Are you considering buying a recreational vehicle (RV) to make your family's summer travels more convenient and comfortable? Maybe you've heard of the newest type of RV -- the hybrid travel trailer, also known as the expandable camper -- and want to know more about it. Or perhaps you've already settled on purchasing a hybrid travel trailer and are looking to compare different makes and models to find the one that's best for you. Either way, we've done the research, and we have answers for you!
Following is our list (in alphabetical order) of the eight best hybrid travel trailers for 2021:
- Dutchmen Aerolite
- Dutchmen Coleman Light LX
- Dutchmen Kodiak
- Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock & Rockwood Roo
- Jayco Jay Feather
- Keystone Bullet Crossfire
- KZ Escape
- Palomino SolAire
In the remainder of this article, we'll describe each of these models in detail, explain how hybrid travel trailers are different from other types of recreational vehicles (RVs), and delve into the pros and cons of hybrid travel trailers. Keep reading to learn more!
Are Hybrid Travel Trailers Any Good?
To answer this question, let's first look at how hybrid travel trailers are different from other types of RVs. Then we'll examine the pros and cons of hybrid travel trailers and identify the people and situations for which they are best suited.
How Do Hybrid Travel Trailers Differ From Other RVs?
There are five major categories of RVs, each with its own distinguishing features. Here's how to tell them apart:
Motorhomes
Motorized units that contain both a cockpit (driving area) and living space. They range in length from 20 feet to 45 feet and can cost $60,000 or more.
Fifth Wheels
These large, heavy trailers are towed by full-size pickup trucks and require a specialized mount in the towing truck's bed. Their price averages $35,000 and ranges from $20,000 to $50,000.
Travel Trailers
Trailers ranging in length from 18 to 35 feet that can be towed by pickup trucks, SUVs, and some minivans, are referred to as travel trailers. Their price averages $23,000 and ranges from $11,000 to $35,000.
Hybrid Travel Trailers
Lighter than standard travel trailers, hybrids come in a similar range of lengths and also have slide-outs that provide extra sleeping space when the trailer is parked. They cost between $15,000 and $35,000, with an average price of $27,000.
Popup Campers
Popups are much smaller, lighter trailers that fold up for towing. They lack the space or amenities of other types of RVs. Their price ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, with an average cost of about $10,000.
Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Travel Trailers
Hybrid travel trailers are a relatively new development in the field of RVs. They are designed to merge the comfort of standard travel trailers with the roominess of motor homes and popups' efficiency. Hybrids feature slideouts -- panels that extend out from the side and/or beds that fold out from the ends of the trailer. When it is parked, slideouts to provide extra living and/or sleeping space.
Pros
- Hybrid travel trailers are lighter than any other type of RV (except popup campers). This means many different types of vehicles can tow them, and they are cheaper to tow.
- Slideout sleeping and living areas provide more space, convenience, and comfort than standard travel trailers can offer.
- The slideouts are quick and easy to set up when you park for camping.
- Hybrid travel trailers can sleep 6, 8, or even 10 people.
- The slideout beds, which are outside the camper's shell and are sheltered by heavy-duty canvas, give a feeling of closeness to nature, similar to sleeping in a tent.
Cons
- The slideout beds in cheaper models are on wooden platforms, and some people find them uncomfortable.
- The canvas roofs for the slideout beds often collect condensation overnight yet should be completely dried before folding them up for travel. This poses a difficulty for getting an early start.
- Hybrid travel trailers should not be used in areas where aggressive predators such as bears are common, as they can easily breach the canvas.
- The canvas roofs also let in more noise, so it may be more difficult to sleep if you're at a campsite.
Who Is Served Best By A Hybrid Travel Trailer?
The central feature that distinguishes hybrid travel trailers from other categories of RVs is their use of slideouts to provide additional sleeping space and roominess. Unlike standard hard-shell travel trailers, hybrids can sleep 6 to 10 people comfortably and conveniently, making them an excellent choice for larger families. And, because they are light enough to be towed by SUVs and minivans, the whole family can ride together from campsite to campsite.
