The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing camper trailer with bathroom

15 Apr.,2024

 

In this buyer’s guide, we’ve analyzed and handpicked 10 of the best small pull behind campers in the market today. Every selection on this list has a bathroom, a thoughtful living space, an affordable price tag, and is easy to tow with a small to medium-sized automobile.


We’ve also shared each trailer’s exact dimensions, standout features, tank capacities, no of sleepers, and even actual customer ratings. 


Looking to rent a tiny towable RV for your upcoming trip? Rent a small teardrop camper through our peer-to-peer platform. Browse and compare different options to secure a fantastic deal. Renting is also the best way to try different RV models before you buy one.


First, What is a Small Pull Behind Camper?


Small pull behind campers are compact and lightweight camping trailers that can be towed by a regular-sized vehicle. They come in all shapes and designs, from teardrops, pop-ups, A-frame units, pint-size travel trailers, small off-road beasts (squaredrops), and retro-style fiberglass campers to shiny silver bullets.


Generally, a small trailer is usually under 21 feet long with an unloaded weight of about 4,000 pounds or below. They are a solid option for solo RVers, traveling couples, budget-conscious campers, minimalists, weekend warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to explore off the beaten path while engaging in hobbies.

Indeed, tiny campers hold several advantages over bigger units. Here are the benefits of small campers:

 

  • Towability

    – You won’t need a large or specialized vehicle to tow a small trailer. Most can be towed by SUVs, crossovers, or even some cars, making them more accessible for a broader range of drivers.

  • Maneuverability

    – Of course, small camper trailers are easier to maneuver than larger ones. They are more agile, allowing them to navigate through narrow national park roads, tight campsites, and busy urban areas.

  • Fuel Efficiency

    – Little campers weigh less, leading to better fuel efficiency. Expect an MPG of 16 to 30 miles per gallon, depending on your trailer’s size, shape, and weight, plus the type of tow vehicle. To learn more about RV MPG check out our post on it.

  • Affordability

    – Compact camper trailers are often more affordable than their larger counterparts. The initial purchase cost is lower, as well as the ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and storage.

  • Ease of Parking

    – Finding parking spaces for a vehicle towing a smaller camper is typically less challenging compared to hauling a big rig. You can explore urban areas and busy attractions without worrying too much about parking restrictions.

  • Versatility

    – Unlike bigger RVs, many small campers can easily venture anywhere your tow vehicle goes. This makes them ideal for both urban and off-beat destinations.

  • Quick Setup and Breakdown

    – Setting up and breaking down camp tends to be faster with micro campers. This is particularly advantageous for RVers who prefer a more spontaneous or flexible travel style.

  • Simplicity

    – Managing small campers is generally simpler, as they don’t have unnecessary frills. From organizing the interior, cleaning, and hitching up to towing and setting up, everything is simple. This enables you to spend more time enjoying your destination and less time dealing with the logistics of your accommodations.

  • Storage –

    Mini campers are easier to store when not in use. They may fit into your standard-sized garage at home, eliminating the need for dedicated and often costly RV storage.


Best Small Camping Trailers with Bathrooms


Now, let’s dive into the top 10 small bumper pull travel trailers with a shower and toilet. We’ve categorized them to suit the needs, tastes, and camping styles of different RVers. Also, we’ve included ratings from RV Insider, which is the top platform for reading trustworthy RV reviews written by RV owners.


Smallest Camper With a Bathroom: Scamp 13 Layout 2

  • RV Insider Scamp Rating

    : 4.3 stars out of 3 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 13′X6’9X7’6”

  • Weight

    : 1,600 lbs Dry and 2,100 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 500 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 2

  • Holding Tanks

    : 12 gals Fresh, 21 gals Gray, 9 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Fiberglass exterior, wet bath, and rear dinette.

  • Price

    : $25,000


If you’re hunting for a super small camper with a shower and toilet, you’ll absolutely adore this Scamp trailer. It’s a lightweight, hard-shell fiberglass unit known for its durability, aerodynamics, and, of course, a sleek profile that turns heads wherever you roam. 


