The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Destination Trailers

Destination trailers have become quite popular in recent years, but why? What makes them different from travel trailers and other RVs? In this post, we answer that question (and many more) as we focus on the destination trailer vs travel trailer!

What is a Destination Trailer?

A destination trailer is an RV made for campers who prefer to stay in one location for an extended period of time. They’re most popularly used as vacation homes or seasonal homes. Some are located long-term at an RV park for a season, while others may be located on private property.

You can think of a destination trailer as an RV that falls somewhere between a large travel trailer/5th wheel (designed to be towed a lot) and a park model trailer (designed to be put in place and left there). But a destination trailer is large and heavy and is essentially intended to be a seasonal home at a temporary (but long-term) location, while generally being built on a traditional travel-style chassis (note that there are a few 5th-wheel-style destination trailers out there as well, they aren’t all designed like a travel trailer).

With a travel trailer, the goal is to travel from place to place frequently, being on the road for extended travel and then settling in for a few days, weeks, or even months in a single location. But a travel trailer is designed and built with travel in mind.

On the other hand, with a park model RV, the expectation is that you’ll remain stationary in one location for an extended period of time, with skirting and maybe even a static deck attached to your park model, and travel is not your intention. You won’t be hitching a park model to even a one-ton truck and towing it down the road, for example.

Landing somewhere between the two, a destination trailer is built with the intent of being moved to new locations without the need for commercial transport, but remaining at a single location for an extended period of time. This translates to differences in weight, amenities, towing considerations, and more (we’ll get into that more in just a minute).

So, you wouldn’t buy a destination trailer with the idea that you’ll be road-tripping across the country, boondocking for a few nights or a couple of weeks, and then moving on to your next destination. That would be too much traveling for a destination trailer and would be better served by a traditional travel trailer or 5th wheel.

However, if you wanted to travel to a particular location and remain camped there for several months, and the following year move to a different location to remain camped for several months, a destination trailer might be just the RV for you (depending on a few other factors).

Defining Destination Trailers

As we noted above, a destination trailer is designed for RV living at a single location for an extended period of time as opposed to lots of road travel with short stays in between. A destination trailer is likely to be heavier (and often larger) than a typical travel trailer. Destination trailers can often fall just under the limit of self-towing laws regarding length, height, and weight in some states, for example.

They’re also different from park model RVs that generally are set up in a single location with the hitch and wheels removed. Park models typically aren’t self-contained, so they don’t have holding tanks and usually don’t have independent power systems. For this reason, they must be connected to city/residential water and sewer systems as well as a power pedestal.

However, a destination trailer IS a self-contained unit with some sort of independent power source plus fresh, gray, and black water holding tanks. It’s also designed to use campground hookups for extended camping periods. In general, once a destination trailer arrives at its destination, it’s leveled like a traditional travel trailer, and the hitch remains attached to the rig.

Where a park model might have an attached static deck with a patio cover or even a carport built beside it, a destination trailer would have a retractable awning like a travel trailer. So, you can see how a destination trailer sits somewhere between a travel trailer and a park model in many ways.

One of the most important differences between a park model trailer and a destination trailer is related to size and weight. A park model isn’t intended for travel, so it’s likely to be significantly larger and heavier than a towable RV that’s built for travel. Park models are often moved by commercial trucks and may require a permit to travel to their intended destination.

While destination trailers are heavier and may be taller than a traditional travel trailer, they don’t usually require commercial transport and are capable of being towed by properly equipped 3/4-ton or larger pickup trucks (though the larger units will give you some pretty lousy fuel mileage). Their features and amenities are geared toward long-term stays at singular locations.

What Makes a Destination Trailer Different From a Traditional Travel Trailer?

A destination trailer is heavier and often taller than a standard travel trailer, and its features and amenities don’t lend themselves to constant travel. For example, some destination trailer models include features like large bay windows, sliding glass doors, French doors, or even floor-to-ceiling windows. The largest units can be up to 45′ long and over 13′ tall (with interior ceilings close to 7′ high).

