Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Jeremy

So you want to take the plunge and buy a travel trailer before your next adventure?

Great – Welcome to the RV lifestyle! But hold on, have we really did our homework here, or are we jumping the gun?

To get you started down the right path, let me introduce 8 things to know before buying a travel trailer, from understanding the different types of trailers available to knowing what legal considerations you need to make, so you can have the help you need to an informed decision when purchasing your next unit.

Determine Your Budget

---

For starters, travel trailers come in a range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Not only that, but there may be additional costs associated with purchasing and maintaining your trailer, such as insurance and storage fees.

For the best companies that offer RV insurance, you can lean more about that by reading here: Who Offers Best RV Insurance: 7 Companies To Choose From!

On an average and according to a few hours of research, pending on the size of the travel trailer itself, the budget you should be setting aside for yourself on a new purchase is between $10,000 and $40,000.

This is based on a standard travel trailer rate of 25′ to 32′ without all the fancy bells and whistles. As soon as you start looking into “packages” that some RV dealerships offer, this is where you’ll see the price go up.

Research the Different Types of Trailers

---

Now because this article is guiding you with some super tips, you’ll notice that there are several types of travel trailers to choose from.

Each of these units will have their own benefits and drawbacks of course and some of the most common types of travel trailers available in the market today include pop-up trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

If you are uncertain of deciding between many of these models, may I suggest reading these articles to better educate yourself to determine which one is best suited for your travel needs:

– Top Ten Toy Haulers

– Best 5th Wheel & Travel Trailers

– Best Bumper Pull Travel Trailers – Since the 60s Until Now! – Everything RVs and More

Consider the Size and Weight of the Trailer

---

Now before you go out and buy a trailer, you should also ensure that your vehicle you own can tow it. There are a few ways to do this:

1) Look up your vehicle’s towing capacity located on the sticker of the door, and compare it to the weight of the trailer you’re considering.

OR

2) Read this article:Chevy vs Ford vs Dodge 4×4 to take the guesswork out of what you’re looking for.

However, you also need to take into account the size of the trailer, both when towing and when parked. This is critical as an overly large unit that takes a lot of setups might not be as beneficial to have on your next camping adventure.

That said, a big lug of a unit towing around is also something many people don’t like doing so you’ll have to be comfortable to do both when you do make that initial purchase.

One thing I suggest is taking these walk-throughs with the entire family, and pretend you’ll be the newest owners of this trailer. What I then do is determine the tasks of each person from towing to set up and take down at sites.

If each family member has a task that is suitable for them with that model you have your eyes on, then it’s a serious consideration in making that specific trailer a top contender.

Determine What Amenities You Need

---

Whether you are seeking basic or luxurious amenities within your travel trailers, you’ll need to consider which ones you need and what you’re willing to pay for.

Some more popular, already included amenities are:

• – kitchens
• – bathrooms
• – air conditioning
• – entertainment systems

As there is more than likely to be a kitchen in each of these travel trailers you look at, you need to ask yourself, “do I really want an outdoor kitchen“? The same can also apply to whether you need 1 bathroom or 2.

Similarly, many models are starting to appear with 2 and even 3 air conditioning units, so that right there will up the value of your budget.

Lastly your entertainment system choice can be a savings factor. Units with pre-installed television will increase the pricing of the trailer, whereas if you choose to get it without the installation, you could save a few bucks.

To get an idea on what amenities you can stuff into an RV, have a view of this 8-minute video of the 2020 Forest River Wolf Pup, which is deemed one of the smallest, lightest, and easiest trailers to tow:

Decide on the Layout

---

The layout of the trailer is another thing to consider, and an important one at that. You’ll need to ask yourself the questions of:

• – Do you prefer an open floor plan or separate rooms?
• – What type of sleeping arrangements do you need?

For myself and a family of 4, we have a trailer that sleeps 8, but never use the other spots for sleeping. Also, the floor plan was pretty basic and doesn’t include slides, therefore it was the best case scenario for our budget, and towable with a 1/2 ton truck.

One might not seem like it’s the perfect full-time RV living arrangement, but it hasn’t let us down over the last couple of years!

Evaluate the Trailer’s Condition

---

If you’re going to look at an alternative method instead of buying new and go for a used trailer, then you’ll want to evaluate its condition before making a purchase.

The signs to look out for on a used trailer are that of basic wear and tear, such as water damage or rust. You’ll also want to ensure the tires, brakes, and electrical system are in a good working condition prior to making the purchase.

Be mindful that a used trailer was once someones pride and joy for several camping seasons before you wanted to consider it your new “home away from home“. This will determine the amount of work you may or may not need to put into it, or if it fits your budget.

Consider the Cost of Maintenance and Storage

---

Now one thing to bear in mind out of all these tips is the amount of required regular maintenance travel trailers absorb. This leads you to a point of consideration of how much time and money you’re willing to invest in upkeep.

You also need to have a plan for where you’ll store your trailer when it’s not in use, that is if you don’t have the additional land space already .

Here are some options for storing your RV unit:

• – In your yard – If you have an extra lot beside your home in the city, consider purchasing it to store your RV and travel trailers. Or, accommodate it in the driveway for the winter.
• – Rent a storage space – Some storage rental yards offer winter camper storage at a reasonable cost. Park it in the fall and bring it out in the spring. Perhaps you don’t go camping at all one season, so you can leave it there all year.
• – Use an RV park – Some RV parks offer full time monthly sites, so why not set up your unit at one of these locations. You can easily find where on an APP called AllStays, which you can read about in this article: The Best Apps for Camping.

Understand the Legal Considerations

---

Now, let’s review up until this point – You have reviewed a budget and researched which style of trailer you are wanting that is suitable for you. You have reviewed the size and weight, amenities and even decided on a floor plan you are after, all the while deciding whether to purchase new or used.

The only thing left to do is sign a contract, but before you do, make sure you understand the legal implications. Things like knowing what warranties are included, what the return policy is, and what happens if the trailer is damaged during transport are all things to be aware of. It’s also important to review the contract to ensure that it’s fair and legally binding.

When reviewing the contract, there are 3 main things to pay attention to, and they are:

• – the terms and conditions,
• – payment schedule,
• and any additional fees or charges

You also want to make sure you understand the warranty and return policy if there is any on your purchase, or even to see if there are any penalties for late payments or cancellations within your contract.

One way to ensure that you’re making a smart legal decision when buying a travel trailer is to use LegalShield. LegalShield provides:

Affordable legal plans for individuals & families.

They even provide legal services to help you navigate any legal issues that may arise when purchasing a travel trailer. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you have legal support when you need it most. Plus it’s one of the top 18 apps to have for camping which I referenced in an article above!

Conclusion

---

To bring this article to a close let’s recap – Buying a travel trailer can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. Consider your budget, the type and size of the trailer, the amenities and layout, and the legal considerations before making a purchase.

And if you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate on using LegalShield to help you through the process. With the right trailer and legal support from LegalShield, you’ll be ready to hit the open road and start exploring all the beauty that the country has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to an RV Park near a golf course or a cross-country road trip, a travel trailer can provide the flexibility and convenience you need. By following these 8 tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a smart purchase that will provide years of enjoyment.

If you feel like I missed something, please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to answer you back, OR just drop a “hi”.

Cheers!