Travel trailers for families have always been popular since they’re great for loved ones to hit the open road together. The reason is simple: travel trailers offer all the comforts of home on wheels, making them the perfect base camp for exploring the great outdoors together.
But with so many travel trailers on the market, it’s tough to know which one is right for your family. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the twelve best travel trailers for families.
From lightweight models for small families, longer units for large families, and spacious travel trailers for full-time families, there’s sure to be a travel trailer perfect for your next family adventure.
Best Travel Trailers for Families of 4
Smaller, lightweight travel trailers are great for families of four or fewer. They’re easy to tow, and you can store them in smaller spaces when not in use. In addition, their smaller size makes them more fuel-efficient, which is great for long road trips.
1. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH
Our Pros and Cons
✅ We like how Jayco cleared up the confusion by consolidating the SLX Series!
⛔ Not having a bathroom sink makes roughing it a little more inconvenient.
- UVW: 3,145 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 325 lbs.
- Length: 21.8 ft.
- GVWR: 4,150 lbs.
- CCC: 1,005 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-5
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH travel trailer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight and budget-friendly RV. And because it’s a travel trailer under 5,000 pounds, you can tow it with most mid-size SUVs.
For 2023, Jayco took all the best features of the SLX, SLX 7, and SLX 8 Series and condensed them into one incredible lineup. The 174BH may be a non-slide-out travel trailer, but you can trust Jayco’s decades-long experience; they know how to maximize space.
2. Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite 266BHS
Our Pros and Cons
✅ The storage system under the master bed increases the capacity and versatility!
⛔ Yep, that’s carpet on the slideout.
- UVW: 6,080 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 934 lbs.
- Length: 32.11 ft.
- GVWR: 7,600 lbs.
- CCC: 1,520 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-9
Proud to be the winner of the RV-Pro Best New Model for 2022, the Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite 266BHS travel trailer is ready to take your family of four on your next camping trip.
This 8-feet wide RV has double bunk beds perfect for kids. And you can fold the 68-inch jack knife sofa into an expanded tabletop. Coachmen also create all the storage you need behind the entertainment center, under the master bed, and add a large 12v refrigerator.
Best Travel Trailers for Families of 5
If you have a larger family of five or often travel with guests, you’ll want to consider a travel trailer that offers more space.
3. Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk
Our Pros and Cons
✅The lower bunk measures to an RV queen!
⛔While Airstreams are built to last, they aren’t entry-level travel trailers.
- UVW: 6,422 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 885 lbs.
- Length: 30.10 ft.
- GVWR: 8,800 lbs.
- CCC: 2,378 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-8
The Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk travel trailer is ideal for a family of five. With two bunk beds, a queen-size bed, and a convertible dinette, everyone has plenty of room to sleep comfortably. This travel trailer also features a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to whip up meals on the go.
And with its iconic exterior and spacious interior, the Airstream Flying Cloud will turn heads wherever you go. Despite the recent popularity of its sister office model, the 30FB Bunk is one of the most popular Flying Clouds on the market.
4. Forest River Vibe 32BH
Our Pros and Cons
✅Pet friendly with wall-mounted vents and other features!
⛔You may want to add or upgrade your house batteries.
- UVW: 7,836 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,074 lbs.
- Length: 38.3 ft.
- GVWR: 9,874 lbs.
- CCC: 2,038 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-10
The first thing you notice about the Forest River Vibe 32BH travel trailer is its stylish exterior. But it’s not just about good looks. This trailer provides ample space for a family of five, with a queen-size bed in the front, double bunks in the rear, and two large slide-outs.
In addition, plenty of storage and a fully equipped kitchen makes this travel trailer great for long-term camping trips. During those trips, you’ll find that the Vibe is chock full of features.
The RV builders even thought about making it safe for your four-legged family members that come with you. Claws won’t get caught in floor vents since they’re mounted on the sidewalls. The wide walkways even give them enough room if they are struck with a case of the “zoomies.”
Best Travel Trailers for Families of 6
If you have a family of six or more, you’ll want to consider a travel trailer that offers even more space. The travel trailers below are just a few of the best options on the market for larger families.
5. Grand Design Reflection 150 278BH
Our Pros and Cons
✅ We are big fans of the long kitchen counter space!
⛔ This half-ton fifth wheel will require a 250/2500 series truck!
- UVW: 8,295 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,338 lbs.
