It can feel like a lot to navigate when trying to decide what RV to purchase. If you’re just starting to think about purchasing an RV for the first time, all the different terms, brands, layouts, and sizes might leave you scratching your head, wondering what the differences are. We want to make it as easy as possible for you, so today, we’re going to do a comparison of motorhomes and travel trailers. We’ll cover what the differences are and which is right for you.
Motorhomes Explained
Class A Motorhomes are your motorized RVs. It has everything you need all in one space. You drive the motorhome, and you don’t need a separate truck or vehicle to pull it along. It’s self-contained.
What that means is that while you’re upfront driving to your next destination, everyone else can be sitting in the motorhome. Because you’re driving what will ultimately be quite a large motorhome, you’ll need to get used to the way your motorhome moves. Knowing how much space your motorhome has when passing objects, turning corners, and reversing are all things you will need to learn, but you can definitely get used to it.
The other major thing to point out is that with a motorhome when you arrive at the RV park or resort, you simply park and hook your motorhome up to the amenities on site.
Travel Trailers Explained
Travel trailers are towable RVs. That means you’ll need to tow it behind your truck or SUV. That means you will have a secondary vehicle to think about along your trip. On travel days, as you move from one park to another, everyone will need to travel in the truck, since it’s illegal to be in a travel trailer while it’s moving.
Travel trailers are usually a little more compact than motorhomes, but there are still be some pretty big ones that can easily fit the whole family. Just like with a motorhome, you’ll also need to get used to towing a travel trailer. It might be wider than your vehicle, so you’ll need to get used to how driving feels with a travel trailer on the back.
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to park your travel trailer up, unhook it from the back of your vehicle, and hook it up at the campsite.
What Are The Major Differences?
You might already notice the really key difference: motorhomes are motorized, and travel trailers are towable. But the differences in this section are about more than that. They’re about how these two different RV types work in practice, for your average couple or family on the road.
Traveling
Travel days look very different. In a motorhome, even though everyone needs to be buckled up while moving, there are different options as to where you’re seating and what activities you can do. That means kids can sit at the dining table (if there are seat belts in the chairs) watching the TV as you sit upfront and drive. If you have children that are car seat aged, there are special car seats you can find that are ideal for traveling in a motorhome.
With travel trailers, that would be illegal. Instead, everybody has to sit in the vehicle (including pets) because it’s unsafe to sit in a towable travel trailer whilst it’s on the move. If you have young children you don’t need to worry about finding a different carseat that works in the RV.
Routes You Can Take
This might seem like an odd point to bring up, and it might even come as a surprise to many of you, but you can’t easily go off-roading with a motorhome. Now, you might be thinking ‘Why would you want to go off-roading in a motorhome?’, and that’d be a fair question to ask. But the truth is, there are many RV parks and resorts that are located in surprising places that are a little off the beaten track.
Many trucks have four-wheel drive and are able to tow large travel trailers on an off-road route to get to your destination. But any motorhomes taking the same route might seriously struggle, and in the worst-case scenario, may even get stuck.
So in practice, you’ll need to think about the sort of RV adventures you’ll want to have. If you’re planning on sticking to the freeways and stopping at coastal locations right on the beach, then motorhomes will work just fine. But if you’re a family or couple that likes to travel down roads off the beaten track for adventures, then you may prefer a travel trailer instead.
Maintenance And Running Costs
Initial investment aside for a moment, since many travel trailers and motorhomes, can come in at similar prices when you compare different brands and sizes, etc., let’s just concentrate on the maintenance and running costs of the two different RVs.
With a motorhome, you need to remember it is a motorized vehicle. This means it requires the same type of service and maintenance as your daily driver. In addition, you will have the maintenance that comes with an RV. With a travel trailer, you don’t have to worry about servicing an engine or other maintenance that comes with a vehicle. However, you will have to make sure you are properly maintaining your tow vehicle as well as doing regular RV maintenance.
Which RV Is Best For You?
There are clear pros and cons for both travel trailers and motorhomes, but where those points go on the list is up to each individual buying the RV. Some people prefer the conveniences provided by a motorhome. They may not own a truck or SUV and don’t want to buy one in order to go RVing.
Other people like to set up camp, unhook their tow vehicle and have easy ways to drive around for day trips. They prefer the conveniences of a travel trailer.
The point is that deciding between motorhomes and travel trailers is a personal experience. You have to ask yourself some questions about what feels right for you.
Do you feel comfortable behind the wheel of large vehicles, want the convenience of being able to access your RV while on the road, and would prefer being able to just pull up at the RV park and relax right away? Then choose a motorhome.
Do you prefer driving your truck and want to be able to experience the road less traveled? Then a travel trailer is perfect for you!
Take-Home Message
We’ll finish with one last piece of advice. If you’re still undecided between Class A motorhomes and travel trailers, we’re happy to help you decide what option is the best fit for you that will help you achieve your travel goals. Our joy is being able to help you find the perfect RV for you. If you tell us what your needs are, we’ll be able to help you decide. After all, sometimes all you need is a little extra guidance to help you make your mind up and find the perfect RV!
