Everything you need to know about trailer tents

Trailer tents are a great compromise between conventional tent camping and caravanning. Frequently designed with built-in features for extra comfort and convenience, they’re easy to put up and welcomed at a wide range of campsites. Trailer tents have a small but loyal following and are great for people who are keen to embrace something just that little bit different. Keep reading to find out how they work, their pros and cons and whether or not a trailer tent could be for you.

What is a trailer tent?

As the name suggests, a trailer tent is simply a tent mounted on top of a trailer that can be attached directly to the back of your car. At your campsite, you’ll unhook the trailer and unfold the tent to use it. When it’s time to move on, simply pack the tent back into the trailer, hook it back onto the car and off you go.

Trailer tents come in a variety of designs and sizes – the most basic ones simply have a pop-up canvas section that opens up on top of the trailer, while larger models fold out to give a good-sized living space that can be kitted out with beds, kitchen facilities and even a toilet. 

There are two main types of trailer tent on the market in the UK:

• Classic trailer tents have sides that are made out of fabric. Their base is either partly or wholly made up by the rigid trailer floor (and the lid of the trailer may well flip out to extend the rigid floor space). In terms of assembly, these trailer tents will need to be folded out and often pegged into the ground, much like a normal tent. The tent itself may have a single living space or several compartments, and it is often possible to also add an awning for extra outdoor space. This kind of trailer tent is typically on the cheaper and lighter end of the spectrum, and ideal for short stays.

• Folding campers look like the bottom part of a caravan with a tent on top and have walls that are partly rigid, in addition to the rigid base. Folding campers often come with amenities such as a built-in kitchen and beds, much like a classic caravan; some even have a toilet on board. Folding campers are freestanding and fully supported by the trailer, so they do not require pitching like a normal tent (other than the awning, if you put one up). Folding campers are typically more expensive than classic trailer tents. They are also generally heavier than classic trailer tents so may need to be towed by a larger car.

How do trailer tents work?

Using a trailer tent is fairly straightforward – simply hook it to your car, drive to your campsite and then unhook it at your pitch ready to set it up. As trailer tents are already mounted on a solid base (in the form of the trailer), they only require minimal pitching to get them ready to sleep in. 

The amount of setup needed will vary depending on the size of your trailer tent. Some smaller tents will simply pop up on top of the trailer, while larger ones will need folding out and pegging into the ground. The interior is generally already set up, although there may be some features that need moving into place, and you may need to pull out and peg down an awning. 

Packing the tent away should be similarly easy as long as you go back through the steps methodically and attach the trailer securely to your car before setting off.

Are trailer tents any good?

Trailer tents offer something of a halfway house between a tent and a caravan, so they make a good option for those who would like to take the next step up from tent camping or would-be caravanners who’d like something a little smaller and easier to manoeuvre than a traditional caravan.

The mix of comfort and convenience, along with the easy setup, has made trailer tents increasingly popular in recent years. The short setup/takedown time means they’re particularly suitable for short breaks and spontaneous adventures – having everything all built into your trailer means you can simply hook it up and head off. 

For similar reasons, some of the larger models of trailer tent or folding camper are great for family camping trips – having one of these ready to go should make packing easier, they’re usually fairly spacious, and you won’t have to entertain the kids for long while you get everything set up on site.

The middle ground between camping and caravanning isn’t for everyone, however – there are some people who find the compromise too much and would rather stick with one or the other. Buying a trailer tent involves a fair amount of investment so it’s worth having a good think about whether it’s the right choice for you, checking out the various options available and perhaps renting a trailer tent for a trial trip if possible.

Pros and cons of trailer tents

If you’re thinking about buying a trailer tent or folding camper, it’s worth being realistic and examining both the good and the bad points before going ahead with your purchase.

Advantages of trailer tents

• Trailer tents are generally quite versatile, as they are suitable for either hardstanding or grass pitches.

• Trailer tent pitches are often cheaper than touring caravan pitches (although this will vary from site to site). 

• Trailer tents do not require as much storage space as caravans when not in use, and it’s possible to fit most models into a small garage. Some can even be flipped onto their side when not in use, to take up less space. 

• While trailer tents are more expensive than most conventional tents, even the most expensive model will be several thousand pounds cheaper than the most basic caravan. Buying a trailer tent is a great way to try the caravanning lifestyle without breaking the bank.

• As your sleeping space is raised off the ground, you’re more likely to stay warm and dry than if you were staying in a tent. 

• Trailer tents often come with a built-in foam mattress for extra comfort.

• You can store all pots, pans, bedding and other equipment in the trailer tent when it is not in use, making it easy to get out on spontaneous camping trips without having to spend hours packing. 

• Trailer tents may come with a built-in kitchenette and/or bathroom for extra comfort. 

• Trailer tents can be towed by a wider range of vehicles than caravans – some small models can even be pulled by a motorbike.

