We are Jess and Maddy—together with our dogs, we make up Our Wandering Pack. We’re two 20-something-year-olds who found ourselves burnt out from the nonprofit sector and decided it was time to build a life around joy, freedom, and exploration. After spending countless days researching RVs (and tent camping whenever we could!), we settled on a travel trailer to be our full-time home on wheels. Now, we’d love to share what we learned with your pack, so you can decide if a travel trailer is the right fit for your wanderlust!
What Is a Travel Trailer?
A travel trailer is a towable RV that hooks up to your vehicle’s hitch (usually a truck or SUV). Unlike motorhomes, travel trailers aren’t driven directly; instead, you tow them behind your vehicle. This separates your living space from your day-to-day ride, meaning you can leave your home-on-wheels safely at camp while you explore nearby attractions with your truck or SUV.
Why Might Your Pack Love a Travel Trailer?
- Flexibility: Because you can unhitch at your campsite, you have the freedom to explore without moving your entire home around each time.
- Varied Sizes and Layouts: From cozy couples’ trailers to spacious models with bunk beds for the whole pack, there’s a travel trailer to fit practically every lifestyle.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Travel trailers often cost less than motorhomes, both initially and in terms of maintenance, making them a great choice for packs on a budget.
- Tow Vehicle Freedom: Having a separate tow vehicle lets your pack easily drive around town or run errands without lugging your entire home behind you.
Different Types of Travel Trailers
- Lightweight / Teardrop Trailers: Compact, easy to tow, and great for smaller packs or minimalists.
- Mid-Size Travel Trailers: A sweet spot if you want more amenities—think full kitchens, bathrooms, and room for the pups.
- Large Travel Trailers: Ideal for bigger families or packs who crave extra space for work, play, or simply stretching out.
Pros and Cons of Travel Trailers
Pros:
- Lower Upfront Cost: Compared to many motorhomes or fifth wheels.
- Easy Camp Setup: Many travel trailers have leveling systems and slide-outs to quickly create a comfortable living space.
- Separate Transport: Need to do a grocery run or sightseeing? Just hop in your tow vehicle!
- Customizable: There’s a huge range of floor plans—your pack can choose exactly what meets your needs.
Cons:
- Towing Requirements: You’ll need a vehicle with the proper towing capacity, and towing can be intimidating at first.
- Less Living Space Than Fifth Wheels: Large fifth wheels often provide more room, but at the cost of needing a truck-bed hitch.
- Backing Up Takes Practice: Maneuvering a trailer can be tricky, but most packs get the hang of it with time!
- Storage: Depending on the size you choose, you might need to be thoughtful about storing all of your gear.
Why Our Wandering Pack Chose a Travel Trailer
For us, the deciding factor was flexibility. We love the idea of hitching our home to our truck, setting up camp, and then venturing out in the same truck without moving our entire living space. We also prioritize the utility of our truck bed, so opting for a fifth wheel (with its special hitch) wasn’t ideal. Travel trailers felt like the right balance of comfort, affordability, and freedom—a perfect fit for Our Wandering Pack.
Is a Travel Trailer Right for Your Pack?
To figure out if a travel trailer is the best option for your pack, consider:
- Budget: Determine how much you want to spend on both the trailer and tow vehicle.
- Travel Style: Will you stay in one spot for a while, or be on the move? Travel trailers are great for both, but do require confidence in towing.
- Pack Size: Think about how many people (and pets) will be living or traveling with you.
- Tow Capacity: Ensure your vehicle is up for the job or be prepared to invest in a suitable tow vehicle.
Conclusion
Travel trailers are an excellent way for your pack to combine the comforts of home with the thrill of the open road. From compact teardrops to spacious family rigs, there’s a travel trailer out there to match virtually any lifestyle or budget. If you’re dreaming of a home on wheels that lets you set your own pace and explore new places, a travel trailer might be exactly what your pack needs.
Have questions about travel trailers or want to share your experience? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from your pack!
-Maddy&Jess
Our Wandering Pack 
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