This is not a rig you’d want to travel thousands of miles in or take on roads with lots of uneven terrain as you might with a traditional bumper-pulled travel trailer, or even a large 5th wheel. (For more information on the differences between travel trailers and 5th wheels, check out our post on travel trailers vs 5th wheels!)

Traditional travel trailers (including 5th wheels) are built with travel in mind. They’re lighter than destination trailers, and they’re built with frequent travel as a core purpose of the rig. The features and amenities included in a travel trailer are also different from those associated with a destination trailer. Let’s take a look at the features you might find in a destination travel trailer that you’d be unlikely to see in a traditional travel trailer.

Key Features of a Destination Trailer

A destination trailer is likely to have high ceilings, giving a home-like feel to the RV. With ceiling heights up to 82″, destination trailers offer a spacious quality that often includes 7-foot slide-outs to open the space up even more.

In addition to more space, luxury amenities such as fireplaces (for both ambience as well as heat), residential-size showers and tubs, central vacuum systems, and even a second bedroom and bathroom are often found in a destination trailer as weight is not as much of an issue due to the expectation that travel will be kept at a minimum.

Destination trailers also offer amenities such as larger kitchens (often with residential refrigerators), solid wood cabinets, and solid-surface countertops. All of these features tend to offer destination trailer owners an even home-like experience when they arrive at their long-term destination.

Why Choose a Destination Trailer?

One of the main reasons to choose a destination trailer is for comfort and space. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of owning a destination trailer vs a travel trailer.

Benefits of Owning a Destination Trailer

Destination trailers are generally larger than conventional travel trailers, with multiple separate living spaces, large bedrooms (often with king-size beds), and bathrooms (sometimes more than one!) in addition to full-size appliances and real wood cabinetry.

A destination trailer focuses more on the true comforts of home rather than on mobility. Without the need to keep the trailer lightweight and maneuverable over all kinds of terrain, destination trailer designers can focus more on interior features and amenities that make the trailer more like a traditional home.

For this reason, you’ll find more residential-style features in a destination trailer, such as lots of large windows, sliding glass doors or French doors, and high-quality finishes. You may also find dual lofts for extra sleeping spaces (great for families with kids) and actual staircases to those lofts.

Other desirable amenities can include large L-shaped sofas in expansive open living spaces with slide-outs for entertaining lots of guests. Again, this makes them significantly heavier and taller than travel trailers, but destination trailers prioritize comfort and convenience over travel and lightweight, aerodynamic features.

Destination trailers are available in different sizes but often offer interior space of more than 500 sq. feet and ceiling heights of as much as 7′ to 8′ or more. And again, their large slide-outs offer even more spacious living. In addition, you’ll also find full, gourmet-style kitchens with large, deep sinks and 18 cu ft residential refrigerators.

And, although this is an article about destination trailers vs travel trailers, we should also note that destination trailers also offer benefits that park models don’t offer, such as the ability to be self-contained. So, they can operate on hookups for water, sewer, and power, but they can also offer off-grid living due to the presence of their fresh, gray, and black water tanks and independent power systems (like any other RV). This self-containment gives destination travelers the ability to enjoy their trailer on or off grid.

Another benefit of destination trailers is that even though they generally weigh around 10,000 pounds (though they can weigh several thousand pounds more), they don’t require towing with a commercial vehicle like park models do (which may also require special permits and/or designated “oversize vehicle” routes to be delivered). Destination trailers are considered bumper trailers, and most can be pulled with appropriately equipped 3/4-ton trucks (though not necessarily easily and generally with very poor fuel mileage).

Cost Comparison with Traditional Travel Trailers

Destination trailers can be more expensive than traditional travel trailers. Along with the larger, heavier, taller living areas and the (generally) higher-quality amenities & finishes may come a higher price tag. A destination trailer is usually used as a seasonal home, however, and most buyers consider the additional cost worthy of the benefits of comfort and space.

