Do Americans have European style caravans ?
Posted by dazzler38@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 233 comments
Travelling across the USA soon , In Ireland you can buy a caravan for under 10k easily , the thing is when I try find listing in the usa it's all massive RVs , and mobile homes , do you guys have caravans and name them something else for similar prices, or is it not a thing is the USA
Former-Fig-9686@reddit
For what it's worth, our word "van" is short for "caravan." You can sleep easily and carry lots of equipment in the back of a van.
Efficient-Panic3506@reddit
yeah you’re just running into a terminology issue what you call a caravan = “travel trailer” or “camper trailer” here
they definitely exist, including smaller/cheaper ones, but americans tend to go bigger so those dominate search results
Durham1988@reddit
It looks like in the US they are usually called "travel trailers" and yes, you can get used ones under10k.
BananaJelloXlii@reddit
We call them "campers" but yes
arcteryx17@reddit
European caravans are designed to be towed with smaller vehicles. The frames are lighter due this. American campers have a much more robust frame and typically require a full size truck.
For American campers there are smaller ones designed for mid size suvs but are not as common as the ones that need a truck to tow
shessocold1969@reddit
Is there a reason you want to buy vs rent? I think you could have issues finding a truck rental that will let you tow a trailer/camper. Are you planning a trip or just curious?
Sprinter vans are really popular and easy to park. Just a suggestion.
MVHood@reddit
I’m looking at doing this in the UK and if you are traveling for longer than 10 days it’s cheaper to buy then sell.
MVHood@reddit
Yes, kinda. What you should look at is a “class C” to “adventure van” depending on your budget. I just found a couple from the UK that bought a camper in Canada and are now traveling around the west coast. “Those Happy Days” is their YouTube.
I was telling my husband I wanted to do this in the UK. He thinks the purchase and subsequent sale would be too difficult. What do you think?
ButtercupsUncle@reddit
Camp trailer or travel trailer if you're pulling it with a vehicle. RV if it has its own engine for driving under is own power.
CaryWhit@reddit
Travel trailer or camper usually will get you in the smaller categories
FreeStateOfPortland@reddit
If I’m not mistaken, a “caravan” in the UK would basically be what we would call a camper or a trailer
badpuffthaikitty@reddit
Metal box? House trailer. Semi canvas box? Travel trailer.
0x706c617921@reddit
“RV” is also common.
BlueSoloCup89@reddit
RV almost always means motorhome.
AwesomeWhiteDude@reddit
Not exclusively tho
sandman8727@reddit
In my mind a recreational "vehicle" means that it's self-propelled (has it's own motor) and isn't a van/bus conversion. So... a motorhome.
AwesomeWhiteDude@reddit
A vehicle does not mean something that has to be self-propelled tho
Not_an_okama@reddit
So like a winnebago:
https://share.google/Zg0Uw94by2cZQfgRc
DrMindbendersMonocle@reddit
The V part of RV suggests otherwise
AwesomeWhiteDude@reddit
You never saw the Go RVing commercials? They weren't just motorhomes.
nordic-nomad@reddit
I’ve never heard anyone call a pop up camper trailer an RV. Though if you said “they have many Recreational Vehicles, including a camper and an RV.” That wouldn’t sound wrong, even though it wouldn’t necessarily make logical sense. RV is typically the shorthand way of referring to a motor home. At least anywhere I’ve ever lived.
Civil-Departure-512@reddit
Not really….. RV is just a broad term for all types of campers.
ReallyDustyCat@reddit
The V part implies you're buying a thing with it's own motor. That OPs confusion of why RV's are so expensive. He doesn't want to buy a vehicle just a trailer.
Civil-Departure-512@reddit
The V part just means it has wheels
Paperwife2@reddit
RV (Recreational Vehicle) is the broad category name, but we call our trailer a trailer or camper, my in-law’s motor home is called that or a bus.
ididreadittoo@reddit
RVs includes motorhomes too.
Spirited_Season2332@reddit
Yep it would be a trailer you hook to your truck
blue_eyed_magic@reddit
Look for travel trailer if you want a bumper hitch pull and a fifth wheel if you want a camper that hooks to a hitch in the truck bed. Pop-up campers are also reasonable.
Yeegis@reddit
Yes
Physical_Floor_8006@reddit
After googling it, I would call it a camper. A caravan to me would mean a group that is traveling together. That said, the small European ones that popped up on google aren't super common here, but they do exist. I would say most of ours need an SUV or pickup truck to pull.
hypo-osmotic@reddit
From what I’ve observed in campgrounds, Americans tend to prefer the “extremes” when it comes to camper size. Teardrop and other very small trailers are getting more popular but once we start needing some standing-up room we tend to skip to large and luxurious models. The more middle-of-the-road European-style models seem to be less common
danny_ish@reddit
Part of that is due to the laws- in the uk, it is legal requirement to slow down when towing. Not in the us.
That also means that the same vehicle sold in both countries will have a different tow rating. Often none here, and 1-3k lbs in the UK
Adorable_Dust3799@reddit
Any vehicle towing is technically restricted to 55 here (ca). I mean they all go 80, but they're not supposed to.
BackgroundPublic2529@reddit
Yup
hobbes747@reddit
We do and some are almost the size of a bus, and you don’t need a commercial license to drive them. Some are heavy enough to need air assisted brakes or full air brakes. You don’t even need a commercial license if you are towing a very large RV with a large pickup truck.
A commercial license is needed for the largest of class A motorhomes that are over a certain weight and depending on the state. About 12,000 kg.
