Are you struggling with the choice between an RV or a trailer? If so, we just might have the answer for you. What exactly is better between the two?
It comes down to several factors. First, the overall price tag, which means spending a minimum of $20,000 or a maximum of $50,000. Second, the ease of maintenance. And finally, the extra costs that may come along with it such as gas or insurance. From a financial standpoint, travel trailers have a long-term advantage.
If you have the money and have a few personal preferences of what you want to look for, there is more information below. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal choice. And there are plenty of factors that will play a role in your decision. If you need to know what to consider, keep reading to learn more.
How Much Are RVs Vs Trailers?
The pricing may be a concern for those looking for an RV or a trailer. And it might be one of the biggest investments you have made in your life. You want to keep in mind what you are planning to use it for.
Because the last thing you want to do is spend a pretty penny on something that you will barely use. If you are looking for more budget friendly options, travel trailers are your best bet. You can expect to spend no less than $20,000.
But you will probably spend more depending on what other extras may be included. Also, you want to pay attention to whether or not it meets the towing capacity for your vehicle. Be sure to calculate the towing capacity of your car or truck before making a decision since not all travel trailers are the same.
If you are looking to get an RV, then it will cost you more. Don’t expect it to be any less than $35,000 at a minimum. On average, a reliable RV will be about $50,000. But like the travel trailers, the more features it has, the more pricey it will be. There are RVs that even go for $300,000.
What Will You Use It For?
Travel trailers and RVs are designed to serve a specific purpose. It is to provide a certain type of shelter whether you are far away from home. And it’s the perfect alternative to spending a ton of money on hotels if you are on a road trip.
Travel trailers will be useful if you are going on camping trips for a few days. You can use them for long-distance road trips if you so choose. But it might be doable for at least a few people and space may be limited.
For their part, RVs are perfect for camping trips unless you know of a campground that has the appropriate hookups for water and electricity. RVs can withstand long-distance road trips. So you can go from one end of the country to the next.
At the end of the day, travel trailers will be great for those weekend camping trips. While RVs will be in it for the long haul. Either way, they serve the same purpose no matter how much space you have available for the people tagging along with you.
What Are There For Extra Costs?
There are some major factors that come into play for extra costs. If you have an RV, those extra costs come in the form of gas, insurance, and maintenance. Financially, this may put you at a disadvantage for these reasons.
With travel trailers, you can have them insured. But since it is not a motor vehicle, it is completely optional to do so. Thus, it can save you some money if you exercise that option.
RV insurance can cost you more than travel trailer insurance, so keep that in mind. Also, travel trailers obviously don’t have gas tanks. So that is more money in your pocket already.
Maintenance can be done by yourself unless there is a need for major repair and replacement. For example, you could have a flat tire on your trailer or failing indoor light. It can be fixed with ease if you decide to go the DIY route.
What Kind Of Maintenance Does An RV Need?
Whereas RVs will require regular maintenance such as an oil change. Unlike vehicles that will require 50,000 miles for every oil change, the oil in an RV will need to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000. The reason being is that RVs will tend to sit in your driveway or campground most of the time.
Don’t forget, you also need to empty the water tanks each time you are parked at a campground. There are drainage areas where you can drain your wastewater tanks and clean them properly. Some travel trailers will have these tanks and some may not.
Space And Comfort
If you are planning on bringing just a few people, then a travel trailer can do a good job with the accommodations. Obviously, RVs will be more spacious and comfortable. Plus, RVs will provide you more room for a large number of people.
Travel trailers may not be as comfortable as RVs, but they are manageable. The choice for space and comfort comes down to factors such as how many people you are bringing along for the trip and whether or not you can tolerate a bed or furniture that has decent comfort.
Can I Ride In An RV Trailer?
If the law permits it, you can have passengers riding in an RV trailer. However, this is legal in only ten states: Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
What Is The Better Choice?
Between RVs and trailers, what is the best option? If you have plenty of money and want nothing more than luxury and comfort for those long haul rides, an RV will be the best option. However, a trailer will be perfect if you are just keeping the travel group to just a few people and don’t mind the space and decent comfort that goes along with it while camping for a weekend or thereabouts.
But if you are looking to spend less in terms of upkeep and maintenance, travel trailers will wipe the floor versus RVs every day of the week.