As mentioned in Part 1 — The destination trailer is a hybrid RV, fitting in somewhere between conventional travel trailer and park model. “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.
Fulltime RVers Marti and Kimm Cady of Sutherlin, Ore., are enthusiastic about their destination trailer.
RVing for 39 of their 45-year marriage, the Cadys have owned just about every type of RV made. So, it was with a lifetime of experience that they recently decided on a 2019 42-foot Salem Grand Villa 42DL for their homebase at the Timber Valley SKP RV Park in southern Oregon.
Home-like Recreation Vehicle
“We have enjoyed every one of our rigs and used them as often as we could,” said Marti Cady. “But now, we want a more home-like RV because we spend at least six-months out of the year here.”
The Cadys selected a Salem Grand Villa 42DL because of its unique split-loft floorplan. Although the upper loft area is most frequently used as additional sleeping and play space for kids, the Cadys are using it for extra storage.
The Salem Grand Villa features residential style appliances, a vaulted living room ceiling, and extra large tinted picture windows. It also comes fitted with three 7-foot-tall slideouts, patio door with screen, kitchen skylight, seamless one-piece roof, and R-7 insulation throughout.
“Kimm especially loves the 50-inch television,” said Marti Cady, “and I love the kitchen and all the drain board space.”
Cost of Salem Villa
NADA Guides lists the 2018 Salem Villa Series M-42DL with a suggested list price around $62,000. The average retail cost closer to $47,000.
As with all recreation vehicles, although these units may “look” like a stick-built house inside, a destination trailer is not constructed for full-time living and are not insulated for cold, snowy winters.
For RVers who still travel often, this trailer is probably not for you. However, for those who prefer staying in one area for months at a time, especially if you have children, consider doing more research on this longer-stay unit.
If you read “Destination Trailer, Part 1: Ideal for Extended Stays” — click here.
Photos: Destination trailers frequently feature panoramic windows and multiple slide-outs for open interior spaces such as the of 2019 Salem Villa Grand by Forest River Inc. (Courtesy of Forest River Inc)
Bottom: Full-time RVers Kimm and Marty Cady opted for a 2019 Salem Villa Grand 42-DL destination trailer for their home base rig in Timber Valley SKP Park of Oregon. (Julianne G. Crane)
