9 of Our Favorite Hybrid Travel Trailers and Campers

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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Shera Mae Torollo

9 of Our Favorite Hybrid Travel Trailers and Campers

Hybrid travel trailers and campers are designed to offer the best of both worlds with their unique features, making them an ideal choice for adventure seekers who seek comfort without compromising on the authentic camping experience.

• The solid body offers protection with pop-out canvas sections.
• Features include amenities like a fridge, stove, and sleeping spaces.
• Lightweight design enhances towing and fuel efficiency benefits.
• Versatility allows for various living arrangements based on needs.
• Surprisingly spacious interiors once pop-outs are extended.
• Canvas pop-outs can challenge temperature control in extremes.
• Maintenance is required to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

One of the best feelings is getting out and hitting the road on a long, adventurous road trip. When doing so, review 10 of our favorite hybrid travel trailers and campers for the best options.

There’s no better way to see the country than traveling with a camper in tow – allowing you to set up shop wherever you are and simply camp, sleep – and most importantly maximize your time in any given location.

This is especially important for those taking a family trip – what better way to get several people across the country than to pack a trailer and hit the road?

These days, people want to feel like they’re experiencing something. A hybrid travel trailer lets you get most of the benefits of a traditional RV trailer while allowing you to feel still like you’re camping in a conventional tent setup. It’s the best of a few different worlds.

When you are looking at purchasing a hybrid camper, you need to ask some serious questions because this is such a big investment.

Does this hybrid trailer match your needs as far as how much space and how many people you’ll be bringing?

How much weight can your vehicle support? How much weight will you be adding to your hybrid trailer?

What additional features will you want to be included in your trailer?

There are many quality options on the marketplace, and trying to pick one from your variety of options can be a tough decision.

It’s essential to think about your specific needs, what things you’ll be willing to sacrifice, and what features you might be willing to pay extra for.

The following are our favorite options to help slim things down so you can make a purchasing decision and become a happy camper.

Best Hybrid Travel Trailers & Campers

1. OPUS 15 OFF-ROAD HYBRID CARAVAN

The Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer is a revolutionary addition to the world of recreational vehicles, offering an exciting blend of comfort, functionality, and thoughtful design.

This mobile home on wheels combines the best of both worlds, providing the mobility of a trailer with the spaciousness and amenities of a traditional house.

The standard features of the Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer are impressive, starting with its robust exterior. The exterior is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rugged terrains, ensuring safety and durability during travel.

The trailer comfortably sleeps four people, making it an ideal choice for families or friends looking for an adventurous getaway.

The outdoor kitchen is another highlight of this travel trailer. Equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, it allows you to cook your meals while enjoying the beauty of nature.

The power water tanks, another standard feature, ensure a continuous clean water supply, adding convenience to your outdoor living experience.

The interior of the Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer is equally impressive. It boasts a well-equipped bathroom, providing all the comforts of a home bathroom in a compact space.

Additionally, off-grid options are available for those who wish to venture further into the wilderness without compromising on their basic needs.

In terms of optional features, the Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer offers a variety of upgrades and additions to enhance your travel experience.

From advanced security systems to additional storage spaces and luxury fittings, these optional features allow you to customize your trailer according to your specific requirements and preferences.

The Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer is an innovative solution for modern-day travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and adventure in one package. Its standard and optional features are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable outdoor living experience.

Whether you are an avid adventurer seeking off-grid options or a family looking for a comfortable and convenient mobile home for your vacations, the Opus 15 hybrid travel trailer is a worthy investment.

2. Rockwood Roo Travel Trailers

Forest River is a premium name for the trailer industry, and its hybrid offering is called the “Rockwood Roo.”

The high-quality trailer company is one of the best in the game so you know when you purchase from them you’re getting a serious product that you’ll be able to use for a long time.

As far as the Rockwood Roo goes, this model is an absolute beast. I dare anyone to check one of these out in person and not fall in love with the idea of traveling around the country in this bad boy.

The Rockwood Roo could be considered a hybrid plus. It has tons of space for anything you need, and you’ll be living comfortably with it. There’s no doubt about it.

The quality of materials on the inside and the outside are at the highest level – you feel the luxury while you’re inside it, and everyone on the outside will admire it from afar.

The interior is made with driftwood, giving it a homey feel. It just looks nicer than almost any other camper you’ll find out there.

Some of the other interior features are amazing – you must be prepared to live in luxury if you consider buying this trailer model.

First, the trailer’s interior also has maple throughout, giving it an excellent finish.

But the real perks start when you get into the electronics area. This trailer has a mounted LCD TV – great for rainy days, those who need to stay connected, or families that need a little break from the rugged outdoors.

