I'd stay away from "stick & tin" style trailers, that is, ones made with corrugated sheetmetal siding. The siding dents very easilly and being exposed to a hail-storm can be expensive to repair. I know what I'm talking about, we had a severe hailstorm in Marquette about two months ago. About 10% to 20% of the estimates were "totals". We are still doing estimates and will most likely be doing that repair work throughout the winter.
What you want to look for is a trailer with "smooth sides" or Filon exterior. The framework is of welded aluminum tubing, styrofoam core insulation bonded to inner & outer skin surfaces using fiberglass resin. Some models/manufactures use 1.5" aluminum tubing, some use 2". This type of construction resists typical hail-storms quite well. Any hailstorm damage to these style units (in our area) was limited to the crank-up vents and air conditioner shrouds. Most manufactures offer models using this style of construction.
Travel trailers & 5th wheel trailers both have their advantages and disadvantages:
Fifth wheels:
pull easier & more smoothly
sway less
must generally be pulled with a pick-up (limited interior space for people)
2nd trailer can often be towed behind fifth wheel trailer.
travel trailers:
living space is all on one level.
can be towed by vans, SUV or pick-ups.
frees bed of pickup for cargo/gear.
typically are not as tall as fifth wheels
Bunk house style floor plans are ideal for families with kids. Some floor plans actually have a rear "apartment" bunk area where the kids can have their own area allowing mom & dad a little privacy & quiet up front in the main bedroom. Many units (
LIKE MINE) have queen beds in front with beds in the rear. Not quite a "bunk house", but still big enough to sleep 2 to 3 kids.