However, many destination trailers are notably less expensive than some of the largest 5th wheels on the market. In fact, people who opt for a destination trailer instead of a 5th wheel often do so because they don’t intend to travel with the destination trailer (so they’ll be parking it long-term or seasonally on an owned or rented property), and because they cost LESS than many large 5th wheels that have similar space and amenities.

The difference is that destination trailers are likely constructed more efficiently as they’re not intended for constant movement. They’re less likely to have auto-leveling systems and power tongue jacks, for example, and some may not even have crank-down stabilizers because they’re likely to be set on blocks to stabilize the frame when they’re set up at their destination.

Destination trailers are also less likely to have backup cameras, ladders, upgraded suspensions, and running gear. They’re also more likely to be constructed of wood (even if they have fiberglass skin), which is a cheaper (though heavier) way to construct a unit. For all of these reasons and more, you’ll find that a destination trailer may be substantially lower in cost than a comparably sized 5th wheel.

Using some general pricing guidelines, destination trailers tend to range in price from as low as $20,000-$40,000 for the smallest, most basic units and from $40,000 to $80,000 for mid-range models. Large high-end destination trailers, offering the most luxurious amenities, can range anywhere from $80,000 and considerably higher.

Who Should Consider a Destination Trailer?

Maybe it would be best to start with who should NOT consider a destination trailer. If you’re someone who enjoys traveling from place to place, camping in different places, using your RV to visit family and friends, national parks, and other destinations, you’ll want to consider a motorhome, travel trailer, or 5th wheel as opposed to a destination trailer.

Destination trailers are far too large and heavy to haul thousands of miles for short camping stays before traveling on to a new location.

Ideal Users of Destination Trailers

The ideal user of a destination trailer is someone who intends to use their trailer as a seasonal home or for long-term travel to a single location. A good example of an ideal destination trailer owner is someone who wants to move to a warm location in winter, often referred to as a “snowbird.”

If you intend to drive your destination trailer to an RV park (or other location) in another state, or even just to a lakeside property within your home state, and to stay in that one location for a season, then a destination trailer may be the right choice for you.

Some ideal users of destination trailers might include retirees, people looking for a seasonal vacation home, remote or travel workers who move to a particular area for several months at a time, and adventurous travelers who enjoy going to certain types of locations to enjoy their sport/hobby for an extended time. For example, adventurers who want to be near mountains for skiing or near beaches for surfing for several months at a time.

Comparison with Other RV Options

There are several RV options available, and most are suited to specific numbers of travelers and particular types of travel.

If your lifestyle lends itself more to traveling to various locations, then you’ll likely be better served by a motorhome, travel trailer, or 5th wheel, all of which may offer sufficient room for you and your family but will be far lighter weight and better-designed for travel than for static living.

Important Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

For those who have considered all of the information above and have decided to pursue the purchase of a destination trailer, there are a number of things to keep in mind before shopping.

Towing Capacity Requirements

Destination trailers are heavy. Most weigh in at somewhere around 10,000 pounds, although some destination trailers can weigh up to as much as 14,000 pounds. As we noted earlier, most properly-equipped, heavy-duty, 3/4-ton trucks should be able to tow a destination trailer from one location to another. These would include the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500, and the Ram 2500, all of which are capable of handling the weight of a large, heavy destination trailer.

With all of that said, the vehicles most commonly used for towing large destination trailers are large, one-ton, heavy-duty pickups like the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500, and Ram 3500. These trucks are capable of towing between 12,000 to 22,000 lbs, so they should be reasonable choices for towing most destination trailers.

Note that some lighter-weight destination trailers could be towed by full-sized SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe or the Ford Expedition, but because these vehicles have towing capacities of only 7,500 to 8,000 lbs, they’d only be appropriate for the smallest, lightest destination trailer options.