On top of that, you have various audio capabilities at your fingertips as well. Options to play the standard radio and hook up to music players like an iPod or your phone are available.

As we talk about technology, there’s even a WiFi extension to get some connection if anyone in your family has a business that needs to be attended to – a realistic part of life on the road at this point.

You’ve got an outdoor shower to keep everybody clean – another essential aspect of living outdoors together for an extended period.

The floorplans can vary for these trailer models, but these hybrids are all similar enough to discuss spacing throughout.

The living areas are quite spacious – especially for what you might expect from living out of a vehicle.

Family dinettes are included in most models and give you a lot of space for you and your loved ones to eat comfortably.

On top of the dinette area, because this is a hybrid model, you have that extra area for bed space that is utilized quite well.

If you need much space to sleep in, you’ll be happy with what you’ve got here regarding beds.

The sidewalls made of laminated fiberglass are also an extra benefit, as you will be protected from whatever life throws at your trailer. As we’ve said, the roofing is also entirely secure – everything on this model is built for perfection.

Overall, this Forest River model is unbelievable. Plenty of features are stacked to give your family the ultimate comfort when traveling in a hybrid trailer.

Pros:

The Rockwood Roo provides a ton of space and a high luxury for traveling on the road. You still feel that you’re out camping because of the design, and the different floorplans make sure your model matches your needs. It would be best if you had more than enough space than you need

Cons:

Some hard-side models can be heavy, and the Rockwood Roo is a premium model.

3. Aerolite Hybrid Travel Trailers

The Aerolite comes to us from the folks at Dutchmen. Dutchmen is an excellent brand offering premium products, and I think the Aerolite hybrid trailer is no exception to this rule.

Everything from the seating to the exterior is built with a premium experience in mind so consumers can be sure they’re getting the best.

This beautiful trailer has been painstakingly designed to function quite well in the environments you’ll be taking it out into. Still, its designers also wanted it to look beautiful, and I believe they succeeded.

On top of the fact that they have a beautiful design, the people from Dutchmen have created something with a lot of technology included and is excellent for those families who have some people who need to take care of business while on the road.

Another surprising feature in the Aerolite is their tub shower, which is incredible in a travel trailer like this.

While we’re in the bathroom, the fact that this model has a porcelain toilet is impressive, and what better way to feel right at home than comfort from home in the bath?

The design of all the appliances is stainless steel, which gives a sharp look inside the trailer.

The height of the trailer gives even the tallest members of your family a lot of room to breathe, and you should be comfortable no matter what size you are.

Speaking of space – this Aerolite model features a ton of it. The queen bed size means you won’t be sleeping in any discomfort at all.

The fridge is a double-door model that gives you loads of room for your food, keeping your family eating healthy and eating well on your long trips.

The Aerolite features many items that give you a ton of comfort. The technology involved in this camper just can’t be beaten.

If you’re looking for tunes to relax or break up the silence of the wilderness, you’re covered with a Bluetooth stereo hook-up. Most people are familiar with Bluetooth, so hook-up should take minutes.

You also can watch TV through cable or satellite with their booster hook-up. While I can’t imagine you’ll be spending a ton of time with the tube, it’s a nice feature for those with younger children or those who need a bit of catching up to the “real world”.

The patio and power awning give you a great and protected place to hang out outside the camper, and if you’re feeling a nice night out like a campfire setting or something, you’ve got outside speakers to keep the party going as long as you need.

The remote system from the Aerolite is one of the best I’ve seen. This touchscreen model gives you control over your Aerolite from one place and the entirety of your model.

You’ve got control over the lights, awnings, and slide-outs, honestly, everything you need is in one place which makes this convenient for families who don’t want to spend a ton of time setting everything up, taking it down, and getting ready to set something up the next day.  

You also won’t be fumbling around in the dark for light switches or trying to find the one button you need in an awkward space.

You may be interested in some other features, such as aluminum wheels for durability or the patented StabiliTrak suspension rig that will keep your Aerolite stable and comfy no matter where you take it.

Pros:

Aerolite has a great shower area; many will be impressed by that specific part of the trailer. The outdoor area is lovely, with a patio and power awning. The trailer is built to be quite sturdy and holds up over time.

Cons:

The Aerolite offers a bit less protection than the traditional full hard-side model. Some may not love the design of the trailer.

4. Coleman Hybrid Travel Trailers

Coleman is a well-known name in the trailer business, and this specific model is an excellent offering from Dutchmen.

You have two different models here with the Coleman name, you have a “Light” and a “Lantern”.  While you’ll want to check your specific needs, the features discussed here are spread across these slight variations and should still help you decide what you need.

