Guide
Travel Trailer vs Destination Trailer: Key Differences, By the Numbers
A destination trailer is built to be parked for long stretches, such as a seasonal campsite, with residential-style features, large windows and roomy layouts. A travel trailer is built to be towed regularly. Destination trailers can be towed, but they’re usually moved only occasionally, often by a hired transport service.
| Travel trailer | Destination trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Models in our catalog | 1749 (17 makers) | 109 (6 makers) |
| Typical length | 28′ 6″ | 42′ 8″ |
| Length range | 12′ 5″–44′ | 27′ 9″–48′ 6″ |
| Typical height | 10′ 10″ | 13′ 4″ |
| Typical dry weight | 5,740 lb | 11,860 lb |
| Typical GVWR | 7,550 lb | 13,610 lb |
| Typical sleeping capacity | 6 | 7 |
| Typical fresh / gray / black tanks | 44 / 39 / 34 gal | 43 / 80 / 40 gal |
| Typical manufacturer price | $42,000 | $105,000 |
| Median dealer discount off sticker | 30% | 29% |
Typical = median of published manufacturer specs (newest model year per model). Prices are manufacturer starting or MSRP figures where verified (often base prices); dealer discounts compare current listings with each listing’s own sticker MSRP.
Key differences
How often it moves
Travel trailers are designed for frequent towing. Destination trailers are designed to sit in one place for months, and many owners have them delivered rather than towing them.
Size and weight
Destination trailers are typically larger and heavier (42′ 8″ and 11,860 lb dry in our catalog, versus 28′ 6″ and 5,740 lb for travel trailers), so towing one usually takes a heavy-duty truck.
Features
Destination trailers lean residential: big windows, full-size appliances, lofts, multiple entry doors and household-style furniture.
Campsite fit
Their size can rule out many campgrounds and park roads, so they’re usually placed at a resort or seasonal site.
Travel trailer: pros & cons
Pros
- Easy to take on the road often
- Huge choice of sizes and prices
- Towable by many trucks and SUVs
Cons
- Less residential space and features
- Less suited to living in one place for months
Destination trailer: pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy, home-like layouts
- Residential features and lots of windows
- Great for a seasonal or lake site
Cons
- Not meant for frequent towing
- Often needs a heavy-duty truck or a hauling service to move
- Limited campsite options
Which should you choose?
Choose a travel trailer if…
- You want to travel to different places
- You tow with an SUV or light truck
Choose a destination trailer if…
- You’ll keep it at one seasonal site
- You want cabin-like space without building a cabin
A typical example of each
Helpful tools
Common questions
Can you tow a destination trailer?
Yes, they have axles and a hitch, but they’re large and heavy and designed for occasional moves. Many owners use a hauling service.
Is a destination trailer the same as a park model RV?
No. A park model is a small home-like unit intended for long-term placement and isn’t designed for towing on a regular basis; a destination trailer is a large travel trailer meant to be moved occasionally.
More RV comparison guides
Catalog figures update automatically as models are added: currently 1749 travel trailers and 109 destination trailers from manufacturer specifications.