Best Bumper Pull Travel Trailers – Since the 60s Until Now!

Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Jeremy

Over time, camping as we know it has changed, and along with that so have the ways we have camped.

Knowing this, we should look at some of the best bumper pull travel trailers that have changed throughout the years.

Some have changed to better their structure, while others have added the innovation of technology to help keep up with the times. In any event, let’s get down to it.

Have a read about Fifth Wheel VS Travel Trailer – Making Your 1st Ultimate Decision Easier

Best in the 60s: Canned Ham

What did NOT come with air conditioning back then, campers, specifically upgraded to be named travel trailers, were a thing of beauty.

Winnebago paved the way for motor homes since it opened in 1958, but they also had in mind a version similar to the “Shasta Canned Ham” unit. This non-edible “canned ham” became one of the best pull types designed back then, as camping evolved.

Also, “some of the most popular RVs that harken back to the 1960s are the Winnebago F17, the Carriage Travel Trailer, and the Coachmen Cadet.”

Best in the 70s: Airstream Overlander

For the first four decades or so of Airstream’s life, they had in mind to be exclusively a travel trailer company.

What started as a thought in 1929, Airstream grew into manufacturing models up until a recession in the 70’s.

Although their California based plant was closed in 1978, and full operation was now based out of Ohio, they designed this bumper pull travel trailer to carry on any campers dreams.

Best in the 80s: Rustler Travel Trailer & Fleetwood Prowler (Tie)

Battling it out in a tough two-way tie, these two brands didn’t hesitate to design trailers that were “beefier” and more durable.

With similarities such as the fold out front window cover, the manual support awning arms, and the access designed lower to the ground than todays models, these two brands really were the best-sellers for that year.

Best in the 90s: Fleetwood Terry Travel Trailer

When production began back in the 50s, Terry Coach Industries didn’t last too long, because it was acquired by Fleetwood in 1964.

As to why it looks similar in style to the Prowler, is because Fleetwood didn’t need to change what was already working (except for the name).

With more advanced features from the 80s, we now witness rooftop air conditioners, cable TV hookup, and cassette players. No wonder it was considered one of the best.

Best in the 2000s & 2010s: Fleetwood Terry Travel Trailer & Jayco Travel Trailer

Even though this popular Fleetwood brand continued its reign much past the 90s and into the 00s, they had some stiff competition creeping up. It goes by the name brand of Jayco.

Jayco was started by a family back in the 60s, however, they don’t have sole control of the company; This is owned by Thor Industries.

Jayco’s travel trailer popularity crept up into the mid 2010s, as you can see, became one of the best. Just check out this Good Solid 30′ 2000 Jayco Eagle Trailer Video to see a thing of beauty!

Best in the 2020s: See Below

As camping has evolved, so have manufacturing companies, and the people that go camping. What used to be a weekend get-away, has turned into a weekend of trying to keep up with the Jones’.

By this, I mean you have so many “best” bumper pull trailers to choose from, because they exist in all aspects of innovation!

As the tastes and categories of our lives have changed, so have trailer designs, and therefore we give you a long-line of bests below:

Best Bumper Pull Travel Trailer Overall  – Grand Design Reflection

See Showroom Video ==>HERE<==

What’s to say, this trailer has:

• -Arctic 4-seasons protection package
• -Maximum Heating Power
• -3 Yr-Limited Structural warranty
• -Ultimate Power Package
• -Peace of Mind Package
• -Plus a lot more!

The name, basically gives it away, “Grand”!

Best Bunkhouse Option – Jayco Eagle HT

Here we are with Jayco again, it just won’t go away will it?

With Standard Features and Options, such as:

• -Climate Shield 0-degree tested weather protection
• -Helix cooling system
• -Customer Value Package
• -4-Star Handling Package

It sure is positioned to be one of the best. Click >>HERE<< to see the 2021 model be showcased.

Best 4-Season – Northwood Arctic Fox North Fork

If it has to do with snow and winter, it has to be an arctic fox. Not only does this travel trailer have a clever brand backing its 4 season model, its also labeled as the best.

Available in a 5th wheel and truck camper model as well, the offerings of an Arctic Fox are as follows:

• -Off-road chasis
• -Continuous Fiberglass walls
• -High Density Foam Block insulation
• -R18 ceiling inulation
• -R15 roof/slide insulation
• -Plus a plethora of standard options as well

Get a quick tour here: 2021 Arctic Fox 29RK

Best Lightweight – Forest River R-Pod

With a UVW between 2714 Lbs and 3421 Lbs, this is definitely an affordable luxury unit with one of the lowest tow weights in trailer history.

Although, there are 10 other models with an under 2000 lbs rating, and you can find them here: 10 Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 2,000 Pounds) – RVJunket

You can check out all the R-pods on Forest Rivers website.

Best Comeback – Winnebago Minnie

With an award of Mid-Priced Travel Trailer of the year, Winnebago sure didn’t back down from competition. With their Minnie Winnie Motorhome becoming more and more popular, they had to make a pull type version and call it the Minnie.

With some features like:

• -Maximum Comfort
• -Stunning Surfaces
• -Entertainment Score
• -Class-Leading Storage
• -and a Sizzling Showcase

the Minnie, sure has made the best comeback of all bumper pull travel trailers to date!

Check out the 2021 Minnie Showcase Video to see what I mean.

Conclusion

As you can see, the best travel trailers have changed along with how camping has changed. Even though sometimes when things aren’t broken, you still need to fix them, in the case of Winnebago. But is that something that was really broken? Or was it a modification through innovation?

What started out as the best in the 60s to todays models, we see where companies and manufacturers are struggling to keep up with designs.

This of course will change over the next few decades, and by then, I’ll have a whole new website to make!

Feel free to check out my other article: Best BBQ Grilling Recipes – Everything RVs and More and please leave a comment about your best pull type travel trailer that you’ve had!

Cheers!