The Coleman Lantern models have a fantastic claim – they can sleep up to 10 people!

That’s a considerable number that even the most prominent families will enjoy. If you were looking for a hybrid trailer that could fit the cousins, too, you’re staring at it right here.

One of the best features that Coleman boasts is that it uses a Power Tongue Jack and a stabilizer. This is a big deal because now you’re going to spend less time setting things up and more time doing whatever it is you came to do in the first place.

You also have an absurd amount of USB plug-ins in this trailer. When you think about it, this design makes a lot of sense.

In today’s society, if you can sleep up to 10 people in a trailer, you better have some heavy USB capability because you might need ten plugs (or more) for those ten people.

The dinette has a lot of storage space, and to be honest, there’s a vast amount of storage space throughout the trailer, so your family should have space for any toys, clothing, camping gear, or anything they need to bring.

The Coleman RV trailers are stunning on the inside. The interior design has been done by people who know what they’re doing.

When you see the inside of this trailer, you’ll be surprised that it’s not a whole house – it feels that much like you’re right at home.

You even have features such as a medicine cabinet to add to the homey feel.

The Coleman model is appropriate for camping in all four seasons due to the insulated bottom of the trailer. It’s completely enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about freezing or other problems.

Overall, this model is a thing of beauty. The different variants give different families everything they need from a hybrid trailer, and if you purchase one of these models, you’ll be sure to be happy with what you get.

Pros:

The Coleman models are well-designed for today’s society, and USB plugs are essentially everywhere. The design looks great and I think anyone would feel at home in these models.

Cons:

The number of hours you sleep may depend on what model you buy. Even though models are built for four seasons, you’ll want to ensure everything is handled correctly.

5. Kodiak Hybrid Travel Trailers

Kodiak is another version of a hybrid trailer that doesn’t sacrifice much to earn its status.

The Kodiak can sleep an absurd ten people, and although you may not believe that – it just means that a family of 6 or even 8 should have a ton of space since you could feasibly get ten into the trailer.

This is a lighter unit that most SUVs can tow. It’s incredible to think about. You can live out of a vehicle like an SUV but still have room for up to 10 people! That’s the kind of efficiency some family leaders can only dream of when planning a trip across the country.

Dutchmen offers its custom-made “iN-command” remote operating system with this model. What that does is allow for everything to be controlled out of one convenient position.

Everything is controlled from this “home base,” including the indoor and outdoor lights, which is a nice plus. But you also control things from this remote, such as awnings or generator settings.

The Kodiak has an excellent feature for those who need a lot of sleeping room – they have queen beds on every one of their floor plans.

The 60 x 80-bed size gives couples room to breathe, and if you’re a single sleeper, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out across the whole mattress. Comfort matters when you’re in a trailer, and the queen beds in a Kodiak receive high marks.

Another thing that Kodiak does right is to ensure they have sturdy entry steps. They’re made of aluminum, so if you have elderly or young family members getting in and out of your camper, they will feel entirely secure using these entry steps.

They’ll also last as long as the trailer does; there are no concerns about durability.

The underbelly of the Kodiak is wholly protected. If you’re camping in the cold, that’s an essential factor you shouldn’t overlook.

Freezing lines can be a huge deal, and your whole plans will be ruined, but that won’t happen here with the Kodiak. On top of that, if you hit some literal unexpected bumps in the road, you won’t do any damage to this premium trailer.

The décor of the interior design has three different options, and they’re all quite beautiful. It’s incredible when you think about the attention to detail that Dutchmen has put into this hybrid trailer, and it shows when you’re walking through the interior.

These look that you get whether you’re in the bed area, the dinette, or even the kitchen – it could feel a bit almost like a well-done regular apartment. That’s fantastic value for those on the road and living in this unit.

Pros:

The remote system allows you to control everything from one spot, is easy to control, and feels very intuitive. The interior design shines through and allows for a hybrid trailer that feels like home. There’s plenty of space and storage throughout

Cons:

It may not be quite as heavy-duty as some are looking for. A premium product so may not fit everyone’s budget.

6. Flagstaff Shamrock Travel Trailers

Forest River is at the top of the line for travel trailers, and I believe this Flagstaff Shamrock is one of the top in the industry.

A lot is going on regarding hybrid trailers, but Forest River has been able to check all the boxes.

The expanded interior means you and your family will have plenty of space – especially when utilizing the bunk beds. While some think bunk beds mean no comfort, that’s not the case here.

I like the comfort throughout the trailer and think the whole family will feel at home.

The Flagstaff Shamrock is designed to be used throughout all four seasons and has heated mattresses for that specific reason.

