An overview of the expandable travel trailer and recommendations for buying one.
When you think you know all about the distinct types of styles and types of RVs, a modern style pops up that you weren’t even aware existed. Let’s envision this scenario: you have a family of four and are considering your RV options. You appreciate the simplicity, cost, and compactness provided by a pop-up camper, but the available room won’t suffice for your needs. On the other hand, you desire the practicality and space offered by a travel trailer, yet they are too cumbersome on the road.
How can you achieve the compactness of a pop-up while enjoying the space and amenities of a nice travel trailer? You can consider expandable travel trailers. In this article, we’ll explore expandable travel trailers, including their pros and cons, helping you to decide if this type of trailer is right for you.
1. What You Need to Know About Expandable Travel Trailers
The expandable travel trailer is a hybrid between a pop-up camper and a traditional travel trailer. The trailer appears like a travel trailer while on the road, but when you arrive at the campsite, you expand areas to provide more room. Often, this additional space comes in expanded sleeping quarters at the front and back portions of the trailer. In more customized models, you can find extra space in areas like the living room and dining room.
You can think of this room like slide-outs found in some motorhomes and coaches. The expandable travel trailer remains compact on the road but expands to accommodate more once you reach your destination. This makes it significantly easier to tow while providing all the space you need upon arrival.
Pro Tip: Expandable travel trailers were originally designed as a type of mobile home that could be more easily transportable, making them a versatile choice for many travelers.
2. Advantages of Expandable Travel Trailers
The advantages of the expandable travel trailer mirror those found in traditional travel trailers and motorhomes. Here are some pros of investing in this type of trailer:
Compactness
Pop-up campers are well-regarded for their compact size and low weight. While most expandable travel trailers cannot collapse to the size of a pop-up, they save space through their ability to collapse and expand. This results in a much smaller footprint on the road during your travels.
Customization
An expandable travel trailer can be customized more than many types of RVs available on the market due to the additional space. This allows for a bigger kitchen, a larger bathroom, and more sleeping area.
Amenities
Many potential buyers may hesitate with pop-up campers because they typically lack features. This stems from the collapsibility of pop-ups; if it cannot compact, then it cannot function as a pop-up camper. Most expandable travel trailers are built like travel trailer bodies with expandable sleeping quarters, while still providing lavish amenities in the main living areas.
3. Disadvantages of Expandable Travel Trailers
As with any product, expandable travel trailers have their drawbacks. Let’s explore some of these cons:
Comfort
While expandable travel trailers offer significant advantages, the sleeping quarters can be less than luxurious. Like pop-up camper beds, the comfort can be lacking. The expandable sleeping compartments may feel cramped, made from vinyl, and may not provide substantial protection from the outside elements.
Longevity
The expandable sections face similar challenges as pop-up campers, such as leaks, tears, mold, and mildew, meaning they will require more upkeep compared to a traditional travel trailer.
Maintenance
Speaking of upkeep, expandable travel trailers generally demand more maintenance than most RV types because of their size and customization options. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure everything remains in working order.
Price
Expandable travel trailers can be more costly than other types of trailers available on the market, such as fifth-wheel RVs or traditional travel trailers. The unique nature of this trailer type often results in higher costs for construction, customization, and ongoing maintenance.
4. What to Expect from an Expandable Travel Trailer
If you’re still undecided about whether an expandable trailer is right for you, let’s review some unique features that set expandable trailers apart from other RV options:
- Expansion: Expansion is the defining feature of expandable trailers. Like pop-ups, these trailers provide extra room once parked. The type and extent of expansion can vary across models.
- Small to Medium-Sized: Focused on compactness, expandable trailers are typically not large. Most models sleep between two to eight people, making them suitable for average-sized families.
- Variety: There are numerous styles and types of expandable trailers, allowing you to find one that meets your specific needs.
- Light: Many expandable trailers are lightweight, eliminating the need for a full-sized pickup truck to tow them.
- Great Amenities for Size: Most expandable trailers contain tucked-away sleeping compartments, enabling the rest of the trailer to be dedicated to amenities such as ovens, ranges, stand-up showers, couches, and more.
- Zip-Out Sleeping: The expandable section typically contains the sleeping areas. While not always the most comfortable, it is possible to upgrade your sleeping arrangement for a more pleasant experience.
5. 3 Great Expandable Travel Trailers You Should Consider
Now that you understand more about what to expect from expandable trailers, let’s take a closer look at three excellent options currently available at local RV dealers.
Livin’ Lite Quicksilver
Livin’ Lite is a well-regarded manufacturer of lightweight towables, and its Quicksilver stands out as a hybrid between a pop-up camper and a full-scale travel trailer. The trailer unfolds to provide bunks, a sink, and a dinette. Although the Quicksilver lacks many bells and whistles, it is built for individuals who require it primarily for meals and sleeping.
The Quicksilver is highly versatile, allowing it to be towed by standard-sized cars. Quick setup and high-quality materials make this an excellent choice for those looking to transition from camping in a tent to a larger RV.
Rockwood Roo
The Roo is a leading option in the expandable trailer market known for its competitive price, quality, and amenities. The expandable portion features pop-out aft and rear bunks, providing sleeping quarters for up to four people – or six if you’re feeling social.
Despite its compact size, the Roo is loaded with standout amenities, including a double sink, oven, range, spacious sofa, booth-style dining setup, and an HD TV. With the zip-away bunks not occupying any floor space, the body of the trailer is entirely focused on the living area, making the Roo an excellent all-around towable option and an exemplary model of an expandable trailer.
SolAire eXpandable
SolAire produces some of the most luxurious mass-produced travel trailers today. The eXpandable offers an impressive amount of space and luxury, all built onto an aluminum-framed superstructure. Adequate models and floor plans allow for a fit with various RVing styles, while the largest eXpandable still maintains a weight of under 6,000 pounds GWR.
Despite its compact size, you won’t be lacking on amenities. Expect ovens, ranges, custom cabinetry, and ample room to move around, all integrated into this uniquely designed trailer. For one of the top expandables available, the SolAire is certainly a strong contender.
In summary, expandable travel trailers present an excellent solution for those torn between pop-ups and traditional travel trailers. The hybrid nature of these two RV types offers versatility and a balance of size and comfort. Although many may not travel extensively with this type of RV, it’s an ideal choice for those eager to discover a new destination to call home.
