Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 11:56 am
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Do you consider yourself a senior couple looking for a safe and reliable RV? Perhaps you’re thinking about using your RV to camp in the winter months or maybe you’re considering the awesome opportunity of living in your RV full-time!
No matter the case, it’s important to find a travel trailer that suits your lifestyle best. Whether this is your first time purchasing an RV or perhaps you are a seasoned pro, we can help you find a travel trailer to tick all of your boxes.
Before we dive into some of the best travel trailers for senior couples, we should discuss some things worth considering before making your final purchase. If you’d like to skip the background information, you can use the table of contents below to check out our favorite travel trailers:
Let’s get started!
What To Consider In A Travel Trailer For Senior Couples?
Even the most camp-savvy senior couples may need to take a look at this list of considerations before shopping for a new travel trailer. You never know when there could be more information out there for you!
Overall Length
If you’re a senior couple brand new to RVing, you may want to consider a rig that’s shorter than what you first expected. The overall length of your travel trailer greatly affects your ability to tow carefully and safely. Towing a level trailer is one thing and having a trailer you can safely drive down the road is another. For your own safety, while towing on the road, a shorter travel trailer is always a better option.
While you may be thinking a longer rig will give you more amenities, small and lightweight travel trailers are being given all the bells and whistles you would normally expect in far larger trailers. Not only are many smaller travel trailers well-equipped, but they can bring you real opportunities to get close to your partner or loved one. If you’re full timing, you may want to consider a bigger rig, but if you only plan on taking your RV out on the weekends, a small rig should work fine.
RV parks and campgrounds also consider length to be a major component of your RV. If you’re hoping to camp just about anywhere, with little to no hang-ups, a smaller travel trailer is the way to go. Take a look at some of these small and lightweight toy haulers for inspiration. On the other hand, however, if you are a senior couple wanting ample space and privacy, a longer travel trailer may suit you well. This is especially true if you plan on full timing or living in the RV for any length of time.
Layout And Floor Plan
Finding an ideal layout and RV floor plan is harder than you think. You may not know what you need in an RV before you have the opportunity to be in one, and online tours leave a lot to be desired. However, it’s important to discuss what you want from an RV before you go shopping. Sit down as a couple and talk about what priorities matter most for you, and then see what’s possible in an RV of your desired length.
For example, not every travel trailer is equipped with two bathrooms and a master suite. However, there are so many different RV layouts on the market today that you will no doubt find something that ticks most of your boxes. Ideally, you can visit an RV lot and tour some of your top-choice rigs in person. However, there are plenty of resources online if you’re unable to visit a location in person.
You should consider certain floor plan features depending on what you plan on using your rig for. For example, if you plan on living in your RV full time as a retired individual, you will want an RV with a spacious kitchen and potentially even laundry hookups. Or perhaps you are the type of couple that just needs a bed to sleep in and a reliable RV grill propane hookup for BBQs. Whatever the case may be, you will no doubt find a floor plan that works best for you.
Privacy
It’s difficult to find privacy if you’re traveling and living on the road full-time. You may want to seek out an RV able to offer more privacy than others, usually in the form of more insulation and light-blocking RV curtains. Having a master bedroom with a door that closes is usually valuable for many senior couples camping in travel trailers. This allows for even more sound and light blocking options as well as privacy should you be traveling with guests.
Accessibility Needs
Whether you need a ramp for your walker or wheelchair, or even a ramp for your elderly dog, accessibility needs are something worth considering when shopping for a new travel trailer for senior couples. For example, accessibility can have something to do with your ability to get into the RV as well as your ability to maneuver inside the RV.
You may be seeking a rig with taller ceilings or wider aisles, for example. Not only are RV steps a bit tricky to navigate on the best days, but they are also not always the safest and most secure. Many RV manufacturers offer more secure and even automatic RV steps so you don’t have to worry about slipping and falling.
However, a ramp is always a good idea to consider installing on your rig so you can safely transition in and out of your RV. This is especially true if you are bringing in food or luggage consistently while RV camping. You may even have a CPAP machine plug and need ample space for a wheelchair to maneuver, and more. Many modern RVs have taken these needs into account and are building their RVs to suit them. But I always think it’s always good to know what to look for beforehand!
Bedroom Options
You may also want to consider the bedroom layout for you and your significant other. Many RV beds don’t offer a walk-around option, which means you’ll be crawling over your partner while they are sleeping. This isn’t ideal for many couples, especially senior couples.
Finding a bedroom with a walk-around bed is a good idea, as well as considering a dry bath as opposed to a wet bath. This way, you have access to the toilet and sink while someone is taking a shower just in case.