Looking around the inside, you see some fantastic interior design sights. The interior is made from driftwood, and you can choose maple glaze finishes on some cabinetry parts.

I can’t even begin to describe how at home this can make you feel when on the road for a long time.

You know how important it can be for those with young children to have a TV with them for those rainy sessions – and the Flagstaff Shamrock has you covered here.

The mounted LCD TV is excellent for settling those fussy children or just tuning in to see the news for a brief catch-up. I’ve known families to take cheaper video game systems on the road for some old-school fun.

Depending on the model and floorplan you choose, the dinette can be a bit different, but either way, it usually feels quite spacious.

While talking about technology, the trailer has a WiFi booster to stay connected even closer while you’re even farther away.

As we move outside the trailer, it’s great that you have magnetic door locks so the outside stays outside. That’s a great feature that is utilized well with young children.

The power awning system is fantastic because it clears you up to do more important tasks like making food or building a fire after a long day out – you won’t want to adjust and deal with the hassle of a manual awning.

The entry step is built to be relatively stable and durable, so you won’t have any concerns, no matter how old or young some of your family may be.

The ceilings and walls are all insulated and built with your comfort in mind, so no matter what season, you will be pretty comfortable with the excellent technology that Forest River has used to build this trailer.

On top of this, you get some great basic features like a microwave oven and a kitchen sink with a double bowl design. Those little things keep you closer to home.

This model is a big win for Forest River; it’s an excellent hybrid truck trailer that will keep you happy no matter what the wilderness throws.

Pros:

Has a high level of technology so those families who want a mix of home and outdoors won’t be afraid to hit the road.  The kitchen has appliances that fit the space quite well, and quality is apparent from top to bottom – inside & out.

Cons:

Could be heavy for what some are looking for, may need to look for something with less weight.

7. Starcraft RV Mossy Oak

Starcraft RV is a well-known name in the trailer industry, and if you’re looking for hybrid trailers, it makes a lot of sense to check their offerings out.

While it’s named for a tree, you’ll have a lot more comfort than just pitching a hammock up and bracing the outdoors – Starcraft is a premium name in comfort.

The construction in this trailer is outstanding. The biggest plus of the Mossy Oak is that it uses fiberglass insulation to keep you comfortable no matter what is happening outside your trailer – a big deal if you’re planning to deal with inclement weather.

You also have a roof that can be easily walked on, which is a big draw for those who need to get up and on top of their trailer.

The cabinetry inside the trailer is quite fantastic and has this excellent hardwood look that will make it seem like you’re inside a premium home.

The kitchen is good, but not great; you have a fridge with a lot of storage coming in with six cubic feet. That’s not the highest I’ve seen – but it should hold plenty of food for you and your family.

As we move through the interior, you’ve got some great technology to keep your family engaged.

Today’s society probably wants a TV in some capacity, and the Mossy Oak has you covered with a cable hook-up and a satellite one.

Any light or control switches are all in one coordinated area, which means no stumbling through the dark.

The trailer shines in its exterior construction. Everything feels sturdy and durable, so you’ll have a long-lasting trailer.

I like the Mossy Oak and what it offers for those looking for a nice, sturdy trailer that gives them a lot of comfort.

Pros:

This is built to be a long-lasting trailer that you can be sure will be with your family for a long time. The construction in this trailer is incredible. Technology aspects are solid, so you should be covered in them. It feels nice throughout the trailer.

Cons:

You may want to see some better “action” in the kitchen for such a premium product. That might not live up to some’s expectations.

8. SolAire Expandable Travel Trailers

Palomino has been making RVs since 1968 – that’s a long time to be improving your product and listening to customer feedback.

That’s good news for you as a consumer, as their new SolAire models are designed to be made with a lot of quality and comfort with everything they’ve learned.

There are different floorplans to choose from so that you have precisely what you need, but all models are made with a strong frame of full aluminum. That will keep your trailer chugging along for a long time.

Not only that, but the floor you see available at the least will offer a queen-sized bed in every scenario, and since rest is so essential on the road, that’s a nice thing to see.

The expandable trailer models come with cabinetry made of walnut – a nice-looking wood with a premium feel.

The spacing in the trailer feels excellent due to a skylight in the kitchen lighting things up during the day. In the kitchen, the countertops feel pretty solid, and the double-door fridge has a considerable amount of storage, with eight cubic feet.

With that fridge space, you also get some extra dinette space to go along with that. Families should feel comfortable (or as comfortable as you can) eating in the trailer with all that space.

As far as comfort goes, you have a lot of indoor lights (LED) that light up space quite well. USB charging ports will keep your family powered up and connected to the world.

