Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer? Which is Right for You?

When people look at becoming RVers there is one question that they contemplate more than any other—motorhome or travel trailer? This is a good question and one that we recommend people think through before running out and making a decision. The most simple answer to this question is "It depends", which is not what most people want to hear. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. The trick is finding the option that is the best fit for you. Here are a few things to help you think through your decision.  

What's the difference

    Before we help you decide if you should purchase a motorhome or a travel trailer it is important that you understand the difference. Both travel trailers and motorhomes are considered RVs, but they are not the same. There are three different classes of motorhomes, Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is the largest, Class B is the most simple, and Class C is a combination of the two. Motorhomes have a cockpit that you drive from within the motorhome itself. When you travel with a motorhome you will need to either tow a vehicle with you to drive once you set up camp or plan on taking your motorhome everywhere you go. On the other hand, a travel trailer is an RV that attaches to a pull vehicle with a hitch. This is a nice option because once you have camp established you are free to drive your tow vehicle anywhere you need to go without having to get your RV ready to move as well.    

How much do you want to spend?

  There is a large range in the cost of buying an RV. A lot depends on if you are buying a new or used RV for sale, but the type of RV you are buying makes a difference as well. In general, a motorhome is going to cost you more than what a travel trailer will. Now, there are always exceptions to the rule, but overall a travel trailer will be less expensive.  

How often do you plan on using it?

  If you plan on becoming a full-time RVer than spending more to have the extra space that you need in a motorhome makes sense. However, if you only plan on going on a few trips a year it might not be worth purchasing a large motorhome that you have to store for the majority of the year. When considering how often you are going to go also think about how you plan on using it. If you are only going for short weekend trips you may not need as much room as if you plan on packing up and heading out for weeks at a time.  

Who Is traveling with you?

  If you have a large family and you all will be traveling together than you are going to want the room to accommodate everyone. Most Class C motorhomes will comfortably fit 4 to 6 people, depending on which model you purchase. Then there are travel trailers that will comfortably sleep up to 8 and sometimes more. It is important to think about who will travel with you now and in the future. If there are only two of you now, but you think there might be little ones in the near future make sure you have room for them as well.  

Do you have a vehicle that can pull a travel trailer?

  If you don't have a vehicle that can pull a travel trailer it might be a better option to find a motorhome that fits your needs. If not, you will be purchasing a vehicle along with your travel trailer. However, if you already have a vehicle that can tow it, then a travel trailer could be a great fit.  

What are you more comfortable driving?

  Before you commit to a motorhome or travel trailer think about what you would be more comfortable driving? Do you have any experience driving either one? The longer and taller an RV is the more challenging it will be to drive. However, this is also a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to drive a motorhome because they only have to worry about steering one thing instead of accommodating for the pivot between the vehicle and trailer when backing into a campsite. Others appreciate the extra pivot they have, especially when driving through the mountains or other roads with sharp bends.  

The real test

  You can read information all day long about motorhomes and travel trailers, but you aren't really going to know which one is right for you until you come have a look for yourself. Sky River RV has plenty of options for you to come and look at. Our expert staff will answer any of the questions that you have about which RV to choose. Just stop in and see.