Big Rig vs Small
05-29-2018
Author: in Education
Perhaps you've drooled over the prestigious motorhomes featured on television programs like "Big Time RV." Maybe, instead, you've envied the versatility and mobility of the smaller units shown on "Going RV." When choosing a home-on-wheels, the needs and preferences are as unique as the individuals who buy them.
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a new motorhome or travel trailer. Aside from cost and reputation, the layout, usability of the space, maneuverability, and size are just a few of the primary aspects that influence a prospective buyer's decision. When choosing between purchasing a big rig or a smaller option, consider the following:
Assess Your Needs Regarding Number of Occupants
Motorhomes are renowned for having an abundance of storage and sleeping space cleverly packed and/or hidden within the limited interior area. To make the most of the square footage, sleeping spaces are often provided by way of bunk beds, pullout sofas, or futons.
However, when considering an RV for use over long periods, prospective buyers should realize that manufacturers are known to exaggerate a bit. The number of occupants that the manufacturer claims the RV can accommodate usually exceeds the number that it comfortably sleeps long-term. Generally, it's about half; therefore, if the camper is advertised as having the capacity to fit eight, the buyer should assume that it will easily house four residents.
If the size of your party fluctuates, and depending on your plans, you could temporarily increase sleeping space by packing one or more tents for campers, or an inflatable mattress for use on the floor.
Assess Your Needs: Fulltime Residence or RV Retreat
Your RV needs are determined by several aspects other than occupancy. Is the camper, coach, or fifth-wheel for camping or vacationing, or is it intended to be—or eventually be—your full-time home? Do you plan to travel regularly or park it at one or two RV parks or campgrounds each year? Are you and your companions outdoorsy or do you prefer to spend much of your time inside? Conducting a thorough assessment of your lifestyle and expectations is essential to making a choice that's right for you.
For example, some RVers use their trailer merely as a mode of transportation and a “home base” for sleep. They spend the majority of their time outside, whether exploring the surrounding attractions, hiking or biking, or cooking at the campfire. For those who don't mind using the park's laundry and showers, a smaller RV is often suitable.
Those who spend plenty of time inside, whether working from home, cooking indoors or entertaining guests may desire a larger space. Having a residential refrigerator, full-sized stove, and more than a cubicle to shower in would make the additional expense of a larger model worth it.
When contemplating the attributes of a large fifth wheel or a diesel-pushing Class A, you are considering features and amenities of a multifunctional home away from home or an apartment on wheels. In fact, the act of camping in a large bus is often referred to as "glamping."
With a coach or large fifth-wheel, you often have one to four slide-outs to expand your living space when parked. There is usually abundant storage space onboard, as well as in the basement or "garage". They sometimes feature a higher ceiling, similar to what you would have in a stick or brick home, as well as residential-sized kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Many come with either a two-in-one washer/dryer or stackable units, making a trip to the campground laundry facilities unnecessary. They have large holding tanks so refill and dump is required less often. Optional amenities may even include a dishwasher, exterior television, or interior fireplace
Basically, the benefits of a big rig can be summed up in one word: "more"—more everything—more room, more seating, more storage space, more comfort, etc.
Additionally, a larger RV comes with more headaches. Initially, it costs more; it uses more fuel, and produces more pollution; it requires more planning and caution when driving and choosing campgrounds. Plus, with a greater number of technical features, there is an increased likelihood of malfunction. Repairs cost more, and the insurance costs more, as well.
Benefits of a Smaller RV
Although smaller trailers, campers, and vans have less room, and generally offer fewer of the deluxe perks of a bigger RV, they definitely have qualities that have made them attractive to a growing number of travelers.
First, they're more economically and ecologically efficient. They cost less initially, and are less expensive to insure, fuel, and maintain. Since they use less fuel, they leave a smaller environmental "footprint," as well.
Second, it is much easier to drive and park a smaller option like a Class C, a camper van, or a small travel trailer. They are easier to handle on busy city streets, on narrow winding roads, and on windy days. Plus, you don't have to go to a truck stop or travel center like Flying J to fuel up since a smaller RV fits at most regular gas stations.
Third, there are nearly no restrictions as to where you can park or camp with smaller accommodations. Many state and national parks restrict RVs to sizes 35-feet and smaller since they were created before bigger motorhomes existed. Plus, the abundance of trees in national forests makes navigating through them impossible for larger-profile vehicles. That reason alone may be enough to tip the scale in favor of a smaller setup.
