Whether it’s your first time buying a camper trailer or you’re an experienced outdoor explorer, it’s not always obvious what features you should be after when it comes to looking at camper trailers for sale. Camper trailers and caravans come in all different shapes, sizes and feature sets. Do you go for a hard floor or soft floor camper? Or should you splurge and buy a hybrid camper trailer? The things you’ll want to pay attention to when it comes to making the decision will vary depending on your needs, but generally there are a few guidelines you should always follow. Here are three features every prospective buyer should be looking for when purchasing a camper trailer so you can hit the road with confidence.
#1 Service/Maintenance History
Although not explicitly a feature of the camper trailer itself, a good seller will always provide you with a list of faults or information on what might need tending to with the camper trailer before the purchase is locked in (even when buying new). This will give you an indication of the condition of the current tyres on the camper and whether they’re in need of alignment, as well as giving you an idea of the condition of the bedding, storage and electricals. If there are no major faults listed within any of these components, and the tyres of the camper trailer themselves are in good condition, you can confidently proceed with the purchase.
#2 Weight of the Camper vs. Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
It’s safe to say that if you buy a camper that’s too heavy to tow with your own vehicle, you and your loved ones simply won’t be going anywhere. Arguably the most critical feature on the list is that of the weight of the camper trailer itself. When viewing camper trailers for sale,it’s always a good idea to take a copy of the manual for your towing vehicle or quickly jot down your vehicle’s towing capacity and compare the weight of the camper against what you can safely tow. Bonus points if the seller is including a rear bar with a tow ball or articulating hitch with the sale, as if you don’t already possess this equipment, you will need to give it extra consideration in your purchase budget.
#3 A Water Heater
If you’ve ever been camping without one, you may already be aware of how a water heater can make or break your camping experience. Although there are a general set of features that all campers usually come with as standard, such as fold-out beds, inbuilt electronics like radio, and storage compartments, not all camper trailers for sale come with a water heater. This critical piece of gear can have a big impact on your camping trip, as it can be used for everything from cooking hot meals to having a hot shower. In the camping community, portable hot water heaters are seen as a luxury, but even so, it’s an affordable luxury that can make your trip a lot more comfortable.
