#FindYourAway | The Differences Between a MotorHome or Travel Trailer + Why Should Consider One For Your Next Family Vacation

Recreation vehicles (RV's) are an amazing way to travel and have family getaways. Particularly with young children. There are different types, so here is a rundown of Motorhomes versus Towable Trailers, and all the things to consider.

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Back when I use to write insurance, I use to quote and sell RV policies without fully understanding what the RV lifestyle entailed.  Back then, I honestly could have never fully understood it and you probably don’t either if you have never gotten the chance to go on an RV adventure.

Although it would have been a great benefit to have knowledge beyond what was learned from a book; lucky for me, I didn't fully have to understand or have experienced an RV to help insure them.

Our first night on our camping adventure recently, after putting the kids to bed and winding down ourselves, I found my husband scrolling through the interwebs checking out campers and motorhomes.  He was checking on pricing, but also comparing the differences between the two.

If you are anything like us, you didn’t really know that there is much difference besides some people drive theirs and others have to pull them.

But you would be surprised at how many varieties and options these things come with.

One of the most intriguing parts of our trip was just riding around and checking out the other campers vehicles, how they were set up, and all the different levels to them there were.

This is a list of what I have learned about the motorhomes versus towable trailers and what seems to be the pros and cons of both.

Main differences between Motorhomes versus Towable Trailers

This post is sponsored by GoRVing.  While my family was provided with a trailer for our camping experience, any and all opinions are my own.  To learn more about what that means click here.

Towable Campers

Conventional

With a variety of options and floor plans, the conventional travel trailer is in the towable group.  There are models that are small enough that they could be pulled by your family car or SUV.

As they increase in size, the type and size of vehicle required to pull the camper changes.

They can accommodate up to 10 people depending on the model, and have several different amenities to choose from.

Fifth Wheel

The fifth wheel travel trailer is similar to the conventional trailer but requires a tow from a pickup with a fifth wheel hitch.

Expandable

The expendable models are smaller and typically more affordable.  They are more compact with expandable ends for sleeping quarters.

They also offer the ability to be towed by smaller vehicles.

Pros of Towable Trailers

• Pricing.  Towable trailers are less pricey than an equally sized motorhome with comparable amenities.
• No Engine Maintenance.  No direct engine maintenance for the camper itself.
• Size.  Depending on the model selected they can be lightweight allowing you to be able to tow with a small car or SUV.
• Selection.  Because of the many different types, makes and models, along with a large amount of used and new models, selection options will allow you to find something that fits your preferences and budget.

Cons of Towable Trailers

• Set-up/Takedown.  Towables require set-up and take down to make them liveable and functional.  Once a system is in place this can be less of an issue.
• Turning/Maneuvering.  The maneuverability of a towable attached to another vehicle can be more challenging and can require a greater amount of skill.
• Size.  The size of the vehicles required can be costly depending on the size of the trailer.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are motorized campers.  They combine the amenities and features of Towable campers removing the need to be towed because they can be driven.

They kind of reverse the operation in that these model can also tow a smaller vehicle that can be driven around once your destination is reached.

There are different classes and sizes.

Class A

Are large and remind you of tour buses.  They are oversized vehicles that are like homes.

Class B

These are motorhomes that are smaller in size.  Often called van campers as they resemble the size and look of a family van.  Still stocked with all the amenities in a smaller size.

Class C

These are similar to van capers, but a little larger.  Often having over the roof section that allows for sleeping space.

Pros of Motorhomes

• Maneuvering.  Turning corners and things like that can be easier than with a towable trailer.
• Accessibility while traveling.  Passengers have access to all the amenities of the camper such as the kitchen and sleeping areas while on the road.
• Bring a Smaller Car.  You can tow a trailer with a smaller car for when you get to your destination and want to run errands and go places.

Cons of Motorhomes

• Loss of space for the driving cabin.  If you look at a trailer and motorhome that are the same length, the trailer will have more livable space because of the loss of space for the driver's cabin.
• Cost.  Overall the cost of a motorhome is gonna be higher than that of a travel trailer.  While this can be dependent and possibly not true if you account for the cost of the additional vehicle to tow a towable.  But for comparison purposes, a towable and motorhome of the same size would have a higher price on the motorhome.
• Maintenance.  The motorhome is a sizable vehicle the requires the same maintenance as a smaller vehicle.  More than likely at a higher price because of the size of a motorhome.
• Inability to back up.  If towing another vehicle you will not be able to backup which can cause inconveniences and issues.

There are many different types of recreational vehicles out there.  This is a general overview of them.  To check out more details, learn about other motel types, and even find dealers for purchase or rental of your next RV, check out the GoRVing page, where all things camping and RV reside.

Why You Should Consider One For Your Next Family Vacay

My biggest take away from this trip is that camping and/or owning a recreational vehicle is not just another thing to have or collect.  People who camping and travel with RV's value the memories made in those vehicles.  The time spent with family is important.  And there is a desire to slow down and put the rest of the world on mute while you truly relax and enjoy simple, slow, fun times.

We won’t be purchasing an RV anytime soon.  But its now on the bucket list.  But until then we are super happy to know that we can rent one that suits the needs of our family and allows us to continue writing our camping travel storybook while we #findouraway!

This post is a part of the Our Family Camping Vacation With GoRVing & Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's series.