Am looking to finally get into the RV world. My goal is to do light camping while traveling with my dirt bikes to races and other off-road events.Some background...my budget is around $10k and I don't want anything larger than 23ft. I don't want anything older than 3 years (2013). I'd like to bring my family (3 of us) and on other occasions friends (3-4)for weekend trips to off-road destinations. I don't want anything larger than 23ft due to storage space.Doing this search on various RV sites gives me many good options from slightly used and even new from $9k-12k. Of course I want the best bang for the buck and want as much space as I can afford, so the small 15ft trailers are out. Also, I don't want a Toy Hauler as they just don't have the living space I would desire for my family (so bikes will go in the truck bed).With all this said, it seems to come down to 2 options. A small travel trailer with a queen and 2 bunk beds OR a Hybrid with 2 fold out tents and a dinette conversion. Either choice gives me the 3-4 sleeping arrangement I desire, BUT I lean toward the Hybrid simply because the sleeping space provides more room. I can't see 2-3 grown men being very comfortable in a bunk house configuration, and you get more floor space with the Hybrid. Going to the travel trailer section everyone says travel trailer, going to the Hybrid section everyone says Hybrid. Looking for sound unbiased advice.

I don't understand hybrids. if I wanted to deal with canvas I would have a popup for max space, easy towing, low weight, low wind resistance ect. with 3 men, a 23ft trailer and that many toys in the bed pay attention to payload on the tow vehicle. don't know what you are pulling with but it will likely limit you.

If you're going to put adults in bunks, measure the bunks carefully.You can also bring a tent for your adult guests. They might even appreciate space of their own. Even you child, depending on age, would enjoy the tent.

I was at an RV show last year and my wife and I stepped into a hybrid, the 1st thing that caught my attention was how clearly I could hear everything outside (people talking, crows in a nearby trees, cars pulling in, etc.). One reason we decided to move away from tents was the desire for peace and quiet at night, I realized right then that a hybrid wan't going to give me that. May sound silly but I'm a light sleeper and I hate sleeping with ear plugs in :D Love my TT, very quiet inside even when my neighbors aren't obeying the 'quiet time'.

The hybrid's popularity is more sleeping space in a smaller, lighter trailer, AND more similar to traditional tent camping (i.e., the canvas, the sounds, etc.)The hard-sided trailer's popularity is a greater "sense" of security (the hard walls make you feel more protected than canvas - although they aren't difficult to break into), minimal to no setup time required, more protection against outside elements (sounds, chance of leaks during rain, etc.).Which one works best is a personal choice. With that, if your family has tent camped and enjoyed it, I would lean towards the hybrid. It allows you to have more sleeping space for the buddy camping. If your family doesn't like tent camping (or has never done it), I would lean towards the hard-sided trailer and tell your buddies they can make the bunks work OR bring a tent or two. Make the choice based on your family's needs first - buddies can make do or get their own trailer, but an unhappy family (especially while catering to buddies) will make you miserable.Another thing to consider is the set-up requirements. If you're going to be using this to sight-see, then the hybrid can become a pain having to setup each night and then take down the next morning before you can move on. If you're going to be camping and staying in one spot for a weekend or longer, then the setup requirements on the hybrid become less of an issue.

I am thinking the extra sleeping space is worth the set-up break down time. Family never camped before (ever). So they won't know the difference between enclosed or tent. I am thinking if you never been spoiled with enclosed, you may not know the difference.Also, not going to ask buddies to come and then tell them to bring their own tent...not going to happen. We are all older (40+) and no one wants to deal with tenting on the ground.It seems most bunks are 72-74". This is just enough for someone under 6ft, but more than 6' and they are hosed. If I am going to invite adult friends, I want them to be comfortable as possible. Seems bunks are geared to kids.

Hybrid with pop outs vs. Travel Trailer with bunks?

24 Replies

toedtoes
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2016
The hybrid's popularity is more sleeping space in a smaller, lighter trailer, AND more similar to traditional tent camping (i.e., the canvas, the sounds, etc.)

The hard-sided trailer's popularity is a greater "sense" of security (the hard walls make you feel more protected than canvas - although they aren't difficult to break into), minimal to no setup time required, more protection against outside elements (sounds, chance of leaks during rain, etc.).

Which one works best is a personal choice. With that, if your family has tent camped and enjoyed it, I would lean towards the hybrid. It allows you to have more sleeping space for the buddy camping.

If your family doesn't like tent camping (or has never done it), I would lean towards the hard-sided trailer and tell your buddies they can make the bunks work OR bring a tent or two.

Make the choice based on your family's needs first - buddies can make do or get their own trailer, but an unhappy family (especially while catering to buddies) will make you miserable.

Another thing to consider is the set-up requirements. If you're going to be using this to sight-see, then the hybrid can become a pain having to setup each night and then take down the next morning before you can move on. If you're going to be camping and staying in one spot for a weekend or longer, then the setup requirements on the hybrid become less of an issue.
hbrady
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
I was at an RV show last year and my wife and I stepped into a hybrid, the 1st thing that caught my attention was how clearly I could hear everything outside (people talking, crows in a nearby trees, cars pulling in, etc.). One reason we decided to move away from tents was the desire for peace and quiet at night, I realized right then that a hybrid wan't going to give me that. May sound silly but I'm a light sleeper and I hate sleeping with ear plugs in :D Love my TT, very quiet inside even when my neighbors aren't obeying the 'quiet time'.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2016
If you're going to put adults in bunks, measure the bunks carefully.

You can also bring a tent for your adult guests. They might even appreciate space of their own. Even you child, depending on age, would enjoy the tent.
Jebby14
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
I don't understand hybrids. if I wanted to deal with canvas I would have a popup for max space, easy towing, low weight, low wind resistance ect. with 3 men, a 23ft trailer and that many toys in the bed pay attention to payload on the tow vehicle. don't know what you are pulling with but it will likely limit you.

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Hybrid with pop outs vs. Travel Trailer with bunks?

24 Replies

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