I walked around lots of campers in Boise. At first, I didn’t like the idea of a hybrid trailer. But later, I talked to someone who owned one. They told me good and not-so-good things about it.
In the end, I chose a regular trailer. But I can see some good things about hybrids now.
Imagine being in a hybrid on a hot day. The canvas sides don’t keep the cool air in. Some bedding might get damp from morning dew. And if a neighbor has a noisy generator, you’ll hear it loud because the canvas doesn’t block the sound. Not so fun, right? Some hybrids have these problems, but not all. If you pick a good one and make smart choices, hybrids can be better than solid-sided trailers.
Think about these things when making your choice:
Generator Noise
With my Champion generator on, I can hardly hear it from inside my trailer. That’s great because we head into the woods for some peace and quiet!
But in a hybrid, the generator is super loud. The canvas doesn’t stop the noise at all because it’s not thick enough.
Switching on the generator and then going inside the hybrid to watch a movie isn’t much fun.
Hybrid Trailers Have Amazing Open Floor Plans
They can add lots of popouts because they’re not heavy. So, many hybrids have 3 or 4 popouts, making the space much more open.
Feels Like Real Camping
My friend loves their hybrid because it feels like genuine camping. When I’m in my trailer, it feels more like being in a comfy apartment. The hybrid fixes that feeling for sure.
Security
It’s very rare for a bear to tear through a canvas trailer, but it’s still a possibility. A solid-sided trailer offers more security from the elements and gives a sense of safety, especially important for kids and women.
Additionally, a canvas trailer could be easily cut open by someone trying to steal your gear inside.
Bigger Beds in Hybrids
In hybrid trailers, you can find all queen-sized beds because the popouts are lighter and simpler to add. That’s a really big advantage!
Protection from Water
In a hybrid, you can sleep well even during rain, but some condensation might still seep in. Your bedding might get a bit wet, but you’ll stay dry.
The issue with even a little moisture on fabric is that when you return home, you’ll need to set everything up again to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Water protection is a major concern for hybrid owners, but if you’re always camping in good weather, it might not be a big issue.
Insulation
Canvas isn’t great at shielding you from weather. That’s why people use popup gizmos to cover their hybrid sections and keep them dry. But setting up extra gear during bad weather can be a hassle.
Yet, after chatting with a friend who owns a hybrid, it doesn’t seem as bad. They felt warm in winter but still sensed a chill near the canvas side, kind of like standing near a fire despite the heater making everything else hot.
Weight
A slide-out in a travel trailer is heavy, around 800 pounds. That’s why trailers usually have only one or two.
But pop-outs are much lighter, about 50 pounds. So, manufacturers can add several pop-outs without making the trailer too heavy.
Setup Time In Hybrids
The time it takes to set up and pack away your hybrid depends on its design and the number of popouts. Reports from multiple hybrid owners suggest setup times averaging between 5 to 35 minutes, with newer models typically taking around 5 minutes, while older versions might demand more effort. Setting up in pleasant weather is manageable, but it could mean canceling plans if bad weather strikes. Moreover, arriving late on a Friday might result in an hour of setup in the dark.
When staying at a campsite for a week, the setup duration isn’t a major concern. However, for quick overnight trips or when constantly moving on a road trip, the setup and takedown process can become inconvenient. Some hybrid owners choose not to set up all their popouts for shorter stays, saving time while still having the option to expand when needed.
Privacy Concerns in Hybrid Trailers
Privacy takes a hit in hybrids. Nearby campers can easily hear noises like a baby crying or your conversations. Travel trailers offer more seclusion, especially for families with kids. In a trailer, kids laughing or goofing around won’t disturb neighboring campers, ensuring a quieter experience for everyone involved.
Optimal Air Circulation In Hybrid Trailers
The airflow in a hybrid trailer surpasses that of a traditional travel trailer. On moderately warm days when you opt for open windows instead of using the air conditioner, the hybrid emerges as the superior choice. With numerous unzip-able canvas windows, hybrids facilitate excellent air circulation throughout.
Endurance In Premium Hybrid Trailers
A well-made hybrid trailer can endure for years with minimal issues, yet it’s evident that canvas is prone to ripping, tearing, mildewing, and wearing out. Maintenance needs for a travel trailer are generally lower over the years of ownership.
Kid-Friendly Sleeping Arrangements in Hybrids
In the realm of dedicated sleeping space, hybrids reign supreme. Their multiple queen bed pop-outs allow for hosting a group of kids or granting each child their own “bedroom,” a particularly significant advantage when catering to older kids.
Sunlight Disruptions: Challenges in Hybrid Sleep
Waking up in a hybrid during summer mornings has its downside: the sun rises early, around 5:30 or 6 AM, much like being in a tent. In contrast, a travel trailer provides better light control, making it easier to persuade the kids to sleep in.
For our family, this was a significant consideration. The kids love staying up late around the campfire, so early wake-ups due to the 6 AM sunrise can result in a long and cranky day for all of us!
Hybrid Trailer Leakage Risks
Besides the challenge of moisture from condensation and rain affecting bedding, hybrids introduce another issue—leakage between the canvas and the solid sections of the trailer. Trailer leaks are serious, potentially causing substantial damage. Ensure thorough sealing if you opt for a hybrid.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that leaks can occur in any trailer, even in a traditional travel trailer. Therefore, this concern might or might not be a significant issue to consider.