In the world of travel trailers, choosing between comfort and convenience is often a zero-sum game. A large, luxurious trailer might offer all the bells and whistles you crave, but at the expense of fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability. A smaller, more basic model might be kinder on your gas budget but compromises on comfort. The TrailManor, however, seeks to defy this dichotomy.
Founded in 1983, TrailManor has been making waves in the U.S. RV industry as an intriguing blend of utility and luxury. Its patented design allows for rapid set-up and teardown, enabling adventurers to switch from road mode to camping mode in as little as two minutes—even in inclement weather conditions.
Design and Build
TrailManor’s series of trailers are unique in construction, featuring a hybrid between hard-wall travel trailers and pop-up campers. The use of laminated closed-cell foam sandwiched between sheets of aluminum makes for a remarkably lightweight yet durable structure. Everything, from the walls and floors to the faux-marble countertops, is crafted to keep the trailer as light as possible without sacrificing sturdiness.
This innovative design permits TrailManor’s trailers to be towed with a standard SUV or minivan, providing substantial mileage advantages over heavier counterparts. The lightweight construction also facilitates easier storage, removing the need for additional storage fees commonly associated with larger trailers.
Space and Amenities
The TrailManor range comes in four models: 2518, 2720, 2922, and 3124 Series. The names are indicative of their dimensions in both camp and road mode. So the smallest is 25 feet (7.6 meters) long at camp and 18 feet (5.5 meters) long in road mode, while the largest is 31 feet (9.4 meters) and 24 feet (7.3 meters), respectively. The trailers are designed for space optimization; when unfolded, they offer surprisingly expansive floor space. For instance, the largest model, the 3124 Series, can sleep up to six people comfortably, featuring two king-size beds and a convertible dinette. This model also includes a full kitchen, ample storage, and a dry bathroom with a soaking tub.
The transformation from road mode to camp mode is not just about expanding the exterior but also involves setting up the interior. The modular internal arrangement requires some assembly, from positioning insulation flaps to hanging cupboards. Although it might seem complicated at first glance, TrailManor offers video tutorials to guide owners through the process, making it easier over time.
Customization Options
Besides the standard offerings of electric or gas water heaters, furnaces, lights, fans, and burner with oven, TrailManor also offers an array of optional features. These include solar panels, extra cabinets, an air conditioning unit, awnings, and bike racks, among other amenities, enabling you to tailor your travel experience to your exact needs.
Price and Fuel Efficiency
The most basic TrailManor model starts at just over $32,000. While this price point is higher than some more basic travel trailer options on the market, it is justified by the blend of convenience and luxury that TrailManor provides. Fuel efficiency is another aspect where the TrailManor shines; the company claims that towing their smallest model would only increase your fuel consumption by 10% over a 100-mile journey.
Final Thoughts
TrailManor positions itself as a best-of-both-worlds option in the travel trailer market, aiming to provide both convenience and comfort without significant compromises. The result is a truly unique type of travel trailer that offers impressive mileage, quick and straightforward setup, and spacious living conditions.
With its long-standing reputation since 1983 and several changes in ownership and locations—from Tennessee to Nebraska and now South Dakota—TrailManor has cultivated a loyal following and has dealerships scattered across the U.S.
While it does require some getting used to, particularly with its unique assembly and disassembly procedures, the TrailManor offers a compelling solution for those who don’t want to choose between size and convenience. Therefore, if you’re looking for a travel trailer that allows you to have your cake and eat it too, TrailManor might just be the option you’ve been searching for.
Source: TrailManor
