Current Travel Trailers / RVs you're towing - Reviews and Recommendations!

[Riviot]

22FB Bambi

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[Jamuso]

Rockwood minilite.

 

[MarcyB]

Love all of these! It's awesome to see so many people towing with their Rivians!

We've been towing Howie (our house on wheels) with Tug-E (the truck) for almost 3 years now. I'd echo all the comments about ease of towing and things that affect efficiency and the benefit of charging at campgrounds.

Our travel trailer is a large, heavy box, at least compared to what most of all y'all are doing, so our range is a challenge. Average efficiency of 1.1 and we tend to take local roads and drive slower. Our summer tours take some planning but it's worth it.

Website with more details:
https://allelectricproject.com/

 

[QuadMonster]

I'm hoping to get some insight before committing to a travel trailer. I’ve been leaning toward the Grand Design 2400BH, but most of the destinations we’re interested in are around 300 miles away—primarily flat, Midwest driving. I’ll be towing with a 2024 Rivian R1S Quad, and based on what I’ve read, the range hit means I’d likely need to stop for a charge every 100 miles or so, potentially turning short trips into long travel days.

My main goal is to use the trailer for quick 3- to 4-day getaways when the kids' schedules allow. Given the weight of the 2400BH as a four-season camper, I’m now considering restarting my search and looking at lighter options to improve range and reduce hassle.

Any input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[VandalSibs]

I'm hoping to get some insight before committing to a travel trailer. I’ve been leaning toward the Grand Design 2400BH, but most of the destinations we’re interested in are around 300 miles away—primarily flat, Midwest driving. I’ll be towing with a 2024 Rivian R1S Quad, and based on what I’ve read, the range hit means I’d likely need to stop for a charge every 100 miles or so, potentially turning short trips into long travel days.

My main goal is to use the trailer for quick 3- to 4-day getaways when the kids' schedules allow. Given the weight of the 2400BH as a four-season camper, I’m now considering restarting my search and looking at lighter options to improve range and reduce hassle.

Any input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

One thing first off is that weight is less of a concern compared to wind/air resistance when figuring out what kind of range hit you'll get. Boxy-er designs will incur more of a hit. That doesn't mean that weight still isn't a factor, but it's less than you think.

Two, what are your needs? How many do you need to sleep in the trailer? Will you be going to places with power/hookups, or more overland/off-the-grid style camping?

I've been pretty happy with the inTech that we have and readily recommend the brand. I used to be a bit wary of Airstream after hearing about quality drop-offs over the last 10 or so years, but posts in this thread seem to say that things are getting better (or the reports were exaggerated). You're gonna pay a premium for an Airstream for sure, though as it's a brand with a lot of history.

Regarding charging stops - at least for my wife and I, we find that stopping every 125-150 miles to change (what we can pull off with our R1T and Sol Dawn) is a nice break - that's two to two and a half hours straight of driving at 60mph. As a related example, we did a trip last year that started by going from Eastern Washington State to the Oregon Coast. We made our first overnight stop at a state park about 300 miles into the trip, and we did that in about 6 hours. Upon looking back at things, we both agree that we could have done the whole drive to the coast itself in another three hours. Granted, we don't have kids.....

One other thing I like to note is that if you are camping at a place with hook-ups (for at least power), you can most likely charge up there! I think that tends to get forgotten by a lot of people planning trips, as you can't gas up an ICE truck at a campsite....

Anyway, let me know if you have any other questions and I'll do my best to answer them & pass along any advice I have.

 

[QuadMonster]

Thanks for the detailed response — super helpful!

It’ll be me, my wife, our two teenage boys, and a 65 lb dog tagging along. We'll be camping almost exclusively at places with full hookups, so we’re not planning to do any serious off-grid adventures (at least not yet).

Since the boys are in school, a lot of our trips will be quick 2–3 day getaways, so minimizing travel time is important. I’m aiming for around 150 miles of range between charges, ideally with a 10% buffer. If we can align charging stops with grocery runs or lunch breaks, I think it’ll work out fine.

I’ve also started noticing that more campgrounds—especially private ones—are prohibiting EV charging from their hookups, which is a bummer. It’d be great to top off while parked, but I get that not every site is equipped to handle that kind of load on a regular basis.

Appreciate the tip on inTech, unfortunately they don't have a bunkhouse design for my teens.

