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The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2021

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From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures.

Camper trailers help you stay extra cozy and sleep well while vagabonding for a weekend or extensive trip. In the long haul, using a camper trailer on the road can be more cost-effective than staying in a hotel and dining out.

Well-constructed trailers allow us to venture through and settle in closer to nature, away from everyday distractions. Setups with water tanks, battery power, and gas help us go even further off-grid and stay there longer.

After testing a wide variety of camper trailers, our team narrowed down the top 10 designs that suit a wide variety of trip goals and needs. If you have questions about camper trailers, check out the buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article. Otherwise, hop to a category that interests you or scroll through our picks:

The Best Camper Trailers of 2021

Best Overall: Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer

taxa outdoors tigermoth camper trailer
(Photo/Eric Phillips)

Hauling a camper trailer with conventional comforts is a balancing act when the places you adventure to are among the toughest to reach. Fortunately for exploratory travelers, the TigerMoth Overland ($24,950) made by Taxa Outdoors is cozy, functional, and a haul-anywhere trailer without being high-maintenance, heavy, or difficult to maneuver.

One of our favorite features is that the sleep area converts into a dining area, workspace, or group hangout. The swing-up side door creates great airflow when you’re sitting at the kitchen table and expands the space while providing protection from the elements.

We also dig the axleless suspension and 1.5 feet of ground clearance. For families, the ceiling is outfitted for a rooftop tent. Read all the nitty-gritty details in our full review of the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 1,458 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 2,400 lb.
  • Exterior length: 12 ft., 9 in.
  • Exterior height: 7 ft.
  • Exterior width: 6 ft., 7 in.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $24,950
Pros:
  • Convertible, adaptive space
  • A fair amount of storage room
  • Solid, functional window and bug shades
Cons:
  • The bed padding isn’t plush or innately comfortable
  • Lacks an outdoor shower and sink
  • Awning isn’t durable

Check Price at Taxa Outdoors

Best Runner-Up: Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS

Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS
(Photo/Winnebago)

This Micro Minnie model ($29,977) is a luxurious choice for family or group trips to haul behind an SUV or half-ton truck. The layout includes an easy-to-use Murphy bed with a regular queen-size mattress and windows for cross-ventilation.

Beneath, the pass-through storage has an insulated door, which is clutch with the bed directly above. The dinette has a push-down table that converts into another bed.

The kitchen is complete with a microwave, refrigerator, and three-burner cooktop. The deep barn sink can be capped off with a cutting board that sits flush with the counter. Another flip-up bunk bed creates additional storage for bulky equipment like bikes. And the bathroom features tons of storage space for linens and headroom in the shower.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 4,500 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 7,000 lb.
  • Exterior length: 25 ft., 5 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in. (with A/C)
  • Exterior width: 7 ft.
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Price: $29,977 (well below the MSRP of $40,971)
Pros:
  • 44 cu. ft. of exterior storage
  • Power awning with LED lights to easily enjoy outdoor space
  • 15-inch lift and off-road tires
  • LED exterior lights
  • Only 7 ft. wide
Cons:
  • Lightweight but still heavier to haul compared to ultralight trailers for smaller groups
  • Pricier

Check Price at Travel Camp

Best Budget: Colorado Teardrops Canyonland

colorado teardrops canyonland
(Photo/Nick Legan)

The Colorado Teardrops Canyonland trailer ($14,800) is a popular choice among crossover and SUV drivers. The cabin and galley are built with maple wood, which creates a warm light, and the bottom of the trailer is protected by a steel powder-coated plate. This queen-size bed platform converts into a table and bench, which is a nice option for road trips that exceed a week.

The streamlined under-floor storage is a great spot for bedding or other slim items. We tested the teardrop with the overhead skylight and loved the nighttime view of the stars. The electric fan and screened windows offered great air circulation when needed.