As we move outside the trailer, the eXpandable is well-equipped for durability.

The doors are magnetically latched so that you know they’re closed when they’re closed, and nothing can be damaged by slamming doors or anything crazy like that. It also adds a level of security to your hybrid trailer.

The walls and roofs are laminated for extra protection from inclement weather and to keep the trailer safe from the elements.

Pros:

Multiple floorplans allow you to get a model appropriate for your family. The kitchen, fridge, and dinette areas all have a lot of space, so if you eat out of your trailer, you’ll be quite happy with this offering.

Cons:

It may not have the most high-tech available for families who find that necessary. Some may not like the design from the outside

9. The TrailManor 2720 Series

This is not your traditional popup camper with tent/fabric foldouts. Hardshell slide-outs are the standard. Ten years of testing and prototypes went into the

design before the first TrailManor was delivered to a dealer.

Only after the ground-breaking TrailManor design had undergone extensive testing was it made public.

William J. Hulsey, the founder of TrailManor, holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering and has over 25 years of experience creating high-tech materials and goods.

He incorporated this understanding into the TrailManor design to create a trailer that is lightweight, simple to tow, engineered to last, has a high resale value, and is entertaining to use as soon as you pull out of your driveway.

His wife was unhappy with the family’s tent camper, so he built the FIRST TrailManor for her. She desired a bathroom and an upright travel trailer with solid walls.

Bill used his technical experience and knowledge to design a travel trailer that was light in weight, simple to tow, had hard walls, and a bathroom because he didn’t want to buy or tow a big travel trailer.

Exterior:

These campers are very light and quick to set up. You can tow these trailers with a properly equipped minivan, crossover, or SUV without needing a large tow vehicle. The trailers from the 2518 Series fit neatly in a typical garage.

Unlike tent campers, these units are simple to set up and can be done in the rain without the interior getting wet. Towing these trailers 100 miles requires just one extra gallon of gas and is essentially effortless.

Because it is the smallest trailer in our collection, you have more options for towing and storage.

Standard Exterior Features:

• Swing hitch
• Krystal Kote exterior
• 110-volt outside receptacle
• Twin 20 lb. gas bottles with automatic changeover
• LED tail and running lights
• Outside patio light
• Stabilizer jacks
• Radial tires
• 6-gallon DSI gas/electric water heater
• Alloy wheels (excludes spare)
• Spare tire package
• Outside shower
• Park cable hookup

Interior:

• Fire extinguisher
• 12-v power in living area
• Dry bath with cassette toilet and shower
• 2 burner stove
• 3-way 3 cu. ft. refrigerator
• Roof vents
• TV/cable outlet
• LED interior lights
• Marble look countertops
• Fantastic Vent ceiling fan
• Suburban 20,000 BTU furnace
• Bedroom privacy curtain
• Monitor panel
• Smoke detector, CO & LP gas detector
• Preinstalled wiring for radio/ stereo
• Power front slide out (Slide out models only)

Are Hybrid Travel Trailers and Campers Worth It?

Hybrid travel trailers and campers offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and flexibility for outdoor enthusiasts.

They combine the best attributes of traditional travel trailers with the added benefits of expandable tent sections, providing more living space.

Their lightweight design makes towing more accessible and fuel-efficient, while their compact size allows access to a wider range of camping sites.

The versatility and cost-effectiveness of hybrid travel trailers and campers can significantly enhance the camping experience, making them a worthwhile investment for many.

However, the value proposition may vary depending on individual needs and preferences, so it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate these factors before deciding.

Summary

Hybrid travel trailers and campers offer an exciting balance between the comfort of hard-bodied trailers and the adventurous edge of tent camping.

These units feature a solid body structure providing robust protection, while offering the flexibility of pop-out canvas sections, adding to the living space when stationed.

These pop-out sections can be conveniently folded back in when the trailer is on the move, making it lightweight and more fuel-efficient while towing.

One of the distinct advantages of hybrid travel trailers and campers is their versatility. The design allows for a range of living arrangements, customizable to an individual’s needs.

They have amenities such as a fridge and stove, ensuring a comfortable camping experience. The interiors, though compact when on the road, prove to be surprisingly spacious once the canvas pop-outs are extended.

However, like any other product, hybrid trailers do have specific challenges. The canvas pop-outs can make temperature control difficult in extreme weather conditions.

Additionally, they require regular maintenance to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Nevertheless, with proper care and maintenance, hybrid travel trailers and campers can offer an unparalleled camping experience that combines comfort and adventure.

If you liked this article, on hybrid campers you might also want to check out our other travel trailer recommendations here or learn more about RVs here.

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