Enjoy this article? Do us a favor and hit share!

Trailer or Motorhome: 5 things to consider before you buy

So, you’re ready to take life out on the road?  Whether you’re planning to full-time or you’re just a weekend warrior, there’s pretty much nothing better than being able to move your “house” from the mountains, to a lake, to the wide open plains, or wherever your Google Maps takes you!  So how do you decide what you want to live in?  This is probably the biggest step when choosing the mobile lifestyle and there’s really no wrong answer, it’s just a matter of figuring out what’s right for you.

The 5 Things to Consider

Let’s take a look at some things that are wise to consider before you choose your next home away from home.  The first thing you’ve probably already thought is cost. I don’t blame you, it’s a big investment. But aside from cost, a few other things to think about are your towing options, what conveniences you want on the road, what kind of space you’ll need, and the amount/type of travel you’ll be doing. So, let’s get started!

• Cost
• Towing
• Space
• Travel Frequency
• Convenience

How Much More Does a Motorhome Cost than a Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel?

Of course, with any big purchase, you generally have a number in mind.  Trailers and motorhomes can be vastly different in price and it really comes down to what your budget is.   The other considerations will ultimately have to bow to what you can afford, right?  So here’s a general breakdown of trailers vs. motorhomes.

Trailer Cost

Whether you’re looking at a fifth-wheel an airstream or something smaller like a hybrid or pop-up camper the cost can be as low as $15,000 and as high as $150,000.  A big factor in the price is the length of the trailer.   And then, there’s also the amenities that come with it.  There are many customizable options when choosing the layout, materials and appliances that will go with you on the road.  This cost also does not take into account the vehicle you would need to pull your trailer.  We will talk about this more in the next section.  A positive to trailer cost is the fuel economy and your maintenance is mainly for your towing vehicle, not the trailer itself.

Motorhome Cost

If you thought the price range on trailers was crazy, how about motorhomes can start at $150,000 and go all the way up to $3,000,000.   Not lying.  While the price is also based on length, it is most definitely based on manufacturer and amenities.  You can live in full-blown luxury on the road if that’s your thing.  But the main point here is that you won’t find many new motorhomes below that $150,000, which can be a deal breaker for some.  And of course, gas mileage on these things is drastically lower and the maintenance costs are higher.  Basically, motorhomes are just all around more expensive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not for you.

Now that we have cost out of the way let’s chat about the other things I mentioned earlier.  Maybe this will help you narrow your choices down even further.

To Tow or be Towed

Another big decision is what and how you want to tow.  This will drastically affect whether a motorhome or trailer is right for you.

Towing a Trailer

Trailers need to be hitched to a vehicle with enough power and weight capacity to be able to easily get around the country.  This can affect your initial cost if you do not already own the truck or SUV that is suited for your size trailer.   The other consideration is the learning curve involved in pulling a large trailer.  Many experienced trailer owners talk about getting used to the draft on the highway and maneuvering in and out of tight spaces. To learn more about how to back a trailer click here and check out this article.  If you feel comfortable with all that, then the trailer might be right for you!

Towing with a Motorhome

With a motorhome you are basically driving around a bus.  Because of this, many people find it necessary to also tow a separate vehicle behind their motorhome so they can easily run out for groceries or do some exploring once they’ve made camp.  This is worth considering because it does add even more length to your driving experience.

Either way, most people wind up towing something.  Whether it’s their actual travel trailer or a separate vehicle for getting around.  Both require some getting used to and a bit of practice before you feel fully comfortable.

Space for You and Your Stuff

Of course, when you’re thinking about living on the road you want to make sure you have enough space to keep you sane.  You will be in the great outdoors, so there’s lots of space there.  But, on those cold or rainy days you will probably want to be able to stretch your arms and legs.  No matter which option you choose, if you are looking for a lot of beds, toy haulers should be high on your list the garage portion usually has at least 2 additional beds.

Space in Trailers

You have many options for your spatial needs when it comes to trailers.  You can go as small as a pop-up camper or as long as a 40’ fifth-wheel.  Obviously, the more people traveling with you, the more space you will want.  You should definitely do a bed count and make sure your trailer can accommodate everyone.   Also consider your storage needs.  Not all trailers are equipped with ample storage space, so take inventory of what you plan on bringing with you and make sure there’s a place to put it before you buy.

Space in Motorhomes

Space is not usually a concern when it comes to motorhomes.  They’re typically the biggest option and include lots of storage underneath and even inside.  You’ll still want to take into consideration the number of beds you need and how much stuff you want to bring.  This will change the space you have and potentially could give you a more open layout if you don’t need to accommodate a bunch of people.  Unlike travel trailers most motorhomes only have 1 bedroom.  Bunkhouse models exist, but the bunks are usually tucked into the side of a hallway.  Some have a bunk over the front seats that lowers down, but again you don’t get any privacy.

Travel Frequency

Believe it or not, this can help you decide which option is best for you.  If you’re like me, you’re not yet in a season of life where you can just sell all your possessions and permanently live in the great unknown.  So maybe you’re looking for something that you can just take out for the long weekend. Or is retirement coming up soon and you’re ready to take the next year to the road?  Let’s look at the differences based on how far and how long you’re traveling.  Traveling is easier with a shorter rig, but you will have to sacrifice some space for that convenience.

Traveling with a Trailer

Especially if you’re looking at shorter distances or less time living in your RV, then a trailer might be a better choice.  When you’re ready to get away you can just hook up the trailer and head out.  This makes things easier when it comes to packing and just having most of what you need ready to go. Trailers also do better on shorter distances.  Some owners have said that longer distances with a trailer can be tiring because of the amount of attention you have to give to the driving itself.

Traveling in a Motorhome

In contrast, the motorhome is the ideal long haul companion.  It is a steady ride that all but drives itself.  And you can’t beat the ability to access the bathroom, fridge and microwave while traveling down the road.  The downside of traveling with a large motorhome is that they are hard to maneuver on tight city streets or crowded campgrounds.

So, make sure you know how you want to use your RV.  Do you just want to get away occasionally or make it your next home?  This might make a big difference in your needs.

Convenience

I put this category last because after you’ve considered everything else, this one is probably the least important.  It’s still worth mentioning because, let’s be honest, we like convenience!

Trailer

As we talked about with travel frequency, trailers do give you that short weekend getaway option. However, the towing aspect can be more difficult and some consider it less convenient when you get to your destination.  There is usually quite a bit to do before you are settled and securely detached from your vehicle.

Motorhome

Probably the most convenient thing about the motorhome is the traveling options.  The driver’s cab is spacious and comfortable, not to mention the luxury of having everything at your disposal right in your vehicle.  There are also fewer things to do when you pull into a campground.  Many adjustments are now at the touch of button when you’re ready to settle down.

Wrap Up

Hopefully I’ve been able to help you address some specifics so you can make an informed decision on the best RV option for you.  Even though cost may seem to be the dominant factor, make sure you are also considering how long you’ll be traveling, how comfortable you are with towing, how much space you think you’ll need (including storage) and how convenient you want your setup to be.  And keep in mind nothing is permanent.  I’ve met a number of people who start with a small trailer and over time wind up with a motorhome.  Remember, this is all about what’s right for you.  So have fun and enjoy the road!