5 Must-Have Features in a camper vs trailer

15 Apr.,2024

 

    Here are a few things that you might wish you had known before owning a travel trailer:

  1. Weight and towing capacity - It's important to understand the weight and towing capacity of your vehicle, as well as the weight of the travel trailer, and the amount of things you will travel with to ensure that you are not overloading your vehicle and causing safety issues.

    There’s lots of talk in the RV community about acceptable vs. “correct” towing - we’re not here to lecture anyone - only to talk about our own knowledge. We live at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, which means we are often towing steep grades and mountain curves. For us, maintaining the safe limits of our tow vehicle is essential because a truck loses 20% of its towing capacity at high altitudes. We learned this quickly with our first travel trailer and made necessary adjustments to decrease unnecessary risk to our family’s safety.

  2. Who is going to tow? And other questions - For every couple/family that owns a travel trailer there is an expectation of who tows, when, and for how long. This is important to talk about before purchasing an RV. This is also a good time to talk about comfort level as far as backing up into campsites, interstate vs. backroads, how far you’re willing to drive each day/trip, boondocking vs. campground, and many other topics that relate to the unlimited amount of questions each trip could bring up.

    Both Jason and I tow our camper. It’s an expectation that we each share 50/50 in the responsibility of driving. And luckily, most other questions that come up with our travel trailer we agree on. EXCEPT for the TV - I could throw it away and be thrilled and he could have a movie night every night and be thrilled. So compromise makes everything easier.

  3. Maintenance - Owning a travel trailer requires regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing tires, checking the brakes, and maintaining the electrical and plumbing systems. It's important to be prepared for these tasks and budget for any necessary repairs. Here are the six most important items to remember with your RV maintenance.

  4. Storage - Travel trailers can be large and take up a lot of space, so it's important to consider where you will store your RV when it's not in use. For our neighborhood, we have an HOA that does not allow RV storage under any circumstances. So we keep our trailer off-site at a storage facility about 15 minutes away. In the Denver metro area, we pay $110 per month to store it - uncovered and on gravel. However, most facilities in the area are around $150-180/month.

  5. Setting up and breaking down - Setting up and breaking down a travel trailer can be time-consuming, frustrating, and require some physical effort. It's crucial to be prepared for this and to allocate enough time for it. A good rule of thumb is to anticipate at least one hour for setup and another for the takedown as you start getting accustomed to your rig. Do not try to rush this! You will naturally get faster as time goes on.

    In fact, we highly recommend your first trip with a new RV is always a shake-down trip. This weekend away is purely to learn about your new rig and everything that goes along with it. Bring your owner’s manuals and your patience!

  6. Weather - Travel trailers are vulnerable to damage from extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain. It's important to be prepared for these conditions and to take precautions to protect your trailer while towing and while parked at the campground. Keep an eye on the sky and always have a good weather radio on nearby.

  7. Campground reservations - Popular campgrounds and RV parks can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons! It is essential to plan ahead and make reservations in advance to ensure that you have a place to stay. Most state parks open reservations 6 months ahead of time. Private campgrounds in popular areas usually open reservations 12-24 months ahead of time!

  8. Comfort - Some travel trailers can be cramped and may not be as comfortable as a traditional home. Especially for kids that aren’t used to sharing their space with siblings. Understanding what your family needs ahead of time to prioritize the features and amenities that are most important to you when choosing a travel trailer. Don’t worry if the travel trailer you love isn’t perfect - with a few resources you can adapt many spaces to fit your needs.

  9. Limited privacy - Travel trailers often have thin walls and may not offer as much privacy as a traditional home. We’ve had to learn to be prepared for this and to find ways to create privacy if needed.

  10. Noise - Travel trailers can be noisy, especially when parked in close proximity to other trailers. It's important to be prepared for this and to find ways to minimize noise if necessary. We usually use music or our air conditioner to drown out the noise.

  11. Budget - Owning a travel trailer can be expensive, with costs including the initial purchase price, maintenance, and campground fees. It's essential to be prepared for these costs and to budget accordingly. We share a few of our budget-friendly tips HERE and HERE.

