When planning the best travel trailer floor plans, there are a lot of factors involved. With the limited amount of space, designers figure out a way to incorporate a slew of amenities.
When you shop for a travel trailer or motor home, the interior design is what makes the sale. You want the world at your fingertips, but you don’t want to feel cramped.
Great travel trailer floor plans will consider ease of use for appliances, convertible areas, storage, and many other factors.
If you venture out to a camper show, you might be amazed at the efficient use of space. While some trailers have little more than sleeping space and outdoor space for cooking, others are like homes on wheels.
Some travel trailer floor plans include laundry facilities, full bathrooms with huge showers, bedrooms, and satellite TV. With added pull-out sections, these spaces can be quite roomy, comfortable, and luxurious.
AMENITIES THAT ALL TRAVEL TRAILER FLOOR PLANS INCLUDE
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The first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a new RV or travel trailer is what amenities it already has.
The basics included in all new recreational vehicles:
- Sleeping areas
- Dining table (convertible to a sleeping space)
- Small cooking area
- Storage compartments
- Cabinets and drawers
- Interior lighting
Some new RVs also include many extras in their floor plans:
- Refrigerator
- Bathroom
- Air conditioning and heater
- A TV and sound system
- Outside storage compartments
Those are the basics. Years ago you got a shell with a few beds, some internal storage compartments, and a fold-down table that could be an extra sleeping area.
The largest difference between an “RV” and a “travel trailer” is that an RV generally has a motor, while a travel trailer is towed behind a vehicle. The terms are often used interchangeably. We are discussing tow-behind trailers, but many of these features are available in both types.
Things have changed a lot.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER FLOOR ElasticComputeFarmPLANS
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When you begin shopping, the plethora of travel trailer floor plans available can be overwhelming. Whether looking at purchasing a new or used RV, there is a lot to consider before making this major purchase.
The simple way to test-drive any trailer is to find and rent a model similar to what you think you need. While you are camping, keep track of which amenities you use and which ones you ignore. Think about what is missing.
Some great online sources for trailer and RV rentals:
- Outdoorsy
- RV Share
- Go RVing
Make a list of the things in your rental that you used and liked a lot. These are your deal-breakers. If they aren’t in the trailer you’re looking to buy, no deal.
Make a list of the things you ignored. You obviously won’t die without these amenities, so if they are there, great and if they aren’t, no problem.
The third list you need will be the things you wished had been included in the rental. Generator? Toilet? Shower? Microwave? Solar powered electricity? DVD player? These are the things that you didn’t die without, but think it would be nice to have.
The last thing to think about is the overall design, size, and shape that you want. If you are shopping for a pull-behind trailer, your vehicle has to be able to haul it comfortably.
Since most people can’t afford both a new camper and a new vehicle, the camper you select should “fit” the vehicle you already own.
WITHOUT SLIDE-OUTS
The basic box-type trailer has four walls, a roof, and a floor. The windows open, and it probably has a skylight. Depending on the size, it will have one or two doors on the side. It may or may not have an awning.
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Truck with a tow-behind no-frills travel trailer.
These are the “What you see is what you get” flowers of the trailer world. But, you will be amazed at how much liveability the designers can pack into a small space.
The smallest of this style trailer is known as a teardrop trailer, Although barely large enough to house a full-size bed meant for two, these are amazing.
The incorporation of effective space management allows for storage, shelf space, and often an outdoor cooking area accessed by lifting a hatch in the back of the trailer. Some even have a convertible table for inside dining.
If you are a handy-sort, there are even Do-It-Yourself plans available for many different versions of teardrop campers.
Image source: pixabay
Teardrop trailer with cooking space.But if you need more space, there are still a lot of options available.More extensive travel trailer floor plans include sleeping space for as many as 8 to 10 people, and amenities too numerous to list.They often have built-in TVs, stereo sound systems, and several even include DVD players — all ready to while away rainy evenings at the campground.Larger travel trailer floor plans often include separate bedrooms, full bathrooms with showers, closets, and 3/4-size refrigerators. They have cabinets, drawers, and a full tiny kitchen, often with an oven.But they can still feel somewhat cramped on long trips with a large family.So, if you need more space in your travel trailer or RV, check out the next section.
