Exploring the highways, parks, and attractions across Canada in your RV has been your family’s favorite summer entertainment for years. Now there is yet another child and your family of six has now outgrown your entry-level trailer. Is it possible to find a trailer with room for everybody? Absolutely. The RV industry continues to add creative solutions for providing comfortable accommodations for the whole family from your toddler to your teens. Let’s check out some of the more popular and common options.
Buy a Bunkhouse with Beds for Everybody
Many travel trailers and fifth-wheels will offer multiple floor plans for a single length and trim level. The bunkhouse designation is typically found on models that are 32 feet (ca. 10 m) or longer. This RV will have a bedroom at the back of the trailer that includes sleeping arrangements for up to 5 using bunk, trundle beds, and fold out couches. Some will have a small bathroom right off the bunkhouse. There are even versions with a big screen TV ready to hook up gaming consoles positioned under a single high bunk. What about the adults? Your bedroom is generally located at the other end of the trailer with pocket doors for added privacy.
Hidden Beds Offer More Value for Your Budget
Perhaps you aren’t ready to spend well over $50,000 for a family camper. There are a variety of travel trailers available that focus on versatility while keeping the price down. You can still sleep the entire family inside, using the convertible table and benches for two and more will fit on the fold out couch. Some trailers have living areas with double sofas, which can fit another teen or two.
Pop-Outs Blend the Best of Space and Economy
Have you been towing a pop-up camper for the past few years? It had all the room needed for just the two of you, and even has enough space for your first two kids. Now that there are a few more in the family, it is time to upgrade. Ask your RV dealer about a travel trailer hybrid. Generally found in the 20 to 26-foot category, these RVs also have the pop-out beds you used in your smaller version. Some only pop-out on one end, but with the fold-out couch, fold-down table, and double screened beds, it is possible to fit the whole crew without blowing the budget.
Loft Space does Double Duty in your Toy Hauler
For families that travel with ATVs or dirt bikes, the garage area of a toy hauler is able to double as a bunk house. The loft space accessed by a ladder is designed for tool storage, but can easily be converted into sleeping quarters with a foam mattress.
Take Along a Tent for Your Independent Teens
When vacationing in the summer, your RV often serves as little more than a kitchen and sleeping space. Think about adding a tent that sleeps up to three as an affordable answer when there simply isn’t space in the older RV to fit everybody. Most campgrounds offer sites with the space and flexibility for this solution.
Fifth-Wheels Provide the Parents Added Privacy
As your family grew, alone time for the parents became a premium. Sometimes camping in that small RV leaves you feeling stressed as there is nowhere to escape. One of the benefits of the fifth-wheel design is the forward master suite is located up the stairs away from the mayhem. Generally this private getaway includes a queen bed, plenty of closet space, and a door to the master bath. Other amenities can include a cable connection for your second TV, a soaking tub, and air conditioning vents. It is your vacation, too. Don’t forget to include your needs while shopping for space for the kids.
Make Sure Your Tow Vehicle is Ready for the Challenge
Since your family now includes at least four kids, you are probably driving a three-row SUV. While some of these models offer a tow rating, most are not built to be able to tow a sizable travel trailer. The average weight of a travel trailer is around 5,200 pounds (2.36 ton.) That does not include all the luggage, food, and sports equipment you want to bring, so add another 1,500 pounds (0.68 ton) for safety. That means your truck will need to be able to pull at least 7,700 pounds (3.49 ton) fully loaded. When shopping for an RV solution, remember to include safe transportation for the whole family and the trailer.
Go ahead! Plan your summer road trip and enjoy it with a spacious travel trailer ready to host your expanding family in comfort.
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