Step inside this 13-foot camper, and you’ll find a large rear dinette that converts into a bed in the evening. Other details include a front wet bath, kitchen (sink, 2-burner stove top & fridge), two closets, overhead cabinets, a spare tire with cover, tank monitors, and rustic decor. Further, you can choose from more than two dozen upgrades. These include a roof AC, furnace, TV, awning, outdoor shower, and solar panels.


Best Rated Small Camper Trailer with a Bathroom: Lance 1475 

  • RV Insider Lance Rating

    : 3.9 stars out of 181 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 19′8”X7’1”X9’10″

  • Weight

    : 3,225 lbs Dry and 4,500 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 1,275 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 2

  • Holding Tanks

    : 26 gals Fresh, 26 gals Gray, 26 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Dual lounge chairs, queen bed, dry bath, and star gazing window.

  • Price

    : $30,000

Lance’s lightest towable has always received rave reviews from owners thanks to its unmatched build quality, reliability, and numerous standard features. This compact, fully self-contained camper comes with a front queen bed with an innerspring mattress, two swivel rocker chairs with a pedestal table between, and a rear-corner full bathroom.


To whip up 5-star meals, you’ll have a modern kitchen outfitted with a 3-burner range and a 5 cu.ft. refrigerator. Other fine points include a 24” smart TV, bath skylight, black tank flush, aluminum wheels, double pane tinted windows, and a front star gazer that opens. The composite construction, block foam insulation, and aluminum frame will let you venture off-grid even when the weather isn’t ideal.


Best Budget-Focused Small Camper With a Bath: Little Guy Mini Max Eco-2

  • RV Insider Little Guy Rating

    : 4.5 stars out of 17 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 17′6”X6’7”X9’2″

  • Weight

    : 2,305 lbs Dry and 3,800 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 1,400 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 3

  • Holding Tanks

    : 25 gals Fresh, 30 gals Gray, 30 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Residential-style wet bath, queen bed, and full kitchen with double-door fridge.

  • Price

    : $28,000


With a price tag of below $30k, the Little Guy Mini Max Eco-2 is one of the most affordable small camping trailers with bathrooms. Despite the economical price point and lightweight towing experience, it features high-quality materials and brilliant details to make your journey smoother. With an interior height of 6’1.5”, it is one of the few teardrop trailers that can accommodate taller folks.


Certainly, you’ll fall in love with the max-sized wet bath and marine-grade dinette that converts into a 75″x70″ queen-size bed. The galley is equipped with a huge fridge, 2-burner stove, stainless steel microwave, pantry, massive sink, and pull-down faucet. In addition, it boasts 4 large insulated dual pane windows, maple hardwood cabinetry, 13.5k BTU AC, 16k BTU furnace, 15″ premium tires, and an entry door screen.


Best Small Travel Trailer for Couples: Winnebago Micro Minnie 1821FB

  • RV Insider Winnebago Micro Minnie Rating

    : 3.8 stars out of 72 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 21′3”X7’X10’5″

  • Weight

    : 4,086 lbs Dry and 5,000 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 900 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 3

  • Holding Tanks

    : 31 gals Fresh, 25 gals Gray, 25 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Full-size bed, a slide-out, and dry bath

  • Price

    : $43,524


The Winnebago Micro Minnie 1821FB ticks all the boxes for couples looking for a small trailer camper. It has a full bed (54″x74″) up front, a convertible slide-out dinette, and a dry bathroom at the rear corner. Fixing meals is a breeze thanks to the 3 burner cooktop, large fridge, convection microwave, and stainless steel dual bowl sink. 


For entertainment, you’ll have a smart TV, a JBL premium sound system, and a high-performance media center. This trailer has a solid build: NXG frame, 1.5″ thick sidewalls, 15″ radial tires, a walkable roof, a gel-coat fiberglass front cap, and Dexter TORFLEX torsion stub axles. Owners appreciate the 200-watt solar panel, power awning, tank heaters, and fully enclosed underbelly.


