When the destination is more important than the journey, the perfect Recreation Vehicle may just be the “taller, heavier and more home-like” destination trailer.
“Most of our destination trailer customers have found a special place — by a lake or at the shore — that they love and want to return to frequently,” says Dina Hurley, owner of Crossroad Trailers in southwest New Jersey.
Hybrid RVs
Destination trailers are hybrid RVs, fitting in somewhere between conventional travel trailers and park models. “They have many similarities to park models, but are more mobile, while being designed to function in a destination setting rather than on the road,” according to RV Life Magazine.
Simply put, destination trailers are really big travel trailers, and park models are little houses-on-wheels with a peaked roof.
“These longer-stay trailers are like a mobile vacation home,” says Zachary Field, sales representative with Kamper Korner RV Center in Roseburg, Ore.
“You do not need a commercial license to tow them, but you will need a heavy duty one-ton truck.” Many units are 43-feet long with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) around 14,000 pounds.
These extended-stay trailers are a growing trend among families who want a vacation trailer that can be left at a campsite all season or all year. However, they also have the option of moving the rig if they decide on a change of scenery.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of sales over the last two years,” says Harley. “People seem to be drawn to the luxury, roominess and comfort of these home-like units.”
Huge Living Space
“I fell in love with all the light and space,” says Elaine Teague. She lives six months a year in her 40-foot 2015 Cedar Creek Cottage by Forest River RV.
There is a definite residential feel to Teague’s triple-slide, wide-body floorplan with its eight-foot high ceilings. The huge living area provides generous seating and features panoramic windows that invite in the surrounding view.
When the weather does not cooperate with her outdoors plans, Teague turns to her home theater system. It includes a 50-inch LED TV, CD/DVD player, and AM/FM stereo. Or, she cozies up in front of the 36-inch fireplace to read a book or visit with friends.
Residential features
Teague’s Hathaway Edition kitchen came with a 19 cu.-ft. electric refrigerator with ice maker, a stainless steel 30-inch over-the-range microwave, and a staggering amount of cabinets including a pantry with seven slide-out drawers.
“I really like the spacious bathroom,” she says. It features a 48-inch residential, one-piece fiberglass rectangular shower with seat and sliding glass doors.
Cedar Creek’s construction includes an all aluminum superstructure on 16-inch centers, and an enclosed and triple layered insulated underbelly (R-45).
“We got an amazing deal,” says the retired certified public accountant. Teague and her husband, Jim, purchased their Cottage new for $49,000. Today, depending on options, prices range between $45,000 and $70,000. It pays to shop around for your best deal.
Destination Trailer, Part 2 takes a look at the 2019 42-foot Salem Grand Villa 42DL.
Photos: Destination trailers, like the 2019 40-foot Cedar Creek Cottage by Forest River Inc., are the ideal choice for those who have found their special vacation place and want to settle in for a season, several months or much of the year. (Courtesy of Forest River Inc.)
The spacious floor plan of the 2015 Cedar Creek Cottage 40CRS Hathaway Edition destination trailer is what first attracted retired CPA Elaine Teague. (Julianne G. Crane)
