Hybrid-style travel trailers are a relatively new innovation. They’ve only been around since the late 1990s, but their ever-increasing popularity has earned our respect as one of the best tow-behind camper options available today. So, what are they exactly?
Function and Advantages
Hybrid campers are a modified form of the towable travel trailer. They combine the best features of tents, RVs, and traditional trailers into one exceptional piece of equipment. Hybrids have hard sides and roofs that are typically constructed of fiberglass and/or aluminum. This makes them strong and durable in a multitude of different environments, just like traditional trailers. Some people might refer to them as pop-up hybrid campers, but that’s a misnomer.
These trailers don’t pop up, they pop out. They have expandable bed sections that are made of canvas that fold outwards. Therefore, instead of sacrificing interior space to sleeping requirements, they allow for more spacious, usable inside areas, more like RVs and standard trailers but without the extra length and weight. That makes them easier to tow and more fuel efficient as well.
Amenities, Affordability, and Amazing Views Too!
Just like RVs and standard trailers, hybrid campers have the same wonderful amenities available. This includes full kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, heat and water systems, entertainment systems, and awnings, too. Plus, they are much more affordable than an RV, and typically far less expensive than traditional travel trailers, too. And on top of all of that, they have something else the others don’t—unparalleled views from the sleeping areas.
The fold-out bed sections of hybrid travel trailers are surrounded by screens on three sides. They shelter you from above but allow you to see all the way around you, almost like being inside a screen tent. Sleeping in a hybrid camper makes you feel fully immersed in your outdoor environment, not just because of the amazing views but also because of the wonderful sounds and smells of the natural world that envelops you.
It’s a panoramic, sensory experience that any camper would envy! Plus, all those extra windows and screens make the trailer bright, airy, and well-ventilated.
8 Great Hybrid Campers
We appreciate all the advantages that hybrid campers have to offer, which is why we’ve taken the time to find some of the very best hybrid trailers for sale today. Are you interested in one? We think you should be! Let’s explore some of these great models and talk about why they deserve our consideration:
Top Choice for Large Groups: The Forest River Rockwood Roo 233S Expandable Travel Trailer
Forest River is an award-winning manufacturer that leads the field in hybrid trailer design. This high-quality offering is luxurious, spacious, and can comfortably sleep up to 10 people. It has 3 expandable queen-sized bed areas and a dinette section that slides outwards as well. It’s under 25 ft. in length but feels like a castle inside! The 233S is loaded with attractive features like ample storage, a spacious bathroom, a pantry in the kitchen, and a comfy sofa, too. This Rockwood Roo hybrid camper is a real winner and our top choice for accommodating large groups
Honorable Mention: Forest River’s Flagstaff Shamrock 21SS is another fantastic option from this manufacturer that doesn’t disappoint. We love the central slide-out feature of this model also, which has two fold-out beds. For 4 to 6 people, it just can’t be beat.
Best Durability, Quality, and Reliable Performance – The Jayco Jay Feather X23E
Jayco is another trusted name in camper manufacturing. You’ll see Jayco hybrid campers everywhere, and durability, quality, and reliable performance are just some of the many reasons why. Their Feather X23E model has a strikingly similar design to the Forest River Roo listed above, but with slightly smaller bed areas but a nicer, bigger awning. It’s a little longer than the Roo as well, at just under 27 ft., but also accommodates 10. Honorable Mention: The X17Z is another terrific Jayco offering worthy of note that is slightly smaller but just as big on quality and satisfaction.
Best Sleek, Lightweight, and Thoughtfully Designed: The KZ Escape E180RBT
KZ is another great hybrid camper manufacturer that sometimes flies under the radar, but they’ve been quietly producing top-of-the-line travel trailers for 50 years now! We absolutely love the E180RBT. It’s a shortie at under 22 ft., sleek, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. It features two fold-out bed areas along with a nice dinette and a plush couch, too. It will accommodate 6 but it’s our favorite choice for a family of 4. It’s also excellent for a couple that enjoys camping with friends.
Best 4 People Sized Campers: The Dutchmen Kodiak Cub 186E
Dutchmen make some incredible travel trailers—some of the most popular in the world, in fact. The Kodiak Cub 186E is one of their rarer hybrid models, but it’s worth going on the hunt for this one. The Cub 186E is a stylish, nice-quality trailer with two very spacious bed fold-outs. It’s the perfect size for 4 people. At under 21 ft. and a dry weight under 4,000 lbs., it’s a breeze to tow and easy to store, too. Trailers of this size can often be kept right in your driveway, which is another great benefit of hybrid campers—they will save you the cost and hassle of having to store them elsewhere.
Best Sleek Hybrid: The KZ Escape E160RBT
There’s just no “escape” from KZ. Yes, we’re back to this remarkable brand again for our top pick for couples. The E160RBT has just one fold-out bed area, although the dinette converts to additional sleeping space when needed. The Escape is simply stunning, with all the same elegant touches we love in E160RBT model. It’s a feast for your camping eyes and easy on your wallet, too!
Best Bargain: The Palomino Solaire Expandable 147X
Last but not least on our list is this spectacular hybrid manufactured by Palomino. Most of Palomino’s offerings are fully hard-sided these days, so this is another model you might have to go on the hunt for. But when you find one of these hybrid campers for sale, you’ve found a real gem! Palomino’s designs are beautiful, with sleek, elegant touches that discerning campers will really appreciate. You’ll love this model’s generously-sized queen beds along with its comfortable sleeper sofa and high-end kitchen appliances.
This beauty is great for 2 or 4 people but can handle up to 6. It’s unfortunate that it may only be available used at this time, but then again, it might also be the best bargain on this list!
Hybrid Travel Trailers Make for Happy Campers
We hope we’ve sold you on the many merits of hybrid-style campers, but please don’t miss our article showcasing some of the best standard travel trailers, too! In the end, we aren’t just all about hybrids. We’re all about camping in general, no matter how you choose to enjoy it. There’s nothing like spending time in the wilderness, and we know there’s a camping enthusiast deep inside us all. Will you discover yours on some remote forest trail? In a tent? A posh RV? Those are all okay in our book. But just maybe one of these great hybrid campers will make you a happy camper, too!
