If you want an RV that you can take camping on the weekends that is small, fairly lightweight, yet has sleeping areas for a larger family, hybrid travel trailers may be worth looking at.
Hybrid Campers Defined
Well, what is a hybrid camper? A hybrid trailer takes a traditional hard-sided travel trailer and adds 'pop-outs' on one or both ends (front/back and sometimes sides) that has the bed(s).
The pop-outs are manually opened and have fabric/mesh walls.
Hybrid Camper
Also known as an expandable travel trailer, this type of RV can come with traditional slide-outs in addition to the pop-outs.
The slide-out will have additional living space, whereas the pop-outs (up to 3) will have beds.
Hybrid Travel Trailer Quick Stats:
- Length: 13 to 25 feet
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6 people
- Slide-Outs: 0 to 2 (plus up to 3 pop-outs)
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 3,000 to 7,000 pounds
- Retail Price: $18,000 to $40,000
*Above stats are approximate ranges just to give you a general idea
Hybrid Camper Pros and Cons:
Hybrid Camper Interiors
The main body of hybrid trailers use the same construction techniques and materials of traditional travel trailers.
It's the fabric/mesh walls that differ and are unique to this style RV (though it's also found in the pop up campers).
Interior of Large Expandable Camper
The interior of the expandable trailer will look much like a traditional travel trailer floor plan, except for canvas sided pop-outs.
It will have a similar level of equipment and amenities that most travel trailers (not high-end) will have, giving you a similar level of comfort for daily living.
There will be a typical RV kitchen with stove and fridge, a dinette table where you can eat, work, or play games, a bathroom that most likely will have a shower, and on larger rigs you may even find a couch in the living area.
Typical RV windows will be present in the hard-sided portions of the hybrids, with the pop-outs having screen windows that have zippered panels to close them off.
Interior storage space will be similar to other similarly sized RVs, including place to stash your food, cooking supplies, clothes, and other daily use items.
Expandable Travel Trailer Interior
Bed space is where hybrids shine. With beds that fold out of the side of the camper, this design really helps open up the floor plans. And makes it so a lot more people can sleep inside expandable travel trailers than traditional trailers.
Just keep in mind that the mattresses on the fold out beds are most likely thin and not too comfortable. Good for kids that can sleep on anything, but not for someone that has an achy body and needs certain comforts when sleeping.
Just tell the kids they are on a tent camping adventure with the canvas sides and hard laying surface. Then remind them how bad you had it growing up. LOL!
There are even models that have bunk beds which really helps free up floor space while having multiple sleeping areas.
Into queen beds? There's most likely a model that has this mattress side and otherwise would work for you.
Stand-Out Features Of Hybrid Travel Trailers
The biggest feature of hybrid campers is the number of people it can sleep.
The 'pop-outs' greatly expand the sleeping capability of a regular travel trailer without requiring a much larger overall length.
This lets you bring everyone along, yet still fit into a smaller campsite.
Because an expandable travel trailer has hard sides, and can be of pretty good length, you are likely to find exterior storage bays.
Expandable Travel Trailer
Shorter hybrid trailers may have a wet bathroom to save room.
A smaller expandable RV will only have a single axle, whereas larger ones will be dual axle.
Due to the lighter weight of most hybrid camper trailers, they can be towed by most light trucks and SUVs that have a decent tow rating.
A hybrid RV is a great option for weekender camping but isn't built to withstand the rigors of heavy, full-time use.
The canvas walls of the pop-outs limit the seasons these hybrid travel trailers can be used in, as they do absolutely nothing to keep temperature extremes outside of the RV. Heat comes in, as does the cold. When the wind is blowing, expect to feel air drafts.
In crappy weather an expandable trailer might not be the best place to spend a camping trip. The elements will make their presence known. Rain water may become a 'feature' inside the rig, making for a miserable experience.
Another thing to consider with the canvas walls of the fold out portions of an expandable RV is your sense of security while camping. If you are worried about people being able to get inside your rig (not an issue one should be overly concerned about at most campsites) then having an RV with walls that won't even stop the wind should give you pause.
How Much Does a Hybrid Trailer Cost?
Retail prices for a new hybrid travel trailer can be the same as many traditional travel trailers of the same size.
They typically range from $18,000 to $40,000.
But when you consider the cost per person you can sleep in these expandable campers, they offer a better deal.
Conclusion
Hybrid travel trailers combine the benefits of a traditional travel trailer with the flexibility of a pop up camper to make a great weekender RV for those needing to sleep a larger number of people but don't want a large rig.
The light weight of smaller expandable campers makes this a great RV for those who have 1/2 ton trucks or SUVs with lower towing capability, when a larger conventional trailer might be out of their reach.
Probably not the best choice for a couple looking to head out on camping adventures, but could be the idea RV for families looking to head to the great outdoors.
While hybrid campers aren't for everyone, they certainly fill a need in the RVing community. Now that you know the answer to the question 'What is a hybrid travel trailer?' you know if this kind of rig is right for you.
Whatever type of RV you choose, there is nothing like the freedom RVing allows your family when you want to get out and enjoy the camping experience!
Author: Marshall Wendler
Camp Addict co-founder Marshall Wendler brings his technical expertise to help explain RV products in an easy to understand fashion. Full-time RVing since April 2014, Marshall loves sharing his knowledge of the RV lifestyle.