One thing first off is that weight is less of a concern compared to wind/air resistance when figuring out what kind of range hit you'll get. Boxy-er designs will incur more of a hit. That doesn't mean that weight still isn't a factor, but it's less than you think.

Two, what are your needs? How many do you need to sleep in the trailer? Will you be going to places with power/hookups, or more overland/off-the-grid style camping?

I've been pretty happy with the inTech that we have and readily recommend the brand. I used to be a bit wary of Airstream after hearing about quality drop-offs over the last 10 or so years, but posts in this thread seem to say that things are getting better (or the reports were exaggerated). You're gonna pay a premium for an Airstream for sure, though as it's a brand with a lot of history.

Regarding charging stops - at least for my wife and I, we find that stopping every 125-150 miles to change (what we can pull off with our R1T and Sol Dawn) is a nice break - that's two to two and a half hours straight of driving at 60mph. As a related example, we did a trip last year that started by going from Eastern Washington State to the Oregon Coast. We made our first overnight stop at a state park about 300 miles into the trip, and we did that in about 6 hours. Upon looking back at things, we both agree that we could have done the whole drive to the coast itself in another three hours. Granted, we don't have kids.....

One other thing I like to note is that if you are camping at a place with hook-ups (for at least power), you can most likely charge up there! I think that tends to get forgotten by a lot of people planning trips, as you can't gas up an ICE truck at a campsite....

Anyway, let me know if you have any other questions and I'll do my best to answer them & pass along any advice I have.

 

[VandalSibs]

Thanks for the detailed response — super helpful!

It’ll be me, my wife, our two teenage boys, and a 65 lb dog tagging along. We'll be camping almost exclusively at places with full hookups, so we’re not planning to do any serious off-grid adventures (at least not yet).

Since the boys are in school, a lot of our trips will be quick 2–3 day getaways, so minimizing travel time is important. I’m aiming for around 150 miles of range between charges, ideally with a 10% buffer. If we can align charging stops with grocery runs or lunch breaks, I think it’ll work out fine.

I’ve also started noticing that more campgrounds—especially private ones—are prohibiting EV charging from their hookups, which is a bummer. It’d be great to top off while parked, but I get that not every site is equipped to handle that kind of load on a regular basis.

Appreciate the tip on inTech, unfortunately they don't have a bunkhouse design for my teens.

Yeah, the bunkhouse setup does reduce the possibilities.

One thing that I do like to suggest regarding charging at the campsite is looking at more State Parks - at least in Washington, Idaho & Oregon there has been no prohibition on charging an EV. I don't have any experience outside of those states however, and every state could do things differently...

I remember my days in a bunk-bed setup trailer from when I was a kid - I both do and don't miss those!

 

[logan]

Thanks for the detailed response — super helpful!

It’ll be me, my wife, our two teenage boys, and a 65 lb dog tagging along. We'll be camping almost exclusively at places with full hookups, so we’re not planning to do any serious off-grid adventures (at least not yet).

Since the boys are in school, a lot of our trips will be quick 2–3 day getaways, so minimizing travel time is important. I’m aiming for around 150 miles of range between charges, ideally with a 10% buffer. If we can align charging stops with grocery runs or lunch breaks, I think it’ll work out fine.

I’ve also started noticing that more campgrounds—especially private ones—are prohibiting EV charging from their hookups, which is a bummer. It’d be great to top off while parked, but I get that not every site is equipped to handle that kind of load on a regular basis.

Appreciate the tip on inTech, unfortunately they don't have a bunkhouse design for my teens.

300 miles really isn't too bad and like you suggested you can almost always make use of the stop. Instead of shopping before your trip shop at a charging stop. Lots of tesla chargers by costcos or other shops. Also meals and time to walk the dog.

I still find most campgrounds will allow EV charging but sometimes they don't. (Or at least nothing above L1 which is hard to argue with.) In those cases I tend to look for DC chargers near supermarkets and charge up a little bit on each shopping trip.

 

[Patrick87]

I'm hoping to get some insight before committing to a travel trailer. I’ve been leaning toward the Grand Design 2400BH, but most of the destinations we’re interested in are around 300 miles away—primarily flat, Midwest driving. I’ll be towing with a 2024 Rivian R1S Quad, and based on what I’ve read, the range hit means I’d likely need to stop for a charge every 100 miles or so, potentially turning short trips into long travel days.

