Motorhome vs Trailer: A Comprehensive Comparison
06-01-2018
Author: in Education
Chevy or Ford, SUV or Smart Car, Motorhome or travel trailer—owners and aficionados have their favorites, and they're generally quite loyal to them. What about first-time buyers and those who are "just looking"? How do they decide what type of RV to choose?
When choosing an RV, one of the first decisions is whether to buy a motorhome or a fifth-wheel or trailer. There is a wide range of each from smaller-style campervans and teardrop trailers to diesel-pushers and "toy-haulers." Although there is no absolutely right or wrong answer, by comparing some of the primary characteristics and assessing your lifestyle and needs, you can come closer to making the right choice for you.
Comparing Costs
When comparing the same year, size, and level of luxury, a motorhome is almost certainly going to be more expensive than a fifth-wheel or trailer. Even with the added expense of a vehicle capable of towing the trailer, the initial cost is likely to be significantly less.
Plus, with fewer mechanical parts (engine, transmission, filters, pumps, etc.), a trailer is going to require fewer repairs and less money for maintenance. It's also going to depreciate slower over the same amount of time. In fact, with a bit of ingenuity and effort, a savvy DIYer may be able to actually increase the value of the investment.
Secondary Vehicle
With a travel trailer or fifth-wheel, you will need to have a vehicle with adequate horse-power to tow your home. Unless your trailer is a teardrop or other lightweight unit, this is likely going to be a ¾-ton truck or stronger. These generally cost more than other vehicles initially, as well as for insurance, repairs, and for fueling up. However, with this set-up, once it is parked and unhooked, the truck is free to drive you around on your adventures away from the campground.
If you are planning to choose a motorhome, your secondary vehicle options are much more varied. Many RVers tow a car to make excursions from the campsite easy and affordable. A lightweight economy car puts little strain on the motorhome's engine and gets better mileage than a truck does. If you opt for a campervan, however, you may not even need a separate vehicle, as it would fulfill both purposes.
Drivability
The larger the vehicle, the more difficult it is to drive and maneuver tight corners on busy roads. That said, which is inherently easier is basically a matter of personal preference. A truck and trailer is often easier to drive around a corner than a motorhome is. Motorhomes require extremely wide turns, which may be difficult when there is a lot of oncoming traffic. For some, however, driving a Class C or a campervan is no more difficult than maneuvering an SUV or a U-Haul.
Both are hard to handle when driving in high winds, particularly cross winds. High profile motorhomes can easily get pushed off the road. Trailers, however, can begin fishtailing when the driver attempts to compensate, which may result in the entire set-up flipping. It's best to park and wait for calmer conditions.
Maintenance and Repairs
One of the aspects that trailer and fifth-wheel owners tout most is that both maintenance and repairs are much easier, as well as less expensive than with motorhomes. Whatever part or function needs a mechanic or RV repair service, the entire motorhome is going to be incapacitated for a while. If the motorhome is in the shop for several days or even weeks, full-timers and vacationers will likely have to stay in a motel or with friends. When a truck goes in for maintenance, though, the owner can still stay in their trailer. On the other hand, if the "toy-hauler" needs work, they are still able to use their vehicle.
Additionally, more trailers are manufactured than motorhomes, which means that parts are usually easier to find and cheaper to buy—supply and demand. Many trailer repairs and renovation projects are relatively easy for a handy DIYer.
Assess Your Personal Needs
There are several other aspects that are likely to tip the scale one way or the other when a prospective buyer is comparing motorhomes and trailers. The interior of a fifth-wheel or trailer more closely resembles an apartment. This is an attractive feature for those who prefer not to have the cockpit in their living space. Plus, some fifth-wheels—referred to as "toy-haulers"—have an additional storage space in the back that qualifies as a garage. It's large enough to accommodate motorcycles, ATVs, and other outdoor equipment like snowboards and camping gear.
During long trips, however, activities like using the restroom, taking a nap, grabbing a snack, or even working online are possible with a motorhome. Pets can comfortably remain in their home-on-wheels during the trip, rather than being moved to the truck or boarded. For those who overnight at a travel center like Pilot or Flying J, at rest stops, or in a parking lot for stores like Wal-Mart or Cabela's, being able to grab a bite and go to bed without even leaving their RV is beneficial; motorhomes provide that where trailers do not.
In Conclusion
There are so many fantastic RVs on the market—new and previously-owned—that searching for the right one to fit your lifestyle can be an exciting experience. In fact, many RVers go through several different-sized units throughout their lives. Some start small and take mini-trips before opting for a larger coach or fifth-wheel for longer travels and even for a full-time residence. Others decide to go big and then realize that a smaller option better fits their needs.
