A travel trailer is a type of towable RV. It has become, in recent years, one of the most commonly sold types of RVs on the market. RVers seem to like travel trailers because they offer a combination of convenience and comfort.

Unlike motorized RVs, travel trailers are detachable from the towing vehicles. This means that once the user has found a suitable location in which to park or stay, he or she can use the towing vehicle to shop, sightsee, or run errands, without having to maneuver a large RV through traffic or tight spaces. In addition to basic living necessities (such as bathrooms, showers, refrigerators, stoves, and beds), these detachable RVs can also be outfitted with almost all of the comforts of home, including TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, air conditioners, and so on.

Most travel trailers are designed to be towed by a light duty truck or SUV with a standard hitch attached to the bumper or frame. Another type of towable RV is the fifth wheel RV. Fifth wheel RVs are similar to regular travel trailers, except that they are designed to be towed by a pickup truck outfitted with a special hitch on the truck bed. Fifth wheel RVs also have an overhead section that sits above the truck cab.

With the rising popularity of sport vehicles like ATVs, sport bikes, and personal watercraft, travel trailers that can transport these vehicles are being offered. These kinds of trailers are sometimes called Toy Haulers or ''Toy Boxes.'' Travel trailers of all types are designed primarily for recreational instead of full-time use. Some states regulate the size of travel trailers, requiring that they not exceed 400 square feet of living space.