The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2021
From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures.
Touring the country is a magnificent and popular adventure. Using a camper trailer is an economical way of getting around for long and short journeys. It can be less expensive than hotels, requires less maintenance and upkeep than a motorhome, and the tow vehicle can be used for trail and around-the-city duties.
Well-constructed trailers allow us to venture through and settle in closer to nature, away from everyday distractions. Setups with solar panels, battery power, water tanks, and propane help us go even further off-grid and stay untethered longer.
After testing a wide variety of camper trailers, our team narrowed it down to 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 2022
Best Overall Camper Trailer: Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
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 ($27,900), 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 sleeping 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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 2,400 lbs.
- Exterior length: 12 ft., 9 in.
- Exterior height: 7 ft.
- Exterior width: 6 ft., 7 in.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $27,900
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
- It lacks an outdoor shower and sink
- The awning isn’t durable
Best Runner-Up: Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS
Winnebago’s Micro Minnie model ($24,977) 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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 7,000 lbs.
- Exterior length: 25 ft., 5 in.
- Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in. (with A/C)
- Exterior width: 7 ft.
- Sleeps: 5
- Price: $24,977 (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 feet wide
Cons:
- Lightweight but still heavier to haul compared to ultralight trailers for smaller groups
- Pricier
Best Budget Camper Trailer: Colorado Teardrops Canyonland
The Colorado Teardrops Canyonland trailer ($20,700) 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. The queen-size bed platform converts into a table and bench, which is a wonderful option for road trips that exceed a week.
The streamlined underfloor 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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 2,200 lbs.
- Exterior length: 8.5 ft.
- Exterior height: 3.8 ft.
- Exterior width: 5 ft.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $20,700
Pros:
- Welded, aircraft-grade, structural aluminum frames for rigidity and a long lifespan
- Comparatively low price point
- A multitude of options are available, such as a skylight window, battery and solar power panels, roof rack, and more
Cons:
- Interior cabinetry lacks a way to secure items from moving while in transit
- The 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
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 ($49,995). 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, a two-burner stove, a 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 (for an additional $3,000) can sleep three kiddos or two adults.
Specs:
- Dry weight: 2,600 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 3,600 lbs.
- Exterior length: 15 ft.
- Exterior height: 7 ft.
- Exterior width: 7.4 ft.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $49,995
Pros:
- Birchwood cabinetry
- Interior LED lights
- Removable step for entry
- Wind-resistant, 180-degree awning
Cons:
- Lacks interior daytime lounge space
- Doesn’t have built-in floor space to remove shoes inside
- Expensive construction
Best of the Rest
Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0
This off-road trailer ($31,500) 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 they have 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 are smart, streamlined designs. 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.
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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 3,500 lbs.
- Exterior length: 13.8 ft.
- Exterior height: 6.6 ft.
- Exterior width: 7.4 ft.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $31,500
Pros:
- Timbren axleless suspension and all-terrain tires are dependable for off-road travel
- The 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:
- The pantry is located on the back, while the kitchen is on the side
Check Price at Off Grid Trailers
Black Series HQ19
The Black Series HQ19 ($59,995) is one of the only full-size 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 pumps, 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, oversize 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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 10,000 lbs.
- Exterior length: 26 ft.
- Exterior height: 10 ft.
- Exterior width: 7.5 ft.
- Sleeps: 4
- Price: $59,995
Pros:
- Tows smoothly on-highway and off-road with excellent suspension
- Tons of storage space
- Includes a washing machine
Cons:
- Lacks USB plugs inside
- The fridge is propane or plug-in only versus solar- or battery-powered
Check Availability at Happy Camper Trailers
Forest River Explore R-Pod RP-193
The R-Pod RP-193 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 a pair of twin bunk beds. Another sofa provides seating for five.
The indoor kitchen features a large pantry, a two-burner stove, and a 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 lbs.
- 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
Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer
To reach remote trailheads with this Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer ($23,900), we’re drawn to the off-road 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 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 3,500 lbs.
- Exterior length: 14 ft.
- Exterior height: 6 ft.
- Exterior width: 83-85 in.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $23,900
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
This classic teardrop design is suitable for weekend adventures or longer road trips. The nüCamp RV Tab S Teardrop camper ($31,523) 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 medium-size SUV or pickup truck. We also appreciated the off-road tires and easy-to-clean floor.
Specs:
- Dry weight: 1,946 lbs.
- Max capacity (GVWR): 2,900 lbs.
- Exterior length: 15 ft., 3 in.
- Exterior height: 7 ft., 8 in.
- Exterior width: 6 ft., 8 in.
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $31,523
Pros:
- Optional hot water system and central A/C
- Two-burner glass-top stove
- Storage doors stay closed while on the go
Cons:
- The wet bath is a little tight
- Not ideal for taller folks above 5’10”
Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
After testing the Flying Cloud 23FB 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 lbs. (with gas and batteries)
- Max capacity (GVWR): 6,000 lbs.
- 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
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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 all your outdoor gear.
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.
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, and consider 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 to bunk beds to 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, so 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.
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 when you consider how much more space everyone will have to lounge out of the sun and rain at camp. Larger travel trailers typically have indoor sofas and dining tables that often convert into a bed.
Kitchen
Pricier, larger travel trailers 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 the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer.
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 hookups 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 for organizing 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 compartments facing outward, which sometimes include 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.
Electric, Solar, Gas, and 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 include an indoor smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector.
FAQ
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 in the vehicle.
What Camper Trailer Features Allow Off-Road Capability?
If you intend to 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.
How Long Do Camper Trailers Last?
Most camper trailers will last between 10 and 15 years. However, numerous factors determine the lifespan of a camper trailer, and the most unpredictable is the human element. Outside elements that affect the lifespan of a camper trailer include the original design, build quality, usage, and storage when not traveling.
Assuming it is a quality-built trailer, is stored properly when not in service, and received regular maintenance, it’s normal to see camper trailers in use after 15 years from when it was bought brand new.
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