Best Small Camper for a Family: Keystone Springdale 1800BH

  • RV Insider Keystone Springdale Rating

    : 3.5 stars out of 84 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 21′5”X8’X10’2″

  • Weight

    : 3,396 lbs Dry and 4,400 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 1,004 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 5

  • Holding Tanks

    : 21 gals Fresh, 30 gals Gray, 30 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Bunk beds, queen bed, and dry bath.

  • Price

    : $26,067


Families searching for a small travel trailer with bathroom will be delighted to find the Keystone Springdale 1800BH. This tiny towable is just 21 feet long, yet it has enough space to bring your favorite crew. Parents can claim the front queen bed, while kids occupy the rear corner twin bunks. Your occasional guest will occupy the dinette that converts into a bed.


The family chef will have a two-burner cooktop, microwave oven, plus a refrigerator for keeping your ingredients cold. More highlights of this single-axle unit include a dry bathroom with a sink and skylight, 14’ awning, pass-through storage, a wardrobe closet, a tankless water heater, 13.5k BTU AC unit, and tinted safety glass windows. 


Best Small Travel Trailer with Largest Living Room: Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FDS

  • RV Insider Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Rating

    : 3.6 stars out of 61 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 20′2”X7’8”X9’11″

  • Weight

    : 3,506 lbs Dry and 4,485 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 979 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 3

  • Holding Tanks

    : 31 gals Fresh, 27 gals Gray, 27 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Murphy bed, full-length bathroom, and kitchen slide.

  • Price

    : $32,979 


If having a spacious living room is a top priority, then consider the FR Rockwood Geo Pro G19FDS. This miniature camper has a thoughtful living area with a murphy bed (54”x74”) that hides away and frees up precious floor space. Use the extra room for lounging, reading, working on the go, hosting guests, exercising, playing games, or watching your favorite show on the 32″ TV. 


When the bed folds, you’ll have a 72″ sofa in its place. More seating space is available at the booth dinette. Other perks of this unit include a full rear bath with a large shower, a kitchen in its own slide, and an outside griddle. Additionally, it has a 14′ power awning, spacious exterior storage, large windows, and a cute profile.


Best Small Trailer Camper With Fiberglass Body: Casita Freedom 17′ Deluxe

  • RV Insider Casita Rating

    : 4.9 stars out of 8 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 17′X6’8X8’11″

  • Weight

    : 2,480 lbs Dry and 3,000 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 520 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 2

  • Holding Tanks

    : 25 gals Fresh, 18 gals Gray, 15 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Two-piece fiberglass shell, all-fiberglass bottom pan, front bath, and lounge chairs.

  • Price

    : $26,996


The Casita Freedom Deluxe is one of the best small lightweight pull campers you can buy today. It’s highly rated thanks to the marine grade fiberglass shell, heavy-duty steel frame, sealed base floors, insulated interior, phenomenal handling, and round profile, which is great for gas mileage. At the rear, it has a permanent double bed that easily transforms into a seating and dining area for four. If you are interested in renting a Casita you can here.


Mid-ship, it offers a spacious separate lounge area with plush swiveling chairs and a screened picture window. Preparing your favorite meals will be a snap with the well-equipped kitchen that includes a two-burner cooktop and a covered sink for more workspace. Upfront, you’ll have a spacious private shower and toilet in the Deluxe model.


Best Teardrop Trailer With Bathroom: nuCamp TAB 400

  • RV Insider nuCamp TAB Rating

    : 4.5 stars out of 13 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 18′3”X7’8X8’11″

  • Weight

    : 2,877 lbs Dry and 3,900 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 1,000 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 3

  • Holding Tanks

    : 25 gals Fresh, 18 gals Gray, 16 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Queen bed, wet bath, large dinette, and stargazer.

  • Price

    : $39,995


If you’re drawn to the unique shape of teardrop travel trailers, then check out the nuCamp TAB 400. It offers a comfortable dinette upfront, a dedicated queen-size bed at the rear, as well as a spacious wet bath in the middle. Further, it has a functional galley and generous storage throughout.


