When it comes to exploring the world, some choose to take the road less traveled – and two of the more popular options for road warriors include either an motorized RV or a pull-behind trailer. Both have their benefits and limitations, and the one you end up choosing will depend on several things: space requirements, budgetary restrictions, accessibility needs or something else.
This guide will help you make the ultimate decision – should you choose an RV or a travel trailer?
Use these links if you want to jump ahead in the guide. Visual person? Click here to download our infographic comparing the different classes of RVs and travel trailers.
Cost Comparison
The costs of an RV vs. a trailer differ depending on the setup you choose, and often, affordability plays a large part of why you might choose one over the other.
Travel Trailer Costs
In general, the price of a new RV will outpace the price of a new trailer, as long as you have a vehicle to tow it. However, when you need to purchase a truck in addition to the trailer, the price comes much closer to RVs. Still, travel trailers tend to be a more affordable choice in terms of both upfront and on-going costs.
Gas Mileage for Travel Trailers
Gas mileage for travel trailers will depend on the type of vehicle you use and weight of your trailer, however, you’ll find more savings here than you would with an RV. The main reason being that you’re able to park and dismount a trailer and return to your car’s normal MPG once you reach a destination.
Maintenance Costs
No recreational vehicle, whether it’s a jet ski, ATV or travel trailer can go without regular maintenance. And with that maintenance comes costs. Regular maintenance on a travel trailer includes some basic exterior things like tire rotation and axle lubrication, brake maintenance, as well as interior items like regular cleaning, moisture control, and waste, electrical and plumbing.
Depreciation and Value
While you’ll generally lose money on a new trailer, they tend to hold their value for longer than an RV, particularly past the five-year mark. Also, consider the depreciation that can come along with adding mileage to your towing vehicle if you’re worried about maximizing your trade-in dollars.
Insurance Costs for Travel Trailers
Insurance prices are highly personalized, but in general, you can expect to see a few things in your quote when it comes to travel trailer insurance:
Full replacement cost vs. actual value of trailer: Do you want to insure the vehicle for how much you originally bought it for, or do you want to just cover the value of it at the time of incident?
Bodily injury: An essential coverage point that provides protection for any bodily harm incurred.
Personal affect coverage: Trailers and other recreational vehicles are more prone to theft, so this may be a smart idea to protect everything from generators to batteries and more.
Roadside assistance: An optional but very handy thing to add, particularly if you’re not very mechanical.
“In general, the price of a new RV will outpace the price of a new trailer, as long as you have a vehicle to tow it.”
RV Costs
RVs tend to cost more, both up-front and on-going, for a few reasons. However, when you don’t skimp on budget, you can use the money to make improvements or upgrades on your RV and craft a luxury travel experience.
RV Gas Mileage
Because you’re carrying so much weight with an RV, you’ll need to make more space in your gas budget. When driving a regular-gas RV, expect to get anywhere from six to 10 miles to the gallon, whereas a diesel-gas RV can reach from eight to 15.
Maintenance Costs
Those that live in their RV will have higher maintenance costs than those that use it once in a while for vacations and weekend trips. In a lot of ways it’s like keeping up with a house. Also consider winterization and possibly storage if you don’t use it during the cold months.
Depreciation and Value
You most likely won’t be able to resell an RV for near what you paid for it -- in fact, according to Camper Report, “You can expect to lose approximately 21% of the total purchase price of the RV the instant you drive it off the lot. There are loads of exceptions, but that’s the average.”
Insurance Costs for RVs
Insurance costs last year was $1,000 to $2,000, so you can expect to pay on average about $125 a month. However, cheaper options exist through companies like Progressive and Geico. It all depends on the size and type of your RV, as well as your driving record. To find something more personalized, head to this resource from ConsumersAdvocate.org and type in your zip code to see local results.
“Because you’re carrying so much weight with an RV, you’ll need to make more space in your gas budget. When driving a regular-gas RV, expect to get anywhere from six to 10 miles to the gallon, whereas a diesel-gas RV can reach from eight to 15.”
Lifestyle Factors
Another aspect of the RV vs. trailer debate is the type of lifestyles each provides. Both offer their unique advantages and disadvantages, from everyday living to creature comforts to available space and more.
