Cortes Campers Revolutionize Small Travel Trailer Design
The Company Offers a Towable that Weighs 50% Less Than the Competition
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
They say you should never judge a book by its cover. That is certainly true for the travel trailers made by Cortes Campers. At first glance, these towables look like plenty of other models that you’ll see parked at the campgrounds. But the use of some incredibly unique materials and a revolutionary construction processes put Cortes in a class all its own—creating a camper designed to last a lifetime.
Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
Building on Classic Design
When designing its flagship 17′ Travel Trailer, the team at Cortes used a familiar shape as a frame of reference. The camper’s rounded body pays homage to classic Airstream models of the past, coopting a sleek, aerodynamic design that is both retro and modern at the same time. But comparisons to their cross-state rivals—both Cortes and Airstream are based in Ohio—end there. The two companies take very different approaches to building their RVs.
Like some other RV manufacturers, Cortes uses molded fiberglass to construct trailers. This eliminates corrosion and prevents rust from forming, ensuring the vehicle remains safe and functional for decades of use. It also allows designers to experiment with a variety of bright colors, although a classic silver model is also available.
Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
Lightweight and Durable Materials
But unlike its competitors, Cortes uses aluminized fiberglass, which increases durability by weaving a thin layer of aluminum foil into the material. The foil acts as an insulator and vapor shield, keeping the trailer’s interior warmer and dryer. More importantly, it also prevents the trailer’s fiberglass body from developing cracks, which has often been an issue for other fiberglass RVs in the past.
The designers at Cortes also use carbon fiber throughout the interior of the travel trailer. That material is well known for being extremely lightweight yet incredibly durable, but it is more likely to be found in a fancy sports car rather than an RV due to its high cost. However, advances in the manufacturing process have helped offset those costs by significantly reducing the amount of labor required. As a result, Cortes can sell its trailer at a competitive price despite the use of such high-end materials.
Because Cortes uses such lightweight materials in the construction of its RVs, the 17′ Travel Trailer remains surprisingly light. The company says the towable has a dry weight of about 1800 pounds, which is 50% less than most of the competition. This allows it to be pulled behind crossovers, small SUVs, or even an electric vehicle, making it a viable option for more people looking to adopt the RV lifestyle.
Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
Features and Amenities
Inside the trailer, Cortes has created a very comfortable living space. The RV comes with a kitchen equipped with Furrion appliances, including an oven, three-burner induction cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer combo. A spacious dining area also serves as a lounge, complete with 24-inch LED TV and soundbar. That same space converts into a double bed with room for two when it’s time to call it a night.
The trailer’s bathroom features a porcelain toilet, shower, and sink with an upscale residential-style faucet. A closet and several overhead cabinets provide ample onboard storage.
Other features include 32-gallon fresh and gray water tanks and a 15-gallon black water tank. The trailer supports two 20-pound propane tanks and comes with a 30-amp shore power plug. It is also solar-ready straight from the factory and has an onboard battery pack that supplies power while camping off-grid. Cortes has even equipped the trailer with a three-camera monitoring system for keeping tabs on the exterior without having to go outside.
Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
Four-Season Camping
When initially designing the 17′ Travel Trailer, the team at Cortes envisioned it as a four-season camper. The RV’s vacuum-infused fiberglass construction makes it suitable for use all year round. Still, the company also equipped the towable with an efficient HVAC system to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This gives the vehicle a higher degree of versatility and will appeal to the growing number of RVers planning cold-weather outings.
Image Courtesy of Cortes Campers
Where To Buy a Cortes Camper
Cortes began shipping its first travel trailers to dealers and customers in February 2022, and production is now ramping up to meet demand. With that milestone reached, the company says it now expects to ship 20 RVs per quarter by the end of the year. A new distribution deal will send some of those trailers north of the border to Canada.
“This first Cortes Camper shipment represents the culmination of a year’s Research and Development, planning, and a great deal of hard work,” Cortes CEO and President Anthony Corpora said in a press release. “We believe we are now in a position to accelerate Cortes Campers deliveries through the end of the year and well beyond.”
An Expanding Line-Up
Part of that acceleration will include expanding the company’s line-up with additional models that could eventually include 25- and 35-foot campers. But the first new addition is a tiny teardrop trailer that sleeps two and is made for use off-road. The towable is currently in pre-production as of this publication, and Cortes has yet to reveal its final specs, features, and availability. Considering its molded fiberglass body and lightweight frame, RVers should expect it to be well suited for boondocking.
With production challenges worked out and travel trailers are rolling off the production line, Cortes seems poised to make a splash in the RV industry. Its colorful campers should certainly stand out at the campground while delivering long-term durability and functionality.
Expect to hear more from the company in the future but for now, visit the Cortes Campers website to learn more about its travel trailers.