More enticing highlights include a rear stargazer window, monster picture window, Bluetooth media center, aggressive off-road tires, a pitched axle, and an underbelly shield. Optional features include a 310-watt solar panel, 100 Ah 12-volt lithium battery, and Bluetooth battery monitor.


Best Small A-frame Camper With a Shower and Toilet: Aliner LXE

  • RV Insider Aliner Rating

    : 4.1 stars out of 29 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 15′X7’X10’0″

  • Weight

    : 1,795 lbs Dry and 3,000 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 1,205 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 3

  • Holding Tanks

    : 11 gals Fresh, 5 gals Black, no gray tank (

    buy an RV tote tank

    )

  • Standout Features

    : Wet bath, sofa/bed, dinette, and hard-walled front dormer with window.

  • Price

    : $25,995

Aliner LXE is a minimalist dream. It’s one of the lightest and most innovative foldable small campers you can get your hands on. Tipping the scales at 1,795 lbs when empty, you can pull it with an average-sized car. Further, its 15’X78”X57” dimensions enable it to fit on narrow roads, compact campsites, and regular garages. Set up is a snap with the lift assist.


Inside, you’ll have the convenience of a built-in shower with a cassette toilet, as well as an outdoor shower. Moreover, it has a complete galley, 2-person dinette, and a rear sofa that converts into an 80″x76″ high-density foam mattress. Indeed, these small lightweight camping trailers hold up well on off-beat adventures thanks to the tubular steel frame and diamond plate stone guard. 


Best Small Travel Trailer for Off-Road Adventures: Winnebago HIKE 100 H1316SB

  • RV Insider Winnebago HIKE Rating

    : 3.4 stars out of 6 reviews

  • Dimensions (LXWXH)

    : 15′11”X8’1”X9’11″

  • Weight

    : 3,284 lbs Dry and 4,200 lbs GVWR 

  • Cargo Carrying Capacity

    : 916 lbs

  • Sleeping Capacity

    : 4

  • Holding Tanks

    : 31 gals Fresh, 25 gals Gray, 5 gals Black

  • Standout Features

    : Off-road suspensions, rugged tires, two rear doors, and 200-watt solar.

  • Price

    : $49,125


If your goal is to roam on roads less traveled to pursue your favorite hobbies, the HIKE 100 H1316SB will easily meet your tough demands. In fact, it’s one of the few small trailers with bathroom that can handle serious off-road exploits. The independent Dexter TorFlex torsion stub axles ensure a smoother ride on difficult terrain and create extra clearance.


Other rugged features include Goodyear Wrangler 16″ off-road tires + a spare, aluminum wheels, a protective metal front. Further, it’s equipped with a side brush guard, plus a fully enclosed underbelly with insulation. Inside, you’ll find a drop-down bed that rises to the ceiling and two rollover sofas with a folding table. This creates ample room to bring all your outdoor gear. Haul a kayak on the roof rack and add a bike rack on the rear hitch. Of course, you’ll also have a galley and a wet bath.


FAQs About Small Pull Behind Campers With a Bathroom


In this section, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about small travel trailers with a bathroom:


Which is the Best Tiny Camper Company?


Some of the top-quality small trailer brands include Scamp, Casita, Little Guy Trailers, nuCamp RV, Oliver, Happier Camper, Safari Condo, and Escape. Other big brand models that have small campers with bathrooms include Winnebago HIKE, Lance, Airstream Bambi, Rockwood Geo Pro, and KZ Sportsmen Classic


How Much Do Small Camper Trailers with Bathrooms Cost?


The most affordable small campers cost around $25,000 when new, while the luxurious versions have a hefty price tag of above $50k to $60k. If you’re looking for used tiny campers for sale, there are options below $20,000. A good place to pick one up from a private owner is off of Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.


How Much Does it Cost to Rent Small Camper Trailers with Bathrooms?


On average, it costs between $60 and $90 per night to rent a small travel trailer under 22 feet. Generally, the tinier the unit, the more affordable it is. Teardrop campers and pop-ups have the lowest rental rates. 