Alarmed_Drop7162@reddit
Pikey
dwfmba@reddit
easily finding many for well under $10K, not even looking that hard https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/103412893032122/search?query=trailer%20camper
loosesocksup@reddit
Maybe a class C camper?
joebobbydon@reddit
The European caravans in general look way cooler than ours.
Donald_J_Duck65@reddit
There are many styles of tow behind campers (caravans) and they range in size from a single person sleeper to a home on wheels.
scumbagstaceysEx@reddit
We don’t call them caravans here. So you won’t faint anything by googling “caravan” other than the model of a Daimler/Chrysler/Dodge passenger vehicle.
You need to be specific with the type of recreational vehicle you are looking for:
-Camper trailer (a trailer that can attach to a regular vehicle, assuming it’s under the vehicle’s tow right limit)
Motor home (a self propelled camper the size of a bus)
Fifth Wheel (a gigantic trailer that needs a special pickup truck attachment to haul)
-camper van (a more or less regular size or slightly larger self propelled vehicle but with beds and maybe a small kitchen in it)
ImOutOfIdeas42069@reddit
Did literally zero people posting here not grow up watching Top Gear?
OP, yes we have caravans. Some are very small like teardrop trailers or pop-ups, but the very popular size is larger, about 22ft long, and some people go all out with a $120k truck to pull a $120k 40+ft trailer. I think, based on what I've seen on Top Gear. One huge difference between here and there is that here we would never consider taking a whole family caravaning in a VW Golf pulling a huge trailer. We would use a truck or an SUV with a much higher tow rating. You almost never see small family sedans, hatch backs, or wagons pulling any sort of trailer here. We also have sprinter vans which have become very popular over the last decade.
TillikumWasFramed@reddit
Yes, but I've looked at them and they are a lot more than $10k. They go for a lot more over here. You could buy a 20-year-old one for that, possibly.
Donohoed@reddit
When I was a kid my mom had a Dodge Caravan
captainstormy@reddit
We don't know what an Irish caravan is like. You need to tell us what you are looking for then we might be able to tell you.
Foreign-Warning62@reddit
Camper van? Pop up camper? Featherweight or ultralight camper? I’m not sure what you’re calling a caravan, sorry.
reapersritehand@reddit
Im sorry when I hear someone from basically the UK say caravan my go to thought is the old horse drawn ones
Working-Health-9693@reddit
I was picturing the Oregon Trail.
ButterscotchOdd8257@reddit
You have died of dysentry.
Can't believe I'm the first in with that.
GeauxCup@reddit
Same here! I thought dude was going to horse and buggy his way across America
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
That made me laugh lol , a caravan is essentially a small RV that is towed , go for cheap here !
Icy_Persimmon7943@reddit
Teardrop trailer, pop up camper, travel trailers. There’s also class b rvs which are camper vans and small motor homes.
Darryl_Lict@reddit
One thing that I've noticed is that it seems like Europe has laxer standards for towing than the USA. I think smaller cars are rated at a towing capacity of about zero, while other towing capacities of bigger cars seem less here stateside. I think I might be mistaken due to seeing videos of cars towing trailers that seem way beyond what would be allowed here.
Perhaps it's because the mountains are steeper here than would be found in the UK. But you guys have the Alps which are probably like the Rockies/Sierras here.
This video always cracks me up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfZ1N56qjY
let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit
LOL. Classic. I hate fookin pikies
Xylophelia@reddit
Based on having been in both uk and us, yes this is true but it’s because they tow in second gear. Our cars could tow the same, but we can’t pull a camper on the interstate at 20 mph and people would likely fuck their transmissions assuming they could do highway speeds with it.
Nothing like getting stuck behind a caravan traveling 18mph at best through the Trossachs to make you experientially realize why British people laugh at us assuming we can drive across it in the time Google says.
Odd-Respond-4267@reddit
Yes, my vehicle is rated for towing in eu, but not in us. It has to do with tongue weight, and breaked trailers. (And Americans not liking to be told they have to do things the safe way)
let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit
You're better off getting a bunch of glamping tents and inflatable furniture and set up camps at a site that has bathrooms / showers / water available. Throw all that in the trunk (boot) and hit the road to the next site.
Derwin0@reddit
So either a pop-up, travel trailer, or 5th wheel. Of which there are tons of.
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
RV implies that it has its own engine, being a camper built on a truck, van, or bus frame.
What youre looking for is a camper trailer. You can get one that is extremely lightweight and can be towed by a car, minivan, or light SUV. Or you can get a larger one that needs to be pulled by something that is actually built for towing.
There's also a cottage industry for converted transport vans (like ones you would see delivering packages) to live in.
The US has an abnormally high level of homelessness, so these things are quite common.
Puzzleheaded-Jury312@reddit
It's called a travel trailer here.
StutzBob@reddit
If it's towed, that's a trailer (or "travel trailer" to distinguish from a utility trailer).
I just bought a 2014 trailer that can sleep 4 for $7500, and it's only about 5 meters long from hitch to bumper.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Mind letting me know the name of the trailer so I can have a look ?:)
StutzBob@reddit
2014 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 154BH
reapersritehand@reddit
With the right caravan and horses might be a fun trip
anneofgraygardens@reddit
a couple of dudes did this awhile back and one of them wrote a book about it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oregon_Trail:_A_New_American_Journey
Sea-Homework1991@reddit
I was picturing Brad Pitt in Snatch
terryjuicelawson@reddit
That is what it would have been, the wording carried over to similar things pulled by cars is all.
