Welcome To Travel Trailer Nation
More Travel Trailers are manufactured than any other style of recreational vehicle. There are over five times as many travel trailers produced than fifth wheel trailers, and the balance of campers produced (Folding Camper Trailers, Truck campers, and Motor Home Types – Class A, B, and C) make up a very small percentage of campers sold. We really are a Travel Trailer Nation.
Since 1910 Travel Trailers have been crossing the nation, with more and more folks joining the ranks each year.
The selection of Travel Trailers is unbelievably large; everything from Teardrop Camper size to over 40 foot long Trailers are available. So what makes Travel Trailers so popular? This is a hard question to answer, but maybe in part it is due to the flexibility in tow vehicles depending on the weight of the trailer. From large cars, SUV’s, or pick up trucks, almost anyone can find a towable that will work. Many travel trailers can now be towed by V6 engines.
More than just saving money on lodging, traveling the back roads of America is an adventure. You never know what you may find on your journey; and the convenience of pulling off at rest stops or small towns for lunch in your own trailer (in particular with small children) is a big benefit. In fact a recent study found that Travel Trailer vacations cost less than other forms of vacation travel even after factoring in fuel prices and the cost of the RV. This study found a savings of anywhere from 34 to 53 percent for travel trailer owners. Here is a link to the study:
We bought our first travel trailer in 1989 and never looked back. We are now proud owners of our eighth travel trailer, perhaps our last but I doubt it. Our kids loved going on trips with us over the years whether it was Disney Land, the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, or just local camping an hour from home.
As our lives changed the Travel Trailers changed as well. Once the kids were grown it really didn’t make sense to have the bunks anymore so we moved to different trailer configurations. Technology changed as well over the last 25 years; bump-outs, electric leveling systems, electric awnings, and lighter weight trailers. All of these played a role in moving to different trailers. Our list of trailers includes 3 Jayco’s, a Mallard Sprinter, a Fleetwood Prowler, an Rvision Trail Cruiser, a Coachmen Captiva, and a Grand Design Imagine.
With the RV industry struggling around 2008, many changes took place. RV Conglomerates took advantage of the economic downturn and gobbled up long time RV companies. To some I’m sure this change was a good thing, but to me it was sad to see. Not only did family-owned companies disappear but in the following years there would be over 280,000 RV related lay-offs. That number is not hard to comprehend when you start to think about everything that goes into the manufacturing of a travel trailer; flooring, appliances, furnaces, air conditioners, plumbing fixtures, electrical, showers, toilets, and the list goes on.
In many cases even though you may still see the old company name on a new trailer, beware, these just are not the same companies.
The great news is that since 2009, things have been turning around for the RV industry. RV ownership has reached record numbers with one study reporting that 8.9 million households own an RV. Lastly, don’t forget that over 60% of RVs are manufactured in Elkhart Indiana; made in America by American Workers.
Regardless of all the changes in the industry, there is still a travel trailer for everyone and every budget. We have often said that it was the best way to travel with our kids (and dogs). In addition, there is just something nice about having your house with you wherever you go.
Travel Trailer Nation celebrates the spirit of adventure, the joy of exploration, and the freedom that travel trailers offer. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious newbie, there’s something magical about hitting the open road with your home in tow.
We hope you enjoy our blog which will center around helpful tips, travel and tour reviews, and industry commentary. Just click on our blog link, or select a category to view related blog posts.
If you are considering the purchase of a travel trailer in the near future, we hope you will purchase our book “You Guide To Purchasing A Travel Trailer”. This book contains important information you need to know prior to your purchase. We have provided a link to the book on the right side of this page.
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Thanks for visiting! John & Tammy
