Making an RV choice: A travel trailer may be right for you

A travel trailer offers versatility in towing by truck or van, depending on the size of the trailer. Travel trailers are hitched to the rear bumper using a ball and coupler and they are generally lighter than fifth wheels. Long trailers don't complete turns as smoothly as a fifth wheel travel trailer and towing is less stable, but a load balancing hitch can beef up a tow vehicle's performance. Travel trailers do offer less storage, but they have all the amenities. The ability to use an SUV or van for towing provides more versatility for large families. If your tow vehicle is a truck, you will have free bed space and better fuel mileage than with a fifth wheel. They are also less expensive than fifth wheel travel trailers, and they offer a single level floor plan that is lower to the ground.