• If looked after properly, trailer tents can hold their value well. There is a small but dedicated community of enthusiasts always on the lookout for good-quality secondhand trailer tents. 

Disadvantages of trailer tents

• You will be more exposed to the elements in a trailer tent than you would be in a caravan. You can use our tips for keeping warm in a tent to extend your camping season into the colder months, but many people will prefer the security of having a solid roof over their heads in winter.

• Trailer tents are still relatively rare, so campsites may be unfamiliar with them and unsure how to accommodate you (and how much to charge for your pitch). 

• Sometimes it can be hard to find a warm and sheltered place to air out a trailer tent and allow it to dry fully. It is important to do this, though, as packing away wet canvas can lead to mould and mildew. 

• As with all trailers, using a trailer tent will restrict your authorised speed limit to 50mph on single-carriageway roads and 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways.

• You may need to buy a separate towbar for your vehicle (if you don’t already have one).

• If you are used to the instant convenience of caravanning, putting up and taking down a tent may take some getting used to. 

• You will need to find a pitch that you can drive to. This will restrict your choice of location more than a classic tent would – wild camping, for instance, will probably not be possible. 

• If you do not have a garage or secure garden, you may need to hire a lock-up unit for storage or pay for a seasonal pitch at a campsite.

Features to look for in a trailer tent

There are several different models of trailer tent on the market, with different sizes and features available. That means you’ll be able to look out for the features that matter to you, whether you decide to keep it simple or go for a well-equipped folding camper. 

Here are some of the questions to ask when buying a trailer tent:

• Does it have an awning? This will give you much more living space, but it will also require pitching into the ground and increase the overall footprint of your unit.

• Is there a built-in toilet, bed/couchette or kitchenette? These features are more commonly found in folding campers – expect to pay a higher price for the added convenience.

• How easy is it to detach the fabric part of the tent from the trailer? This will be helpful to know when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your tent. 

• Does the trailer come with brakes? This is only a legal requirement for trailer tents that weigh over 750kg, but they are always recommended for safety reasons. 

See more things to consider before buying any kind of tent in our main tent buying guide.

Can I tow a trailer tent?

Anyone with a standard UK driving licence can tow a trailer tent, and the smaller models can be towed by pretty much any car (with the very smallest also suitable for towing on a good-sized motorbike). 

However, even confident drivers may find that towing a trailer tent takes a bit of getting used to, as the extra weight means your car is likely to respond differently. With that in mind, it’s worth starting out with a few short local journeys at a quiet time of day before setting off on a long trip to your camping destination.

If you’ve never towed a trailer before, here are a few tips to help you along the way:

1. Check the trailer’s tyres, especially if you’ve bought your trailer tent secondhand. Deflated tyres cause more friction and are more likely to overheat or even blow out while on the road.

2. Adapt your driving style. Brake earlier than you otherwise would, approach corners with caution and accelerate more gently to keep everything stable.

3. Keep an eye on your speed, as the speed limit is lower for trailers (50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways). 

4. On a motorway with three lanes or more, stay out of the lane furthest to the right, where towing is not permitted.

5. You will need a number plate to attach to your trailer if your vehicle’s rear number plate is not clearly visible. 

6. Make sure you can comfortably see right to the end of your trailer; attach extension mirrors to your wing mirrors if this is not the case. 

7. Identify appropriate places to park en route before setting off, as on-street parking may be tricky and regular spaces in car parks will not be suitable. 

8. Check your car’s maximum towing weight. This information will be included in the user manual. If you are not sure that your car and the trailer are a good match, try before you buy.

Get started with your trailer tent

Trailer tents are versatile, comfortable and convenient, so they make a great option for many people who stay in the outdoors regularly. They aren’t cheap, however, so it’s a wise move to do your research before buying. This will include deciding whether trailer tents are right for you, choosing a suitable model and maybe hiring one to try out the trailer tent lifestyle.

Once you’re up and running with your trailer tent, all that’s left is to choose your destination(s). Pitchup has thousands of trailer tent pitches available to book across the UK, Europe and the wider world – and each listing has a detailed description, an outline of pitch sizes and a list of facilities so you can be sure you’re booking a suitable space for your stay.

Trailer tent FAQs

Do I need a licence to tow a trailer tent?

You don’t need a special licence to tow a trailer tent – as the combined weight of your car and trailer tent is unlikely to exceed 3500kg you will be covered by your regular UK driving licence.

Do trailer tents have toilets? 

Compact, easily foldable trailer tents usually aren’t big enough to contain a built-in toilet. However, some larger models of folding campers (such as the Pennine Pathfinder) come with a toilet and in others you’ll have the option of adding a toilet annexe.

How much does a trailer tent weigh?

Smaller trailer tents generally have a fully laden weight of around 400-500kg, with larger folding camper models weighing around 750kg-1000kg. As a rule, your trailer should not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight to keep it manageable.