By comparison, a traditional travel trailer can weigh anywhere from 1,250 lbs to 10,000 lbs, with the majority typically weighing in the 4,000-6,000 pound range. For rigs weighing 4,000 pounds or more, a full-size pickup will be needed. However, travel trailers that weigh 3,500 pounds or less (like these travel trailer models that weigh less than 1,500 lbs) can safely be towed with a mid-size pickup truck.

Just be aware that it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s towing capacity info for your truck model and ensure that it’s equipped with the appropriate hitch and weight distribution system to safely tow something as large and heavy as a destination trailer.

Location/Site Limitations

It’s important to know that there may be zoning laws and/or other legal requirements that impose certain restrictions on parking and/or living in a destination trailer. In fact, some areas only allow living in a destination trailer (and other campers as well) in designated campgrounds and RV parks. So, this is something to consider before purchasing a trailer and making plans to live or even vacation in it seasonally.

There are some areas where you can park a destination trailer for an extended period, but you need to obtain a permit to do so in advance. Other areas allow living in and parking a destination trailer for a maximum length of time and no longer. These types of limitations are exclusive to each particular area, so you’ll want to be fully aware of all requirements and limitations prior to planning places to spend time in a destination trailer.

You’ll also need to comply with any local regulations pertaining to water, sewer, and electrical connections (though these are often easier since a destination trailer is self-contained).

Living Arrangements in a Destination Trailer

The category of “destination trailers” offers many and varied floorplans, with each one designed to focus on a specific living experience. For example, people who enjoy a large open space to gather with family and friends might like a trailer with an open living area. Floorplans like these offer large, spacious kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms, many with large slide-outs to extend the space even further.

Other floorplans offer multiple bedrooms, making them popular with families or those who like to have guests visit their vacation home. You’ll find floorplans that offer large master bedrooms with full bathrooms and a separate bedroom with a bath or half-bath and bunk beds for the kids, or a second guest bedroom with a queen-size bed. There are many options from which to choose in terms of layouts.

For those who work remotely, a dedicated office space may be desirable. Or, for those who like to work on hobbies like crafts, music interests, sewing, or other artistic pursuits, a separate work space is a great option.

Some people like their vacation homes to be luxurious, and many floorplans offer luxury amenities such as fireplaces, French doors, gourmet kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, or fancy entertainment systems.

And finally, there are models of destination trailers that are designed to offer extended outdoor living spaces that include large awnings, decks, and outside kitchens.

Top Destination Trailer Brands/Models

The top manufacturers of destination trailers in North America include Forest River, Keystone RV, Jayco, Heartland RV, and Dutchmen RV. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the most popular destination trailers from each of the top three brands.

Forest River Timberwolf

Forest River’s Timberwolf destination trailers offer options such as pass-through bathrooms for the master bedroom, vast living spaces, and even a unit that features a double loft. You can learn more about the options offered in Forest River’s Timberwolf series models on the Forest River website.

For now, here’s a quick look at one 2025 model that is 45′ long and weighs 12,000 lbs empty, has multiple long frameless tinted windows, two large electric awnings, tons of storage, and much more:

Keystone Residence

The Keystone Residence is another popular destination trailer. Known for its high ceilings and wide bodies, this group of trailers from Residence RV includes slide-outs in the master bedrooms of all floorplans, along with plenty of storage, spacious bathrooms, and upgraded appliances.

You can learn more about the Keystone Residence destination trailers on the Keystone RV website. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in seeing a destination trailer from Keystone Residence RV up a bit closer, you can take a look at this video:

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow

The Jay Flight Bungalow offers a large (102″) wide-body design. Inside, you’ll find linoleum flooring (including bedrooms and slide room floors), residential appliances, a central vacuum system, and tinted dual sliding entrance doors.

You can find much more information on a Jayco destination trailer on the Jayco website. As always, a video is worth thousands of words, so here’s a closer look at a Jayco Flight Bungalow:

Customizing Your Destination Trailer

One of the many popular features of a destination trailer is the fact that it can be customized to reflect the owner’s needs and personal style. Destination trailers can be customized on the interior as well as the exterior (some things can be custom-ordered right from the factory, while others are items you can upgrade after purchase).