  12. Fuel efficiency - Travel trailers can be heavy and may not be as fuel efficient as a traditional car. It's important to be prepared for this and to budget for higher fuel costs. We tow our 2022 Grand Design Imagine 3100RD with a 2020 Ram 2500 long bed and average about 9-10 mpg when towing on flat roads. While traveling through the Rockies we often average 5 mpg. These are the times we are thankful for our 50-gallon gas tank!

  13. Insurance - It's important to research and compare different insurance options for your travel trailer to ensure that you have the coverage you need. Our RV insurance is well over $100 a month for the level of coverage we feel comfortable with. We didn’t anticipate this surprisingly high amount until it was too late. Lesson learned.

Choosing your RV can feel daunting once you’ve decided RVing is the right way for you to get out enjoying nature. One of the first questions you may have is “Should I buy a towable camper or motorhome?”

The answer to this common question may be different for you than it is for another RVer. At Bish’s we understand that it’s important to get the facts you need to make the right decision for you, especially on such a large purchase, so you don’t buy an RV you’ll later regret. 

Here we’ll explain the differences between motorized and towable RVs and the pros and cons of each, so you can get a clear idea of which is better for you. With this information you can skip that 1st “oops” RV and skip to buying your 2nd RV the first time!

Table of Contents

• What’s the Difference Between a Towable and Motorized RV?

• Pros of a Towable RV

• Pros of a Motorhome

• Cons of a Towable RV

• Cons of a Motorhome

• Who Should Buy a Towable RV?

• Who Should Buy a Motorhome?

• Find Your RV

What’s the Difference Between a Towable and Motorized RV?

The big difference between a towable and motorized RV is . . . you guessed it, the motor. But that’s not the only difference. Learn below what towable and motorized RVs have to offer to decide for yourself which is a better fit for you. 

From tiny towable pop-ups to giant motorized Class A diesel motorhomes, towable and motorized RVs all serve a different purpose for different types of camping and outdoor adventures – let’s get you in the right one. 

What’s a Towable RV?

A towable RV does not have its own engine and must be hitched to a truck or, possibly, another large vehicle, if you want to transport it somewhere. 

How Big are Towable RVs?

Towables include smaller trailers like pop-ups, or teardrop trailers up to larger travel trailers and fifth wheels. 

There is a huge range of sizes for towable campers. From 8’ to more than 40’ you can find almost anything to fit your needs. 

 How Much Do Towable RVs Cost? 

The price range for towables is also quite enormous: 

  • A new towable RV will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $500,000.
  • A used towable RV ranges anywhere from $500 – $450,000.

Towable RVs are usually less expensive than a similarly sized motorized RV. Keep in mind, however, you will need to also purchase a vehicle to tow the RV, if you don’t already have one. You may want to calculate that cost into your purchase price. 


Find out more about what a travel trailer or fifth wheel costs and why.

What Do I Need to Tow an RV? 

You will need a vehicle and a towing hitch to pull your towable RV. The type of vehicle and hitch required will depend on the type and size of your RV. 

  • Some very small towables, this

    Bushwhacker 10HD

    , as an example, can potentially be pulled by a minivan or Jeep, depending on the vehicle’s tow capacity.

  • Certain travel trailers or fifth wheels can be pulled by a half-ton truck. These often have “half-ton” or “HT” in the RV’s name. While these trailers are lighter, be aware that not every half-ton truck can tow every HT trailer. Always check your vehicle’s tow capacity before you purchase a towable RV.
  • A larger, heavier travel trailer or 5th wheel will require a larger, beefier truck. The higher the tow capacity of your truck, the more options you have when you’re purchasing your towable RV.

Learn more about the ins and out of towing an RV from Josh the RV Nerd:

This Year’s Top-Selling Travel Trailers

&

This Year’s Top-Selling 5th Wheel RVs

What’s a Motorized RV?

A motorized RV, also known as a motorhome, is pretty much just what the name says, a home with a motor. 

Buying a motorized RV gets you the truck and the RV in one, neat package.

How Big is a Motorhome?