From an à la carte menu, you can add more features like solar panels and cargo racks for an extra cost. Check out our full review of the Colorado Teardrops Canyonland trailer.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 1,150 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 2,200 lb.
  • Exterior length: 8.5 ft.
  • Exterior height: 3.8 ft
  • Exterior width: 5 ft.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $14,800
Pros:
  • Welded, aircraft-grade, structural aluminum frames for rigidity and a long lifespan
  • Comparatively low price point
  • Optional skylight window
Cons:
  • Interior cabinetry lacks a way to secure items from moving while in transit
  • Kitchen galley door blocks weather from above but not sideways elements like wind
  • We wish the trailer included blinds for the side windows and skylight

Check Price at Colorado Teardrop Camper

Best for Off-Road Travel: Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper

Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper
(Photo/Vorsheer)

We really appreciate the 1.9-foot ground clearance, off-road tires, articulating hitch, and Timbren axle-free independent suspension of the Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper ($53,696). Just in case you get stuck, there’s a heavy-duty D-ring to drag the trailer out with a winch.

The frame features additional weld strength, including extra gussets that provide torque resistance for extreme off-road travel. The outside compartment has pass-through storage, a utility box, and a power box that includes two batteries, a power transfer case, and a prewired 140-watt solar panel. There’s also a water heater and outdoor shower.

The cook station features a pantry, drawers, two-burner stove, deep sink, and cabinets. There’s also a slideout refrigerator with an optional freezer compartment. A pop-down work table extends from the back of the spare tire, and the bike rack hookup doesn’t interfere with accessing the galley.

Its optional bonus storage holds two extra 5-gallon jerry cans. And the optional rooftop tent can sleep three kiddos or two adults.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 2,600 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 3,600 lb.
  • Exterior length: 15 ft.
  • Exterior height: 7 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7.4 ft.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $53,696
Pros:
  • Birchwood cabinetry
  • Interior LED lights
  • Removable step for entry
  • 180-degree awning that’s wind-resistant
Cons:
  • Lacks interior daytime lounge space
  • Doesn’t have built-in floor space to remove shoes inside
  • Expensive construction

Check Price at Vorsheer

Best of the Rest

Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0

Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 (2)
(Photo/Off Grid Trailers)

This off-road trailer ($29,500) is comfortable, functional, and durable for boondocking in rugged environments. The high-density, queen-size memory foam mattress is welcomed after a long day outdoors.

The exterior storage bins are powder-coated for durability and feature lockable compression latches that block dust. The water tank boasts a 31-gallon capacity. It has 23 cubic feet of interior storage and 13 cubic feet of storage in the rear cabinet.

We appreciate the 55L fridge-freezer that pulls out. The dropdown dual-burner stove and deep sink is a smart, streamlined design. The sink has a cover to convert into a prep counter.

It’s also a luxury to have hot water on demand and an outdoor showerhead to rinse off the grime or B.O. Note: You can opt for upgrades that swap out the standard bed for a convertible bed-to-couch or add a rooftop tent.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 1,700 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 3,500 lb.
  • Exterior length: 13.8 ft.
  • Exterior height: 6.6 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7.4 ft.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $29,500
Pros:
  • Timbren axleless suspension and all-terrain tires are dependable for off-road travel
  • Trailer is built with aluminum and a powder-coated steel frame for durability
  • 23 Zero Peregrine 270 Awning provides 270 degrees of outdoor protection
  • Rooftop storage bin for firewood or other items
  • 1.75 ft. of ground clearance
Cons:
  • Pantry is located on the back while the kitchen is on the side

Check Price at Off Grid Trailers

Black Series HQ19

Black-Series-HQ-19
(Photo/Berne Broudy)

The Black Series HQ19 ($63,995) is one of the only tow-behind trailers we’ve tested that truly can handle off-road adventures, plus there’s a bunch of space for gear. We loved the polyblock hitch, which has 360-degree articulation, and the suspension.

