Tent trailers are a type of recreational vehicles (RV) that can be used as traveling or camping shelters and even as full time homes. RVs are very popular among families who go on regular camping trips every summer and are also the preferred type of dwellings by some who do not have a traditional permanent home. People who use this vehicle as a permanent dwelling often purchase one of their own from previous owners or directly from manufacturers. Campers, meanwhile, either buy them or rent them from camping supplies companies.

Aside from tent trailers, recreational vehicles can also be in the form of truck campers, folding camping trailers, motorhomes, park models, toy haulers, travel trailers, hybrid trailers, fifth wheel travel trailers and toterhomes. Each type of RV has its own features and purpose and each has its own pros and cons. Truck campers are comprised of camper shell units that can be attached to the chassis of a pickup truck. Folding camping trailers, also called pop-ups, are light-weight units with collapsible sides for storage and towing. Motorhomes, on the other hand, are units built on commercial truck chassis, a conventional van or a pickup truck.

Park models, another common type of RV, have the same basic features as all kinds of trailers. They are designed for occasional relocation and require a highway movement permit when they need to be moved. A special towing vehicle is also needed to relocate this type of vehicle. A toy hauler, meanwhile, is designed to function as a living space and a garage for storing things such as ATVs and motorbikes. Unlike toy haulers, travel trailers serve more as living quarters rather than as storage vehicles. They have rigid sides for towing and have a bumper or frame hitch. The nearest in built and design to the travel trailer is the hybrid. It is a combination of travel trailer and folding trailer which can feature pull-out tent sections or walls that can be lowered over the bottom of the vehicle for towing. The fifth wheel is also much the same as a travel trailer but is equipped with a special hitch in the truck bed.

The advantage of using or living in these recreational vehicles is that there will be no need to rent a motel or a hotel room if you happen to be a state-hopping person. They are also equipped with cooking equipment so that food can be prepared inside and there would be no need to eat at restaurants. The main disadvantage is that RVs have low fuel economy and some bigger models are hard to drive. There is also the problem of towing costs, not to mention the hassle involve in towing.

Given the pros and cons, there are still a big number of people who prefer to live or travel in tent trailers and other types of RVs. For some, the idea of having some sort of home wherever they go is comforting. It is also a form of adventure to leave the safety of a static dwelling and travel around the country carrying your shelter and basic necessities with you.