Road trips are all the rage these days. Americans take 14 million more vacations within the United States each year than vacations outside the country.
But before you pack the whole family into the backseat of your SUV, consider a more spacious option — an RV or travel trailer. If you’re serious about road trips, you need a serious travel vehicle.
Keep reading to discover the benefits and drawbacks of RV vs trailer traveling and decide which option is best for you.
What’s The Difference?
Before you can decide which option is right for you, you need to understand the difference between the two.
An RV is a mobile home that you drive from a cockpit within the RV. A travel trailer, which sometimes is also called an RV, is a living space that you tow behind a vehicle.
So while both options are living spaces for traveling, the main difference is the size and driving option involved.
Traveling by RV
The biggest advantage of traveling by RV is the size availability.
RVs range in sizes depending on their classification, class A, class B, or class C. These classes allow comfortable traveling to families of different sizes. If you’re unsure what classification is best for you, visit an rv dealer to get a tour of the different options.
RVs also allow you to be completely self-reliant. Most come with their own water storage and generators for power. You can live off the grid with ease in an RV.
But all of these benefits generally come with a larger price tag. If you’re serious about traveling, the advantages make the price worthwhile.
Traveling by Trailer
Motorhome towing is a great option for the more casual traveler. You can travel to your destination, unhitch your trailer, and use your towing vehicle to explore the area. This is more freedom than possible with an RV.
Towing a trailer You need to make sure your vehicle has enough towing capacity to handle the trailer. You also need the right hitch and to ensure that your vehicle has the right tire pressure.
We suggest taking the trailer on a test drive in an empty parking lot before you hit the road!
If you’re ready to explore with just a few travel companions, then a trailer may be the right choice for you. You’ll enjoy the freedom of having your towing vehicle available and the lower price tag.
Deciding If RV vs Trailer is Best For You
Now that you know all the differences, it’s time to decide if an RV vs trailer is right for you.
If you have a large family and plan on embarking on many road trips then you should splurge on an RV. If you have a smaller family and a smaller budget, purchase a travel trailer and enjoy the nomad lifestyle.
Before you hit the road, visit the DIY auto repair section of our blog so you’re prepared for any unexpected mechanical issues.