WITH SLIDE-OUTS
In 1990, an ingenious inventor named Mahlon Miller added a neat feature to travel trailer floor plans.
Slide-outs.
What are slide-outs? Portions of a trailer designed to extend beyond the side walls to increase the internal floor space. They are electronically or hydraulically controlled.
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A 5th wheel travel trailer with several slide-outs In some RVs and travel trailers, as many as four slide-outs can offer a luxurious amount of space. These extend the normally cramped space out several feet, adding more open areas, additional seating, and room for that gargantuan shower.Some units have optional outdoor additions that stay protected under an included awning area.If slide-outs aren’t your style and you have a smaller towing vehicle, there is still a lot of luxury to be found. Pop-up campers and combination trailers with pop-up features offer many of the same perks without the higher cost.
POP-UP-STYLE CAMPERS AND COMBINATION TRAILERS
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Pop-up campers may be the least expensive offering within the travel trailer industry, but they are great if your family is on a tight budget. They offer plenty of amenities and features to make camping accessible, fun, and easy.
A pop-up has a hard-sided base, with beds that slide out at each end. The beds have waterproof material to form the top and sides of these extra compartments.
When folded, a pop-up looks like a small, rectangular box.
Image source: pixabay
A pop-up camper, closed and ready for travelWhen open, it can be a roomy space with a dining area, sleeping accommodations for four to eight people, a small refrigerator, and stove. Some even have a toilet and a small shower.
Image source: pixabay
Pop-up travel trailer open, ready to be your home-away-from-homeBecause of their smaller size, they also carry a much lower price tag.A pop-up camper can usually be towed by a large sedan, station wagon, small- and mid-sized pick-up trucks, and almost all SUVs. That takes away another worry about purchasing a travel trailer.
Image source: pixabay
Teardrop-style combination trailer with a pop-up roof to add headspace if you’re concerned about interior space, don’t be. Some pop-up campers employ the use of slide-outs just like their bigger counterparts.Many manufacturers have several floor plan options available, and perks that can be custom fit into your trailer.So if you have a tight budget, but want to travel, camp, and enjoy nature without the hefty price tag, check out pop-up travel trailer floor plans as a good option.
ADDED FEATURES THAT MAKE CAMPING BETTER
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Now that we have covered all the basic amenities available and the general sizing of travel trailers, let’s talk about the coolest things.
In addition to the necessities, some travel trailer floor plans include things like full-sized refrigerators with French doors. Another neat feature is flip-up dining room chairs that allow additional storage space.
Bedroom window seats offer a great place to curl up with a good book or add a sleeping space for an overnight guest.
Your kids will love the rock climbing ladder in the bunkroom on this design.
When you begin shopping, you might see walk-in closets, smart RV systems you can control with your phone, and pull-out pantry units. The list goes on and on.
We could not possibly list all the cool things that designers have managed to include in trailers. They have taken a small space and incorporated all the luxuries of a 5-star hotel suite.
P.S. The movie theater seats are heated massage chairs with built-in cupholders!
DECIDING WHAT YOU NEED IN YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER FLOOR PLANS
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What it all boils down to is what you need and want for your family. Some people are happy in a simple tent. Others wish to have all the perks and quirks of their civilized city lives out in the woods with them.
Whatever your heart desires, you are sure to find several travel trailer floor plans that will fit the bill. Even if that’s a retro look with a lot of DIY renovations.
A couple of parting tips. Remember to take those lists you made earlier when you shop. Determine your budget before the salesman grabs hold of you. Go home and think about it for 24 hours before you sign anything.
If you’re like me, you will also have a list of questions regarding gross vehicle weights, maximum load capacities, available warranty plans, and much more. Salesmen don’t really like me much.
Outdoorsy has compiled the most comprehensive guide of RV and travel trailer manufacturers on the internet. Check out some of their websites, read reviews, visit online RV forums and talk to current owners. Due diligence before you buy can save headaches after you spend your money.
We hope you enjoyed our discussion of travel trailer floor plans. Please visit some of the provided links and check out the drafter’s versions. They show many options and variations of the simple descriptions we have offered.
Please comment and tell us about your travel trailer. Tell us your funniest camping misadventure. Or just say hello.