Hitting the road and exploring the great outdoors has always been a popular pastime, but the coronavirus era has made it bigger than ever. One of the best ways to do it is with a camping trailer. Sure, you don’t get the optimal maneuverability of a camper van, or the readymade hashtags. But camping trailers are purpose-built for the task of living. You have more flexibility with them, in layout and capability. And when you’re not on the road, you can detach your trailer and store it somewhere.
Below, we've compiled some of the best camping trailer brands you should check out, whether you’re looking for a fancy off-the-grid apartment or a super-lightweight tent replacement.
Major Manufacturers
Airstream
Airstream is the iconic American caravan builder, known for their distinctive rounded-and-polished aluminum designs. Buyers can opt for a classic look like the Bambi, or something more modern like the Nest or the Basecamp X.
Forest River
Forest River is one of America's largest recreational vehicle manufacturers. It has an extensive line of its branded trailers, including the Alpha Wolf, as well as popular sub-brands like Shasta.
Jayco
Jayco has been building recreational vehicles for more than 50 years. They offer nine different travel trailers, ranging from the 1,50o-pound Jay Flight Micro to the nearly 10,000-pound Eagle.
Lance Camper
Lance is known for its awesome truck campers. But the company also produces an extensive line of eco-friendly, toxin-free travel trailers.
Winnebago
When you think of Winnebago, you probably picture a beige RV. But Winnebago has a versatile line of camping trailers too, including the new adventure-ready Winnebago Hike.
Smaller Manufacturers
Bowlus Road Chief
Bowlus Road Chief produces sleek, art deco-style aluminum trailers that can compete with a luxury apartment on amenities (and on price).
Earth Traveler
Earth Traveler produces super-light teardrop trailers made from carbon fiber that can be towed by just about any vehicle on the road.
Happier Camper
Happier Camper uses ultra-light trailers and a Lego-like modular floorplan, allowing you to configure and reconfigure the trailer to suit your needs.
Homegrown Trailers
Washington-based Homegrown Trailers offers sustainable, handcrafted, off-the-grid capable campers with distinctive wood paneling.
Living Vehicle
California-based Living Vehicle produces gorgeous spaces that minimize consumption and waste, can serve as a permanent dwelling, and can even go overlanding.
nuCamp RV
Ohio-based nuCamp RV makes a line of teardrop, clamshell and travel trailers, as well as a truck-topping camper.
Opus
Opus builds off-road-ready camping trailers ready to follow your off-roader of choice across the toughest terrains.
Polydrop Trailers
Polydrop produces space capsule-shaped teardrop trailers you can outfit for leaving the grid and leaving the pavement.
Safari Condo
Quebec-based Safari Condo builds a line energy-efficient Alto trailers based on airplane designs.
Taxa Outdoors
Taxa Outdoors produces mobile human habitats such as the excellently named Woolly Bear that help you connect with nature, rather than escape from it.