For RVers looking for a spacious and comfortable home away from home — but still wanting the option to move when the time is right — destination trailers strike the perfect balance. Unlike park models, which require full hookups and professional relocation, destination trailers retain the core features of a standard RV, including holding tanks, making them capable of independent camping. But they’re primarily designed for long-term stays at your favorite campground, private property, or seasonal retreat.
These trailers swing the travel pendulum toward a more traditional mobile home, trading some of the portability for residence-style features like full-sized appliances, high ceilings, and often large windows or sliding glass doors to create an open, homey vibe. Unlike traditional travel trailers, they aren’t built for frequent travel, but their self-contained systems mean you don’t have to rely on full hookups to function. For those who want the freedom to find the perfect view and stay put, destination trailers offer a unique mix of mobility and comfort.
Size and Space
Destination trailers are definitely on the larger end of towables, generally ranging from 35 to 45 feet in length. They’re built with heavier-duty frames and more squared-off profiles, which maximize interior space. While they don’t quite reach the dimensions of some park model RVs, they offer generous living areas thanks to multiple slide-outs, high ceilings, and expansive windows.
The most prominent feature of destination trailers is they feel more like a residence from the outside than most RVs. Many models, like Forest River’s Cedar Creek Cottage series, have prominent porches, sliding patio doors, and larger windows, embracing the permanent-home aesthetic. This helps them feel more like a true vacation retreat.
Inside, the added width and height make for spacious living areas, giving owners room to spread out and settle in. Though designed for long-term stays, these trailers retain the holding tanks, battery systems, and propane setups of standard RVs, making them capable of off-grid camping, though not ideally suited for it.
Interior Layout and Amenities
Step inside a destination trailer, and you’ll immediately notice how much it resembles a small apartment or a cabin. Unlike standard travel trailers, where space is optimized for portability, destination trailers lean heavily toward residential design.
Kitchen & Dining
Kitchens in destination trailers often come with full-sized appliances, including large refrigerators, ovens, stovetops, and even dishwashers in some models. Counter space is far more generous than in standard RVs, and many units feature kitchen islands for additional prep space. Some even include pantries, a rarity in traditional travel trailers.
Dining areas typically feature freestanding tables and chairs, moving away from the built-in dinette style common in standard RVs. Large windows often surround these areas, reinforcing the open, home-like atmosphere.
Living Area
One of the biggest draws of a destination trailer is its spacious living room. Unlike many RVs, which focus on compact layouts, these trailers prioritize comfort with full-sized sofas, reclining chairs, and entertainment centers. Many models feature electric fireplaces, creating a cozy ambiance for chilly nights.
Bedroom & Bathroom
Destination trailers often come with separate, private bedrooms — a major advantage for long-term stays. These bedrooms typically accommodate queen or king-sized beds, full wardrobes, and even washer/dryer hookups in many models.
Bathrooms are also larger than those found in standard RVs, with residential showers, vanities, and linen storage. The presence of holding tanks means they can function like any other RV bathroom, even without full hookups, which sets them apart from park models.
Storage and Utilities
Storage space is another strong suit of destination trailers. Since they are designed for long-term stays, they include:
- Full closets and wardrobes in bedrooms
- Kitchen pantries for extended stays
- Under-bed storage and large overhead cabinets
- Exterior storage compartments for seasonal gear
Utilities in destination trailers mirror those of a residential home but maintain the self-sufficiency of an RV. Unlike park models, which must be connected to a sewer system, destination trailers have black, gray, and freshwater holding tanks, making them capable of boondocking or staying at partial hookup sites when needed.
They also include dual propane tanks, residential HVAC systems, and solar panel options, allowing for greater energy independence. But you won’t find too many of these trailers boondocking. Given their size and weight, most owners choose to park them at a location with full hookups for maximum convenience.
Towing and Performance
While technically towable, destination trailers are not designed for frequent travel. They are built on heavy-duty frames and typically require a three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck for safe towing. Their size and weight make them more challenging to maneuver than standard travel trailers, and they are best suited for occasional relocation rather than regular road trips.
That said, they do offer an advantage over park models: they can be moved without professional assistance. Their standardized hitch system and independent holding tanks mean that, if needed, they can be taken to a new location with relative ease.
Durability and Longevity
Destination trailers are built to withstand long-term exposure to the elements, featuring:
- Heavy-duty insulation and thermal windows for year-round comfort
- Reinforced roofing for better durability
- Aluminum or fiberglass exteriors to resist weather damage
- Upgraded flooring and cabinetry designed for extended use
With regular maintenance, these trailers can last for decades, making them a smart investment for those looking for a long-term vacation or seasonal home.
Cost and Investment
Prices for destination trailers vary widely based on size, features, and brand. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Entry-level models. $30,000 – $50,000 (basic residential features, smaller layouts)
- Mid-range models. $50,000 – $80,000 (full-size appliances, premium furniture, more storage)
- Luxury models. $80,000 – $120,000+ (high-end finishes, expanded layouts, top-tier amenities)
While these trailers are an investment, they hold strong resale value, particularly when well-maintained. For those considering a vacation home alternative, a destination trailer offers an affordable way to enjoy a second home without committing to a permanent structure.
Target Audience
Destination trailers are likely to appeal most to:
- Retirees and snowbirds looking for a seasonal retreat
- Families who want a long-term camping setup at their favorite resort or lake property
- Full-time RVers who prioritize space and comfort but still want the option to move
- Vacation property owners looking for a cost-effective alternative to a cabin
Destination trailers aren’t for the road warriors. They’re for the getaway-lovers. They offer a versatile, long-term solution for those who don’t want to compromise between vacation-ready adventure and flexible parking options. Whether you’re feeling like a lakeside retreat, a mountain getaway, or an escape to a luxury RV resort, these trailers provide a spacious, comfortable landing spot for just as long as you need it. Then, on to the next one!
Get to Know Other Types of RV
Looking for an RV with a little more mobility that a destination trailer? Well, friend, let your research journey continue. Learn more about the other different types of RV with the following articles.
Class A Motorhomes: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Class B Motorhomes: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Class C Motorhomes: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Fifth Wheels: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Toy Haulers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Travel Trailers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Pop-Up Campers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Teardrop Trailers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Truck Campers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Fish Houses: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
Destination Trailers: An RV Buyer Basics Guide
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