A camp trailer and a travel trailer differ from each other in one way or the other. For those unfamiliar with the camping or travel trailer scene, knowing the difference between a camper vs. travel trailer will assist you in determining the most suitable type of trailer for you. Regardless of how minute the distinctions between the two categories of trailers are, some differences should be taken note of.

Before discussing the more specific differences between the various types of trailers, let’s establish a proper definition of what constitutes a trailer. The conventional wisdom is that trailers don’t have an engine and aren’t self-propelled (meaning they’re in the “trail” of a tow vehicle). This sets them apart from motorhomes and RVs, which have their engines and can be driven. However, trailers are much more flexible and cost-effective, which has led to a boom in popularity.

If you look at the trailer category, there are two main terms you’ll notice: Camping trailers (campers) and travel trailers. 

What Is Camp Trailer?

A camper trailer is a trailer designed to be towed by a vehicle for camping. Camper trailers in general are smaller than travel trailers so they have the potential to be much more compact and lightweight. A lot of camper trailers can be taken off-road, perfect for people that want to venture out to explore more remote locations. These go from the popup tent trailers all the way to more rugged bare-bones versions of trailers more reminiscent of something built for survival.

Campers have features like sleeping, kitchens and bathrooms, but they are more basic as compared to travel trailer.

Unlike a travel trailer, some camper trailers include an onboard generator for electricity. This is useful when they operate off-grid. Some other camper trailers have no hookups for electricity whatsoever and simply hold the basics.

What Is Travel Trailers?

Travel trailers, on the other hand, are built for comfort and, in many cases, luxury. However many need outside connections for amenities such as water and electricity since they are designed to be used at established campgrounds that provide those services. They are usually larger, with more amenities that accommodate someone who would be living inside of the trailer for more extended periods. This is in opposition to campers, where you spend a lot of time outside and the trailer is strictly for sleeping and eating, not most of your time.

However, some call camping and travel trailers are the gray area in between. Generally, a travel trailer aims to replicate a living space that is more similar to what you likely have back at home. Unlike being with nature, the travel trailer provides modern living within a travel state.

Finally, cost and maintenance are also important factors to consider, as travel trailers may be more expensive and require more upkeep than camper trailers.

Camper vs Travel Trailer — Features Differences

Camping Trailers: Smaller and lighter than the average travel trailer, campers also usually have a more rugged build for camping terrain and adventures (Overlanding). These trailers are designed for the reality that many people camping with them will have no access to civilization (or at least how they know it) while on the road. As a result, most camping trailers are designed by engineers with solutions for electricity, water, and storage for multi-day hangs. Simply put, camping trailers offer the basics, often with a touch of elegance, but they do not pamper campers with luxury.

Travel Trailers: Travel trailers don’t boast durability or efficiency, but rather convenience. They typically need an RV hookup and are bigger than a camping trailer. All of this, of course, tends to translate into a more powerful system, more storage, and bigger bedrooms. Many also have fully stocked kitchens, living spaces, and bathrooms. That extra space and comfort does come with a higher price, though.

Not just camper vs. travel trailer get confused with similar vehicles. With so many slight variations and different names, it can be challenging to keep everything straight, so we’ve summarized a few of the most common comparisons below:

RV vs. Trailer

The difference between a trailer and  RV is that RVs have engine, while trailers don’t have, so trailers are better suited for those who have a truck, SUV, or other vehicles to pull it with. RVs are better fit for those who want an all in one solution for road trip adventures.   

Destination Trailer vs. Travel Trailer

Destination trailers need a towing vehicle that is heavy-duty like ton trucks to tow them because of their size and weight, which causes them to remain stationary for a long time once parked. Travel trailers are lighter and easier to tow, making them ideal for frequent moves.

5th Wheel vs. Travel Trailer

5th wheels are usually the same size or larger than travel trailers (larger than campers and other small trailers), though the main difference between these two is how they connect to the tow vehicle. Travel trailers attach using a bumper-level hitch and 5th wheels attach using a hitch in your truck bed. This means that 5th wheels are limited, just like the previous point I made about the fact that they can only be towed by a pickup truck and not any other vehicle, and most other trailer categories have that option.

Pop-up vs. Travel Trailer

At the opposite end of the scale from these larger trailers and RVs are pop-up campers, which are usually the smallest class of trailers. They are collapsible and “pop up” for storage and use. This means they can be towed by a larger variety of vehicles, but also have compact storage and living space (unless you own a hybrid pop-up camper like our Mantis and Cricket habitats).

Toy Hauler vs. Travel Trailer

As the name suggests, the main function of a toy hauler is to store and transport toys like motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, etc. While some have space to live and amenities like a small kitchen, this is secondary to the purpose of storage. This is what separates them from travel trailers and campers — they can vary greatly in terms of shapes and sizes.

CONCLUSION

The final choice between camping and traveling with a trailer is determined by your personal preferences and priorities. If you crave adventure, connection with nature, and the thrill of the unknown, camping might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value comfort, convenience, and flexibility in your travels, a travel trailer could be the perfect companion for your adventures. Whichever option you choose, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Happy camping or trailer travels!