- Length: 32.11 ft.
- GVWR: 10,195 lbs.
- CCC: 1,900 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-10
When you walk inside the Grand Design Reflection 150 278BH, you’ll understand why it’s the best mid-profile fifth wheel for a family of six. With plenty of room to sleep, eat, and live, this travel trailer has everything you need to make the most of your time on the road.
The 278BH floor plan features a private bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a bunkhouse that can sleep up to four. You’ll find a spacious living area with a large sofa and a convertible dinette for additional sleeping accommodations.
Grand Design’s commitment to quality construction and customer satisfaction is apparent in every detail of the Reflection 150 278BH travel trailer.
6. Keystone Outback 342CG
Our Pros and Cons
✅ This coach defines versatility as a bunkhouse, motorcycle garage, mobility accessible, and more!
⛔ The built-in pet kennel is ideal for small and toy dog breeds.
- UVW: 8,030 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 960 lbs.
- Length: 38 ft.
- GVWR: 10,500 lbs.
- CCC: 2,470 lbs.
- Sleep: 2-8
Keystone’s new Outback 342CG travel trailer is the perfect solution for families looking for a flat-floor mobility-accessible travel trailer. Yet, the unique design includes a ramp into a front garage wide enough to store your motorcycle or use extra sleeping space with the two twin bunks.
The Outback Series is known for its built-in pet kennel under the master bed. Keystone continues the true versatility with the standard 12v or optional 3-way fridge. Whether you want to plug in or go off-grid, this travel trailer for families works for virtually everyone.
7. Venture Stratus 291VQB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Use the flex bunk room’s as an office, king bed, storage, or pet palace!
⛔ The bins under the dinette benches are okay, but some folks like drawers.
- UVW: 6,710 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 860 lbs.
- Length: 33.11 ft.
- GVWR: 9,290 lbs.
- CCC: 2,580 lbs.
- Sleep: 4- 12
The ultra-light Venture Stratus 291VQB includes a versatile bunkhouse that can sleep up to eight, making it one of the best travel trailers adapted to the size of your family and guests.
You can convert the four bunks into additional storage, a desk, and even a queen-size bed. The lower bunks can be bridged together for a full-width king bed.
With a convertible dinette, there’s never an excuse not to invite friends along for the ride. The 291VQB has a fully equipped kitchen, an RV outdoor kitchen, and plenty of storage.
Therefore, the Stratus 291VQB travel trailer has everything you need to travel in style. Just make sure you hang your coat in the closet next to the door.
8. Cherokee Arctic Wolf 327MB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ The middle bunk space has triple bunks with storage for each space!
⛔ Reaching over from the bunks to the same-level cabinet can be a falling hazard.
- UVW: 9,178 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,540 lbs.
- Length: 37.10 ft.
- GVWR: 11,740 lbs.
- CCC: 2,562 lbs.
- Sleep: 5- 7
The Arctic Wolf 327MB fifth wheel by Forest River RV is a uniquely designed multi-sleeper with features that set it apart from other camping trailers. Your kids will love camping in this travel trailer with a treehouse-style mid-bunk that includes triple bunks.
The Master bedroom features start with a comfortable residential queen-size bed, and the living area comprises a sofa, a dinette, and a fireplace. This floor plan won’t let you swap out the theater seating because the rear tri-fold sofa can fully expand for extra sleeping space.
Best Full-Time Travel Trailers for Families
When you’re a full-time family, the RV you choose needs to be spacious and packed with features that make life on the road easier. Below are some of the best travel trailers for full-time families.
9. Forest River Alpha Wolf 33BH-L
Our Pros and Cons
✅ The half bath for the bunkhouse also acts as a mudroom with the second entry!
⛔ Some like having TVs provided; this one lets you choose your own LED TVs.
- UVW: 7,986 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 953 lbs.
- Length: 37.4 ft.
- GVWR: 9,863 lbs.
- CCC: 1,877 lbs.
- Sleep: 4- 10
The Forest River Alpha Wolf 33BH-L is the best bunkhouse travel trailer for full-time families. With three slides, this travel trailer provides plenty of room for a large family to live comfortably.
Forest River’s Alpha Wolf Series gives you all the full-size features but are travel trailers under 40 feet. Having a 38-foot travel trailer can make a big difference when it comes to maneuvering a tight angle.