There are several types, or classes, of motorized RVs to meet a range of RV needs. 

How Much Does a Motorhome Cost?

You can expect to pay more for a motorhome than you’d pay for a similarly-sized, towable RV. 

  • A new motorized RV ranges from $80,000 to $800,000+
  • A used motorized RV less than 10 years old ranges from $16,500 – $850,000+

Learn more about what a Class C RV Costs and why.

See this year’s best-selling Class B and Class C RVs. 

This Year’s Best-Selling Class C Motorhomes

This Year’s Best-Selling Class B Camper Vans

PROS & CONS

Weighing the pros and cons can help you choose your next RV!

Pros of a Towable RV

  • Lower Price:

    You can generally get more bang for your bunk with a towable RV because you aren’t paying for the engine/transmission related parts of a motorized RV. 

  • Simplicity:

    No need to tow an extra vehicle to drive near the campsite. Once you arrive at your destination, you can unhitch the RV and use your tow vehicle to get around.
  • Less Maintenance Required:

    Because a towable RV does not include the engine, you won’t need to add vehicle maintenance on top of the needed RV maintenance.
  • More Sleeping & Living Space:

    Towable RVs, especially ones with slides, often have more sleeping spaces or room to live.
  • Versatile:

    With a variety of types and floor plans there is a towable RV for almost every RVer. Motorized RVs are more specialized for a specific type of RVer. 

Read about Fifth Wheels vs Travel Trailer for help deciding which towable RV is better for you. 

Pros of a Motorized RV

  • More Mobility:

    A motorhome is generally easier for cross country touring.Towing a trailer for long, cross-country distances can be burdensome. A motorhome is usually easier to maneuver and simpler to move from site to site. 
  • Comfortable Long-Distance/Multi-Stop Travel:

    In a motorhome, your vacation begins the moment you sit behind the wheel. The journey itself is comfortable and you have the conveniences of daily life readily available in your vehicle. 
  • Service Options:

    Most motorhomes are built on a Ford or Chevy chassis that can be serviced by most car dealers throughout the country. 
  • Getting Stuck

    If your motorhome breaks down on the highway or at the campsite, you’re stuck until it’s functional again. If a towable RV has a problem you can unhitch it and use the tow vehicle to get where you need to be. 

Cons of a Towable RV

  • Towing & Maneuverability Challenges:

    Towing long distances or for long periods at a time can be cumbersome and tiring. 

    Making turns, parking, navigating tight spaces, and backing up are all more difficult with the additional length and weight of a hitched RV.

    There are also safety concerns with towing. If your RV isn’t correctly hitched or your tow vehicle and RV aren’t well matched, you could risk an accident on the road. 
  • Destination RV:

    Unlike a motorized RV, your vacation in a towable RV doesn’t begin until you’ve parked and set up at your destination. 

    Moving the RV from site to site is also a hassle, so most use their towable RVs for a single destination. 
  • Tow Vehicle Sold Separately: 

    If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to purchase a vehicle with enough power to pull your towable camper. Calculate this cost into the price of your RV. Unlike a motorhome, however, your truck does serve many purposes. 

Cons of a Motorized RV

  • Higher Price:

    A motorized RV is more expensive than a towable RV of similar size and features. The least expensive Class A motorhomes are around 150% more expensive than the least expensive 5th Wheels, as an example.

    A motorized RV has its own engine, built-in transmission and suspension systems, and on-board generator, all of which add to the overall cost of the RV. It just plain costs more to buy the car and RV all in one. 
  • Storage Costs & Hassle:

    Storing a motorhome at an offsite location may cost more than the cost to store a towable. This is because motorized RVs are often longer and taller than comparable towables. 

    Your motorhome will also need more attention while it is stored than a towable would. 

    It’s best to run the engine in your motorhome at least every two weeks to help circulate the fluids that are needed for a healthy engine. 

    Gas can also go bad. So, if you are putting your motorhome away for a prolonged period of time, you may want to consider using a fuel stabilizer to protect your gas tank. 
  • Extra Maintenance & Service:

    A motorhome requires more maintenance to work well. You can expect to have all of the maintenance concerns and service issues you’d expect with a car or truck, plus the maintenance and issues you’d see with a camper. 
  • Towing a Smaller Vehicle:

    Many new RV buyers think a motorhome will be easier and more convenient because they won’t need to tow. 

