Why a Travel Trailer with a Back Door is a Game Changer

Flexible, functional, and fun, the rear hatch in a travel trailer is truly an open door to adventure. What started as a specialized design feature is now available on more models and floor plans than ever before, opening up new possibilities for travelers seeking versatility in their mobile living space. A Travel Trailer With Back Door offers unique benefits that standard models can’t match.

The rear hatch has a notable history within the world of travel trailers. It was initially developed for custom and commercial models designed for specific needs. Historic examples include the Funeral Coach, where the hatch provided access for storing flowers, and the iconic Excella Motorhome, known as the Astrovan, famously used by NASA during the Space Shuttle Era to transport astronauts to the launch pad.

In 2009, the rear hatch made its debut in the main travel trailer line with the production of the PanAmerica. This 34-foot toy hauler featured living quarters upfront and a built-in garage space in the back, accessed by the hatch, for motorcycles, ATVs, and other large adventure gear. While limited in production, the popular rear hatch design later became a highlight in special and limited edition travel trailers, including the Eddie Bauer, Pendleton, and Tommy Bahama. For those interested in the history and features of specific limited runs like the Eddie Bauer edition, finding an eddie bauer travel trailer for sale or exploring eddie bauer travel trailer floor plans can offer insights into this popular feature’s evolution.

Tommy Bahama special edition Airstream travel trailer with its rear hatch open

Recently, this sought-after feature became an optional add-on for more current travel trailer models. It can now be selected on popular International and Flying Cloud floor plans, specifically the 25FB and 27FB configurations. This expansion brings the unique advantages of a Travel Trailer With Back Door to a wider audience of potential owners.

Floor plan view of an Airstream International travel trailer showing the rear hatch option

Travel Trailer Rear Hatch Features and Benefits

Opting for the rear hatch extends beyond simply adding a large door at the back of your trailer. It fundamentally changes how you can experience the space, from the inside out.

GIF showing the rear hatch of an Airstream International 27FB travel trailer opening and closing

Quality Construction and Design

The rear hatch door is engineered with the same high standards as the main entry door. It’s crafted from high-strength aluminum, ensuring durability and security. The door is supported by three heavy-duty, one-piece hinges, each secured by eight bolts, and is held open securely by a strut on each side. When fully open, the hatch provides a clearance of 70 inches from the ground.

The door itself is generously sized at 46.5 inches by 50.5 inches and includes a window that can be opened to three different levels. This window, like others in these models, is designed to open more widely than many RV windows on the market, maximizing fresh air circulation even when the hatch is closed. For sunny days, a retractable rear awning extends over the window, helping to shade the interior.

Exterior view of a 2021 Airstream International travel trailer with the rear hatch door closed

Security is also a key consideration. The door features a seamless ring pull and a unique key slot near the bottom for enhanced protection. Rotating the ring pull engages a two-point latching system for a secure fit. An interior door handle also allows the hatch to be opened from inside the trailer.

Flexible Interior Space with Multiple Dinette Configurations

Perhaps the most transformative benefit of the rear hatch is the unparalleled flexibility it brings to the interior living space. While standard models have panoramic rear windows, the hatch introduces dynamic possibilities by altering the dinette setup. It allows for multiple configurations, enhancing the functionality of the space significantly.

Interior view of a 2021 Airstream International 27FB travel trailer with the rear hatch open and dinette table set up

The rear hatch enables the dinette area to be used in three distinct ways, each offering a unique experience for owners:

• Hatch Open, Dinette Up: Perfect for enjoying meals with an expansive view of the surroundings, whether it’s a beach, forest, or mountain vista. It turns your dining area into a panoramic restaurant.
• Hatch Open, Dinette Down: Easily convert the dinette into a comfortable lounging or sleeping space by lowering the tabletop and rearranging the cushions. This creates an ideal spot for a daytime nap while enjoying the fresh air and views through the open hatch.
  Interior view of an Airstream International 27FB travel trailer with the rear hatch open and the dinette converted into a bed
• Hatch Open, Table Removed: The dinette table and legs can be quickly removed, opening up a massive, unobstructed space at the rear of the trailer. This configuration is invaluable for moving large items in or out, or simply creating a large open-air area.

Whether you’re working from the road, finding inspiration from the outdoors, or just want to let fresh air flow through, the open hatch transforms the dinette area. To prevent insects and other wildlife from entering, a convenient screen door slides down and attaches with strong magnets. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of the open hatch without the drawbacks. For those planning trips and considering costs, thinking about cheap places to travel for college students highlights the diverse ways people utilize travel trailers for various budgets and experiences.

Effortless Loading and Unloading of Larger Equipment

Expanding on the “Hatch Up, Table Removed” position, the rear hatch makes loading and unloading substantial gear incredibly simple. Unlike the older PanAmerica toy hauler designed for vehicles like ATVs or motorcycles, the current models with the hatch are optimized for different kinds of large equipment. This feature is ideal for items such as bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, camp chairs, outdoor mats, large storage bags, or even portable fire pits.

Interior view of an Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailer featuring the desk option and the rear hatch open

Airstream Ambassador Austin Mann shared his experience: “The rear hatch makes it quick and easy to load gear in and out, especially larger items like my bike.” He added, “It lets in tons of natural light and is fantastic for ventilation.”

The rear bumper of the travel trailer also serves a practical purpose, providing a sturdy step with an anti-slip grip, making it safer and easier to move through the large rear opening. When considering the various gear one might bring, even items like the best french press travel mug contribute to the overall comfort and enjoyment of life on the road, accessible thanks to features like the rear hatch.

Exterior view of an Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB travel trailer with its rear hatch open

This innovative feature significantly enhances the usability of a travel trailer, moving beyond basic accommodation to offer a dynamic platform for adventure and relaxation. Whether it’s for hauling gear or simply bringing the outdoors in, a travel trailer with back door provides a level of versatility highly valued by modern travelers. While this feature is found on specific models, exploring the market can reveal various options, from high-end models to more compact designs like mini ultra lite travel trailers, each catering to different travel styles and needs.

In conclusion, the availability of the rear hatch on current International and Flying Cloud floor plans is a significant enhancement for travelers. It offers practical benefits for loading gear and creates a uniquely flexible and open living space that connects you more closely with your environment. This feature truly transforms the travel trailer experience, making it easier and more enjoyable to bring adventure and relaxation together.