The bedroom has a queen-size bed, and the rear bunkhouse can sleep up to six people. Additional sleeping options include the living room’s jackknife sofa and convertible dinette. Thanks to the dual slides, the kitchen is open and spacious, with plenty of room to move around.
This fifth wheel’s RV outdoor kitchen for 2023 now comes standard with dual tall dorm-size fridges. Before you load them up with all the carbonated drinks possible, don’t forget you may need to store some food in there too.
10. Jayco White Hawk 32BH
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Half-ton trucks with heavy tow packages can tow this one!
⛔ Some may not like how the kitchen counter space was sacrificed for the room in the master bedroom.
- UVW: 8,145 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,125 lbs.
- Length: 38 ft.
- GVWR: 9,995 lbs.
- CCC: 1,815 lbs.
- Sleep: 4-10
Check out the Jayco White Hawk 32BH, the best travel trailer bunkhouse for families with one and a half bathrooms. The half bathroom is in the rear bunkhouse, making it convenient for kids to use without going through the main living area.
This double slide-out travel trailer can accommodate up to ten people, making it the perfect option for large families and friends. The bedroom has a queen-size bed (king option), and the rear bunkhouse includes a set of bunks and a tri-fold sofa.
Jayco made the 32BH versatile to full-timers’ needs. Change the dinette out with a bench and two chairs or fully freestanding with four chairs. The tri-fold sofa can be swapped out with theater seats that have trays.
Best Overall Travel Trailers for Families
There are a lot of great travel trailers on the market, but some rise to the top as the best overall travel trailers for families.
11. Airstream Classic
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Your great-grandkids will enjoy your Classic. They’re built that well!
⛔ The end of the master bedroom can be tight for some.
- UVW: 8,261 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,175 lbs.
- Length: 33.3 ft.
- GVWR: 10,000 lbs.
- CCC: 1,739 lbs.
- Sleep: 2-6
The Airstream Classic travel trailer is one of the best overall travel trailers for families because of its iconic design, spacious interior, and features. With 2 floorplans to choose from, there’s a Classic travel trailer to fit your family’s needs.
In addition, they fully equipped the Classic travel trailer with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people. Airstream even added an RV workspace with a chair opposite the sofa.
Thanks to the spacious interior and multiple windows, the Airstream Classic travel trailer feels bright and open, making it an excellent option for spending time on the road with your family. Don’t let the layout photo fool you; the Classic’s interior space is bigger on the inside.
12. Jayco Eagle
Our Pros and Cons
✅ The Eagle Fifth Wheel is a mid-profile with full-profile features!
⛔ Boondocking features are mostly optional with this one (like the 3-way fridge).
- UVW: 10,740 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 1,980 lbs.
- Length: 36.4 ft.
- GVWR: 12,900 lbs.
- CCC: 2,160 lbs.
- Sleep: 2-6
Our last best travel trailer for families is the Jayco Eagle model. This family-friendly fifth wheel has several stylish floorplans.
Each one has a spacious interior and plenty of sleep accommodations. Owners enjoy the standard king bed, 21 cu. ft. residential fridge and wide open living room space. Jayco did a great job making the Eagle mid-profile fifth wheel feel like a full profile.
If you’re looking for a fiver-style travel trailer, look into their counterpart Eagle Travel Trailers with many of the same floorplans.
6 Things to Look for in a Travel Trailer for Families
When looking for a travel trailer for your family, choose one packed with features and accommodations that makes life on the road easier.
The best travel trailers for families have spacious interiors, multiple sleeping options, and a variety of amenities.
So, before you buy, be sure to consider the following factors.
1. Space
The best travel trailers for families have spacious interiors and open floorplans. This allows everyone in the family to move around comfortably and provides plenty of storage space. A travel trailer with a rear bunkhouse works well for families with kids, as it allows for a separate area to sleep and play.
2. Separate Sleeping Quarters
When traveling with a large group, it’s essential to have a travel trailer to accommodate everyone comfortably. That’s why separate sleeping quarters are a must-have feature. Not only will it give everyone a place to sleep, but it also provides much-needed privacy, especially for teens.
3. The Intended Use
It’s important to consider how you’ll use your travel trailer before making a purchase. For example, do you envision yourself mainly using it for weekend getaways? Or can you see it as more of a home away from home for extended stays?
There are a variety of travel trailers on the market, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your intended use.