In Conclusion
Regardless of personal needs and preferences, an undisputed fact is that the larger the RV, the more expensive ownership and use will be. Therefore, it may be a good idea to choose the smallest unit that will comfortably accommodate all of the members of your party and your lifestyle, especially for your first one. An increasing number of first-time owners are downsizing after their initial purchase. With a thorough assessment of your needs and expectations, however, you can easily choose the right size RV for your lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a new motorhome or travel trailer. Aside from cost and reputation, the layout, usability of the space, maneuverability, and size are just a few of the primary aspects that influence a prospective buyer's decision. When choosing between purchasing a big rig or a smaller option, consider the following:
Assess Your Needs Regarding Number of Occupants
Motorhomes are renowned for having an abundance of storage and sleeping space cleverly packed and/or hidden within the limited interior area. To make the most of the square footage, sleeping spaces are often provided by way of bunk beds, pullout sofas, or futons.
However, when considering an RV for use over long periods, prospective buyers should realize that manufacturers are known to exaggerate a bit. The number of occupants that the manufacturer claims the RV can accommodate usually exceeds the number that it comfortably sleeps long-term. Generally, it's about half; therefore, if the camper is advertised as having the capacity to fit eight, the buyer should assume that it will easily house four residents.
If the size of your party fluctuates, and depending on your plans, you could temporarily increase sleeping space by packing one or more tents for campers, or an inflatable mattress for use on the floor.
Assess Your Needs: Fulltime Residence or RV Retreat
Your RV needs are determined by several aspects other than occupancy. Is the camper, coach, or fifth-wheel for camping or vacationing, or is it intended to be—or eventually be—your full-time home? Do you plan to travel regularly or park it at one or two RV parks or campgrounds each year? Are you and your companions outdoorsy or do you prefer to spend much of your time inside? Conducting a thorough assessment of your lifestyle and expectations is essential to making a choice that's right for you.
For example, some RVers use their trailer merely as a mode of transportation and a “home base” for sleep. They spend the majority of their time outside, whether exploring the surrounding attractions, hiking or biking, or cooking at the campfire. For those who don't mind using the park's laundry and showers, a smaller RV is often suitable.
Those who spend plenty of time inside, whether working from home, cooking indoors or entertaining guests may desire a larger space. Having a residential refrigerator, full-sized stove, and more than a cubicle to shower in would make the additional expense of a larger model worth it.
Related Read: Working From the Road
Benefits of a Big RigWhen contemplating the attributes of a large fifth wheel or a diesel-pushing Class A, you are considering features and amenities of a multifunctional home away from home or an apartment on wheels. In fact, the act of camping in a large bus is often referred to as "glamping."
With a coach or large fifth-wheel, you often have one to four slide-outs to expand your living space when parked. There is usually abundant storage space onboard, as well as in the basement or "garage". They sometimes feature a higher ceiling, similar to what you would have in a stick or brick home, as well as residential-sized kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Many come with either a two-in-one washer/dryer or stackable units, making a trip to the campground laundry facilities unnecessary. They have large holding tanks so refill and dump is required less often. Optional amenities may even include a dishwasher, exterior television, or interior fireplace
Basically, the benefits of a big rig can be summed up in one word: "more"—more everything—more room, more seating, more storage space, more comfort, etc.
Additionally, a larger RV comes with more headaches. Initially, it costs more; it uses more fuel, and produces more pollution; it requires more planning and caution when driving and choosing campgrounds. Plus, with a greater number of technical features, there is an increased likelihood of malfunction. Repairs cost more, and the insurance costs more, as well.
Benefits of a Smaller RV
Although smaller trailers, campers, and vans have less room, and generally offer fewer of the deluxe perks of a bigger RV, they definitely have qualities that have made them attractive to a growing number of travelers.
First, they're more economically and ecologically efficient. They cost less initially, and are less expensive to insure, fuel, and maintain. Since they use less fuel, they leave a smaller environmental "footprint," as well.
Second, it is much easier to drive and park a smaller option like a Class C, a camper van, or a small travel trailer. They are easier to handle on busy city streets, on narrow winding roads, and on windy days. Plus, you don't have to go to a truck stop or travel center like Flying J to fuel up since a smaller RV fits at most regular gas stations.
Third, there are nearly no restrictions as to where you can park or camp with smaller accommodations. Many state and national parks restrict RVs to sizes 35-feet and smaller since they were created before bigger motorhomes existed. Plus, the abundance of trees in national forests makes navigating through them impossible for larger-profile vehicles. That reason alone may be enough to tip the scale in favor of a smaller setup.
Related Read: Understand the Differences between Class A, B and C Motorhomes
In Conclusion
Regardless of personal needs and preferences, an undisputed fact is that the larger the RV, the more expensive ownership and use will be. Therefore, it may be a good idea to choose the smallest unit that will comfortably accommodate all of the members of your party and your lifestyle, especially for your first one. An increasing number of first-time owners are downsizing after their initial purchase. With a thorough assessment of your needs and expectations, however, you can easily choose the right size RV for your lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
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Author: Carrie Todd
