How to Size a Travel Trailer

With the variety of travel trailer sizes and styles it seems overwhelming when beginning the buying process. One of the criteria when selecting a travel trailer for purchase or rental is size. There are two different weight classes for travel trailers: under 4,000 pounds and over. The over 4,000-pound travel trailers are among the more popular, yet require a stout and string towing vehicle. Lighter weight travel trailers tend to have less space in the camping cabin, yet are easier to tow and more versatile if you have a smaller towing rig.

Things You'll Need

  • Weight rating for your towing vehicle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for a travel trailer based on the average amount of people using and camping in the cabin. If you are traveling and camping with a family of more than six, look at a longer and heavier travel trailer. In addition, take all the gear and equipment brought on the camping adventures. If you have more people and gear than a small or shorter travel trailer is rated for, go with the next larger model, providing your towing vehicle is rated for the extra weight.

    • 2

      Cross reference your vehicle's tow rating (the amount the maker of the vehicle suggests is the safe range of weight it can tow with no major stress or damage to the engine). Bring this weight rating to the travel trailer dealership to be directed to a series of travel trailer options rated for your towing truck or car.

    • 3

      Consider looking at the foldable pop-up-style travel trailers if you have a smaller or mid-size towing vehicle. Pop-up-style travel trailers are lightweight (less than 4,000 pounds as a general rule) and pack down for less wind resistance when in tow. Pop-ups range from 10-20 feet in length.

    • 4

      Pick a slightly shorter travel trailer if you have issues with backing and parking trailers in tow. As a general rule, the shorter the trailer, the easier it is to back up and park.