What is the Smallest Camper Trailer with a Bathroom?


At just 13 feet long with a dry weight of 1,600 lbs, Scamp 13 Layout 2 is the smallest RV with a shower and toilet. Another close option is the Happier Camper HC1 Studio. It measures 13 feet, 5 inches long, and has a dry weight of 1,800 lbs.


Wrapping Up: The Best Small Pull Behind Campers


There you go—the 10 most impressive small campers with a bathroom. All the units on our list are self-contained, meaning you don’t have to rely on public facilities. Plus, they can be pulled with small cars, crossovers, or mid-sized SUVs. Notably, each camper has unique attributes, so head to the official manufacturer page to closely inspect and compare the specs and features before buying.

January 6, 2023

Nestled between a camper trailer and a caravan in terms of size and functionality, a hybrid camper is a great option for anyone looking to elevate their camping experience.


If you're looking to buy a hybrid camper trailer ahead of your next camping trip, this buyer's guide is here to help you. We'll outline what you need to know before buying a hybrid camper, including information on pricing, warranty, and included features to look for.


We'll take a closer look at the Lifestyle Campers available in the Camping Adventures range, but we'll also provide general advice to help you navigate the variety of hybrid campers available on the market.


Whether you've been considering a hybrid camper, a hybrid caravan, a camper trailer, or a full caravan, this article will provide guidance and clarity for you. 


Let's get started.

Defining a Hybrid Camper

 

 

Let's start with the obvious question for the uninitiated. Just what is a hybrid camper?


As the name suggests, a hybrid camper is a hybrid of two other products – the caravan and the camper trailer.


With a little bit of effort, a standard camper expands out into a tent with a bed, an outdoor kitchen, an awning, and a few extra luxuries. The tent section has soft canvas walls with either a hard floor or a combination of hard floor and soft floor spaces.


A caravan is a larger tow vehicle that has hard sides, a hard floor, and a hard roof. There's little to no set-up at the campsite, and the inside of a caravan may contain a TV, cooking facilities, sleeping spaces, and more.


A hybrid is much more compact and lightweight than a caravan but larger than a camper trailer. A hybrid will look like a mini caravan when you're towing it down the road.


When you arrive at the campsite, there is some setting up to do for your hybrid but it is largely automated. Mesh sections may extend from the rear, side, front, and top of the camper to create extra tent-like spaces. The inside of a hybrid is closer to being self-contained, with couches, beds, coffee-making facilities, toilets, showers, storage space, fridges, and more available in some models.


Some hybrids will even have indoor kitchens, although most retain the outdoor kitchen. Hybrid campers also have the signature camper trailer awning, as they are designed to promote outdoor living, just with many of the luxuries of a caravan.

How Much Does a Hybrid Camper Cost?

Providing a single cost for a hybrid camper can be tricky. There are so many different products available offering a variety of features.


Imported hybrids tend to be cheaper than locally-made models, but they also offer inferior construction and materials.


When looking at our range of Australian-made Lifestyle campers for sale, we can see that the Iconn E2 starts from $39,950 while the Reconn R4T LRX starts from $145,950. Other models fall somewhere within that price range while extras and add-ons can increase the price of your hybrid camper.

What Comes as Standard with Your Hybrid Camper

As we just alluded to, almost every camper comes with various features and layouts as standard while some features will come at an added price.


When you're shopping for hybrid campers for sale, make sure you understand exactly what you're getting as standard and what you need to pay for. Extra water tanks, solar panels, fans, and heaters are just some of the features that are often considered add-ons.

What Warranty Comes as Standard with Your Hybrid Camper?

The warranty that comes with your hybrid may depend on where you buy it from and the brand you choose.


Local hybrid campers are more likely to have warranties with local support, repairs, and replacements.


Think about how you want to use your hybrid and what coverage you might need from your warranty. For example, if you're looking to go off-road, make sure you buy an off-road capable camper that has a suitable warranty for these activities. 

What Are Some Manufacturers of Hybrid Campers?

