Motorhome Vs. Trailer
When we decided that we wanted to do a year on the road, we knew we had to decide what kind of rig was going to take us around the country. There are so many options to consider these days- Everything from cab over camper units that fit in the bed of a truck to camper vans to the giant 50 foot Class A motorhomes to classic travel trailers to a fifth wheel to camping in our car.
We had to consider the gas mileage, how the size of each option would fit in campgrounds, how each option would handle on the road, what advantages/disadvantages each option provides, what happens with each option during a breakdown and so much more.
When we were thinking about how we wanted to live while on the road, we knew that we needed to bring along some of the comforts of home. We love to camp, and can rough it for a little while, but a year of roughing it sounded like it would get old for us. So that immediately ruled out car camping.
Since I am 6’1” and not what you would call petite, I knew we needed something that felt spacious. I have a hard time moving around a really small space like a cab over or small camper, so that ruled those options immediately out.
Researching the size of campgrounds at the national parks lead us to conclude we needed something under 50 feet in total length including the tow car. So that ruled out the huge Class A motorhomes.
This whittled down our options to the smaller Class C motorhomes, Class A motorhomes in the 30 foot range, or a travel trailer pulled by a truck. All three are very similar but for us, there were a few pros and cons for each.
Class C Motorhome
Cons:
- Smaller interior space
- Smaller bath and kitchen
- Can't tow an extra vehicle
- Smaller space can heat up quicker with dogs
Pros:
- Usually smaller and easier to manuver
- Drives like a truck
- Maintenance is like a truck
- More affordable
- Ability for passengers to pee while driving
- Ability to park basically anywhere
Class A Motorhome
Cons:
- More complicated Engine System
- A little more tricky to drive
- Longer size makes it harder to park
- No ability to off road
- Need to purchase a tow dolly to tow
Pros:
- Much bigger interior living space
- More spacious storage
- A little more expensive
- Able to tow another vehicle
- Ability for passengers to pee while driving
- Larger space for pets to stay cool
Travel Trailers or Fifth Wheels
Cons:
- Big living space
- Need a Truck
- Inability for passengers to pee while driving
- You have to pullover if you need anything
- Passengers and dogs have to ride in the truck while moving.
Pros:
- No need to purchase a tow dolly to tow
- You have a truck so you can off-road
- A little more expensive
- Any mechanical issues are with your truck
Class C Motorhomes were just going to be too small for us and we really wanted to have another vehicle with us so we could run errands without taking our whole home with us. So that was out.
It came down to a Class A motorhome or Fifth wheel for us. Both offered the amount of living space we wanted, as well as amenities like kitchens, showers, and plenty of storage. However, the problem with a trailer or fifth wheel is that we would have to purchase a truck as well. Since that would have been additional cost to factor into our budget we opted to go with a motorhome.
We also thought about what would happen if the truck were to break down somewhere remote; we would be stuck. At least with a motorhome, we would have two vehicles to rely on.
Alex also really like the idea that we would travel in the main cabin meaning we could use the restroom, cook meals, lay on the couch, etc as we drove. This would make long term travel much more of an experience of comfort. If we needed to pee with a trailer, we would have to pull over to access the trailer which could really slow down our journeys.
A class A also would make it much less stressful for the dogs as everyone had room to stretch out. If we were in a truck, the dogs would be smooshed in the back seat and I don't think they could handle that for hundreds of miles of travel.
In the end, we opted for a motorhome experience and have loved every minute of it. I don't think we would really do anything else. We have spoken to many experienced RVers on this trip so far, and all have made different choices, so you really have to find what is right for your situation.