Travel Trailer Living
Living in a travel trailer is certainly doable, with many different ways to customize the space to your preferences. When purchasing a travel trailer, experiment with various layouts -- from tow behinds to fifth wheels to pop-ups and teardrop campers, there are many options to achieve your desired living environment.
Tow-behind: A basic travel trailer that’s attached via hitch to a car, truck or SUV, offering a simple set-up, normally within a rectangular floor plan.
Fifth-wheel: A larger version of a travel trailer that’s attached via a truck bed. These can include upper cabins and pull out capabilities that enlarge and modify the space.
Pop-ups: These smaller pull-behind trailers feature a square-shape base that can be lifted up and turned into a semi-open living space.
Teardrop trailers: Constructed in the shape of a teardrop and towable behind almost any size vehicle, these little homes on wheels provide you with an interior cabin to sleep in, as well as a back galley that can contain things like kitchen appliances, refrigeration, faucets and more.
Living in a travel trailer full time
There are several things you can do to improve full-time living conditions in a trailer. Many additions can be made, but below are a few you can try right away:
Make sure you’re always powered up by buying a back-up generator, battery chargers or even solar panels for a green option.
Caulk seams around the outside to keep cold out and prevent leaks to stay dry.
If you’re able to park somewhere long-term, consider making improvements to the outside. That could include anything from a deck to a fire pit to a hammock to achieve a more open space.
Be mindful of the stress you put on septic equipment and always do regular cleanings of wastewater tanks. Avoid overusing toilet paper, and if you have enough privacy, consider going number one outside once in a while, or use restrooms when you’re out and about.
To save on propane, cook outdoors over a fire or head into town for a meal when you can.
Creature Comforts
RVs generally provide more space and are nice for those people who want to actually “live” on the road. With a travel trailer, you’re forced to stay in the towing vehicle, which can get taxing on long road trips. Since passengers can move freely throughout the RV while it’s moving, it can be a more comfortable travel experience overall, particularly for large groups.
Since you do have access to a vehicle when using a travel trailer, however, you’re able to park, unhitch and use your car for getting around town at your destination. All while providing a similar experience to an RV in terms of living and sleeping.
Accessibility
Those with accessibility concerns will have to choose something that fits their unique needs. Larger RVs often don’t come with easy-to-access doors and will require a lift or ramp to access. Travel trailers will be easier, but still may require some modifications depending on how low it is to the ground. Something smaller, like a teardrop trailer is probably the most accessible type of trailer, thanks to their low profile and easy entrance. All of Vistabule’s teardrops, for example, are built with highly-accessible designs and are easy-to-use for people who have disabilities or are paraplegic.
Available Space
When it comes to space, bigger isn’t always better. What’s more important is how you use the space that’s available. You can customize the layout of almost any trailer, from the biggest RVs to the smallest teardrops, to achieve your ideal space. Also, consider how many people will be normally traveling with you; do you need space for a family of five or is it just you and your spouse? It’s important to consider since space can run out quickly the more people you have sharing the trailer.
On the Road: Towing vs. Driving
Another thing to consider is towing a trailer versus driving one. The best part of having a drivable RV is the fact that it’s an all-in-one package, so to speak. There is only one thing to worry about when driving and parking. Towable trailers, on the other hand, are attached to a vehicle, meaning you should be comfortable pulling something behind you on the road.
Boondocking (Off-Grid Camping)
For boondockers that are traveling off the grid, a smaller vehicle is a smarter choice. When you’re in the backwoods, mountains, on rural roads (or no roads at all), a larger RV is more troublesome. It’s much more likely to get stuck or into an accident compared to something on the smaller, more manageable end like a tow behind, pop up or teardrop.
RV vs. Trailer: What’s Best for Me?
When trying to decide between an RV or a travel trailer, the choice comes down to several factors, from your budget to ideal lifestyle to the type of traveling you do. Both have their advantages and disadvantages - the best thing you can do is go and look at your options in person to see which speak to you and your needs. So, if the road is calling, there’s no better way to see it than with your own home on wheels.