    But, often motorhome owners still choose to tow a smaller vehicle behind the motorhome. This smaller vehicle makes short trips once the motorhome is parked much easier. 

Who Should Buy a Towable RV?

  • Price Conscious RVer

    If you’re working with less disposable income, a towable RV can get you more bang for your buck. Especially if you already own a truck fit to tow. 

    New travel trailers start close to $10,000 where a new, small Class C or B is over $30,000. For tens of thousands of dollars less, in every segment, you can get many of the same luxuries of a motorized RV for much less of your hard earned cash. 
  • 1st Time Buyer

    A towable camper is often a better choice for a 1st-time RV buyer. Towables are also a good way to ease into RV life and find out if it’s a good fit for you and your family.

    Many new RVers think a motorhome will be easier because they are intimidated by towing. But, the learning curve for a towable RV is not nearly as steep as it is for a motorhome. 

    A motorhome requires all the maintenance of a vehicle and an RV, where the maintenance of a towable RV is separate and simpler than a motorhome. 
  • Big Groups

    Do you have a bunch of kids or friends planning to come along on your trips? While some motorhomes can sleep 8 to 10 people, most sleep closer to 4. 

    Towable RVs, especially travel trailers and 5th wheels, may have more sleeping accommodations. 

    If you’re bringing along the crew – a towable may be a more comfortable fit. 
  • Destination Travelers

    I’m looking at you, weekend warriors. If your RV trips will be based around getting to a destination, spending the weekend or several days, and heading home, then a travel trailer may be your best option. 

    This is especially true if your favorite destinations are regional/local where you won’t have to tow overly long distances. 

Sound like you? Check out towable RVs at Bish’s to see if we have the right travel trailer or fifth wheel for you:

Who Should Buy a Motorhome?

  • You Have Disposable Income

    You’ll find a higher price point or monthly payment on a motorized RV. If you have the disposable income to spend on a more expensive machine, then a motorhome may be a good option for you.
  • Cross-Country, Multi-Stop Traveler

    If you’re planning to be on the road going state to state – adding stickers to your window map – a motorhome is the way to go. 

    A motorhome is a great choice if you’re dedicated to traveling and you plan to spend a lot of time in the RV rather than taking simple, nearby weekend trips. 
  • Experienced RVer

    Most motorhome owners are seasoned RVers. They’ve owned a towable of some sort. Whether it’s a pop-up or travel trailer, they’ve tested the waters and decided to dive in to the lifestyle.
  • Smaller Group or Couple

    Since motorhomes may have less sleeping space than similarly sized towables, they’re often better for a couple or a small group. 

Sound like you? Check out towable RVs at Bish’s to see if we have the right travel trailer or fifth wheel for you:

Find Your RV

Finding the information you need to get the right RV the first time shouldn’t be a slog. 

While there is no right answer for whether a motorohome or towable camper is better, one is certainly better for you. Now that you know the facts you can decide for yourself what is best for your travels. 

Browse the motorhomes and towable campers available at Bish’s RV to see if we have the perfect RV for you. 

Need help narrowing down your search? We know it can be overwhelming. This is why we have no-pressure RV experts to guide you to the best RVs for your budget and lifestyle. They love to help! 

Learn Mores Before You Buy:

  • How is Bish’s RV different from other dealers? Learn about our no hidden fees, 72 hour return guarantee, and Diamond Club perks.

Becki Johnson

Bish’s RV Content Editor & Writer

20 years in the RV industry and a lifetime around RVs have convinced me that nature is a lot better with a comfortable bed and working bathroom.

I love to use what I’ve learned to help RVers find the best RV for the best possible price.

5 Must-Have Features in a camper vs trailer

The Pros and Cons: Motorhome vs. Towable RV

For more information, please visit tandem axle travel trailer, teardrop trailer with outdoor kitchen supplier, dual axle travel trailers.