The 8 Best Hybrid Travel Trailers for 2021
1. Dutchmen Aerolite
The Dutchmen Aerolite model focuses on providing ample space for storage, cargo, and fresh/gray/black water tanks. Aerolites tend to be longer and heavier -- and, thus, more expensive -- than the other models described here. They have a strong reputation for quality and comfort.
There are nine floorplans for the Dutchmen Aerolite:
2133RB
- Dimensions: Length 25' 2"; Height 11' 1"
- Weights: Weight 5557 lb; Hitch Weight 583 lb; Payload Capacity 2043 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 67 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 4; Awning 17'
- MSRP: $36,408
2423 BH
- Dimensions: Length 28' 0"; Height 11' 1"
- Weights: Weight 5722 lb; Hitch Weight 742 lb; Payload Capacity 1878 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 16'
- MSRP: $38,400
2573 BH
- Dimensions: Length 29' 4"; Height 11" 1"
- Weights: Weight 6282 lb; Hitch Weight 921 lb; Payload Capacity 3398 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 78 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 20'
- MSRP: $36,392
2733 RB
- Dimensions: Length 31' 5"; Height 11' 5"
- Weights: Weight 6763 lb; Hitch Weight 802 lb; Payload Capacity 2917 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 56 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6; Awning 15'
- MSRP: $38,944
2843 BH
- Dimensions: Length 33' 3"; Height 11' 5"
- Weights: Weight 6904 lb; Hitch Weight 753; Payload Capacity 2776 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 78 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 10; Awning 20'
- MSRP: $39,600
2923 BH
- Dimensions: Length 33' 5"; Height 12' 2"
- Weights: Weight 6998 lb; Hitch Weight 848 lb; Payload Capacity 2682 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 67 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 10; Awning 20'
- MSRP: $39,752
3153 ML
- Dimensions: Length 35' 6"; Height 11' 7"
- Weights: Weight 8210 lb; Hitch Weight 1144 lb; Payload Capacity 1470 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 67 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6; Awning 12'
- MSRP: $45,298
3303 RL
- Dimensions: Length 37' 5"; Height 11' 7"
- Weights: Weight 8760 lb; Hitch Weight 1103 lb; Payload Capacity 2240 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 39 gal / 39 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6; Awning 12'
- MSRP: $48,240
3383 BH
- Dimensions: Length 37' 5"; Height 11' 7"
- Weights: Weight 8598 lb; Hitch Weight 1166 lb; Payload Capacity 2402 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 50 gal / 39 gal / 39 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6; Two awnings at 20' each
- MSRP: $48,240
Click here for Aerolite decals on Amazon.
2. Dutchmen Coleman Light LX
Coleman trailers, also manufactured by Dutchmen, are smaller and lighter and have less payload capacity than most other hybrids. The Coleman Light LX features a sleek design and emphasizes creature comforts, such as a built-in queen size bed, electric awning retraction, and power stabilizer jacks.
The Coleman Light LX series features four floorplans:
1605 FB
- Dimensions: Length 20' 8"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 3864 lb; Hitch Weight 690 lb; Payload Capacity 976 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 46 gal / 39 gal / 39 gal
- Other: Sleeps 3-4; Awning 12'
- MSRP: $19,058
1705 FB
- Dimensions: Length 21' 11"; Height 10' 3"
- Weights: Weight 3637 lb; Hitch Weight 512 lb; Payload Capacity 1203 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 46 gal / 39 gal / 39 gal
- Other: Sleeps 3-4; Awning 13'
- MSRP: $20,448
1855 RB
- Dimensions: Length 22' 4"; Height 10' 4"
- Weights: Weight 4097 lb; Hitch Weight 444 lb; Payload Capacity 743 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 46 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 3-4; Awning 14'
- MSRP: $21,158
2125 BH
- Dimensions: Length 25' 8"; Height 10' 3"
- Weights: Weight 4468 lb; Hitch Weight 552 lb; Payload Capacity 3132 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 46 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 4-6; Awning 16'
- MSRP: $22,158
Click here for travel trailer cover on Amazon.