A smaller, lighter trailer may be all you need if you’re primarily looking for a comfortable place to crash after a long day of exploring.
However, suppose you’re planning on spending extended periods in your trailer. In that case, you’ll need to look for one with more amenities and better equipped for a nicer indoor living experience.
4. Tech and Amenities
There’s no question that travel trailers have come a long way in recent years. You can now find them equipped with many tech and amenities, from self-leveling jacks to Bluetooth speakers.
Of course, all this tech and luxury comes at a price. Travel trailers with all the bells and whistles can climb in price. But if you’re willing to pay the expense, you’ll be able to enjoy a level of comfort and convenience that was once unthinkable.
5. Shower or Tub Space
With RV bathrooms, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why travel trailers with shower or tub space are valuable to families. However, when traveling with a group, having a wet bath instead of a shower or tub space becomes old fast.
You want to have the option of taking a luxurious shower after a long day of hiking or being on the beach. The last thing you want is for your kids to be stuck in a cramped bathroom with no shower or tub.
When considering travel trailers for your family, choose one with a spacious and well-appointed bathroom. It’ll make all the difference for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment.
6. Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle
Before buying a travel trailer, you must ensure your vehicle can safely tow it. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road with a trailer that’s too heavy for your car or truck.
Check your tow vehicle’s owner’s manual if you’re unsure what your SUV or truck’s maximum towing capacity. You can also find this information online or by contacting your local dealership’s service department.
What’s the Most Reliable Travel Trailer for Families?
Some people think bigger is always better for travel trailers. But that’s not necessarily the case. A larger trailer might have more space and features, but it can also be more difficult to tow and maneuver.
The sweet spot for families is a trailer around 30- 35 feet long. Owning an RV this size gives you plenty of room for your family, but it’s still small enough to tow and maneuver easily.
When choosing the most reliable travel trailer, look for something you can manageably maintain. Every brand has high manufacturing standards. The real question is how can you fix and service.
One extreme is a brand new model that will have its maintenance routine. The other is buying one that needs a DIY overhaul. Only you can decide where you fall on the scale.
Is a Travel Trailer the Best Type of RV for Families?
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding what type of RV is best for your family. For example, travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes, from compact models you can pull with an SUV to massive fifth wheels that require a heavy-duty truck to tow.
Travel trailers offer many enhancing camping experience amenities, such as slideouts, bunk beds, and outdoor kitchens.
Travel trailers for families have one significant advantage over other RVs: their size. Most travel trailers can accommodate families of four or more, making them ideal for family vacations.
Towable trailers also typically have more storage space than other RVs so that you can bring your gear along. And for full-time families, a travel trailer can be a great way to see the country while having all the comforts of home.
How Long Will Travel Trailers Last?
A travel trailer can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The average lifespan of a travel trailer is around twenty years. Still, some trailers, such as the Airstream models, have lasted much longer.
How Many People Can Comfortably Live in a Travel Trailer?
The number of people who can comfortably live in a travel trailer varies depending on the size and layout of the trailer. For example, most travel trailers can accommodate four to six people, but bunkhouse travel trailers can sleep more than eight people.
When choosing a travel trailer for your family, be sure to pick one that’s the right size for your group. You don’t want to be cramped up in a small trailer. Yet you also don’t want to have a rig that’s bigger than you can handle.
Which Travel Trailer for Families Will You Choose?
Now that you know more about the best travel trailers for families, it’s time to shop. But first, keep a few things in mind as you narrow your choices.
First, think about how many people will travel with you. If you have a large family, you’ll need a trailer that provides plenty of sleeping and living space.
Second, consider your budget. Travel trailers can vary widely in price, so it’s crucial to find one that fits your financial needs.
Finally, decide what type of features you want in a trailer. For example, some families prefer trailers with full kitchens and bathrooms, while others prefer more straightforward designs.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect travel trailer for your family’s next adventure.
Related Reading:
– 12 Best Camper Trailers Under 25 Feet
– 10 Travel Trailers With High Ceilings Perfect For Tall People
– 10 Best Travel Trailer Toy Haulers
About the Author:
Mike Scarpignato is an avid RVer who owns a Class C RV and a Class A RV. He loves to travel with his wife Susan and write blog articles about the RV lifestyle.
Mike and Susan also make YouTube videos on the RVBlogger YouTube channel.