We've already mentioned the Lifestyle Campers available in our range, but there are literally dozens and dozens of hybrid camper trailer manufacturers out there.


Some of the names you might recognise include Mars Campers, Kelly Campers, Jayco, Austrack Campers, Kokoda, and Australian Offroad (AOR).

Is It Worth Looking at Overseas Hybrids?

It's fair to say that you're taking a gamble when you buy an overseas or imported camper trailer. There are many Chinese-made camper trailers on the market, and hybrids are also imported from other countries.


In the past, you were guaranteed an average product (at best) when buying an overseas hybrid trailer. The quality of the product has certainly improved on the whole, but the materials used and craftsmanship involved are still likely to be inferior.


Imported hybrids are likely to be cheaper, but you have to ask yourself if it is going to be worth the cost. If you are planning on taking your hybrid camper off sealed roads, we would recommend thinking twice before choosing an imported product.


You will also need to consider what sort of local support is available when buying an overseas model.


At the end of the day, you can buy a lemon whether you go locally made or imported. The most important thing to do is consider independent reviews and talk to the experts when shopping for a hybrid camper trailer.

A Look at the Lifestyle Campers Range 

Lifestyle Campers are the hybrid campers for sale from Camping Adventures.


Let's take a quick look at a few of the hybrids available from Lifestyle.

  • ICONN E2:

    A great-value hybrid camper offering a pop-top roof, swing-out kitchen, wind-out awning, optional outdoor ensuite, and several layout options that sleep up to 4 people. Price starts from $39,950.



  • ICONN E2 ELITE: 

    Level up your ICONN E2 with a fully plumbed cassette toilet, upgraded water storage capacity, a generous rear fold-out hard roofed ensuite, and more. Price starts from $45,950.



  • RECONN R2 ELITE: 

    Small, strong, and ready for anything, the RECONN R2 ELITE offers tons of storage space, two 120 a/h deep cycle batteries, two 175-watt roof-mounted solar panels, and much, much more! Price starts from $73,450.



  • RECONN R2 SE:

    This hybrid features a black 22L stainless steel sink with a matching 3-burner cooktop and tapware. Other upgrades include a cutlery drawer, spice rack cupboard, and adjustable LED strip lighting to the kitchen hatch door. Price starts from $81,450.



  • RECONN R4T LRX: 

    Now let's skip straight to the pinnacle of Lifestyle Campers. This innovative, go anywhere, off-grid camper features an eco-friendly indoor kitchen, indoor ensuite, Cruisemaster ATX Tandem Airbag suspension, and much more. Choose from two layout options seating up to 5 people. Price starts from $145,950.


Learn more about any model or view the full Lifestyle range here! 

More Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Hybrid Camper

Can I Tow it with My Vehicle?

If you're buying a hybrid, you probably don't have the budget for a new car too. Hybrid campers aren't as big as caravans but they are still a hefty load. Make sure you can tow your new camper legally, that the tow ball weight isn't too much, and that your motor isn't going to be overworked by your tow


The first thing you need to do is research the towing capacity of your 4WD or vehicle to make sure that a fully loaded hybrid camper won't be too heavy. You'll also need to look into upgrading your brakes and think about where you are planning to tow.


Some surfaces (e.g. sandy beaches or rough dirt tracks) require more power from your vehicle, so your car might be suitable to tow a hybrid across some terrains but not others.

Does My Hybrid Have an Appropriate Payload?

For every hybrid camper you consider, you need to figure out the payload.


Payload refers to the amount of weight you can add to the camper. It's calculated by taking the Aggregate Tare Mass (ATM) and subtracting the Tare Weight (the mass of the camper in manufacturer condition).


If the payload is 300kg and you're already packing 150L of water and some gas bottles, that doesn't leave much space for anything else. You should look for a model with a payload of at least 400kg, but even that could be cutting it fine.


Keep in mind that Tare Weight won't always refer to a completely empty camper. There might be some standard features that you could remove before your trip to make the camper lighter. Conversely, if you swap out some features for bulkier items or you always keep certain extras on board, this will increase the Tare Weight and reduce the payload.