EffectiveRelief9904@reddit
Mine is like ten cars going down the road in a single file line, clearly traveling together
Flayrah4Life@reddit
Yup, a gypsy/Romani caravan, like the sort that is featured in 'Danny the Champion of the World.'
Bright_Ices@reddit
Camels, for me.
peteroh9@reddit
That's a carriage. A caravan is a group traveling together.
bijoux247@reddit
I'm sorry but me too!!! I can't shake it even though I know better.
Frustrated9876@reddit
I think a caravan is always towed. Like… a caravan to us is multiple vehicles and the thing behind you is part of your caravan. You can’t have a caravan with just one vehicle- then it’s a campervan.
Bright_Ices@reddit
Well, there was a minivan called a caravan for awhile. Stupid name for it, but it was one (normal, every day family) vehicle.
GamerDadofAntiquity@reddit
Then there’s the Nissan Armada… Sigh.
EffectiveRelief9904@reddit
And this
EffectiveRelief9904@reddit
This
Decade1771@reddit
I read that immediately as Camper Van Beethoven. Give them a listen 👂
SopaDeKaiba@reddit
They mean an ultralight camper trailer.
BlowFish-w-o-Hootie@reddit
It would be helpful to be able to post a picture to explain what OP is asking about.
A UK Caravan is a US Camper trailer or travel trailer.
They are available from light-weight trailers pulled by a car with just enough room for two people to sleep in, to single axle trailers with a small bed and indoor kitchen, or two-axle that requires a full-sized pick-up, and a large multi-bed full-time liveable trailer that requires a specialized goose-neck connection on a haevy-duty pick-up to haul it.
For example: New RVs for Sale in San Antonio, TX | Fun Town RV San Antonio https://share.google/wLulKnnKg5sGpzvmD
muphasta@reddit
To add to the confusion, there was the very popular Dodge Caravan...
UJMRider1961@reddit
The US term is "Travel Trailer."
You CAN buy a trailer for under $10k but it won't be in very good condition. Brand new trailers start around $11,000 or so.
Just be warned, I don't know about how things are in Europe but in the US, quality of travel trailers is marginal. Some are better than others but there is a slap-dash quality to most of them.
I prefer to buy trailers second-hand because that usually means the first owner has fixed all the minor glitches that every travel trailer or RV comes with.
If you are considering buying a trailer in the US you'll need to make sure you have an adequate vehicle to pull it.
Also, unlike Europe where surge brakes (mechanical inertial brakes) are common, in the US most trailers over 2000lbs (1000kg) have electric brakes, which means your tow vehicle has to have a brake controller installed.
SOME vehicles are now coming from the factory with brake controllers already installed (my 2018 F-150 did) but most smaller SUVs/crossovers do NOT have a built in trailer brake controller which means you'd need to have one installed.
Not sure how long you plan on staying but it might make more sense to rent a Class C motor home or Class B conversion van for your trip. There are quite a few places that rent such vehicles around the country.
probridgedweller@reddit
I live in one. It’s 50+yrs old
Riker_Omega_Three@reddit
There are small camper trailers in the US
However...you're not going to find anything that cheap unless it's used
RoseHawkechik@reddit
I've also heard "travel trailer" used, presumably to differentiate from a mobile home "trailer".
Aizawa_Fan_6653@reddit
If you can get appointed to the Supreme Court, a billionaire will just GIVE you one. For free!
Cache-Cow@reddit
I’m not positive but I’m thinking this would be called a camper trailer?
Cache-Cow@reddit
There are many different kinds: 5th wheel, pop up campers, tear drop campers, hybrid camper…
Arderis1@reddit
This is true, and I think what OP is asking about would be called a Travel Trailer in the US.
Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit
When I was driving to Florida I saw something that most resembled a "tiny house" but it was clearly not meant to be taken off its wheeled base. It was just a mobile house. It was quite narrow.
bsimpsonphoto@reddit
Manny tiny homes are built that way to avoid laws that would otherwise restrict them if they were not technically a trailer.
makerofshoes@reddit
Yes, in general I would just call it either a camper or a trailer. But to be extra clear, camper/trailer as one term would work
whatsupgrizzlyadams@reddit
My husband and I will be joining the traveling life when he retires.
We are buying a brand new camper trailer, which will be around 35k. We are looking at a 26 ft style. It will be us and our two cats, hitting the open road.
clutzycook@reddit
Try searching for campers or camping trailers. They would be the closest to what you call caravans. Just by a quick Google search, a small, simple camper can run that cheap, especially if you are looking at used models, but a lot of the fancier ones are $30,000+.
Oldcarolinagurl@reddit
I live in a rv full time. One of the bigger fifth wheel RVs. Fifth wheel meaning it’s a tow behind that sets in the bed of the truck and not hooked to the bumper. I had food delivery to a campground one time-and the guy said it was a caravan group I think… which means he was saying RV=caravan. And RV is just the umbrella term fifth wheel, class a, class b, bumper pull, truck camper and class c all fall under as types of RVs
beetus_gerulaitis@reddit
It was us that wanted to buy the caravan.
Periwinkle blue boys, fer me ma.
user_number_666@reddit
Fun fact: The UK also has the equivalent of what the USA calls mobile homes, only in the UK they are called static caravans.
flatpipes@reddit
Everyone is saying a camper trailer, but you're coming from Ireland which makes no sense. Are you going to buy a truck or SUV to also buy a camper trailer? Otherwise maybe you're thinking of the camper vans? Either way you're not finding any of those things for $10k, at least reasonable ones.