Interior Design Options

On the interior, destination trailer owners can upgrade or replace furniture and even customize the decor to truly enhance the living space to make it their own. Changing items such as cushions, curtains, artwork, and decorative pieces can further enhance the personal touches that make your trailer feel like home.

For those wanting to improve functionality in accordance with their lifestyle, kitchens can be upgraded, as can bathroom fixtures and more.

Exterior Features and Add-Ons

Customizing the exterior features of a destination trailer can be equally as satisfying. Choosing paint and decorative decals that reflect the owner’s taste is one approach to customization. But making the outdoor living area warm and comfortable with items such as patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, and awnings can extend the living space into the outdoors in a satisfying way.

Maintenance and Care Tips

As with any home, regular maintenance of a destination trailer is vital to keep them from deteriorating over time and to help retain their value as much as possible.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Some of the ways that you can help to keep your trailer looking good and functioning well while helping to retain its value are as follows:

• Regularly clean and inspect all aspects of the trailer for any issues related to travel, use, and the elements.
• Tend to repairs right away, especially those related to potential water damage, such as roofs and plumbing, as well as electrical components.
• Properly winterize the unit to prevent freezing temperatures from damaging plumbing and other components.
• Maintain adequate moisture control and carefully inspect the unit for any signs of moisture.
• Maintain slide-outs, appliances, windows, steps, and all other components to keep them functioning well.
• Address any exterior issues with areas such as door and window seals, paint, tires, etc., to keep the exterior of your destination trailer in good overall condition.

Tips for Winterizing Your Destination Trailer

You can have an RV service center winterize your trailer for you, or you can do it yourself. Here are 10 basic steps you’ll want to follow to winterize your destination trailer:

1. Winterize the plumbing system (for thorough tutorials on winterizing your destination trailer or any other type of RV, see our posts on how to winterize an RV’s plumbing with antifreeze and how to winterize an RV’s plumbing with an air compressor).
2. Add antifreeze to drains and toilets (for the toilet, put one cup of antifreeze in the empty bowl and flush it down, then add another cup to the bowl).
3. Clean and vacuum storage bins to remove dirt, dust, debris, and especially crumbs to keep mice out of your RV.
4. Check all exterior sealants and recaulk/reseal as necessary.
5. Clean out sewer hoses and store them safely.
6. Clean the awning using a cleaner specifically designed for the fabric.
7. Stabilize your rig using wheel chocks if necessary, depending on where your rig is stored.
8. Inflate the tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall (this helps prevent them from deforming from being parked for so long)
9. If your rig is remaining outside, consider using a protective cover.

We also suggest checking out all of our RV winterizing tips for thoroughly winterizing the entire RV.

FAQs About Destination Trailers

Let’s recap a few of the most common questions about destination trailers.

What sets destination trailers apart from other RVs?

Destination trailers are larger and heavier than most RVs and are designed and built with the understanding that although they will be moved, the trailer will spend most of its time at a static location when in use. Like other RVs, they have independent (battery) power systems as well as fresh, gray, and black water holding tanks for off-grid use of the trailer (unlike park models).

Can destination trailers be moved easily?

While large, tall, and heavy, most destination trailers can be moved by an adequately equipped 3/4-ton truck, as opposed to traditional travel trailers that may be moved by smaller trucks… and park models that require transport by a commercial truck with proper permits. However, destination trailers aren’t designed or built for extended travel. They can be moved from one place to another, but they are large, cumbersome, and inefficient to move too regularly.

Are destination trailers suitable for full-time living?

Some destination trailers are suitable for full-time living, depending on the weather in the area where they’re located. There are four-season destination trailers with specific winter packages, but most destination trailer owners use the trailer as a second home or vacation home.

What is the average cost of a destination trailer?

Entry-level, smaller destination trailers can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000, while larger, more-luxurious units can cost as much as $80,000 – $100,000 or more.

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