Budget
Budget is absolutely something to think about while shopping for a travel trailer. Even if you’re looking for something small, maybe with just enough room for a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with shower, your budget will play an important role. Depending on the bells and whistles you add on after the initial purchase price, your travel trailer can get expensive quickly.
However, most travel trailers are much more expensive than a Class C, and especially cheaper than a Class B. You can always consider purchasing an older RV, especially one in need of some renovations you feel comfortable doing on your own. However, many senior couples aren’t interested in purchasing something used in need of fixing, and understandably so.
If you’re able to purchase a new RV, I would highly recommend it. This is especially a good idea because all new RVs come with some form of warranty which often cover more than you think. Plus, if you purchase a new RV, you’re more likely to be able to work with the manufacturer and get all of the things you are hoping for. This could include a sturdier step to your front entrance, solar panels, and tank heaters so you can travel in the winter months too!
The average new travel trailer costs anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 depending on what you’re looking for. You can keep this cost down by purchasing used or installing many aftermarket features yourself, but if you have the budget, I say go for it!
Travel Trailer Weight
You will soon learn that towing a travel trailer is all about weight. While the average 30-foot camper weighs around 5,000 pounds, you may find options both lighter and heavier, depending on what you’re looking for. Your travel trailer weight matters not only for towing but also matters for how you distribute gear and cargo inside the rig. You can read all about increasing your RV’s tongue weight capacity here, as it could have some useful insight for you.
Travel trailer weight mostly matters during towing when it’s crucial to ensure your tow vehicle can handle whatever size RV you purchase. You should never tow anything nearing or above your tow vehicle’s weight capacity as this can be very dangerous.
The smaller and more lightweight your travel trailer is, the easier it will be for you to maneuver and park when it comes time to unhitch at camp. Many people find RVing daunting at first, especially if they purchase a travel trailer. However, with a bit of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Automated Accessories
Just like accessibility should be high on your list of needs in a travel trailer for retired couples, you should consider how much of your rig you want automated for your ultimate convenience. While my vintage rig from the 1970s doesn’t have any bells and whistles in the grand scheme of things, modern-day RVs have come a long way.
There are many automated options now such as RVs with an automatic tongue jack so you don’t have to worry about cranking your RV’s nose up and down. Some jacks will even self-level, taking the stress of an uneven rig away too. You can get an RV with automatic blinds indoors, awnings outside, and even automatic stabilizers that self-level too!
Your RV steps can extend and retract at the push of a button, and you can get fully automated systems able to sense when your tanks need emptying. So much of RVs are automatic these days, and if you’re willing and able to spend a little extra, your needs for convenience will be met. This can be extremely important for many senior couples looking to RV for the first time.
Full-Time RV Living
I’ve already touched on this, but knowing whether or not you want to live full-time in your RV can make a huge difference while shopping for a travel trailer for senior couples. I’m a State Park camp host, so I meet a lot of retired couples, especially those who didn’t know what they needed out of an RV when they first got started. My partner and I are young and didn’t think much of the needs of senior couples living in their rigs full time.
However, the more we got to know some older couples, the more we realized their needs are very different from ours. Many senior couples I know who live full-time in their rigs have laundry hookups, walk-around king-sized beds, and huge kitchens. This is no doubt due to their own personal priorities, but there were a few overlaps that seem universal to many retired couples living in their travel trailers. For example, storage is another must for all of these people, especially ample food storage.
Not only is a large and spacious residential kitchen with a freezer a must for many full-time couples, but they also love having most other creature comforts in their kitchens. Many senior couples I know who full-time in their travel trailers have had a larger RV stove and oven installed. No matter what you are looking for, keeping in mind whether or not you want to live full-time in your RV is important.
This will drastically affect your layout, storage needs, and what you expect out of an RV kitchen. All RVs are livable full-time to some extent. However, you may find an RV is lacking compared to a more traditional residential home. You may want to have a tankless hot water heater installed much sooner than you originally expected!
Tips For Senior Couples In Travel Trailers
If you’re a senior couple considering a travel trailer for either weekend visits or full-time living, there are a few more things for you to consider before making a final decision. Let’s take a look at some of our top tips now!
Take Your Time On The Road
While RVs aren’t considered entirely unsafe to drive, there are many things you can do to further extend your safety while on the road. This is especially true for travel trailers, as these rigs are much more dangerous to drive than Class Bs or other motor coaches.
Taking your time while driving is always important, especially when towing a travel trailer. Perhaps you’re already a couple that prefers the slow lane, but perhaps you like to put your foot down! Regardless of your driving style, taking your time while towing a travel trailer is essential.