Civil-Departure-512@reddit
The more specific term would be travel trailer. They make small ones and there’s more sub groups in that which will be more like what you’re looking for.
olcrazypete@reddit
We have camper trailers. Unless they are very used they won’t be under $10k
mattyofurniture@reddit
OP, you are looking for a camper.
GrimSpirit42@reddit
Yes we do. While some prefer RV's, there is a wide range of pull-behind camper trailers (what you would call a 'caravan') that range from very expensive Fifth Wheel campers to Airstreams to Teardrop trailers.
cdb03b@reddit
We have camper trailers.
What we call a caravan is a style of van that the front two seats and hood are more akin to the design of a car. https://www.appmotorsnc.com/2468_V202505131830540005/Asheville/2010-Dodge-Grand-Caravan-SXT-for-sale
Derwin0@reddit
Does the Dodge Caravan count?
RV-Hauler@reddit
You're looking for a travel trailer
Curious-Cranberry-27@reddit
They're called campers and, yes, we have them.
Calaveras-Metal@reddit
Yeah we have pop up campers by Coleman, and there are little teardrop shaped trailers too. that have a kitchen on the back that folds out.
Of course like everything American we make ones that are way too big. I think ball hitch trailers top out at 20 or 24 ft long. But there are also 5th wheel trailers where basically you turn a pickup trick into a semi and tow a monster RV with slideouts, full kitchen, full bath and enough space to sleep 7.
What a lot of people in the US do these days is rent a van conversion. Either a Ford, Dodge or Mercedes full sized van with a small kitchen and enough space to sleep 3 or 4. I own one of these myself and it's much easier to get around in than a car towing a trailer. I have no idea how much they are to rent.
I have met a lot of Europeans at campgrounds that had rented those.
Pro tip, some of the coolest and cheapest campgrounds are US Army Corp of Engineers Campgrounds (USACE Campground). They all have a loop with a bunch of drive in camp sites. Each with a picnic table, fire pit and sometimes a BBQ grill. Most places also have water and power hookups for RVs. And there will be a big old bathroom facility in the middle with showers and toilets.
The nicer places will have cheap coin op laundry setups.
Almost all of them have a nice hiking trail or two, and I think all of them are on a lake or reservoir.
https://www.recreation.gov/ is a good place to look up campgrounds.
cdecker0606@reddit
FYI, bumper pulls go way longer than 24 ft. Ours was 40 that slept 10, but we were living in it when we moved and while we were looking for a house/land to buy.
And fifth wheels can be shorter too and you only really need a half ton truck (f250 or 2500) to pull them, nothing close to a semi.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the campgrounds tip ! Looks awesome
Seidhr96@reddit
We would call it a camper or camper-trailer. An RV refers to the (often) massive vehicles that one can live in, whereas a camper may also refer to that, but is general enough to include what you’re looking for. A camper-trailer will be spot on.
Now do mind that size varies a lot. Most campers are quite large. It’s rare these days to find the small ones that you guys would have and think of as caravans. Your closest bet is to look for a “tear drop camper.”
TheBimpo@reddit
Yes, you can find small camper vans here. They’re not particularly popular. No, it is not a good idea to buy one for your travels across the USA.
Vehicles require insurance and registration which is tied to having a legal residence. In most states, it will be basically impossible for a tourist to register and insure a car. There are a few states that have registration laws. There are a little bit more flexible, but it’s still not just a rubber stamp process. It is really not worth considering as an option for your trip.
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
Yea… Lots of options. Trailers, pop ups, tear drops, slide ins, yada yada…
Pretty much search by length and budget and you’ll find them.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Yeah used , also didn't take the euro to dollar conversion rate into consideration so have 1150 , appreciate the few terms you gave will search using them
cdecker0606@reddit
Why are you wanting to buy one? You can rent one here and then don’t have to go through the hassle of purchasing one and all that would entail.
frickenfantastic@reddit
Another thing to look into… it’s very difficult to find a rental vehicle that permits towing AND the rules about where you can camp/park a towed RV are very different in US vs Ireland/UK — you’d need to look at state regulation + county regulations + township regulations + city regulations to get a full picture of where you’re allowed to camp
Campsites (RV parks) in the us are quite expensive per night, too
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
Good luck man. “Caravans” are definitely smaller than most of what we have here… but you can go on sites like RVTrader and search by length and/or budget. They won’t be exactly like yours… but you’ll find some cheaper options.
Good luck.
Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit
Thumbs up to the edit.
koreanforrabbit@reddit
My husband and I picked up a used Class C motorhome a couple of years ago for $4,000, which was cheaper than renting one. It runs like a champ...for an old girl who's almost 40 years old.
After all the resealing, repairing, and replacing, we've put in at least another two grand. The tricky part was finding someone who would work on it for us. If you do wind up purchasing something used, be aware that big places like Camping World won't work on anything that came out before the 2010's. If you go with a fixer-upper, come prepared with either tools and knowledge, or the number of a local guy who specializes in that kind of work.
Scuba_Steve_500@reddit
Travel trailer or casita.
Outrageous-Proof4630@reddit
In the US a caravan is a group of vehicles traveling together. Try searching for a camper. There are many sizes. If you’re traveling to the US there are companies that rent them out but it’s fairly expensive. You can also rent RVs (these are campers with motors so you don’t need a separate vehicle to pull it) in various sizes too. Of course, all of these things can also be purchased. My parents have a 30’ camper that sleeps 10 people which is fairly big.
goteed@reddit
Full-time RV'er here. We have different classes of recreational vehicles (RV's) here in America. They are classified in two types with sub-types in those types. This may help you out...
