Longtime RVer Ron Stockall, a retiree living in California, has owned a number of recreation vehicles, including small-sized conventional travel trailers and tent trailers.
He said his 2007 16-foot KZ Coyote hybrid “is the best… it is an easy pull with my half-ton pickup.” Stockall’s Coyote weighs in around 3,300 pounds dry and 3,700 loaded.
Hybrid travel trailers come in lengths ranging from about 16 to 25 feet. There are also expandable toy hauler models with an 8-foot by 8-foot cargo deck that converts into a porch area when the toys are offloaded. The toy haulers range up to about 33 feet in overall length.
According to GoRVing.com, lightweight versions have been designed specifically for towing behind many six-cylinder family vehicles. “It is important to match the loaded weight of the RV to the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for towing weight restrictions and have your tow package professionally installed.”
The living, kitchen, dining and bathroom areas have amenities comparable to those found in self-contained travel trailers. “It has all the conveniences of home with a great kitchen space, great storage and a bath with shower,” said Stockall.
The Coyote kitchenette features refrigerator, three burner range, optional microwave, and sink with standard size faucet. It also comes with a 6-gallon gas water heater, furnace and awning. “The air conditioner is big for the size of the trailer,” he said. “It will freeze you out.”
Because the beds are essentially outside the main box of the unit, they don’t take up any of the interior space. “With the beds folded out,” said Stockall, “we still have the full 16 feet of interior space to lounge about in.”
New, prices typically range from around $10,000 to $30,000, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
More about disadvantages of hybrid trailers Part # 3 — ‘Possible drawbacks’..
If you missed Hybrid trailers, Part # 1 — ‘What is an ‘expandable’ RV?’ — chick here.
Photo: Hybrid owner Ron Stockall of Coarsegold, Calif. (Julianne G. Crane)