Overall, the build is luxuriously comfortable. It features a queen-size bed and loads of storage for skis, ski boots, bike pump, packs, camp chairs, a battery generator, and more.

Our cross-country travel was cozy thanks to the oven, washing machine, fridge, freezer, outdoor kitchen, dinette, oversized windows, robust solar system, full-size stall shower, and hot water. Check out our full review of the Black Series HQ19.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 6,122 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 10,000 lb.
  • Exterior length: 26 ft.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7.5 ft.
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: $63,995
Pros:
  • Tows smooth on-highway and off-road with excellent suspension
  • Tons of storage space
  • Includes a washing machine
Cons:
  • Lacks USB plugs inside
  • Fridge is propane or plug-in only versus solar- or battery-powered

Check Price at Happy Camper Trailers

Forest River Explore R-Pod RP-193

Forest River Explore R-Pod RP-193

The travel trailer ($37,433) is a great match for family trips. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa plus two twin bunk beds. Another sofa provides seating for five.

The indoor kitchen features a large pantry, two-burner stove, and deep sink with a cover. There’s an outdoor griddle, too, to help keep odors outside. Altogether, the trailer has a good layout for getting good shuteye, recovering from a day outside, or hunkering down from harsh weather.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 3,654 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): Unavailable
  • Exterior length: 22 ft., 11 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 10 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Price: $37,433
Pros:
  • Plenty of space for perishables in the 6 cu. ft. refrigerator
  • A 10-foot awning provides nice sun and rain protection
Cons:
  • Storage cubbies in the bathroom are a bit tight

Check Price at Forest River

Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer

Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer
(Photo/Timberleaf)

To reach remote trailheads with this Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer ($25,900), we’re drawn to the offroad package with the Timbren Axleless suspension and 4-inch lift for a 1.5-foot clearance. The setup also boasts all-terrain tires, an articulating hitch, and jeep-style fenders with corner steps.

Considering aesthetics, the design is top-notch. It features fine woodworking throughout the exterior kitchen galley and the interior storage cubbies around the queen-size bed. This is a great choice for single travelers or couples.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 1,500 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 3,500 lb.
  • Exterior length: 14 ft.
  • Exterior height: 6 ft.
  • Exterior width: 83-85 in.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $25,900
Pros:
  • Large skylight in cabin
  • Well-crafted kitchen cabinets with various storage options
  • Seven 12-volt LED lights total
Cons:
  • Condensation builds inside the trailer overnight (so we keep rags handy)
  • No floor indoor space for the dog’s bed
  • Not much cargo space for gear

Check Price at Timberleaf Trailers

nüCamp RV Tab S Teardrop Camper

nuCamp RV Tab S Teardrop Camper
(Photo/nüCamp)

This classic teardrop design is suitable for weekend adventures or longer road trips. The nüCamp RV Tab S Teardrop camper ($23,998) features a galley kitchen, wet bath, and dinette that converts into a comfortable sleep space that can be split or full.

From the windows to the appliances and cabinetry, this camper is well-built and super easy to tow behind a compact-crossover, medium-sized SUV, or pickup truck. We also appreciated the off-road tires and easy-to-clean floor.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 1,946 lb.
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 2,900 lb.
  • Exterior length: 15 ft., 3 in.
  • Exterior height: 7 ft., 8 in.
  • Exterior width: 6 ft., 8 in.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: $23,998
Pros:
  • Optional hot water system and central A/C
  • 2-burner glass-top stove
  • Storage doors stay closed while on the go
Cons:
  • Wet bath is a little tight
  • Not ideal for taller folks above 5”10’

Check Price at nüCamp

Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB

Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
(Photo/Airstream Basecamp)

After testing this trailer on a turkey hunting trip, we found it was a great size for two friends or partners on a road trip. The Flying Cloud ($85,300) features an indoor shower, bathroom, kitchen, and dining table. Every component on this Airstream felt sturdy from the door latches to the light switches.

