Should You Buy A Motorhome or a Travel Trailer?
If you’ve ever wanted to escape into the great outdoors, purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV) or motorhome has probably crossed your mind at some point or another.
Unlike pitching a tent in the middle of the woods, an RV provides you with significant protection and comfort, and is essentially your home away from home--on wheels.
If this is your first time considering an RV, it can seem challenging to decide which recreational vehicle is right for you. Although many people refer to RVs, motorhomes, and trailers all under one umbrella, they’re actually all quite different and unique in their own ways.
At South Thompson RV, we proudly sell new and pre-owned RVs, fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, truck campers, and cargo trailers. To make things easier, we’ve outlined the key differences between a trailer and a motorhome (mostly known as an RV). Much like the debate over a truck or a car, the debate over which recreational vehicle is best truly comes down to your personal interests, budget and camping style.
Here are the pros and cons of each:
Do More With a Motorhome
By definition, a motorhome, or RV, is a trailer-like vehicle on wheels that has been optimized to act as living quarters.
Many RVs come equipped with state-of-the-art kitchenettes and dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms that make life on the road comfortable. Motorhomes are divided into three classes which demonstrate the versatility of the models in their class. Generally, Class A motorhomes are built on the sturdiest frames, allowing them to pull extra weight and store additional cargo and features. Class B motorhomes look like your typical camper van and come standard with a bathroom, bedroom and mini kitchenette. Class C motorhomes are a bit of a compromise between Class A and Class B. They are built with a cabin chassis which allows more passengers than a Class B would. If you’re looking for luxury when you go camping, a Class A motorhome is where you should start.
Motorhomes do sell for much more than a trailer. If you don’t use your RV that much year round, or don’t need all of the luxury, you might do just fine with a high-quality trailer instead. However, if weekend getaways, summer road trips, or extended periods of time spent on the road are on the horizon, the comforts and spacious interiors of a Class A, B, or C motorhome can be quite handy.
Travel Trailers For Shorter Trips
Unlike a motorhome, which you actually hop inside and drive to your destination, a travel trailer, or camper as they’re sometimes called, are portable units that are towed by your vehicle. They provide a secure place to sleep that is more comfortable than a tent, but do not come equipped with kitchenettes and sometimes lack a bathroom. Travel trailers are great for couples or single travellers, but by no means can you throw a weekend barbeque in one of these.
Pop-up travel trailers can accommodate up to six people in most cases and are still a great means of travel, especially if you don’t require all of the amenities that come with a large motorhome. Plus, they’re much cheaper, making them an ideal purchase for younger crowds or those who like to camp or travel in groups. When you’re on the road, rather than spend money on a motel, your travel trailer will do just fine allowing you to pull over and sleep virtually anywhere. The one thing you must remember when considering a travel trailer is whether or not the vehicle you drive can actually tow it. Since travel trailers must be hitched to your vehicle, you must be sure you have, or can buy, the proper towing accessories required.
Are you looking to purchase a recreational vehicle for future camping trips? At South Thompson Motors and RV, we specialize in everything from luxury motorhomes to pop-up campers and travel trailers. Shop our brand new inventory, and take a look at our Pre-Owned RVs to find some of the best-priced motorhomes in Kamloops, BC!
See something you like? Call us today at 1-(888) 871-4058 or contact us online for further information.
