How to Compare Trailer Brands
As you consider buying a travel trailer, there are three main factors the decision tends to come down to: weight, quality and price. Because this is such an important decision for you, it’s important to make sure you have a way to objectively compare between different trailer brands—an apples-to-apples comparison, so to speak. Here are some insights and questions to ask as you shop for a trailer.

Weight
Different brands of trailers claim very different weights. One reason is that there are different approaches to determining weights. Some weights are “as shipped,” meaning the approximate weight of the final product you will actually be towing, while some lower published weights are actually based on stripped-down or incomplete trailers. A few companies even go so far as to publish weights that exclude important items like the cushions, step, spare tire, etc. The best approach is to weigh the trailer yourself. Second best would be to have the dealer certify the “as packaged” weight: Does the listed weight represent the actual model and features you want?

Another factor to consider is the weight of the trailer’s construction materials. Less substantial materials like an aluminum exterior and plastic windows may weigh less, but they also provide far less insulation and structural integrity than a fiberglass exterior and glass windows. And frame materials are very important to the safety and reliability of a trailer. Make sure the frame is both high-strength and yet lightweight. If weights are similar, consider which brand has superior materials.

Quality
Buying a trailer is a long-term investment in your vacation enjoyment. You want a trailer that will hold up and offer you years of trouble-free travel. It would be a mistake to buy a brand that uses inferior hardware or systems that won’t perform well, or low-quality materials that won’t last.

So, as you look at different brands, compare the quality closely. Is the frame powder-coated to resist corrosion? How well insulated is the trailer as a whole—including the floor? Is the underside of the trailer adequately protected from water seepage and floor rot? How substantial is the padding in the cushions, and how dense are the fabrics?

Look at every aspect you can think of, and ask plenty of questions. As much time as you’ll spend in your trailer, it’s smart to make a careful examination of as many quality factors as you can.

Base Price
Of course price is an important factor in deciding which trailer to choose. But again, make sure you have all the information you need.

Since you want your trailer to fit your exact needs, you’ll probably choose between different floor plans and add some optional features. So what really counts is not the base price, but the final price. Some manufacturers have low base prices, but don’t include important and desired features. This initially appears to make them less expensive, but as you add the features you consider necessary, the competing brands’ cost quickly goes up considerably.

As you shop, make sure you factor in all the features you want, for each of the brands you’re considering, and then compare the price. It’s the best way to determine your final cost—what you’ll actually spend to get the trailer you want.