Destination trailers can be the perfect goldilocks RV option for long-term camping in a single destination. certain families and campers. The larger size is a major perk, and you’ll feel more at home with more residential amenities than you’d find in a typical travel trailer.

You may have seen a video or read about an early 2024 favorite of ours, the 42View Wildwood Grand Lodge, featuring dual second-story lofts, a spiral staircase, wide bay windows, and luxury features. This double-level unit has dazzled many. Add in the affordable price, and no wonder it’s popular. The 42VIEW is a destination trailer, and here we cover all you need to know about these unique yet lesser-known RVs.

What Is a Destination Travel Trailer?

Destination trailers are designed for longer stays in one location as opposed to travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes, which are more mobile and agile. Destination trailers are heavy, coming in at around 10,000 pounds. While this additional weight allows for more features, space, and capacity, it also makes destination trailers more difficult to tow.

To tow, destination trailers require at least a ¾-ton tow vehicle, though one-ton trucks are preferable. Not only are destination trailers heavier, they are less aerodynamic. Sometimes, their flat, windowed fronts require additional protection during towing, given the wind.

Destination Trailer Features

Although slightly harder to tow, destination trailers provide much more comfortable living than most travel trailers and fifth wheels. Let’s address the specific advantages of this type of RV.

More Space

Destination trailers are longer than typical travel trailers, ranging from 38 to 45 feet. In addition, destination trailers often feature multiple slides that expand their already generous width. Typically, this extra space results in more sleeping capacity with the addition of loft bunks and fuller bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. 

Taller Ceilings

Ideal for taller individuals, the interior height inside destination trailers allows for more creative vertical floorplans, including the loft space mentioned earlier. Beyond the loft space, destination trailers often feature tall and wide windows, made possible by taller ceilings. Here, you can still maintain overhead storage space while elongating the windows.

Sliding Glass Doors

While you’d be hard-pressed to find a travel trailer or fifth wheel with sliding glass doors, these are a common feature for destination trailers. In addition to larger windows, these sliding doors allow more interior natural light into the unit.

Residential Appliances & Amenities

Intended for extended stays, destination trailers feature residential appliances like full refrigerators, propane heating, residential faucets, 4-burner cooktops with a full oven, and hookups for a washer and dryer.

Destination Trailer vs Travel Trailer

Big brother to the conventional travel trailer, destination trailers are larger and typically offer more residential features, appliances, and luxury comforts than travel trailers. Revisit the 42VIEW, and the standout feature is the dual bunk lofts, a floorplan detail that’s uncommon among traditional travel trailers.

But the added comfort is a bit of a catch-22. Bulkier, heavier, and more difficult to tow, once you get a destination trailer where you want it, moving it requires considerable work and towing experience.

That’s why travel trailers are more common for new RVers, weekend warriors, and seasonal camping. Destination trailers are built for long-term RV living in a single location.

Destination Trailer vs Park Model

You may see destination trailer and park model used interchangeably. Their primary difference? Park models are intended for permanent placement, while destination trailers remain a little more mobile. 

Park models — another lesser-known RV — are similar to destination trailers, providing more residential amenities for extended stays. Unlike destination trailers, though, park models don’t include black and gray water tanks, instead relying on direct hookups to local water and sewage utilities.

In addition, when park models arrive at their intended location, occupants typically remove the hitch assembly and tires and install a skirt. Destination trailers retain their tires and hitch assembly and operate like travel trailers with leveling components that can quickly and easily be retracted when it’s time to move again.

Popular Destination Trailer Floor Plans

As with any other RV, destination trailer floorplans vary by model and manufacturer. But one key difference stands out: destination trailers with lofts and those without. Below, we’ve separated the two, as destination trailers with lofts provide more sleeping capacity – and those without provide more living space.

You’ll also notice similar variations as regular travel trailers, including bunkhouse, rear bed, and rear bath models.

