permanent basis you may want something bigger. Pop up campers are easy to park and because of their weight are also the easiest to tow. When unfolded they can triple in length. Sleeps up to 8 people. New they start at $4000 and can be as much as $23,000.
List of Pop Up Trailer Manufacturers and Brands
Tow Vehicle Needed: Full size car, minivan, SUV or truck
PROS: Less expensive and value holds longer. When not needed you can unhitch the trailer and take your vehicle out on drive. Doesn’t require special vehicle to tow, easy to hitch and unhitch. Low height clearance. Tows on a standard hitch ball. If you have engine trouble, you can still stay in the camper while your vehicle is being fixed. Easy to store.
CONS: Not quite large enough for long term living, limited amenities. No one is allowed in the camper while driving. Due to overall length with your vehicle, parking and finding camping spots can be more difficult. Not much installation during winter.
Travel Trailers:
(Also know as a Caravan)
Travel trailers come is a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can be anywhere from 8 to 34 feet long. The largest sizes can sleep up to 10pp. New these can run from $5,000 to $45,000 depending on amenities. The smaller size travel trailers get great gas mileage.
List of Travel Trailer Manufacturers and Brands
Tow Vehicle Needed: Typically a full size car, minivan, SUV or truck
PROS: Less expensive and value holds longer. When not needed you can unhitch the trailer and take your vehicle out on drive. Doesn’t require special vehicle to tow, easy to hitch and unhitch. Low height clearance. Tows on a standard hitch ball. If you have engine trouble, you can still stay in the camper while your vehicle is being fixed.
CONS: No one is allowed in the camper while driving. Due to overall length with your vehicle, parking and finding camping spots can be more difficult.
Teardrop Trailer:
(Also known as Teardrop Camper)
Teardrop trailer is really a sub-group of travel trailers, but because of their popularity they get their own listing here. They’re not only stylish, but highly functional. They can be anywhere from 8 to 22 feet long. Typically they sleep 2-4 people. New these can run from $4,800 to $32,000 depending on amenities. Due to their aerodynamic shape and light weight they get great gas mileage.
List of Teardrop Trailer Manufacturers
Tow Vehicle Needed: Typically a full size car, minivan
PROS: Less expensive and value holds longer. When not needed you can unhitch the trailer and take your vehicle out on drive. Doesn’t require special vehicle to tow, easy to hitch and unhitch. Low height clearance. Tows on a standard hitch ball. If you have engine trouble, you can still stay in the camper while your vehicle is being fixed. Teardrop trailers get great gas milage and easy to store.
CONS: No one is allowed in the camper while driving. Due to overall length with your vehicle, parking and finding camping spots can be more difficult. No bathroom.
Class C Motorhome:
Class C motorhomes can range from 16 to 42 feet in length. They have a van or truck front with a gas engine and an extra bed over the cab. Most Class C motorhomes have a bedroom over the cab, kitchen and bathroom. They can sleep up to 8 people. New they start at $42,000 and go up to $200,000
List of Class C Motorhome Manufacturers and Brands
PROS: You don’t have to go outside to enter the camper section. Passengers can be in the camper section while driving. You do not need to make pit stops for bathroom breaks.
CONS: If you need something fixed, your entire home goes to the repair shop, possibly leaving you having to find other accommodations. Expensive to tow. The value of this camper depreciates faster because the motor is part of the unit.
Camper Van:
(Also know as a Class B Motorhome or Caravan)
Everyone knows the classic VW bus from the 60s, but camper vans come in many different shapes and sizes. Camper vans are full size vans built with a cozy living space. Some of the more equipped models even come with a bathroom, television, kitchens, etc. Some people live full time camper vans, but generally they are too small for permanent living. Sleeps up to 4 people. New they typically start at $50,000 and can be up to $135,000.
List of Camper Van (Class B Motorhome) Manufacturers and Brands
PROS: Low gas mileage. Can also be used as a family car when needed. Easy to drive. Low vehicle height. You don’t have to go outside to enter the camper section. Passengers can be in the camper section while driving. Easier and safer to drive.
CONS: Limited space. If you need something fixed, your entire home goes to the repair shop, possibly leaving you having to find other accommodations. The value of this camper depreciates faster because the motor is part of the unit. Really built for only one person or couple to sleep.
Truck Camper:
(Also know as a Pick-up Camper)
Truck campers are made to attach to the back of a pickup truck. This camper has more mobility than all other categories. Because the truck camper is hauled by a pickup truck it can handle rougher terrain and steeper grade roads. Typically this type of camper has the entrance in rear and bedroom over the cab. Fancier models can have a kitchen as well. Can sleep up to 6 people. New they run from about $5,500 to $50,000.
List of Truck Camper Manufacturers and Brands
Tow Vehicle Needed: Pick up truck
PROS: Maximized mobility
CONS: Vehicle height clearance, limited amenities (no toilet)
Campers and RVs that are too big to make the list:
Fifth Wheel Trailer, Class A Motorhome, SURV Trailer or Sport Utility RV
Also check out: Buying a Camper Guide, Camper Manufacturers List, and Accurate Ratings of Camper and RV Manufacturers
