
Bumper pull campers are a type of towable camper that is pulled using a frame-mounted hitch. They are also known as travel trailers and are considered to be unsafe for riding in while in motion due to the lack of safety features such as seat belts and airbags. However, there are a few states in which it is legal to ride in a bumper pull camper, such as Kansas and California, although the laws vary depending on the type of RV and the age of the passengers.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
States where riding in a travel trailer is allowed | California, District of Columbia, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kansas |
Safety features | Seat belts, airbags, safety glass windows, unobstructed entryway |
Hitch types | Conventional, fifth wheel, gooseneck, bumper pull |
Hitch weight capacity | 2,000 lbs, 3,500 lbs, 8,000 lbs, 18,000 lbs |
Hitch size | Smaller than generic receiver, larger than standard |
Wiring types | 4-pole flat connector, 5-way flat, 6-way square, 7-way flat, 7-way round |
What You'll Learn
States where it is legal to ride in a bumper pull camper
The laws regarding riding in a bumper pull camper vary from state to state in the US. While some states have prohibited riding in a towable camper, others permit it with certain restrictions in place. Here is a list of states that allow riding in a towable camper as of May 2024, as per a report from the RV Industry Association (RVIA):
- California (fifth wheels only)
- District of Columbia
- Montana (fifth wheels only)
- New York (fifth wheels only)
- North Dakota (fifth wheels only)
- Oregon (fifth wheels only)
- Pennsylvania (fifth wheels only)
- South Dakota (fifth wheels only)
- Wisconsin (fifth wheels only)
It is important to note that laws can change, and some states have detailed descriptions of the trailer types that qualify and specific conditions for legal passengers, such as age minimums and required safety equipment. Therefore, it is always recommended to check and abide by the local laws of the state you are travelling in.
Truck Camper Riding: Is It Legal?
You may want to see also
Safety considerations when riding in a bumper pull camper
Riding in a bumper pull camper is not without its risks, and there are several safety factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to check the laws of the state you are in, as well as any state you are travelling to or through, as these vary widely and change frequently.
The safety of riding in a towable camper depends on several factors, including the presence of seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features. Most towable campers lack seatbelts, especially smaller ones, and few have airbags. This means that riding in a towable camper could result in significant injury or death in the event of an accident.
If you are travelling with passengers in a towable camper, there are several precautions you can take to maximise safety. These include:
- Reducing your speed to between 55 and 60 mph
- Increasing your following distance
- Using towing accessories such as sway bars and electronic brake controllers
- Ensuring passengers remain seated or lying down at all times
- Loading your trailer properly and securing all items to minimise the risk of falling objects
- Installing seatbelts (by a professional to ensure safety standards are met)
Other safety considerations include maintaining direct communication with the driver, ensuring windows are made of approved safety glass, and keeping the entryway unobstructed.
Drano in a Camper Shower: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
How to prepare your truck for towing a bumper pull camper
Preparing your truck for towing a bumper pull camper is essential for a safe and comfortable journey. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Know your truck's capabilities: Understand the towing capacities for different types of towing, such as fifth-wheel towing, gooseneck towing, and payload weight. Ensure your truck is rated to tow your camper safely.
- Choose the right hitch: Select the appropriate hitch class based on your camper's weight. A class 1 hitch is suitable for lightweight campers up to 2,000 lbs, while a class 3 hitch can handle small to medium-sized trailers up to 8,000 lbs. For heavier campers, consider a class 4 or 5 hitch, commonly used for dually and heavy-duty trucks.
- Maintain your vehicle: Keep your truck in good condition by following the recommended maintenance schedule. Check and replace air/fuel filters, oil, transmission fluid, and coolant regularly. Ensure your tires and shocks are in good condition, and consider investing in helper springs to reduce wear and tear on your suspension.
- Check your visibility: Ensure you have proper rearview visibility through side mirrors or a rearview camera. If needed, install side mirror extensions for a wider field of view while towing.
- Wiring and brake controller: Familiarize yourself with the different wiring harnesses and adapters for connecting your trailer's lights and signals. Properly configure your brake controller to ensure the trailer brakes engage effectively when you apply the brakes.
- Avoid trailer sway: Install sway bars to minimize trailer sway, especially on windy days or when passing larger vehicles. Ensure proper weight distribution in your trailer to reduce swaying tendencies.
- Performance upgrades: Consider performance upgrades such as a cold air intake and an aftermarket exhaust system to improve your truck's towing performance and fuel efficiency.