My main goal is to use the trailer for quick 3- to 4-day getaways when the kids' schedules allow. Given the weight of the 2400BH as a four-season camper, I’m now considering restarting my search and looking at lighter options to improve range and reduce hassle.

Any input or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I was on the fence between the Grand Design 2400BH and the Jayco 24BH when I purchased mine in late 2020. I ended up going with the Jayco, but the floor plans are nearly identical. Weight was similar IIRC.

My post on the first page:
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...reviews-and-recommendations.42585/post-759649

I'm getting just over 1.1 miles per kwh while pulling it. All of my camping destinations have been less than 100 miles away (most of my trips are only for 3-4 nights, so I don't like to spend a lot of time on the road). I charge at the campsite either L1 or L2.

The bunk beds are handy if you have 2 or more kids with you. These are great family campers, but yeah, they're pretty big.

Would you rather be more comfortable towing to/from the campsite, or more comfortable while you're at the campsite? That's what it would come down to, for me.

 

[Nuse.Rae]

We just upgraded, getting ready to short haul and then long haul based on efficiency measures. Prior we had a Hideout bunk house.

 

[HaveBlue]

You could consider it the Trail Manor. We have two adult kids as well and sometimes a GF with. With a queen and two full sized beds, it sleeps plenty. 1.6 mpkwh in leisure mode.

 

[mkhuffman]

You could consider it the Trail Manor. We have two adult kids as well and sometimes a GF with. With a queen and two full sized beds, it sleeps plenty. 1.6 mpkwh in leisure mode.

How well does the shower work? That is one thing I would be worried about.

 

[DeanB1452]

How well does the shower work? That is one thing I would be worried about.

I have a TrailManor too. The shower works good. I can mount mine onto the ceiling. It has an on/off switch too. One time I wasn't paying attention and the shower curtain directed the water to the floor between the tub and toilet. Earlier this month we were camping at Carpinteria Campground and found out that tokens for their showers were $2 for 2 minutes. We decided to use our shower the rest of our stay since each site has 30-amp power, water, and sewer hookups. It is a bit cramped in the shower (I'm 5'6") but its doable.

 

[QuadMonster]

Hey everyone,

This thread has been super helpful.

I’m looking at getting my first travel trailer and could really use some advice to make sure I’m staying within safe towing limits—especially around weight and tongue load. As I'm learning more I'm worried the travel trailer I finally settled on might not work.

Trailer I'm considering:

RV: 2022 KZ Connect
Dry Weight: ~5,940 lbs
GVWR: ~7,375 lbs
Tongue Weight: ~650 lbs (dry)

Tow Vehicle:
2024 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor
Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
Max Tongue Weight: ~770 lbs

I plan to use a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH), which should help redistribute at least 100 to 200 lbs off the tongue, making the setup safer and more stable.


Here’s the rest of my plan:

The main storage is a large front pass-through, which will hold most of our gear.

I’ll try to place heavy equipment behind the axles during transit to help manage tongue weight.

I’m adding batteries for 1–2 days of boondocking, but will be mindful of their placement (though the front pass-through is the most logical spot).

Tanks will stay mostly empty while towing, and we’ll only carry minimal fresh water when dry camping, though the propane tanks will be used and initially full.

We’ll be traveling with my wife, two teen sons, and a dog, so cargo in the R1S adds up—likely around 750–850 lbs total including gear.


Questions for the group:

Does this setup sound workable within the R1S’s towing and payload limits?

Do you recommend storing more gear in the R1S vs. the trailer to manage tongue weight?

Any WDH models you’d recommend for a setup like this? I'm not concerned with the cost and want to that I'm being safe.

Any tips you’ve learned the hard way when towing near max limits or with a Rivian specifically?

Appreciate any guidance—thanks in advance!

 

[Patrick87]

I use an Equilizer WDH (10k lbs). It's fairly easy to set up and quick to connect/reconnect.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/products/equal-i-zer-hitch/

I swapped out the two OEM lead acid size-24 battery boxes on the tongue of my trailer with one big box to fit my larger 230ah LiTime battery.

With that said, they're making size 24 lithium batteries that are 100ah or more now. If they had those when I was shopping for a new battery set up, I probably would have gone that route since they would just drop into the original battery boxes.

https://www.litime.com/

I can't remember exactly, but I think I saved around 50lbs of tongue weight just by switching to Lithium. If anything, that would compensate for your propane weight.

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