What are the Pros and Cons of owning a travel trailer?

My husband and I are seriously thinking about purchasing a 28 ft, sleeps 6, (non expandable type, everything contained) travel trailer, and neither of us have had much experience with them. Can you help point out the pros and cons of operating one?



Thanks for your help.What are the Pros and Cons of owning a travel trailer?
Hi Dog Mama,



there are a few things to think about when choosing whether or not to buy a travel trailer (caravan in the UK and Europe)



Some benefits you have probably thought of already...



Freedom...you can travel almost anywhere and stay more or less where you like cheaply and with complete freedom from the hotel/motel experiences, you will be able to stop when you are hungry, even if miles from a restaurant, when you want to eat or have a hot drink.



You can travel to places that don't normally cater too well for visitors and do it when YOU want to.



There are a few disadvantages...If you travel through mountain roads, you almost certainly will cause frustration to other road users who may get held up because your vehicle will be slower than normal. Your fuel consumption will rise, even (in fact especially) if you have an economical car, as the extra weight will affect the consumption quite a bit.



If your pulling vehicle is one with a fairly large engine/motor the difference will be noticeably less marked.



The handling of your vehicle will be affected and will be especially affected if there are high winds while you are travelling, so you will need to take extra care.



If you have never used a trailer/car combination before you may find that reversing becomes a problem (I suggest you practice somewhere suitable-a car park on a quiet day, perhaps- so you become familiar with how your steering has to work the opposite way round to get into a parking space. Do this BEFORE you set off into the wide blue yonder.



Also, still on parking, you may find it difficult to park in a city or busy town alonside the roadside kerb, as you will need possibly 40'-50' of parking space as a minimum to get the trailer and the vehicle into a space. ((At times I have 'parked' the trailer at the edge of town and driven in without it so to enable easier parking!)



You will, I'm sure, find plenty of other little dislikes and plenty more pleasures from owning a trailer.



I can recommend it...your vacation choices are vastly multiplied and your really do have freedom. Just think about travelling to a family occasion where there are more guests than beds...you'll have no problem. Also if, one night, you fancy a drink at a bar and you drink more than the law allows, you are already 'home' and will have no need to drive 'under the influence'.



You WILL, I am sure enjoy the experience and will soon become proficient in reversing, handling the extra weight, etc. and you'll not regret the decision...we haven't.



Cheers,



BobSpain