You should always observe posted speed limits and potentially even drive slower than the recommended limit by 5 to 10 miles per hour. The way your travel trailer is weighed can have a serious impact on your driving ability and safety while on the road, which brings me to our next tip.
Make Sure Trailer Weight Is Evenly Distributed
Knowing how to evenly distribute the weight of the cargo inside your travel trailer is key for safety as a senior couple on the road. Why is this the case? It’s simply due to the way your travel trailer is designed!
Think of your travel trailer like a see-saw: placing all of the weight toward the back of a travel trailer will cause your rig to lean backward with the nose up in the air. This is not an ideal way of towing. Not only should you place more weight toward the front of your rig, but you should also know how much your rig weighs overall.
It’s important to be able to bring along everything you need, especially if you are a retired couple living full-time in your travel trailer. However, knowing how to best distribute the weight inside your rig so your trailer remains level is just as vital.
Practice Hitching Up
There’s a lot to think about when packing a travel trailer up and hitting the road for the first time. If you’re a little rusty when it comes to towing, it’s a good idea to practice hitching up. Watching videos about how backing travel trailers is a helpful way to learn, especially when tackling towing for the first time.
I’d also recommend utilizing hand signals and communication while hitching up and towing, although this shouldn’t be much trouble for a senior adventure couple! The more you practice, the better you’ll get. It’s never too late to learn something new, and the process of hitching up and unhooking your RV may bring the two of you closer together!
Consider Automated Features
If you’re concerned about maintaining and living in your RV without a certain level of automation, you aren’t alone. Senior couples have different needs than young couples who are traveling in their new travel trailers.
This is why it’s important to consider purchasing an RV with a decent amount of automation in the first place or plan on adding these features after you make your final purchase. Some of these may include:
- Automatic tongue leveling jack
- Automatic stabilizers
- Tank monitors and indicators
- Motorized awnings
- Motorized front steps
- Climate control and propane monitoring
Keep in mind that all of these things will no doubt cost extra, whether or not they are already included in your desired RV layout. However, these features may make your experience as a senior couple far more enjoyable and easy.
Are You Living In Your RV Full-Time?
As I’ve already mentioned, knowing whether or not you plan on living in your RV full-time is important to decide before you go shopping. Your full-time living needs are no doubt very different from your weekend summertime camping requirements.
These needs can include more storage, a chef’s kitchen, heated tanks, or additional insulation enabling you to camp throughout all four seasons comfortably. You may also want adequate laundry facilities as well as a spacious bathroom or bedroom.
No matter your needs, there’s a travel trailer out there that’s perfect for you. It may take some time and discussion with an RV manufacturer, but you will no doubt find what you need so you and your significant other can camp and RV comfortably.
Carry Spare Gear
Carrying some backup kit is never a bad idea, and something as simple as a generator could save the day, especially if you run out of solar power and aren’t hooked up at the campground! I always find it wise to carry all the essentials with me in my rig, as it’s impossible to know when we may need to use them! A flashlight, first aid kit, and generator are three of my top recommendations for newbies hitting the road for the first time.
6 Best Travel Trailers For Senior Couples
Ready to discover some of the best travel trailers for senior couples on the market today? Let’s take a look at some of our top options now and learn what makes them so special!
Best Overall: Jayco Jay Flight
With 12 unique floorplans and the Jayco name to back it up, the Jay Flight takes the top spot for our best travel trailers for senior couples. All of Jayco’s travel trailers and motorhomes utilize something known as JAYCOMMAND- this is Jayco’s unique monitoring system. The Jay Flight is a smart RV with this system onboard, capable of automating many manual RV functions.
I love that this system allows me to control my slide-outs, trailer temperature, and holding tank levels, all with Jayco’s convenient technology. Having automatic features on board makes things significantly easier, especially for older travelers or those living full-time in their travel trailers. Jayco has thought of many unique features to make life on the road a breeze with the Jay Flight, including easy-to-use front steps and a wider entry door.
My dog no longer has to worry about squeezing in through a small entrance door, and I don’t have to stress about loading groceries on board or moving luggage and cargo around. Floorplan dependant, it’s possible to have a walk-around queen or king-size bed, an electric fireplace in the living room, and a full-size residential kitchen. This kitchen is complete with a center island, stove, and oven, making meal prep a breeze, and also means there’s space for everyone to help with dinner!
Ranging in length from 25′ 8″ all the way to 33′ 4″, there’s a great range of Jay Flights to choose from, with some floorplans such as the 264BHW capable of sleeping nine people! With floor plans made for smaller groups, this means my partner and I have ample room to spread out and enjoy time both separately and together. Plus, all Jayco rigs come furnished with elegance and style, so I don’t feel I’m missing any of the comforts of home, and in fact, this rig looks more like a house than an RV!
