Are you tired of paying exorbitant fees for hotel rooms? Are you ready to follow your own itinerary and go off on a road trip? If so, investing in a travel trailer / caravan, or motorhome (also known as an RV for Recreational Vehicle) could be a good choice for you. With more young people discovering the joys of caravanning, the unrivaled convenience of a second home-on-wheels has seen bookings surge in recent months.
You might be unsure, however, whether to choose a travel trailer (which is towed behind your car) or a motorhome (which is a self-contained vehicle) for your upcoming domestic travel adventures. In this article, we’ll outline the main differences between the two – alongside their pros and cons – to help you make an informed choice.
What are the differences between caravans / trailers and motorhomes? As stated above, the primary difference is that a trailer is towed by a vehicle – for instance, your own car – whereas a motorhome is a self-contained vehicle with its own engine and cab. A static caravan is a much larger, self-contained mobile home that’s usually stored in a holiday park, making it perfect for returning to your favorite vacation spot time after time.
What Are The Advantages of Towing?
How you feel about towing could be the obvious deciding factor. For instance, with a motorhome, you’ll be able to tow bikes, luggage, or even another vehicle behind you; but if you choose a trailer or caravan, you’ll be towing only that behind your car.
If you think you’ll be uncomfortable towing anything at all, choose a motorhome. Driving while towing a trailer behind a car takes skill, patience, and practice, so if you feel at all unsure or anxious about that, opting for a motorhome or static caravan makes more sense.
Are Trailers More Affordable?
In general, trailers are cheaper to buy outright than motorhomes. However, quality is almost always reflected in the price, so if you choose a top-of-the-line trailer or motorhome, it’s more likely to retain its value.
If you’d like to make an investment, a static caravan could be the best option. Spaces and new plots rarely become available on the most popular holiday resorts in the UK, but if you’re lucky enough to secure one, your mobile home is almost guaranteed to appreciate in value.
Why Choose a Trailer?
If you’re willing to tow one behind your car, choosing a trailer/ caravan could be the most economical option for your family. Nothing compares to the flexibility of simply driving to your holiday destination and having everything you need with you. You’re also likely to enjoy superior fuel economy by towing – and simpler recovery if mechanical issues develop.
Likewise, if there’s a special place you see yourself returning to every year, investing in your own static caravan could be the way to go. And if you choose an RV or Motorhome, you could even rent it out to others when you’re not using it – so it’s potentially lucrative, too.