Take your time. Visit RV showrooms, check out websites, read brochures, and ask plenty of questions. Consider renting a few different types of RVs for camping trips to determine how much space your family needs, as well as how large a machine you can comfortably handle. There is no better way to become accustomed with your options. Happy hunting and good luck!
When choosing an RV, one of the first decisions is whether to buy a motorhome or a fifth-wheel or trailer. There is a wide range of each from smaller-style campervans and teardrop trailers to diesel-pushers and "toy-haulers." Although there is no absolutely right or wrong answer, by comparing some of the primary characteristics and assessing your lifestyle and needs, you can come closer to making the right choice for you.
Comparing Costs
When comparing the same year, size, and level of luxury, a motorhome is almost certainly going to be more expensive than a fifth-wheel or trailer. Even with the added expense of a vehicle capable of towing the trailer, the initial cost is likely to be significantly less.
Plus, with fewer mechanical parts (engine, transmission, filters, pumps, etc.), a trailer is going to require fewer repairs and less money for maintenance. It's also going to depreciate slower over the same amount of time. In fact, with a bit of ingenuity and effort, a savvy DIYer may be able to actually increase the value of the investment.
Secondary Vehicle
With a travel trailer or fifth-wheel, you will need to have a vehicle with adequate horse-power to tow your home. Unless your trailer is a teardrop or other lightweight unit, this is likely going to be a ¾-ton truck or stronger. These generally cost more than other vehicles initially, as well as for insurance, repairs, and for fueling up. However, with this set-up, once it is parked and unhooked, the truck is free to drive you around on your adventures away from the campground.
If you are planning to choose a motorhome, your secondary vehicle options are much more varied. Many RVers tow a car to make excursions from the campsite easy and affordable. A lightweight economy car puts little strain on the motorhome's engine and gets better mileage than a truck does. If you opt for a campervan, however, you may not even need a separate vehicle, as it would fulfill both purposes.
Drivability
The larger the vehicle, the more difficult it is to drive and maneuver tight corners on busy roads. That said, which is inherently easier is basically a matter of personal preference. A truck and trailer is often easier to drive around a corner than a motorhome is. Motorhomes require extremely wide turns, which may be difficult when there is a lot of oncoming traffic. For some, however, driving a Class C or a campervan is no more difficult than maneuvering an SUV or a U-Haul.
Both are hard to handle when driving in high winds, particularly cross winds. High profile motorhomes can easily get pushed off the road. Trailers, however, can begin fishtailing when the driver attempts to compensate, which may result in the entire set-up flipping. It's best to park and wait for calmer conditions.
Maintenance and Repairs
One of the aspects that trailer and fifth-wheel owners tout most is that both maintenance and repairs are much easier, as well as less expensive than with motorhomes. Whatever part or function needs a mechanic or RV repair service, the entire motorhome is going to be incapacitated for a while. If the motorhome is in the shop for several days or even weeks, full-timers and vacationers will likely have to stay in a motel or with friends. When a truck goes in for maintenance, though, the owner can still stay in their trailer. On the other hand, if the "toy-hauler" needs work, they are still able to use their vehicle.
Additionally, more trailers are manufactured than motorhomes, which means that parts are usually easier to find and cheaper to buy—supply and demand. Many trailer repairs and renovation projects are relatively easy for a handy DIYer.
Assess Your Personal Needs
There are several other aspects that are likely to tip the scale one way or the other when a prospective buyer is comparing motorhomes and trailers. The interior of a fifth-wheel or trailer more closely resembles an apartment. This is an attractive feature for those who prefer not to have the cockpit in their living space. Plus, some fifth-wheels—referred to as "toy-haulers"—have an additional storage space in the back that qualifies as a garage. It's large enough to accommodate motorcycles, ATVs, and other outdoor equipment like snowboards and camping gear.
During long trips, however, activities like using the restroom, taking a nap, grabbing a snack, or even working online are possible with a motorhome. Pets can comfortably remain in their home-on-wheels during the trip, rather than being moved to the truck or boarded. For those who overnight at a travel center like Pilot or Flying J, at rest stops, or in a parking lot for stores like Wal-Mart or Cabela's, being able to grab a bite and go to bed without even leaving their RV is beneficial; motorhomes provide that where trailers do not.
In Conclusion
There are so many fantastic RVs on the market—new and previously-owned—that searching for the right one to fit your lifestyle can be an exciting experience. In fact, many RVers go through several different-sized units throughout their lives. Some start small and take mini-trips before opting for a larger coach or fifth-wheel for longer travels and even for a full-time residence. Others decide to go big and then realize that a smaller option better fits their needs.
Take your time. Visit RV showrooms, check out websites, read brochures, and ask plenty of questions. Consider renting a few different types of RVs for camping trips to determine how much space your family needs, as well as how large a machine you can comfortably handle. There is no better way to become accustomed with your options. Happy hunting and good luck!
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Author: Carrie Todd