While this rig may seem like a large travel trailer to tow, Jayco always has safety in mind. Plus, they have a comprehensive warranty package with quality construction to back it up. Jayco is a wonderful brand for RVers of any age!
Best For Full Timers: Palomino Puma
With 24 possible travel trailer floor plans, the Palomino Puma is a wonderful choice for full-time RVers. The number of floorplans is pretty much unbeatable, and it’s never been easier to find a trailer ticking most if not all the right boxes. The Puma has durable construction thanks to powder-coated frames, super lube axles, friction-hinged entry doors, and even an AlphaPly roof membrane with an impressive limited lifetime warranty!
It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with the Palomino Puma, and since I’m a full-timer, I can confirm this rig has an array of useful features for a home on wheels! Some floorplans even have washer and dryer prep and walk-around beds for ultimate convenience and comfort. It would be nice for the power tongue jack to be a standard feature, but unfortunately, it’s an upgrade.
However, a good quality jack able to handle the load of your RV is a game-changer on the road – you never know when you might need to use one to get level or assess the underneath of your RV. Every floor plan has a convenient and functional kitchen, with a decorative easy-to-clean backsplash and a classy glass induction cooktop. The residential-sized fridge is a big draw for me as I need to stay fuelled up on the road with healthy, balanced foods, and a fridge makes this much easier.
I enjoy the soft LED lighting throughout the Puma, along with the reliable rack and pinion slide-out systems which transform the space even more. For ease of driving, there’s a backup camera, and for an eye-pleasing effect, hardwood cabinetry adorns both the kitchen and the bathroom. This RV is safe, stylish, and functional, all in one!
The Puma also includes a simple control panel, providing access to the slides, awnings, heater, water, and more. It’s effortless to control everything with a simple flip of a switch, and I’m confident using all of the onboard appliances because of this. It’s also possible to upgrade to a tankless propane water heater so hot, long showers never have to be sacrificed again!
Overall, the layouts are built for enjoying quality time with your significant other. The living room is spacious and open, the kitchen provides ample space to cook together, and the bedrooms are cozy and comfortable. The Palomino Puma is a wonderful rig for retired senior couples to live in full-time.
Most Accessible: Coachmen Northern Spirit
The Coachmen Northern Spirit has 10 unique floor plans ranging from 24 feet all the way to almost 40 feet. This is a lot of travel trailer on offer, and with such a wide variety of layouts and lengths, there’s plenty for senior couples to think about. Coachmen has done a fantastic job with making their RVs accessible and complete with signature touches I struggle to find on other RVs.
Coachman has taken its time building rigs with unique features, such as full under-bed closet storage, wireless charging stations, and special locations for all things pets. Any senior couple with a dog will feel more than comfortable bringing their pooch along. I particularly like the exterior dog leash clip that I’d definitely be using with our pup on vacation!
Along with innovative pet-friendly features and great accessibility, this travel trailer also has some of the most unique storage solutions I have ever seen. There are pass-through fishing pole containers, more secretive drawers and cupboards for keeping valuables, and ample room to store all of my kitchen belongings too!
Speaking of unique storage options, a few of the Northern Spirit floor plans come with a unique entertainment system combined with pantry storage for dry goods. The entertainment center swings out to reveal more than enough dry pantry storage and even a wardrobe with a closet rod. This creative thinking is just a small part of what has kept Coachmen in the RV game for so long.
Some of the standard exterior features include a dog hitching post, a dog wash area, and solar prep for keeping electricity topped up when camping off the grid. It also has an included heavy-duty front entrance step, as well as scissor-style stabilizers so I don’t need to worry about the travel trailer rocking or shaking which makes me nervous!
This rig may appeal to many of you who are RVing for the first time given its considerable standard features. The Northern Spirit has motion-activated floor lights for optimal safety, optional theater seating, and an extra second AC unit in the bedroom. These additions do bring up the overall price, however, Coachmen are a brand recognized for their fair and budget-friendly pricing, so the final figures may still be attainable!
Easiest To Hitch: Forest River r-Pod
I see the Forest River r-Pod throughout Oregon and the West Coast, and I think this is due to the easy hitch-up that gets campers on the road quick-time! There are 11 floorplans to choose from, although some layouts are only available with the microlite model of the r-Pod. The main perk to these Forest River trailers, aside from their reliable name, is the overall modest size.
