by Howard J Elmer
Not every RVer wants to roll on down the road. Many find a location that they really like and they stay put. This makes them permanent campers and they find these sites most often in an RV park that caters to seasonal rentals. Of course, when you stumble on this perfect location, you can set up and stay in one of these parks with just about any RV, but some are definitely more suited to this type of camping than others.
In fact, the RV builders offer trailers that are intended to stay parked for the most part; these are called Destination trailers. Similar to a large conventional travel trailer, the Destination travel trailer is constructed for seasonal use only. Units are designed for occasional moves using a heavy-duty tow vehicle and do not require a special highway permit. These units are built on a single chassis and in some cases have a removable hitch. Onsite hook-ups of a more semi-permanent nature are often required.
This Destination trailer is in contrast to Park models (people sometimes refer to any trailer that is set-up to be semi-permanent as a Park model) that have detachable hitches, are often wider than 8-feet and require a special tow vehicle and oversized highway permits to get to its location. Once setup they seldom move again.
If this is the type of summer vacation home you’re looking for, well then have a look at the following Destination trailer; the layout and design are specifically tailored to this one-location lifestyle.
RV builder Crossroads has a line-up of Destination trailers called Hampton.
Crossroad’s destination trailers are available in a variety of floor plans. There are eight versions available. Every floor plan has different layouts, lengths, weights and price points designed to accommodate every camper’s needs and that of their families. These floor plans are designed with features that enhance the unit – like sleeping lofts and sectional couches, to space saving ideas that will accommodate everything you need in your second home.
Scrolling through the layouts on-line I found a bunkhouse setup I liked. It will sleep seven, and I picture a large busy family (or a pile of grandkids – I have four now myself) enjoying the outdoors – and the indoors for that matter. From the reading I’ve done, I think Hampton has considered a variety of family models and built accordingly. Have a look at the standard features in a Hampton Destination trailer.
Outside, all Hamptons come with a one-piece fibreglass front cap. For outdoor living convenience, they come with an outside faucet, outside speakers, patio awning, WiFi prep and tinted glass windows. A nice feature on these trailers is the 60 x 76-inch sliding glass patio door. Many people build a deck at their site that is flush with the door and use it as their main in and out.
Though these units are meant to be seasonal, they do come with 35K BTU furnaces, an enclosed underbelly and fibreglass roof and floor insulation. There is A/C of course – but note that the main bedroom gets its own dedicated 15K unit. The trailer has 50 amps of power and dual LP tanks.
Inside, the kitchen is a focal point as it will no doubt be in use more often than in an on-road RV that passes by umpteen tasty and tempting restaurants. To that end, Crossroads offers the following standard features. Deep stainless-steel sink; faucet with pull-out sprayer, freestanding table and chairs, full extension ball bearing drawer guides, residential four-burner range, residential refrigerator, solid surface counter tops, overhead cabinets with lighting, and a stainless-steel microwave.
Another nice feature in this Destination trailer is the interior height. It’s 8-foot clear inside and even in the slide outs, it’s 7-feet tall. In fact, you’ll note the extra space throughout because of its 40-plus foot length. Because of this, a King-size bed is standard, the bath is very large (includes a 48-inch shower stall) and the living area can house recliners and sofas. This living room is that much bigger because the two slide outs are opposing. A built-in entertainment centre (with electric fireplace) is opposite the twin reclining theatre seats, while the rear of the trailer has a fold-out sofa (with enough space for end tables on both sides). And, that’s only on the first floor.
That brings me to the second story bunkhouse. This loft area is accessed by a set of stairs, not a ladder. It’s geared to kids, as the height is only about 4-feet. However, there is ample room to sleep three up here – not to mention the fun factor for those kids having their own special hideout up in the loft.
So, if you have already found your perfect camping spot, consider putting a Destination trailer on the site. Your home away from home.
Crossroads Hampton 375DBL Specifications.
Dry Weight: 11,696 lb
Carrying Capacity: 1,914 lb
Length: 41’ 6”
Width: 8′ 3”
Height (with A/C): 13’
Fresh Water: 66 gal
Black Water: 39 gal
Grey Water: 78 gal
LP Gas: 60 lb
Sleeps 7
