RV Types
Safety Issues
"Coach" is an old term used to describe a mobile unit for carrying people and supplying limited accommodations, and it's still around today even though the vehicle it refers to is pulled by motor vehicles instead of horses and trains.
Easy to Use
Trailer coaches can be towed behind a variety of vehicles, from SUVs to pickup trucks, depending on size. SUVs have some problems with towing, but they can tow small trailer coaches safely if specific guidelines are followed. Vans are generally good tow vehicles for smaller trailers, but you have to be careful about vehicle matching. Trucks are the most versatile of tow vehicles. A 1/2 to 1-ton pickup will handle just about all trailer coaches and all but the largest fifth wheels.
They can easily be detached from your tow vehicle, allowing you to set up a base camp. This is especially beneficial to families with children who can use a truck, van, or SUV to explore beyond the camping area.
Eyecatchers of a Travel Trailer
All the interior space inside a trailer coach is living space that is all on one floor level. Some people find the level floor easier to navigate inside of the trailer - especially those with physical limitations.
Trailer coaches are available in virtually every style from luxury home on wheels to weekend-in-the-woods camper. With tnousands of trailer models being built every year for every type of use, there's a trailer for every RVing need and every pocketbook.
Now for the disadvantages
The big problem with trailer coaches is that they are not always easy to tow. There is no forgiveness involved as there is in a fifth wneel. If you don't balance the trailer correctly, you could lose control easily. If you don't nook up the hitch correctly, you could lose control easily. If you don't use the sway controls correctly, you could lose control easily. If your towing vehicle is too small or lacks adequate wheelbase, you're inviting a serious accident. Trailer coaches are the least forgiving of wheeled RVs.
Most travel trailer coaches have a tendency to sway under adverse conditions. As much as 50% of all trailer models are likely to give problems with sway, depending on the following: match to towing vehicle, hitching, weight-and-balance, wind, bow waves from passing vehicles, road conditions, and weather conditions. A large trailer poorly matched may overpower its towing vehicle when a bow wave or strong crosswind pushes it into a fishtailing pattern.
These two disadvantages can easily outweigh the advantages unless you observe the following:
1) You must have a weight-distributing hitch adequate for the job.
2) The brake-controller lever must be easily reached without taking your eyes off the road.
3) When hitched on level ground, the trailer floor must be fore-aft level.
4) Any friction-type sway-control bar must be reduced or released when you're traveling on gravel or slippery roads.
5) Your towing vehicle must have a wheelbase adequate to control the size of the trailer.
In Summary:
A trailer coach can be a practical and fun way to enjoy the outdoors. Because of the variety of models and sizes available, however, it is easy to make wrong choices that become evident only after the first venture. Not enough emphasis can be made on careful consideration of size and quality if you decide that a trailer coach will be your mode of getting away. More information about towing is available in our downloadable guide How to Tow Safely Guide
