In general, travel trailers share these pros and cons:

• PRO
  • can detach tow vehicle (TV) from the travel trailer (TT) after parking. This simplifies running errands or having either the TV or TT serviced.
  • generally the least expensive platform of any retail RV by square footage
  • can get around tighter turns because the TV/TT/ combination articulates in the middle
• CON
  • need a tow vehicle of sufficient specification
  • need towing skills

Pop-up trailers are so named because the top pops up off the bottom structure. The walls are made of canvas or other material with screens sewn in for ventilation. When closed up they are only a few feet tall.

• PRO
  • least expensive retail RV
  • lightweight, can be towed by a wide range of vehicles
  • very low profile while towing in the “down” configuration, minimal effect on MPG
  • abundant on the used market as people upgrade to larger RVs
• CON
  • canvas and net sides do not stand up to heavy weather well
  • will mold if put up wet
  • minimal amenities

This trailer is called an a-frame because it looks like the letter A when set up.

From the base down it is similar to a pop-up. The upper part is interlocked hard-sided (fiberglass) panels.

• PRO
  • able to withstand heavier weather than a pop-up
  • can be erected quickly by one person (less than a minute with practice)
  • fiberglass panels will last longer than pop-up canvas sides
  • generally more amenities
  • surprisingly generous headroom
• CON
  • rarer on the used market
  • heavier than pop-ups
  • more expensive than pop-ups

Enclosed cargo trailers can be converted into main or auxilliary living spaces. One common setup is a converted cargo van pulling a converted cargo trailer.

• PRO
  • can be taken on longer trips or left behind on shorter ones
  • can usually carry heavier loads safer than an RV can
  • available in many configurations
  • blank slate with straight sides for the build
• CON
  • can be more expensive than one might expect, even on the used market

Teardrop trailers are a traditional American trailer style intended to tuck behind a passenger car. In recent years the trend has been toward mini- and micro-teardrops. [Perhaps this is due to passenger cars getting lower rooflines for fuel economy – Frater Secessus]

Traditionally any cooking area is kept in a pop-out hatch at the back.

• PRO
  • tradition and looks
  • low height for towing
• CON
  • usually very small interiors
  • can be expensive

These trailers are the least expensive trailer by the square foot, and the most common.

• PRO
  • best “bang for the buck” on space and amenties
  • many different floorplans and styles available
  • some have slides
• CON
  • built to a competitive price point; build quality is uneven at best