Since you're coming from Europe what you know as a "Caravan" is going to be most closely related to a motorized Class B or Class C, or a Travel Trailer when it comes to towables. There are a few nationwide companies that rent RV's so that may be an option for you. While we have never rented, the two we see all the time are Cruise America and Indie Campers.
Good luck on your hunt for a rig to travel in. If you have other questions about RVing in the US feel free to reach out. It's been our daily life for 4 years now and we love doing it.
shessocold1969@reddit
You can find a used trailer, what we call a caravan, for under $10,000. It will be on the small side.
Scazitar@reddit
Yes we do.
People are getting really caught up on the word caravan but their are a ton of affordable options in this space.
BelethorsGeneralShit@reddit
Yeah. I've driven around Europe the past two summer, and the same style of "caravans" (we don't use that term here) that I see there are also common here. We do have those absolutely massive ones with like three bedroom, a hot tub, and a wine cellar (which makes me wonder why even bother leaving home in the first place), but we also have tons of smaller ones.
Look at some brands like Scamp, Casita, and Tab to get an idea of the smaller options that are out there in the 16-19 foot range (\~5 to 6 meters).
Dazzling-Astronaut88@reddit
What I would look for the US is a conversion van, sometimes referred to as a “van life” van. There are companies that rent them. Mercedes and Fords are the most popular since you can stand up inside of them.
syndicatecomplex@reddit
Those small, convenient campervans you'd find in Europe are nowhere near as popular in the US sadly. Look at any RV rental and they're all sized for like 8 people and guzzle so much gas.
It's probably because most Americans already have cars and just go car camping with their Subarus instead.
ZaphodG@reddit
There is a terminology gap. Lots of people in the US own small trailers. Americans also own giant ones pulled by huge full size pickup trucks.
Passenger cars in the US have lower towing ratings than the identical car in Europe or the UK. You don’t see a VW Golf towing a teardrop trailer in the US very often. In the US, the tow rating is 1,000 pounds. In Europe, it’s 3,300 pounds.
I drive a turbo Subaru Outback. It has a 3,500 pound tow rating. The same car in Europe has a 4,400 pound tow rating. The non-turbo Outback has a 2,700 pound tow rating in the US and 4,400 pounds in Europe.
The three top selling vehicles in the United States are full size pickup trucks with enormous towing capacity. Fuel is cheap compared to Europe. Suburban house lots tend to be large enough to easily store a large trailer. Americans have more disposable income to buy larger trailers.
stlcdr@reddit
Travel trailer (TT) is something you tow behind a vehicle. This is a caravan. They are the same but generally built very different. A typical European caravan is much smaller than a typical travel trailer (or camper). Travel trailers in the US can range from 16 feet or so (small) to over 30 feet with 2 or three axles. US vehicles are bigger and more powerful than European vehicles and can tow much more weight.
An RV or mororhome is like a bus that you drive. Again, much larger than their European counterparts.
Anachronism--@reddit
If you are talking about a camping trailer you tow behind a vehicle we have all sizes from teardrop trailers that just about any car can pull all the way up to luxurious 40 foot trailers the size of a small home.
MostAsk855@reddit
You can get a decent used pop-up or small camper for a few thousand
BulkyTiger8706@reddit
They exist but they’re called travel trailers and Americans tend to go bigger, so the small cheap caravan style is less common compared to Europe.
Lincoln_Biner@reddit
Don’t buy any rig that has been made during or after COVID. The manufacturers rushed production to meet demand(people were fleeing Covid in rv’s). They learned that most people will buy their products without demanding quality. They cut their experienced staff, cut production inspection quality, and built junk. There are NO lemon laws that protect buyers of rvs ,campers,or even tents. Tune into YouTube for LizAmazing to see!
picklednz@reddit
I straight away pictured an Airstream when I read your question.
Cant-think-of-a-nam@reddit
A camper trailer
Decent_Concern8751@reddit
Yes but they absolutely won’t be under 10k. Covid started the vanlife trend and now they’re crazy overpriced
Flayrah4Life@reddit
After the initial thought of gypsy/Romani horse-drawn caravans, I'm guessing you want what we call an RV trailer, or pop-up camper like this.
_WillCAD_@reddit
We have everything over here, from the tiniest pop-up tent style camp trailers to pickup trucks with camper add-ons to the full size trailers and RVs.
CruiseAmerica is the biggest RV rental company in the US. They've got a selection of five common size RVs that may give you a rough idea of what we have.
cyvaquero@reddit
You are looking for a “travel trailer”, or even “pop-up” or “teardrop trailer” which are sub classes. From there you can start filtering based on weight and length.
Check out RV Trader.
gadget850@reddit
Sorry, but I am now visualizing Father Ted on vacation in the borrowed caravan.
In the US, we have different classes for recreational vehicles (RV) where the transporter and living unit are one. Class A like a bus, B based on a van, and C based on a truck/lorry.
Then there are towed campers: 5th wheel, travel trailer, pop up, tear drop, and square drop. Then truck campers that drop into the bed of a truck.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Thanks for all the comments ! More than helpful , will find something using the newly learned terminology !
ReasonsToTakeMore@reddit
Under 10k isn't happening
20ears19@reddit
There are many thousands of them available for under 10k. OP is talking about a trailer not an rv.
ReasonsToTakeMore@reddit
Not within 500 miles lf me there aren't unless you mean pop ups
20ears19@reddit
Of course I mean used. Why buy new
ReasonsToTakeMore@reddit
OP didn't say anything about used I assumed we were talking new
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Nope used will do ! Just had the wrong terminology, was looking at things that Metallica would show up in haha
BlackSwanMarmot@reddit
American style caravans, what we call travel trailers here, are generally larger and heavier than European style caravans. A large segment of those travel trailers are toy haulers, trailers big enough to haul around motorcycles or a size-by side that also have living quarter spaces inside.
It’s assumed that you’ll be towing the trailer with a full sized pickup truck. Small, lightweight, European style caravans that can be towed by an SUV or medium to large size automobile are available here but they’re more of a novelty and only a very small market segment. There are also modern versions of 1930’s teardrop trailers. Pop up tent trailers used to be popular but have really dropped in usage over the past few decades.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Yeah planning a pickup , or a big yolk like a crown vic , thank you !
OkTechnologyb@reddit
It's not the word we use for that (please call it a camper van or a van if you want people to understand you here), but yes we have them. There's a whole #vanlife trend.
No_Parsnip6024@reddit
A European caravan is something you tow behind a vehicle, usually a sedan sized car. Very different than camper van.
OkTechnologyb@reddit
So a trailer then? Yes, we have trailers. People don't live in them though. They're for storage or hauling/moving things.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
At least you understand my English when I type , travelled the us before , with a thick Irish accent I might as well have been speaking Japanese hahahah
IMakeOkVideosOk@reddit
No, people do camp and possibly live in them… you’re confidently wrong twice in a row
Lornesto@reddit
But a very small and light, car-towable camper, not the monstrosities that are all over the place now.
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
Seriously?
ididreadittoo@reddit
What y'all call caravans is what we usually call travel trailers, camper trailers, things like that. You tow them behind your car. Someone may call it a camper but those are usually units that sit atop your truck bed.
What you want to look for is a travel trailer. They're usually 5-10 meters long and you tow them to your campsite. You usually disconnect them so you have your vehicle to go and do things.
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Appreciate it man !
kmoonster@reddit
"Camper Van" or "Camper" might get you some smaller vehicles. Not sure you'll find much under $10k USD though you may. Vehicles have jumped a LOT in cost the last few years.
Some examples here: Campervans for sale | Vancamper
dazzler38@reddit (OP)
Thank you man !!
NekoMao92@reddit
At your price point a camper van or small RV are one of two things, broken down or the title acquired at practically gunpoint.
Realistically you are looking at a minimum of x2 or x3 that for one with a clean title and no major issues.
Spacelady1953@reddit
Travel trailer
clementynemurphy@reddit
Stupid tik tok and insta ruined it. Now everyone thinks they want to live the van life so they're seriously overpriced, taken, destroyed or half built. Better off looking at small RV rental like Cruise America. There's a few smaller companies but don't remember the names. Google camper-van instead of RV or caravan.
devstopfix@reddit
You should describe what you mean, instead of expecting Americans to know what an Irish caravan is.
LongOrganization7838@reddit
In the US its called a camper trailer or travel trailer, if you say RV you'll almost exclusively get large busses and huge trailers, ours have a huge range from 12 ft 1-2 person size to 35+ feet depending on how big the group is once you get above 35 feet you get into fifth wheel and rv sizes which can get VERY big
LetsGoGators23@reddit
You want a camper or a pop up camper. Assuming you want to rent a vehicle and a tow behind. RVs tend to include the engine. You want a trailered camper
Floater439@reddit
Travel trailer…yes, you can buy them in a huge variety of sizes and levels of refinement. It’s definitely a thing, especially for family camping…people love a slide out or five to haul to the KOA.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
My grandparents had one and we would go to KOA with them. I slept in a tent with a Nintendo hooked up. My brother and I would catch crawdads and hit the rec center to establish a posse and ferment rivalries.
My other grandparents had a cabin which was rad. Near Mt St Helens
Floater439@reddit
I don’t usually stay in amenity rich campgrounds, but I ended up at a KOA near the Smokies a few years ago and the shiny new TTs were crazy! One family was watching movies on a projector screen on the side of their HUGE trailer.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
I’m more of an AirBnB person. But yeah some of those huge trailers and RVs are pretty cool. They have decks now. Ive only stayed in one RV and I prefer a tent if I’m camping. I also don’t like RV parks, they are all lined up poop hose to poop hose. Campgrounds with a tent and occasional pack it up by foot (been a long time though).
SphericalCrawfish@reddit
Like a Winnebago? Yes they are a thing.
famousanonamos@reddit
Yeah, we have campers/RVs/motorhomes. My daughter just bought an older one today for like 5k.
ajkimmins@reddit
There are smaller ones. Small truck, SUV towable.
Dave_A480@reddit
If it is self propelled and smaller than a cargo van we call it a camper van....
Self propelled and larger than a van, it's an RV
If it's sitting in the bed of a truck or towed on a trailer it's a camper....
Classic_Breadfruit18@reddit
It is a camper van. Not so popular in the US (we can tow our massive campers with our massive trucks) but they do exist.
ComputerGuyInNOLA@reddit
RV is short for recreational vehicle. A camper is not vehicle but something you tow behind a vehicle. I think he is looking for a camper.
shammy_dammy@reddit
My sister in law has an R-pod camper. They're pretty small.
HaggisMcNash@reddit
Class B RV / Camper Van
Leverkaas2516@reddit
You can rent camper van RV's, for about $1000 a week from Cruise America (a 24-foot unit built on a truck chassis). I'm sure there are cut-rate vendors too.
You can buy a used VW Eurovan, but they're not cheap. Maybe $15-25k for a well-used one that's decades old (I just checked autotrader com.)
RV's in general are definitely a thong. They are quite popular, numerous on the road, and come in all shapes and sizes, but $10k seems very low. I doubt if it would buy much, and it probably wouldn't be mechanically reliable. On the other hand, if you plan to buy one,use it, and sell it in a year, it's likely that whatever you buy would hold its value. If buying for $25k and selling for $20k would work, that's probably doable.
KublaiCan50@reddit
Tear drop camper are as close to a European caravan as I can think off, just a bit smaller than a caravan
CryptographerEasy772@reddit
We're more likely to call them camper vans out here in the US. Even if you intend to drive to hiking trails in the US, you should not have difficulty driving these to trailheads. It's been a running joke, though even the Toyota Prius has found itself in some wild territory.
SoCal has quite a few happy owners of Volkswagen pop tops/Eurovans. Decent 2002-2003 year examples easily fetch US$20k (\~17k EUR)
There's quite a few communities/forums for people modifying Ford E350's Typically, budget for DIY projects would be within USD10k-30k (8,5K-25,5K EUR). The Ford Transit is becoming a popular option if equipped with AWD. Older options may be the Ford Econoline.
Though, Mercedes Sprinter vans also get converted, though that conversation can land into the US 100k+ (85,2k EUR) territory easily.
as others said, "RV" typically is understood as some 12-meter/50-foot/350 cheeseburger long vehicle, oftentimes having pop-out walls, private bathrooms and bedrooms and probably offer about 6 miles per gallon of fuel.
"Trailer" typically means an item you tow, either as a "fifth wheel" or towed by a truck. these can also be just as large.
A lot of these have electrical and plumbing hookups, which are standardized at most "RV" Campsites.
therealbamspeedy@reddit
Might be regional differences in terminology, but:
MOBILE home= this is typically NOT what you are looking for. I know with 'mobile' in the name it can be confusing, but mobile homes are NOT moved around alot. They CAN be moved by professionals, but they arent something you hook up to your pickup truck and haul. These are manufactured homes. The wheels are taken off when placed, almost always set on a foundation of some kind, and will stay in one place for 10 or 20 years or more.
MOTOR home, is the one that is more easily moved. RV, Camper, are other names for basically the same thing.
Trailer= ive seen it used more as slang for mobile homes, not so much for RVs and campers, but this is one word thats like a wild card that could mean a wide variety of things. (Semi trailers, UHAUL, hauling things like another car, etc)
callie-zephyr@reddit
Yeah. Not sure that you’ll find much less than 10k unless it’s used.
PAXICHEN@reddit
Nobody has seen the movie Snatch? The whole first scene is them trying to buy a caravan which we would call…a camper.
What I’ve scene people tow here in Germany behind a sedan is amazing. We’re talking 20’ trailers behind a BMW sedan.
thatlookslikemydog@reddit
Oh dogs. Yeah I like dags.
PerfectlyCalmDude@reddit
Periwinkle blue.
byebybuy@reddit
Fer 'is ma.
aharbingerofdoom@reddit
They do exist, but they're fairly rare. Part of this is down to regulations. In the US, most normal cars aren't rated for towing or if they are, it's for a very low weight. These same exact car models sold elsewhere in the world with different rules are seen towing fairly large caravans on the roads in Europe and the UK. You'll never see someone towing even a tiny garden trailer with a compact hatchback or crossover in the US. That's part of the reason that people in other parts of the world don't quite understand Americans who own giant trucks for daily use and say it's because they tow a small boat or an ATV trailer. We're told here that is what is required for safety and to abide with regulations, and most people just accept that. Since so many of our regular family vehicles are capable of towing close to 10,000lbs it strangely inventivises people to buy a bigger camper than they would in a framework where we were allowed to tow a smaller trailer with a normal car.
174wrestler@reddit
The EU has a speed limit on anything large (HGVs, >3500 kg 7700 lbs) to 80-90 km/h (50-55 mph). Therefore your sedan with a large trailer can reasonably stay with the trucks.
Go try that in the US. I drove a fully loaded U-Haul that barely made 65 across the country and was getting passed by semis everywhere.
automaticmantis@reddit
Small camping trailers are extremely common in the US
Saltpork545@reddit
Yeah, I was about to say, there's an entire subclass of small campers that can be hauled by most SUVs and cars called teardrop campers.
We absolutely have small campers. You don't have to go with a 30+ foot haul behind trailer unless you want to.
There are smaller campers. They're not European style caravans, but they exist for basically the same purpose.
Here's probably the closest thing and most of these are built for off road use.
https://www.scamptrailers.com
LopsidedGrapefruit11@reddit
A fifth wheel may be what you’re thinking of.
SippsMccree@reddit
Most common i've heard are camper trailers or travel trailers
Wulfgar7134@reddit
No
showersneakers@reddit
Yeah- but their bigger
protossaccount@reddit
Yes you can, but the vehicles will be more diverse and probably not like what you’ll find in Europe (those are available though).
In the USA you can go anywhere from sleeping in a tent to requiring a semi truck. My brother’s father in law had a semi truck that pulls his massive trailer.
Proof-Ad3637@reddit
The caravan in Europe is what we would call a trailer. It’s towed behind a truck or car. The most famous brand is airstream. They have a distinctive chrome like look and are probably very expensive. Don’t see them much anymore, they’ve been overcome by the recreational vehicles… RVs.
Low_Attention9891@reddit
This is what we’d refer to as a camper. It’s important to consider the towing requirements and the kind of places you’ll be driving through. Many campers require a truck or a truck-like SUV (Chevy suburban) to tow them.
A lot of state and national parks have cabins you can rent, that may be a good option too.
bazilbt@reddit
10k new? You can get used trailers or 'caravans' here pretty easily for that much. It seems there are a few basic ones on sale for that much online.
Ratatoskr_The_Wise@reddit
Sidebar: You don’t have to buy a camper, you can rent one in the US.
DancingBear62@reddit
Try looking for travel trailers
thloki@reddit
American RVs have motors. European caravans don't, they rely on another vehicle to tow them.
https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/
Gmhowell@reddit
Check out cruiseAmerica or similar. Rent a class C for your travels.
ChoppedUnc-SF@reddit
What's a kilometer
AshDenver@reddit
Camper. Pop-up camper is likely the closest to a UK caravan.
ericbythebay@reddit
Yes, we have more options than what is available in Europe.
MissHibernia@reddit
In Ireland and the UK there are caravan parks at the seaside like a second home, right? Here we have trailer parks which are not great, about one step up from poverty or living in a motel. There are some older trailer parks which are kept up and quaint, but the majority of the time living in them is unfortunate.
20ears19@reddit
The equivalent here would be an rv park which are everywhere and generally not for poor people. It’s for people vacationing.
DragonflyOnFire@reddit
I own what you’d call a caravan. It’s only 17 feet long… it’s probably a little large for caravan standards, but not by much
1Marmalade@reddit
Travel trailer is the term for a caravan here.
Popular_Cow_9390@reddit
You may be thinking of more of a camper-van. Look up Sprinters, Class B, or Class Super-B motorhomes.
skookum-chuck@reddit
Sprinter for 10k?
Tell him he's dreamin' mate
Popular_Cow_9390@reddit
Ah well yeah style wise it might be what he’s searching for. Price wise, different category.
Adorable_Dust3799@reddit
Or even a pickup with a camper shell
ByWillAlone@reddit
Googling, "European caravan", it looks like it's towed? We would call that a "travel trailer" or "camper trailer". Basically, in American English, if it's towed, it's called a trailer, and then there are different kinds of trailers for different kinds of purposes.
kartoffel_engr@reddit
Like a tow-behind camper trailer?
We’ve got them, but you gotta remember how big the US is compared to Ireland. People often will travel out of state on a camping trip. Ireland would rank 41st in size if it were a US state.
Towing something across the country isn’t as efficient as a diesel Class C or Class A motorhome.
DadPuncher69@reddit
If you're going to be in Indiana you should visit the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart to see a lot of awesome historical examples of campers/RVs/caravans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV/MH_Hall_of_Fame
whereisurbackbone@reddit
Tons of options for RVs and trailers. For $10k you could get a very decent used one. I lived in a small RV for a summer. My friend owned it and we fixed up the inside as a group project because it was mostly gutted. For $10k you can get something nicer than that.
katolinat@reddit
You’re looking for something that will most likely be listed as a campervan or a Class B RV.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a decent one for under 10k these days, but you could likely find a used beater one.
Look on FB Marketplace, FB groups, and Craigslist.
Eclectic-N-Varied@reddit
The Wikipedia page for "teardrop trailer" has images and may be what you are looking for.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
We have all flavors of camp vehicles. Affordable trailers of all shapes and sizes.
You should come try one out.
Parking_Champion_740@reddit
Camping trailer or trailer
Apprehensive-Fig3223@reddit
If you mean a tow behind camper, trying looking up travel trailers. You might wanna consider renting one if you don't intend to keep it to avoid dealing with unintended mold, electric issues, etc
The_Motherlord@reddit
My neighbor has a small trailer, you hook it up to a car or truck, the inside has a bed, heater and storage and around the outside is propane and cooktop. I think it's called a pod or a bean? Also there are campers.
scarlettohara1936@reddit
Caravan is what Plymouth calls it's minivan.... Is that what you mean? A minivan?¿
kmosiman@reddit
Yes. New??? Probably not. Used? YES.
It all depends on what you want.
We have a 19', 5.8m one that was 20k a few years ago. Now a bit more than that. Nice but not too big.
BIG units go up to "house" sized. Please remember that some folks are mobile contractors that move job site to job site. They literally live in them year round. Those are NICE and are sometimes actually cheaper than a house or apartment.
Now as a traveler: I don't know a ton of companies but you are probably looking at RV America for a US trip rental. I think they have reasonably priced rentals for a long road trip.
Tjayhc24@reddit
Maybe try “camper van”
AlltheFerns@reddit
Try travel trailer for a search term. I think that’ll get you what you’re looking for.
StickaFORKinMyEye@reddit
Campers or popup would be smaller, more affordable pull trailers.
Travel trailers or fifth wheels are bigger ones.
CycadelicSparkles@reddit
Camper or travel trailer.
funkoramma@reddit
Try searching for a travel trailer. That’s one name for them over here.
PrestigiousLocal8247@reddit
We would call this a trailer
They come in various sizes
Choppy313@reddit
Yes.
Unique_Statement7811@reddit
Yes. And you can get them for around $10k or less.