Destination Trailers Without a Loft

Forest River Sandpiper 420FL

Specs

Length: 41’10”
Weight: 11,744 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Slideouts: 5

A spacious living area with dual slideouts. Wide bay windows and a telescoping TV. An expanded kitchen and dining area with a freestanding range for cooking larger meals. The Sandpiper 420FL is perfect for entertaining guests in its forward living space. And in the back is a bedroom with a full wardrobe and closet equipped with a washer/dryer prep.

Buy the Sandpiper 420FL at Camping World. 

Forest River Sierra 403RD

Specs

Length: 42’
Weight: 11,009 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Slideouts: 5

With full residential appliances and an inviting living and kitchen area, the Forest River Sierra 403RD combines luxury with spaciousness. The dual opposing hide-a-beds in the open living area are perfect for overnight guests while offering a relaxing respite during the daytime. Don’t forget about the sliding glass door on this unit. 

Buy the Sierra 403RD at Camping World. 

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40FKDS

Specs

Length: 41’
Weight: 10,510 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Slideouts: 2

The rear-bedroom Bungalow 40FKDS makes a perfect longer-term option for the camping couple, featuring a spacious bedroom with a mirrored wardrobe and a large bathroom with shower and washer/dryer hookups. The living and dining area features a dinette, residential refrigerator, pantry, and a tri-fold sofa — the entire area is expanded by the large slide-out. And if you want company while you prep food, the Bungalow 40FKDS also features a barstool pull-up option at the counter next to the range.

Shop the Jay Flight Bungalow 40FKDS at Camping World. 

Learn more about Jayco’s entire RV lineup. 

Destination Trailers With a Loft

Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage 40CDL

Specs

Length: 41’
Weight: 10,510 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Slideouts: 2

Our first destination trailer with a loft uses that extra space to create three additional sleeping spots with accompanying storage, accessed by a convenient staircase next to the main bedroom. The Cedar Creek Cottage 40CDL also comes with sliding glass doors to provide convenient access and more interior natural light.

Buy the Cedar Creek Cottage 40CDL at Camping World. 

Forest River Timberwolf 39LB

Specs

Length: 42’ 11”
Weight: 10,688 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 8
Slideouts: 3

Coming in at nearly 43 feet, the Timberwolf 39LB is a spacious destination trailer that conveniently utilizes the loft area for more sleeping capacity and storage. Host additional guests in an extended dual-sofa living area with easy access to the dinette, kitchen, and bathroom.

Buy the Timberwolf 39LB at Camping World. 

Forest River Wildwood Grand Lodge 42VIEW

Specs

Length: 45’
Weight: 13,749 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 7
Slideouts: 2

The belle of the ball, the 42VIEW Wildwood Grand Lodge is luxurious and elegant in a wide-open layout that makes everyone feel a part of the adventure. With big bay windows in the living area, an island and table combination, and an open kitchen layout, you and your guests feel invited to stay longer. The dual bunk lofts steal the show, with the front bunk accessed by a spiral staircase. 

Buy the 42VIEW Wildwood Grand Lodge at Camping World. 

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40DLFT

Specs

Length: 41’ 5”
Weight: 12,025 pounds
Sleeping Capacity: 7
Slideouts: 3

Featuring a luxurious main bedroom with plenty of natural wood countertop and white cabinetry, a loft with space to sleep three, and a wide living area, the Bungalow 40DLFT is a great family option for those with kids.

Buy the Jay Flight Bungalow 40DLF at Camping World.

Destination trailers are a fantastic option for those looking to get to know their location a bit better, spend more time exploring, and settle down. If mobility is an issue, but you’re still attracted to the size and luxuriousness of destination trailers, check out this rundown of luxury fifth wheels.

What have been your experiences with destination trailers? If you’ve owned, rented, toured, or want to learn more about destination trailers, comment below!

The post What Is a Destination Trailer? appeared first on Camping World Blog.

By: Carl Corder
Title: What Is a Destination Trailer?
Sourced From: blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/what-is-a-destination-trailer/
Published Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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