3. Dutchmen Kodiak Cub
The Kodiak Cub is among the smallest of the hybrid travel trailers reviewed here. It offers a solid mix of efficiency, payload capacity, and comfort at a reasonable price.
Dutchmen offers four floorplans for Kodiak Club:
175 BH
- Dimensions: Length 21' 5"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 3532 lb; Hitch Weight 417 lb; Payload Capacity 1968 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 52 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-7; Awning 13'
- MSRP: $23,696
177 RB
- Dimensions: Length 21' 5"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 2583 lb; Hitch Weight 405 lb; Payload Capacity 1917 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 52 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-8; Awning 12'
- MSRP: $25,669
185 MB
- Dimensions: Length 23' 0"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 3909 lb; Hitch Weight 564 lb; Payload Capacity 1591 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 52 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-8; Awning 14'
- MSRP: $28,899
196 BH
- Dimensions: Length 23' 8"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 4102 lb; Hitch Weight 437 lb; Payload Capacity 1398 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 52 gal / 39 gal / 28 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 14'
- MSRP: $33,284
Click here for RV fuse block on Amazon.
4. Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock & Rockwood Roo
These two hybrid travel trailer lines are identical, except in their decals and colors. They are known for their high-quality manufacture, a wide range of sizes and trim lines, and stylish comfort.
The Flagstaff Shamrock and Rockwood Roo offer six floorplans:
183
- Dimensions: Length 21' 2"; Height 10' 6"
- Weights: Weight 4299 lb; Hitch Weight 480 lb; Payload Capacity 1461 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 15'
- MSRP: $30,682
19
- Dimensions: Length 21' 2"; Height 10' 6"
- Weights: Weight 4137 lb; Hitch Weight 448 lb; Payload Capacity 1591 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 15'
- MSRP: $30, 117
21SS
- Dimensions: Length 22' 10"; Height 10' 11"
- Weights: Weight 5047 lb; Hitch Weight 548 lb; Payload Capacity 1501 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 15'
- MSRP: $33,540
233S
- Dimensions: Length 24' 10"; Height 10' 6"
- Weights: Weight 5063 lb; Hitch Weight 650 lb; Payload Capacity 1587 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 10; Awning 17'
- MSRP: $34, 546
235S
- Dimensions: Length 24' 10"; Height 10' 11"
- Weights: Weight 5695 lb; Hitch Weight 732 lb; Payload Capacity 1197 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6; Awning 17'
- MSRP: $35,603 - $36,328
23FK
- Dimensions: Length 24' 10"; Height 10' 11"
- Weights: Weight 5528 lb; Hitch Weight 720 lb; Payload Capacity 1352 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 58 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8; Awning 18'
- MSRP: $35,018
Click here for slideout supports on Amazon.
5. Jayco Jay Feather
Jayco is a premier manufacturer of travel trailers with a reputation for quality, convenience, and affordability. Jay Feather hybrids focus on sleekness and comfort; however, their payload and fresh/gray/black water capacities are lower than those of most other hybrids.
The Jay Feather, its most popular line, includes four hybrid floorplans:
X17Z
- Dimensions: Length 18' 7"; Height 10' 1"
- Weights: Weight 3285 lb; Hitch Weight 375 lb; Payload Capacity 665 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 22.5 gal / 30.5 gal / 22.5 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-7; Awning
- MSRP: $22,988
X19H
- Dimensions: Length 20' 8"; Height 10' 4"
- Weights: Weight 3800 lb; Hitch Weight 340 lb; Payload Capacity 1150 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 42 gal / 30.5 gal / 22.5 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-7; Awning
- MSRP: $24,988
X23B
- Dimensions: Length 24' 5"; Height 10' 4"
- Weights: Weight 4380 lb; Hitch Weight 485 lb; Payload Capacity 1120 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 42 gal / 30.5 gal / 22.5 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-7
- MSRP: $28,988
X23E
- Dimensions: Length 26' 8"; Height 10' 10"
- Weights: Weight 5120 lb; Hitch Weight 600 lb; Payload Capacity 1030 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 42 gal / 30.5 gal / 22.5 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8-9
- MSRP: $33,029
Click here for trailer level on Amazon.
