A conventional travel trailer connects to a hitch at the back of the tow vehicle. "Bumper-pull" is the common nickname, but the connection normally uses a properly rated receiver and hitch, not simply an ordinary bumper.
Published length often means overall length including the tongue, so confirm the definition and give campgrounds the dimensions they ask for.
Quick facts
| Typical length | 12–40 ft (3.7–12.2 m) |
|---|---|
| Typical weight (GVWR) | Under 3,000 lb for ultralights to about 10,000 lb; large models 14,000 lb+ |
| Fuel | Uses your tow vehicle's fuel; towing raises consumption |
| Sleeps | Usually 2 to 8+ |
| Typical new price (CAD) | $20,000–$100,000+ (ultralights and basic models start lower) |
| Typical used price (CAD) | $10,000–$60,000; many used units cluster around $25,000–$45,000 |
| Towing or vehicle needs | Small trailers: mid-size SUV or half-ton pickup; larger trailers: three-quarter-ton truck preferred |
Price ranges are broad Canadian shopping references in Canadian dollars, as of October 2026. Where a figure was published in US dollars it is converted at about 1.40 and rounded. They are not dealer quotes. Taxes, freight, prep and accessories are extra. See RV prices in Canada for the full table and sources.
Benefits and trade-offs
Benefits
- Wide selection of sizes, layouts and prices
- Generally lower purchase cost than a motorhome
- No separate engine or drivetrain to maintain
- Your tow vehicle stays free for day trips after setup
- A good choice for families and weekend camping
Trade-offs
- Must be correctly matched to the tow vehicle
- Hitching, reversing and weight distribution take practice
- Long trailers can be sensitive to wind and passing trucks
- Tongue weight uses up tow vehicle payload
- Large combinations need a lot of parking space
Who it suits
Best fit: Families, weekend campers, budget-conscious buyers and anyone who already owns a capable tow vehicle.
Look elsewhere if: Buyers with a small car that cannot carry the tongue weight, or anyone who dislikes reversing and hitching. A motorhome may suit them better.
What to check before you buy
- Loaded weight, not dry weight. Add water, propane, batteries, food, gear and options to the advertised dry weight.
- Tongue weight of about 10 to 15 per cent of loaded trailer weight, and whether your tow vehicle's payload can carry it.
- Tow vehicle payload, GCWR, hitch rating and brake controller, all together.
- Roof, seams, windows and slide-out seals for water damage on any used unit.
- Whether the trailer is a hybrid with fabric sleeping ends, which add condensation, drying and noise questions.
Canadian considerations
- Trailers over roughly 1,360 kg (about 3,000 lb) in many provinces need independent brakes and a breakaway system. Check your province's towing laws by province.
- Licence classes can change with combined weight, and British Columbia, for example, sets additional requirements above 4,600 kg loaded weight. Verify your own province.
- Winter storage is a real cost in Canada. Measure your driveway, gate and storage space before you buy. See the winterizing and storage guides.
- Run your numbers in the towing and payload calculator before you sign.
Compare with other types
Common questions
What can tow a travel trailer?
It depends on the trailer's loaded weight and tongue weight and on the vehicle's payload, tow rating, GCWR and hitch. Light trailers suit properly equipped SUVs and half-ton pickups; larger trailers usually need a three-quarter-ton truck.
How much does a travel trailer really weigh?
More than the brochure. Dry weight excludes water, propane, batteries, food and gear, so loaded weight is often 1,000 to 2,000 lb or more above it. Weigh the finished combination at a public scale.
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch?
Often it helps, and sway control is strongly recommended. It does not raise any rating, so it must be allowed for your vehicle and set up according to the instructions.