2025 Forest River Sandpiper 40D Destination Trailer

For many of us, the love of camping started early in life, often in a tent. Later, as desire, money and time allowed, we would move into pop-ups, travel trailers, and motorized RVs, each type tailored to our situations as life changed and our wanderlust grew. It follows that we carry the camping bug for life – yet, as life changes, so do our needs and wants despite always having the same goal – enjoying the camping experience.

Destination trailers are a small slice of the RV market, yet one of these may one day be part of your life. As the name implies, it’s about the destination. That was not always the case for most of us – but for a mixture of reasons – many of us do find that we arrive at the place where the actual hauling of a trailer is no longer desirable. That’s okay; life is a journey, and sometimes, hanging out at the rest stop is just fine.

The destination trailer that caught my eye while researching online is the Forest River Sandpiper 40D. They refer to it as a duplex trailer because it offers two master bedrooms with Queen beds at either end of the trailer. Two separate loft sleeping areas also provide extra space for a large family. I’m at the stage in life where I have two adult sons who have their own families with five children between the two of them. Naturally, the 2025 Forest River Sandpiper trailer leapt out at me.

Tracie and I spend a lot of time with them, which would make a unit like this very appealing to us! It’s great for the kids and would give my son’s family their own space while allowing me to have a separate private space. So, one day, if I find a great campground on the water, I’d be happy with season after season. Well, that’s for Tracie and me to decide. However, this scenario will also appeal to my kids as a weekend getaway so that I could spend even more time with my little Elmer army. Is there anything better?

If you’re thinking of a destination trailer, you’ll want to find a suitable park first. Unlike a short-term stay, you want to ensure you’ll be happy for the long term. That includes the terms and rental rates. In addition, moving a trailer like this often requires a hauling service. On the other hand, once in place, you don’t need your tow vehicle anymore. Just drive in, as you would a cottage with your daily vehicle.

Destination trailers often have removable hitches and even direct connections to inground sewer systems (no tanks). A deck built on-site is a standard add-on fixture with a sliding patio door. You are setting up a semi-permanent vacation home.

Have a look at the Sandpiper 40D.

The running gear includes the following:

• • • Lippert auto adjust brakes
    • MORryde detachable step above where available
    • Underbelly armor
    • Electric awning with LED light strip
    • Coated colour matched exterior fiberglass
    • 30 lb. double LP tanks with auto change over
    • 60″ dual pane patio door, 80% tinted
    • Enclosed and heated dump valves
    • Large, tinted windows with 80/20 UV prohibitor
    • 16″ Radial tires
    • Automotive-style fender skirts
    • Hitch light
    • Porch light with interior switch
    • Rain gutters with extra-long drip spouts (prevents black streaking)
    • Exterior folding grab handle

Inside the trailer, as I mentioned, either end is almost a self-contained apartment. Each end has its own entrance and washroom – with the shared space in the living and cooking areas in the centre. Slide-outs in the unit open the common space nicely. Other features inside include:

• • • Chef Collection 3 Burner, 24″ range w/ drawer
    • 19 cu. ft. Stainless steel refrigerator 12V (where available)
    • Stainless steel kitchen package
    • Solid surface kitchen counter tops
    • 50″ Flatscreen Smart TV
    • JBL Aura Cube FM/Bluetooth media center
    • Teddy Bear® bunk mats
    • Washer/dryer prep
    • 6′ 4″ slide-out height
    • Memory foam mattress
    • Residential stain-resistant carpet
    • Hidden hinged, soft close drawers and cabinets
    • Stainless steel under-mounted kitchen sink
    • Handmade cabinetry with screwed lumber core stile construction
    • Recessed residential LED lighting throughout
    • Fiberglass one-piece shower with folding teak seat
    • Accent lighting over dinette
    • Walk-in shower (select models)
    • Extra-large picture windows throughout
    • Vented side windows in slide-outs
    • TV antenna with booster
    • Solid wood, square inset cabinet doors, painted or wood grain
    • Upgraded raised panel cabinet doors with designer rails
    • Bedroom slide-out fascia
    • Trash receptacle in the kitchen
    • Ceiling paddle fan(s) in living room and bedroom where available
    • Tri-fold hide-a-bed sofa (where available)

A destination trailer is an investment you expect to use for many years. Meaning that build quality is critical. Have a look at what’s underneath:

• • • Welded aluminum-framed, vacuum-bonded laminated superstructure
    • 2″ x 3″ floor joists 12″ on center
    • 5/8″ tongue & groove plywood floor decking
    • 3/8″ roof decking (full walk-on roof)
    • Cambered powder-coated frame with rust prohibitor
    • Underbelly armor
    • 5″ truss roof rafters
    • R-10, 2″ sidewall construction

Some popular available options on the 40D are:

• • • Maxx Air fan w/rain sensor
    • Washer and dryer
    • Central vacuum
    • Stab jacks (4)
    • Slide room awnings (all slides)
    • Non-self-contained (no holding tanks w/house type toilet)
    • Dual pane windows
    • 3rd A/C power saver direct dump system w/ wall thermostat
    • Two chairs in place of an ottoman bench

Destination trailers generally don’t claim to be four-season compatible; however, with some of the Destination packages added (and how they’re already built) in certain climates, it seems possible.

• • • 19 cu. ft. Stainless steel refrigerator 12V (where available)
    • Chef Collection 3 burner, 24″ range w/ drawer
    • Dual ducted 15k BTU air conditioners, prepped for 3rd 15k BTU AC
    • 60,000BTU on demand tankless water heater
    • High efficiency radiant foil (roof and floor)
    • Ceiling paddle fan (living and bedroom where available)
    • Heated and enclosed holding tanks (12V pads)

Specifications for the Forest River Sandpiper 40D

• • • Hitch Weight 1,515 lb.
    • GVWR 15,515 lb.
    • UVW 12,689 lb.
    • CCC 2,826 lb.
    • Exterior Length 42′ 10″
    • Exterior Height 13′ 4″
    • Exterior Width 96″
    • Fresh Water 50 gal.
    • Grey Water 156 gal.
    • Black Water 104 gal.
    • Awning Size 14′