6. Keystone Bullet Crossfire
Keystone hybrids focus on packing a wide range of conveniences into a relatively small footprint. They are among the lower-priced options reviewed here.
There are three Keystone Bullet Crossfire hybrid floorplans:
1650 EX
- Dimensions: Length 19' 6"; Height 10' 5"
- Weights: Weight 3459 lb; Hitch Weight 470 lb; Payload Capacity 1241 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8
- MSRP: $22,531
1850 RB
- Dimensions: Length 22' 4"; Height 10' 10"
- Weights: Weight 3950 lb; Hitch Weight 430 lb; Payload Capacity 750 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 4
- MSRP: $23,955
2190EX
- Dimensions: Length 24' 11"; Height 10' 4"
- Weights: Weight 4515 lb; Hitch Weight 610 lb; Payload Capacity 1785 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 10
- MSRP: $28,698
Click here for RV water filter on Amazon.
7. KZ Escape
The KZ Escape is among the smallest and lowest-profile hybrid travel trailers reviewed here. It currently offers only two hybrid floorplans.
E160 RBT
- Dimensions: Length 19' 2"; Height 8' 11"
- Weights: Weight 2880 lb; Hitch Weight 340 lb; Payload Capacity 620 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 20 gal / 32 gal / 34 gal
- Other: Sleeps 4-6; Awning 10'
- MSRP: $ 24,995
E180 RBT
- Dimensions: Length 21' 9"; Height 9' 10"
- Weights: Weight 3320 lb; Hitch Weight 370 lb; Payload Capacity 1180 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-8
- MSRP: $27,995
Click here for toilet treatment drop-ins on Amazon.
8. Palomino SolAire
Palomino RVs are known for solid quality at an excellent price, as well as comfort features such as true queen beds. The three SolAire hybrid floorplans offer a range of sizes, capacities, and comfort options.
147X
- Dimensions: Length 19' 1"; Height 10' 1"
- Weights: Weight 3073 lb; Hitch Weight 315 lb; Payload Capacity 742 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 44 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-8
- MSRP: $21,652
163X
- Dimensions: Length 20' 9"; Height 10' 1"
- Weights: Weight 3633 lb; Hitch Weight 400 lb; Payload Capacity 1363 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 30 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 6-8
- MSRP: $23,401
185X
- Dimensions: Length 25' 9"; Height 10' 1"
- Weights: Weight 4134 lb; Hitch Weight 444 lb; Payload Capacity 1496 lb
- Fresh/Gray/Black Water Capacities: 43 gal / 38 gal / 30 gal
- Other: Sleeps 8-10; Awning 15'
- MSRP: $26,493
Click here for leveling blocks on Amazon.
Can A Hybrid Camper Go Off-Road?
The hybrid travel trailers discussed here are not intended to be taken off-road for several reasons:
- Any trailer longer than 16 to 18 feet will require two axles, making it more difficult to maneuver off-road.
- The cabinetry in most hybrid campers is rigid and cannot withstand the constant vibrations of off-roading.
- The plumbing is typically located in the rear and on the undercarriage, leaving it vulnerable.
If you prefer to do your camping off-road, there are a small number of rugged, primitive hybrid campers specifically built for that purpose. In general, they are much smaller and lack the amenities and conveniences of the hybrids described in this article. They are also substantially more expensive.
In Closing
If your family is seeking a travel trailer for camping expeditions, a hybrid camper might be an excellent choice. Hybrids are intended to sleep groups of 6 to 10 people, and they offer both convenience and comfort at a reasonable price. There is a wide range of sizes, trim styles, and amenities available to meet the unique needs of your family.
You may also enjoy the following: