Hybrid Campers

Do hybrid campers exist?

Hybrid camper trailers really do exist! Hybrid campers are just as ideal for camping and traveling as their traditional camper counterparts. The actual term “hybrid campers” actually refers to recreational vehicles and campers that are structured differently from traditional RVs and campers. A hybrid camper has a larger living area, primarily due to the pop-out ends that provide a tent for sleeping areas.

One of the primary advantages of having a hybrid camper is that the owner gets more living space to work with while traveling with a more compact camper. The set up time for a hybrid camper is far less than those popup campers seen at various campsites. With plenty of room for storage, nothing has to be unpacked when a camper arrives: it can be placed in its designated spot in the hybrid camper before the owner sets out to the campground. Essentially, a hybrid camper is smaller, resulting in a lighter tow and subsequently, resulting in lower gas usage.


Who makes hybrid campers?

The current manufacturers of hybrid campers are:

Forest-River (www.forestriverinc.com)
Ameri-camp (www.ameri-camp.com)
Crossroads (www.crossroadsrv.com)
Gulf-Stream (www.gulfstreamrv.com)
Sunny Brook RV (www.sunnybrookrv.com)
Monaco McKenzie (www.mckenzierv.com)
Hy-Line (www.hylinetrailers.com)
Rvision (www.rvisionrvs.com)
Endura Max (www.enduramax.co.za)
Jayco Kiwi (www.jayco.com).

Hybrid camper trailers come with quite a few amenities too. While floor plans may actually vary from one manufacturer to the next, many of the hybrid campers on the market today offer every appliance imaginable, bathrooms, lighting, electrical outlets, and are beautiful in terms of interior design. Further, today’s hybrid camper trailers have fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and safety chains, peep holes in the front door, clearance lights and carbon monoxide detectors built in. Fully insulated and sturdy frames ensure the comfort of every camper on board. Thus, today’s hybrid campers offer the maximum in terms of indoor comfort whenever a family is looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The popup portion of today’s hybrid campers makes for a natural atmosphere. Campers can hear the beating rain hit the canvas roof, and can still have the feeling of the tent in the comfort of a camper. Fantastic for families big and small alike, hybrid camper trailers are bound to increase in popularity in the next few years.


Which Hybrid Campers are the Best?

While no two different models of hybrid campers are alike, the majority of the models on today’s market are reliable, durable, well built and affordable. Basically, the camper will need a hybrid that fits the needs of their family. While a couple may fair well with a mini hybrid camper, full sized families will want to invest in the larger hybrid models. Floor plans are designed to meet the needs of the individual, and families would do well to shop for a camper hybrid together to make a completely informed buying decision. Further, investing in a hybrid camper with a warranty is a good idea. Many manufacturers offer warranties on the vinyl roofing, the fiberglass, the axels, as well as a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Finally, the individual or family looking to protect their hybrid camper investment can sometimes opt for a second year warranty for an additional fee.

Jayco Kiwi is another of many manufacturers of hybrid camper trailers. The camper hybrid Jayco Kiwi models currently available can be viewed at Jayco Kiwi: (www.jayco.com). The Jay Feather EXP is incredibly lightweight, durable and comfortable. The Jay Feather EXP comes with eight different floor plans to choose from, an incredible array of standard and optional equipment, and a 24-month or 24,000 mile warranty. In fact, the Jay Feather EXP is perfect for the family camping experience.


RV Hybrids

RV hybrids in the traditional understanding of “hybrid” have yet to be manufactured. By traditional, the term hybrid relates to a vehicle that is far more fuel-efficient than today’s current RV offerings. Many of the RVs on the market currently run on diesel fuel. This can be expensive when it comes to traveling. At this time there seems to be no mention of plans for creating an RV hybrid that is fuel efficient—but the future is not carved in stone. While automobile manufacturers are currently making new hybrids in the form of cars and SUVs, it may not be long before the RV manufacturers hop on the “hybrid bandwagon.”

Current RV owners dream of the day when they can drive an RV that is as efficient as today’s automobile hybrids. The gas mileage would be phenomenal in comparison to what they currently get with diesel-operated recreational vehicles. Currently, depending on the destination, RV fuel expenses can be astronomical. Nevertheless, the hybrid campers save some camping fanatics at least a little in terms of fuel. The lighter weight causes the towing vehicle to work smarter, not harder, thereby saving on fuel costs for campers.