Do you love to travel, but don't want to give up the comforts of home? If so, an expandable hybrid travel trailer may be the perfect option for you.
These trailers offer many of the benefits of a traditional camper, with the added bonus of being able to expand when you need more space. This makes them perfect for long trips or family vacations.
Buying an expandable travel trailer can be really hard and a daunting process, but fear not. In this blog post, we discuss the best hybrid travel trailers on the market today. We'll take a look at their features and how they compare to one another.
We offer a buyer's guide explaining what to look for and the best features to know before buying. We also discuss the pros and cons of owning a hybrid travel trailer.
And if you have any unanswered questions, we've included an FAQ section dedicated to all things expandable travel trailers. So, if you're in the market for a new hybrid travel trailer, read on!
Rockwood Roo Hybrid Travel Trailer
What is a Hybrid Travel Trailer?
One can think of a hybrid travel trailer to be the perfect combination of a tent camping and a hard-sided travel trailer. The reason why they are so largely popular is that you get all the benefits of a large trailer, but they're cheaper, lighter and more authentic for the great outdoors. The spacious and lightweight trailers offer convenience and comfort without compromising on the camping experience.
How to Choose a Hybrid Travel Trailer
When choosing a hybrid travel trailer, there are several things you should keep in mind.
Cost
First and foremost, you'll want to consider your budget. Hybrid trailers can range in price up to $30,000 or more. Obviously, you'll want to choose a model that fits within your budget.
Size of Your Family
You also need to consider the size of your family. If you have a large family, you'll obviously need a larger hybrid travel trailer. And obviously, if you're single or have a small family, you can get away with a smaller model. Remember, hybrid travel trailers have expandable tent areas, so you'll be able to sleep more than you might expect.
Weatherproofing
Leakage, lack of insulation, etc. are problems that can disturb your entire experience. In that case, opt for a unit that is well insulated, so it works well for colder months. It should also have good airflow to adapt the vehicle to the summertime. Weatherproofing is, therefore, one of the most important factors to consider when traveling.
Remember the expandable areas will not maintain the heat, but because the beds are off the ground, you can be comfortable at night.
Extra sleeping space in Hybrid Travel Trailer
Comfort
Style and design are surely important factors to consider when buying a hybrid travel trailer. However, comfort is more important. Look for a unit that is spacious so you can move around freely. It should be equipped with all the facilities you require to spend quality time. This includes a deep sink with sink covers, comfortable mattresses, sufficient storage space, etc.
Durability and Maintenance
It is important to invest in a product that is built with high-quality materials. It should be well-constructed, so it proves to be a long-lasting and long-term investment. It’s important to look into the warranty policy for the vehicle and the parts. This ensures it is reliable.
Moreover, when it comes to maintenance, it isn’t smart to opt for a high-maintenance unit as it can be time-consuming and expensive in the long run.
Review of the Best Hybrid Travel Trailers
When it comes to buying a hybrid travel trailer, there are a plethora of options available in the market. This makes the decision harder, so allow us to show you what we believe to be some of the best on the market.
Best Overall Expandable Hybrid Travel Trailer:
Palomino Puma Travel Trailer
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 8
- Number of Floorplans: 5
- Number of Expandable Sections: 2-3
- Length: 21 ft 2 in.
- Width: 96 in
- Weight: 4259 lbs.
Our Review
The Forest River's Rockwood Roo hybrid travel trailer is one of the most popular models on the market today, and it's clear to see why, as it offers a ton of features at a very reasonable price.
Forest River is a premium name when it comes to the trailer industry, and the Rockwood Roo is built to last. The quality of materials are to the highest level.
Depending on your floor plan, the Roo can sleep up to eight people, making it perfect for families or large groups. It also has a full kitchen, bathroom, and plenty of storage space. If you're looking for a hybrid trailer that has it all, the Rockwood Roo is a great option!
There are 5 floorplans, with all different sleeping and expandable set ups. The Roo 183 floorplan is perfect unit for sleeping the whole family and friends. There are 3 60"x 80" queen beds in this unit with an additional 44" dinette that folds down into a bed.
There is plenty of overhead shelf storage for all of your needs, a full kitchen and a nice sized bathroom. Amazing for a 21' 2" hybrid travel trailer!
Runner-up:
Jayco Jay Feather X19H
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 8
- Number of Floorplans: 14
- Number of Slide-Outs: 2
- Length: 20 ft 10 in
- Weight: 4950 lbs.
Our Review
If you're looking for a hybrid trailer trailer that's on the bigger side, the Jayco Jay Feather is a great option. The different floorplans offer hard walls or tent walls, and can sleep up to 10 people, making it perfect for smaller families or couples.
The Jay feather X19H hybrid travel trailer boasts plenty of exterior and interior storage facilities to make your time away from home extremely comfortable.
This model boasts 2 tent walls with large bedding areas that sleeps 4 people. The living area, there's a dinette and a jackknife sofa, both of which sleep up to 4 more.
There's a good size bathroom, with shower, toilet and wash basin. The skylight and roof vent in the bathroom offer the luxury you would expect from Jayco.
The kitchen boasts residential style counters, and has all the accessories you'd need on a road trip. There's also an outdoor grill that makes barbecuing easy and frees up space inside, making the Jay Feather X19H an ideal hybrid camper for up to 8 people.