How will Weight, Size, and Weight Distribution Affect My Experience with a Hybrid Camper?

As well as payload, here are a few other ways that weight and size affect the hybrid experience:


  • A hybrid camper is meant to be smaller and lighter than a full caravan. But some models are sold as hybrids and have dimensions very close to a caravan. This will mean your hybrid has the off-road ability of a caravan (very little) and the fuel consumption of a caravan (higher than a hybrid).



  • Poor weight distribution and heavy tow ball weights can effectively reduce your vehicle's towing capacity and push your 4WD to the limit! If you don't want to put undue stress on your car, look for a camper trailer that's designed to carry most of its weight low to the ground and behind the axles. This will lower the tow ball weight, resulting in greater stability when towing and reduced stress on your vehicle.

Do I Want a Hybrid That You Can Take Off-Road?

Before you buy a hybrid, you need to think about if you want to go off-road but also how far you want to go off-road.


Many hybrid camper trailers will be marketed as off-road compatible but will struggle with anything beyond your standard dirt road. If you want to drive across undulating surfaces, cross through creeks, zoom across beaches, and climb steep inclines, then make sure that your hybrid camper is designed for this.


Does your preferred hybrid have a dust suppression system and a strong frame and chassis? Is it designed with generous clearance and quality departure and entry angles? 


If the answer is no, then your hybrid probably isn't ready for true off-roading. But then again, if you just plan on driving up to the caravan park, this doesn't really matter!

How Much Do I Want to Deal with Canvas?

Some hybrid campers will have quite a bit of canvas as part of their design, especially for pop-out sleeping spaces. Others, like the Lifestyle range, will mainly just have canvas or PVC for the extendable roof, the awning, maybe an outdoor shower, and that's about it. The rest will be solid walls and floors.


These areas of your hybrid won't be as well insulated, will stay wet after rain, and may need drying out at home when you get back from your trip.


If this doesn't sound like something you want to deal with, upgrade to a camper with as little material and as many solid surfaces as possible.

What Do I Want Inside My Hybrid Camper (and what am I willing to leave outside)?

Hybrid campers are not caravans and most are not designed for fully contained indoor living. At the higher end of the market, you might find most or all the features are located indoors, but for the most part, some or all of the features will be located outdoors.

Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are a very common part of the hybrid camper experience. The Lifestyle RECONN R4T LRX has a small indoor kitchen, but all other Lifestyle Campers feature exterior kitchens.


Outdoor cooking is a big part of the camping experience, and the outdoor kitchens on a hybrid make the process easy. Many of these kitchens feature plenty of bench space, gas cooktops with multiple burners, stainless steel sinks, and more! If you want an indoor kitchen, you’re limiting yourself to very few hybrid campers or looking at a caravan.

Toilets and Showers

You can buy campers with indoor bathroom facilities. Indoor toilets and showers will typically be combined, meaning they're very close to each other.


The other option is portable toilets - often located in a storage hatch - and shower tents for washing outdoors. These showers are typically canvas on the sides and feature a hard top, allowing you to shower outside in privacy.

Bedding and Chairs

Your beds aren't going to be located outside, but the majority of your seating may be. However, some interior couches and seats are common in hybrids. You might have separate couches and beds, but you might also have sofas that double as beds. This means they will need to be constantly converted between bed and couch when you want to use them for different purposes. This is something worth double-checking when buying your camper. 

Do I Know How to Set Up My Hybrid (and how long will it take?)

A quality hybrid camper will be quick and easy to set up. Most models have features like advanced hydraulics and automatic DC actuators that make set-up as easy as pushing a button.


Some smaller or lower-end models may have some manual set-up required, but this should still be a breeze compared to hard and soft floor camper trailers or tents!


Just make sure you know exactly how much time and effort is involved in set-up before you buy, and wherever possible, ask if you can perform the set-up yourself at a demonstration so you know how easy or hard it really is!