- Keep an inventory: Make a checklist of camping supplies and regularly maintain your truck and trailer to ensure you have everything you need and that your vehicle is in optimal condition.
Exploring the Viability of Running a Coffee Camper Business
You may want to see also
Types of bumper pull campers
There are several types of bumper pull campers, also known as towable campers, available on the market. These campers can be categorised based on their size, weight, and sleeping capacity.
Lightweight Bumper Pull Campers
These campers are ideal for couples, small friend groups, or small families, and can be towed by mid-size cars or SUVs. The 2022 Happier Camper Traveler, priced at around $50,000, is one such example. It features two dedicated living spaces, an integrated bathroom and kitchen, and panoramic windows. Another option is the 2022 Taxa Outdoors Cricket, priced at around $30,000, which can sleep two adults and two children and is towable by most four-cylinder vehicles.
Larger Bumper Pull Campers
These campers can sleep more than five people and are ideal for larger families or groups. The 2022 Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BRDS, priced at around $40,000, is one of the most popular options in this category. It can sleep up to six people and features a murphy bed and double bed bunkhouse. Other features include a freshwater tank, grey and black water tanks, and a power tongue jack.
Pop-Up Campers
Pop-up campers are very lightweight and can be towed by almost any vehicle. They are easy to set up and provide more comforts than traditional tent camping. However, they require a lot of setup and takedown time and have limited storage space.
Teardrop Trailers
Teardrop trailers are known for their compact size and unique shape. They are lightweight and easy to pull by many vehicles. Teardrop trailers typically include basic amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, couch, dining area, and bed. However, they have limited space and storage.
Hybrid Trailers
Hybrid trailers are a cross between pop-up campers and traditional travel trailers, offering more space than a pop-up but with a lighter weight. They have full bathroom and kitchen facilities and require less setup time than pop-up campers. However, they may not fit into a standard garage and have limited exterior storage.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers offer a wide range of lengths, weights, and floor plans. They typically include interior and exterior storage, outdoor kitchens, and full kitchens and bathrooms. However, they require a strong truck to tow safely and can lower gas mileage due to weight and wind resistance.
Toy Haulers
Toy haulers are available as travel trailers or fifth-wheel campers and provide room to carry motorcycles, golf carts, and other recreational vehicles. They often include a "garage" area that can be converted into additional living or sleeping space. However, they tend to be heavier, especially when loaded, and may have limited exterior storage.
Truck Campers: Towing Boats, What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Advantages of small pull-behind campers
Small pull-behind campers offer a range of advantages for travellers. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Lightweight: Small campers are easier to tow, which puts less strain on the towing vehicle and improves fuel efficiency.
- Compact: Their compact size allows them to fit into tight spaces and provides access to more remote or smaller campsites.
- Affordable: They are often more affordable to purchase and maintain than larger campers, and they may also be stored in a standard-sized garage.
- Maneuverability: Smaller campers are easier to navigate through narrow roads, tight campsites, and busy urban areas.
- Versatility: These campers can go anywhere your tow vehicle can go, making them ideal for both urban and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Quick Setup: They typically have a faster setup and breakdown process, making them suitable for travellers who prefer a more flexible or spontaneous travel style.
- Simplicity: Small campers are generally simpler to manage and organise, leaving you with more time to enjoy your trip.
- Storage: Their compact size also means they require less space at campgrounds, and they can often be stored at home, eliminating the need for dedicated and costly RV storage.
Best Camper Size for a GMC Envoy Towing Capacity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
While some states allow it, riding in a bumper pull camper is generally discouraged due to safety concerns. Travel trailers are not designed for collisions and often lack safety features like seatbelts and airbags.
Yes, there are a few states that permit riding in a bumper pull camper, but the laws vary by state and RV type. For example, California only allows it in fifth wheels, while Kansas allows it in travel trailers for those over 14. Always check the local laws before riding in a bumper pull camper.
Travel trailers can bounce and sway significantly while being towed, creating a dangerous situation for passengers. Additionally, there is no direct communication with the driver, and trailers lack safety features like seatbelts and airbags.
If you choose to ride in a bumper pull camper in a state where it is legal, there are a few precautions you can take. Ensure there is a way to quickly communicate with the driver, reduce your speed, and always use RV-safe trip planning tools to choose safe routes.
Instead of riding in a bumper pull camper, consider using a motorhome or truck camper, which are generally considered safer since they are not towed behind a vehicle and often have safety features like seatbelts.