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Travel trailers
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
pop-up
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
A-frame
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
cargo trailers
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
teardrop
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
bumper pull
5th wheel