7 Components to Look at in Your Hybrid Camper

  1. Quality suspension:

    Cruisemaster is the market leader for independent suspension in hybrids


  1. The hitch:

    Look for a heavy-duty off-road hitch like the D035


  1. Rims, wheels, and tyres:

    Alloy wheels with mud tyres or all-terrain tyres are a great option. What's even better is if your hybrid wheels are fully interchangeable with your 4WD wheels, although this won't always be possible. Most importantly, make sure you are being sold quality tyres from a trusted brand as standard with your camper!


  1. Batteries:

    Not unlike tyres, you want to make sure your batteries are a quality, trusted product that's designed to last.


  1. Type of steel used:

    Ensure the steel used in the construction of your camper is ready for anything you can throw at it. One important thing to check is that the materials used in construction are off-road rated if required.


  1. Bearings:

    Many of the bearings used in hybrids are non-standard, so it's wise to keep a spare set with you!


  1. Welding:

    Look closely at the quality of the welding and galvanising around the camper trailer and on the chassis. The work should look neat and consistent. Be wary if anything that looks substandard to the eye, as these are the little details that ensure the structural integrity of your hybrid.

Where to Get Reliable Information about Hybrid Campers

A good place to start for hybrid camper trailer information is the website of authorised retailers.


For example, you can find all the Lifestyle Campers specs, materials, layout options, payload info, extra features, and more right here on the Camping Adventures website or on the Lifestyle Campers website. 


Once you find a product you like, you can join Facebook groups or look at Google reviews to get the point of view of a fellow customer. If you know someone who has used the camper you're looking at, that's even better!


Individual experiences are sure to vary, but if you read or hear enough independent reviews, you will find out if a camper is of good quality overall and you will find out about the common complaints that crop up for each model. You can then decide how relevant this feedback is to you and your intended camping style.

Hiring a Hybrid Camper or Buying One Second Hand

Hiring a camper trailer might cost you a few hundred dollars or up to a thousand depending on how long you want to hire it for. You may also have to pay a hefty bond to ensure the safe return of the trailer.


As a long-term strategy, it's not a good idea to hire a hybrid camper. However, if you are interested in buying, you could see if you can find a similar hybrid for hire and give that a try first! It could be just the experience you need to seal the deal. 


To hire a hybrid camper trailer, a quick Google search or websites like Camplify are a great place to start.


It's difficult to say if buying a hybrid camper second-hand is the way to go. Just like with any vehicle, the previous owner could have really run it into the ground and performed some amateur repairs. Or maybe they only used it once or twice and got buyer's regret, in which case a second-hand hybrid could be the perfect camper trailer for you.


Generally speaking, we would say that any hybrid worth buying second-hand probably won't be sold for much cheaper than new. And any second-hand hybrid that's heavily discounted probably isn't worth buying. 

Some Final Things to Consider When Shopping for a Hybrid Camper

  • What are the overall pros and cons of this type of camper trailer? For example, you get access to showers and toilets (Pro). But these trailers are heavier than other hard and soft floor camper trailers (Con)


  • How much water is your hybrid designed to carry? A starting figure of at least 150L is a great place to start.


  • Does your hybrid have solar panels, DCDC battery charging, lithium batteries, USB and cigarette chargers, and more?


  • How well sealed is the hybrid - especially underneath? This will matter when it comes to off-roading!


  • How much extra coverage does the awning offer on your preferred model? Does it extend on one side or cover the whole camper?


  • Do you want heating and cooling and do you know what HVAC options are available?


You can explore all these points and more in our article: What Is a Hybrid Camper Trailer?


Camping Adventures are Authorised Dealers for Lifestyle hybrid camper trailers in Hobart and Melbourne. We can answer your questions about tow vehicles and internal storage, talk you through your options for external kitchens and internal kitchens, or even recommend another type of camper trailer, such as a hard floor off-road camper trailer from the Patriot Campers range.


We also have a huge range of camping gear for sale! Contact us today or come and visit our team to talk hybrid camper trailers and more.

The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing camper trailer with bathroom

Buyer's Guide for Hybrid Campers

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