The longest length for any one of the r-Pod floor plans is 25 ft, making it easy to tow, park, and store – a game-changer for seniors hitting the road in a camper for the first time. While 25 feet may not feel enough if you plan on living in your RV full-time with your significant other, these floor plans have a lot to offer, and the smallest one is a tiny 15 feet long!
I not only love the walk-around queen bed that allows me to get up early in the morning without disturbing my partner but also the full dry bath. Having a toilet and shower on board an RV is a must for me, as I don’t want to sacrifice the comfort of a hot shower, especially when winter RVing! Some of these floor plans include bunk beds, electric fireplaces, optional residential-size fridges, and even a Murphy bed like the r-Pod 153 floorplan showcased in the video above.
Solar isn’t a standard feature with the Forest River r-Pod, however, I’m grateful for the optional solar package that can easily resolve any solar power needs. The lack of initial solar on these rigs means they aren’t the best for boondocking and camping off-grid. With the addition of some Forest River extras, however, it’s possible to transform the r-Pod into an off-grid rig!
While the size of this rig might be too small for some senior couples, the ease of hitching and towing may make this RV more appealing. Plus, it has ample storage and plenty of privacy features, such as tinted windows and mini blinds. If you’re looking for a lightweight and capable RV built perfectly for two, it’s worth taking a close look at the Forest River r-Pod. It has a lot to offer senior couples, especially those interested in camping on the weekends rather than hitting the road full-time.
Most Stylish: Airstream Flying Cloud
I love the retro, classic vibe, and nothing matches this aesthetic better than Airstream travel trailers. The Airstream Flying Cloud is one of the company’s most popular trailers and it’s not hard to see why! It has style and grace from the exterior, but beyond the aluminum shell is a luxurious interior, fit for any couple of any age. This aluminum beauty is full of features and has 8 floorplans to discover and explore.
Ranging from 23 feet to 30 feet, this compact silver bullet has everything I could ever imagine having in a modest-sized RV without spending a fortune. With storage throughout, everything can come along for the RV adventure, and with ample cabinetry and storage cupboards, all belongings can be packed away fashionably.
One of the most attractive features of the Airstream Flying Cloud in my eyes, is the rear hatch opening. The back end of this aluminum rig lifts open, allowing complete and total access to the outside world, all from within the comfort of the RV. Letting morning sunlight flood my RV is one of my favorite things to do, but this addition means the natural world can enter the RV, bringing fresh scents and crisp air.
The kitchen isn’t the largest given the overall length of these rigs, but it is complete with stainless steel finishes and a full-size cooktop and oven combination so I’m not limited by what I’m able to cook. There’s also a lot of technology inside of this Airstream, including Bluetooth capabilities and Wi-Fi allowing me to stay connected wherever I am on the road.
This rig is also pre-wired for solar and has a backup camera as a standard feature which is particularly handy for maneuvering and parking. There’s a lot to love about Airstreams, not just their stylish features. The Flying Cloud is a fantastic example of functionality and beauty coming together. It boasts a retractable automatic awning, blackout curtains, and roller shades, with some floor plans offering features such as a dedicated office space and bunk bed to suit every traveler!
Best For The Adventurous Couple: Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX
Part of the fun of RVing is breaking away from the campground and exploring life in the wild by boondocking or going off-grid. The Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX is an awesome choice for adventurous couples and has fantastic off-grid capability too. This Winnebago rig can run for up to five days without shore hookups; remarkable for boondocking adventurers!
The Micro Minnie FLX comes complete with solar panels on the roof, along with additional space to add more if ever electricity usage were to increase. There are 4 floorplans with this travel trailer, and all are around 22 feet long. The majority of the layouts only sleep 3 people, but the 21OOBH bunk model is capable of comfortably sleeping 4 which is great news if the grandchildren want to come along for a weekend trip to the lake!
This Winnebago may not be huge, but it has a full-size kitchen, equipped with three burners, a microwave oven, and easy-to-clean stainless steel accents. Even energy-efficient appliances have been used throughout the Micro Minnie FLX, meaning they can be run using a single solar panel. They have also given this travel trailer ample insulation so camping throughout the year is possible. Some floor plans also offer walk-around queen beds or Murphy beds.
This versatility is ideal for enhancing the interior space which is essential when more than one camper is on board! Having a few more floorplans would be useful, as 4 layouts isn’t really much choice at all, but they are all innovative and unique in their own way, so there’s nothing to lose out on! Best of all, Winnebago has a comprehensive warranty option and owner’s club so I feel connected and a part of something during all stages of my RVing journey.
Final Thoughts
Finding a travel trailer as a senior couple can feel like a daunting task. However, your needs can be met with a little time and research. No matter your age, you and your partner can camp and hit the road both in style and in comfort.