The digital thermostat and furnace were super responsive, and the stereo was solid. The build also managed temperature swings, keeping us cool in the day’s heat and warm at night. Read our full review of the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB.

Specs:
  • Dry weight: 4,806 lb. (with gas and batteries)
  • Max capacity (GVWR): 6,000 lb.
  • Exterior length: 23 ft., 9 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 9 in. (with A/C)
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: $85,300
Pros:
  • Queen-size bed with a pillow-top memory foam mattress
  • Optional rooftop solar package
  • Heavy-duty deadbolt on front door
  • Microwave in kitchen
Cons:
  • Windows can be challenging to open
  • Space feels a bit tight with three adults

Check Price at Airstream

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Camper Trailer

Weight

The dry weight of the camper trailers listed in our guide range from 1,458 to 6,122 pounds. That weight typically excludes water, gas, batteries, or additional accessories like rooftop tents and racks. Pay attention to the dry weight of the camper so you can determine if the build is within the payload of your vehicle.

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight the trailer can safely weigh. The GVWR includes the dry weight, also known as the curb weight, plus the weight of people, accessories, supplies, and tongue.

The GVWR of these trailer picks ranges from 2,200 to 10,000 pounds. You’ll need the GVWR so that you can calculate how much equipment you can safely haul in the trailer on the road, as well as how many people can sleep inside of the cabin or on the roof.

Clearance & Tires

If you plan on driving through rugged terrain that would require 4WD, you should invest in a trailer with generous ground clearance and off-road tires, as well as an articulating hitch to prevent toppling over on uneven terrain. Sturdier tires can also provide better traction on slick roads with snow or rain.

The ground clearance of the off-road models on our list range from 1.5 to 1.9 feet on the Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer, Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper, Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0, and Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Overland.

When we take a close look at tires, the TigerMoth Overland is outfitted with the 225/75R16 (Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 LT), offering a tread guard against rocks and gravel, extreme durability, and solid grip on wet roads or trails. By comparison, the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB has Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires, which are great for towing stability and a high load capacity, but are not ideal for rough terrain.

Sleep Space

At a minimum, our favorite compact travel trailers offer space for two people to sleep. A portion of these designs include cabins with a nonconvertible queen-size bed. Other trailer designs have options for a couch-to-bed conversion, like the TigerMoth Overland or Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0, or a structure that supports a rooftop tent.

The larger travel trailers on our list feature a range of comfortable overnight options. The designs range from daytime couches and fold-down Murphy beds, bunk beds, and dinettes that transform into a bed. If you’re a taller or wider person, pay attention to the specific bed size.

For instance, the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS has a full queen-size mattress, whereas some trailers will have a narrower queen-size mattress. The Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS also has a bunk bed that can fold up to more space is available for storage when the bed isn’t needed.

Also, not all mattresses are created equal. The pad in the TigerMoth Overland is firm with no cushion or give. However, the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 features a high-density memory foam mattress, and the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB has a pillow-top memory foam mattress.

Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer - bed size
(Photo/Taxa Outdoors)

Lounge

A handful of the tidiest travel trailers have indoor space that’s solely dedicated to a queen-size bed and cubbies. Other tight trailers have beds that convert into a daytime couch or even have a table that can be easily installed. We like that even when the couch is pulled down into a bed in the TigerMoth Overland, there’s still a space to pull our shoes on and off.

Many trailers include an awning, which becomes a gem of an addition when you consider how much more space everyone will have to lounge out of the sun and rain at camp each morning and evening. Larger travel trailers typically have indoor sofas and dining tables that often convert into a bed.

Kitchen

Pricier, larger travel travels have indoor kitchens with a range of features. Inside, you’ll often find a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, oven, sink, two- or three-burner stove, cabinets, countertop space, and dining table.

More compact, less expensive travel trailers have outdoor kitchens, and there’s a variety of unique designs. A galley organizes the kitchen area on the back of the rig, like on the Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer. Other designs have pull-out drawers or fold-down units with the pantry, stove, sink, or countertop like the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 or Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer.

Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 - kitchen
(Photo/Off Grid Trailers)

Bathroom

The spacious travel trailers on our list have indoor bathrooms with a toilet and standup shower. Tinier travel trailers don’t have an indoor bathroom, but a handful have an outdoor shower head with warm water hookup like the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 and Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper.

If your camper trailer doesn’t have an indoor bathroom and you’re posted up in a remote place, be sure to research that location’s human waste and leave no trace requirements — whether that means digging a cathole or using a WAG bag.

Interior Storage

Interior storage space is great to organize apparel, cosmetics, electronics, and other comforts. Inside, travel trailers often feature storage space like shelves and cubbies, but not all offer a latch system to hold items in place while driving around.

There can also be storage space beneath the mattress. The Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer had an aluminum interior frame, which extended onto the doors, with numerous holes to clip carabiners, hang dish towels, or slide in hangers to dry gear like our dense wetsuits.

Larger travel trailers usually have ample storage space including cubbies beneath sofas, cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen, and even hanging closets.

Exterior Storage

Outside, tidy travel trailers can also have a toolbox, tongue box, or racks for storing gear and equipment. Large travel trailers also often have storage accessed outdoors including a pass-through storage space.

Doors & Windows

We really appreciate it when the doors and windows are built to last in a travel trailer. One of the most unique door configurations is on the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer. There’s a back door that swings open and a second door that opens upward like the gullwing doors on the DMC DeLorean in “Back to the Future.” Nearly the entire wall serves as a sturdy canopy.

Windows are great for allowing ample light and can help a space feel bigger, but shades are equally important for privacy and to block out the light of the full moon or campground lamp. Slide-down shades can black out the inside of the trailer, and bug screens can enable airflow regardless of bug activity. It’s also nice to have windows that can be locked when they’re cracked.

Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer - doors
(Photo/Taxa Outdoors)

Electric, Solar, Gas, Water

You’ll need to closely consider how much energy and resources you’ll need between trips to a gas station, store, or an overnight stay with shore power.

Even if you don’t plan to charge your laptop or watch television — an option in larger travel trailers — it’s nice to have battery power. The battery can run indoor and outdoor LED lights around the kitchen and doors, as well as the roof exhaust fan — and it can charge up phones. Many travel trailers feature a prewired solar inlet to get an energy boost off solar panels, too.

Each trailer will have a specific capacity for gas and water carry. For instance, the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 water tank boasts a 31-gallon capacity. The Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper has upgrade options for a 30-gallon water tank and bonus storage that holds two extra 5-gallon jerry cans. The Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer holds one 5-gallon jerry can.

In contrast, larger travel trailers have a greater water capacity, in great part to manage the bathroom. The Black Series HQ19 comes with a 50-gallon water tank for supply, a 26-gallon gray water tank for collection (for all used water except from the toilet), and a 26-gallon black water tank for all toilet waste.

Often trailers also include an indoor smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector.

FAQ

What Are the Different Camper Trailer Styles?

There are many types of recreational vehicles (RVs), including tow-behind campers or travel trailers. Certain travel trailers can also be constructed with lightweight materials or can be off-road capable. Some camper trailers are capable of holding a rooftop tent to expand sleep and lounge capacity, too.

A bunch of other RVs exist beyond camper trailers, including fifth wheels, toy haulers, and several types of motorhomes like camper vans.

How Much Weight Can You Tow?

Check your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual for the payload, max towing, and tongue weight rating. Be sure not to exceed those caps with what’s hauled in the trailer and vehicle.

What Features Allow Off-Road Capability?

If you intend to overland or off-road with your trailer, be sure to pick one with durable, all-terrain tires that can handle paved, gravel, dirt, and rocky surfaces. Look for a steel frame, ample clearance, axleless suspension, burly fenders, and articulating hitch.


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