KZ Escape E180 RBT
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 6
- Number of Floorplans: 11
- Number of Slide-Outs: 2
- Length: 22 ft 11 in
- Weight: 4245 lbs.
Our Review
The KZ Escape hybrid trailer is another great option for those who are looking for a smaller model. It can sleep up to four people, making it perfect for couples or small families.
There are 2 tent bed areas, boasting 2 large 54x74" beds, with storage under one of them. The mattresses are good quality, and the dinette also converts in sleeping space for 2 more.
The kitchen inside the trailer features a microwave, a two burner stovetop, a sink, a fridge, and enough counter space. The bathroom at the back of the trailer boasts a shower, a sink, and a toilet.
The outside of the trailer features a 13' awning which is ideal when you need some shade while chilling with a beer in the summer sun.
There's an off grid package with this hybrid trailer if anyone wants to go boondocking. This includes a 100W roof-mounted solar panel, 1,000W inverter with dedicated 110V outlets, solar controller, tongue-mounted bike rack, griddle, and electronically-controlled heated holding tanks, and much more.
Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock Hybrid Travel Trailer
What we love
Quick Specs
- Sleeps: 8
- Number of Floorplans: 5
- Number of Slide-Outs: 3
- Length: 22 ft
- Weight: 4,298 lbs
Our Review
The Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock comes with a really useful 3 tent bedroom slideouts, all with queen-sized 60” x 80” beds with extra storage next to all 3 tent bedrooms.
There are 5 different floorplans, but for the 183 model hybrid travel trailer boasts all the luxuries of a traditional RV. There's plenty of storage, including extra outside storage space.
This model boasts an additional 44" dinette that folds down into a bed, making sleeping capacity 8 people for this impressive expandable travel trailer.
The exterior construction is made of white fiberglass walls, and the Radiant Foil Insulated Underbelly & Slide Out floors helps keep the warmth in, making this one of the more economical for maintaining any warmth.
The accessories and amenities in the kitchen is impressive. With Newport Ash Cabinetry setting the scene, and a useful 12V Refrigerator w/ Inverter, and enough workspace for cooking, you can really enjoy road trips with large groups.
The bathroom is spacious and has a shower, toilet and wash basin. Outside there's a roof solar panel and a water purifier, making this a great trailer for dry camping. With 8 people, it will be a squeeze, but for short weekends away, it shouldn't be a problem.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Travel Trailers
Are you still on the fence about buying a hybrid travel trailer? You could really benefit from looking at the pros and cons they have to offer to make a better decision.
Pros
Convenient
Expandable hybrid travel trailers are lightweight and easy to tow for most vehicles, so finding a compatible vehicle to tow the trailer won’t be a problem. They're also much easier to maintain than many other trailers, so you don’t have to go to crazy lengths to keep them running smoothly and properly.
Long-Lasting
They are built to be durable as well as sturdy and rigid, granted one invests in a quality trailer. Buying from a quality brand also gets the consumer good warranty policies, which makes the vehicle more reliable.
Real Camping Experience
Hybrid travel trailers are known to provide a camp-like experience. Thus, they are great for those who want to experience camping, whereas some other available trailer options give a more apartment vibe.
Price Entry
Expandable hybrid travel trailers are cheaper than the bigger travel trailers, 5th wheels and motorhomes. This makes them accessible to pretty much any budget.
Cons
Limited Storage Space
Hybrid travel trailers do not offer a large storage space, so they aren’t the best option for anyone wanting to travel in large groups for extended periods.
Hybrid Travel Trailers FAQs
We get many questions via email, so here's a selection of the most common ones we get regarding hybrid travel trailers.
How to Measure Hybrid Travel Trailer Length?
In order to measure a trailer length, one needs to start at the ball mount and measure all the way till the back bumper. Furthermore, RVIA, which is the national association representing RV manufacturers, states that length, which is advertised, should be the floor plan length that is usable. Thus, the rear bumper is not supposed to be included in the length measurement.
Properly size your travel trailer (Source)
Are Hybrid Travel Trailers Good?
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. If you want to have somewhat of an authentic camping experience, but with some added luxuries, a hybrid is a great option. It is great for warm weather and allows you to experience and enjoy your travel fully.
Are There Any Hybrid RVs?
Electric RVs have not been announced for the U.S market yet. However, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Winnebago have some all-electric models planned.
Do Hybrid Travel Trailers Leak?
Yes, it is considered to be one of the issues some customers face with hybrid travel trailers. Some people have reported leakage between the hard portions of the trailer and the canvas. Thus, when looking for a hybrid, it is considered important to seal it well to avoid the issue.
Expandable Hybrid Travel Trailers - Perfect for Any Road Trip
Going on adventurous road trips is one of the best things to experience in life. You learn many skills, destress, and connect to nature even.
A hybrid travel trailer makes the experience even better, but the process of buying one isn’t quite as simple as one would think so. There is a lot of research that goes into finding the right model.
We recommend any of the above, but there are more models out there, including many different floorplans of the hybrid trailers we have reviewed.
Whichever model you go for, we're sure it will make your future camping trips unforgettable. Happy camping!