Camp Trailer vs. Travel Trailer: Is There A Difference?
Surprisingly enough there is a small difference between a camp trailer and a travel trailer. For those of you new to the travel trailer/camp trailer world, understanding the difference between the two will surely help you narrow down which type of trailer is right for you and your travel needs. However small or subtle the differences may be between the two trailer types, there are differences worth remembering.
Camp Trailer
Obviously the name of the two trailers is different - but why? The name of each trailer type actually tells quite a bit about what each trailer is intended for. A camping trailer is intended for camping, meaning that trailer was engineered, designed, and built with camping in mind. Camp trailers do well on rougher dirt roads, are built to withstand cooler temperatures and more inclement weather situations. Most camp trailers have been built to have everything you need while camping in a small, compact space. In the camping industry, some people refer to camp trailers as “adventure vehicles” as well. A camp trailer is designed to help you enjoy our natural world rather than leave it.
Because camp trailers are designed to be used in more remote areas, each trailer is more often than not built slightly smaller and more lightweight than other trailer types. To save weight, many camping trailers are fully equipped with all essential amenities, but rarely are built with any luxury options.
Because of the smaller size and weight of camp trailers, they are often much easier to tow and do not require as robust a tow vehicle as larger travel trailers do to tow.
Travel Trailer
As the name suggests, a travel trailer is designed and built with long-term travel in mind. A travel trailer has more in common with mobile homes and RV’s than it does a camp trailer in many regards. Typically, most travel trailers are lightweight enough that a vehicle with a conventional ball hitch can still tow it, whereas a mobile home or large RV are in a much larger class.
Convenience, comfort, and oftentimes luxury are a focus of many travel trailers. As such, travel trailers are often noticeably larger and more spacious than camp trailers, offering more storage space, more spacious living accommodations, and larger cooking spaces than typical camp trailers. Additionally, almost all travel trailers have a bathroom and shower, where some camp trailers do not have a full bathroom.
A travel trailer serves as a sort of extension of home - a sort of small apartment on wheels that allows you to live as if you were at home while on the road in any environment.
Recap
If you are planning to go camping in a wilderness or natural setting, a camp trailer may be your best option. However, if you are planning a road trip across many states, or simply want to travel/camp in more comfort, a travel trailer may be your best bet. While there is no right or wrong type of trailer for you, there are specific trailer types that are best suited for your individual travel needs. Using the above information will help you pick the best trailer for your upcoming season of travel. Happy camping!