Thursday, December 10, 2020

How to Decide If You Need an RV or Travel Trailer


The hardest part of planning a long-distance trip or a camping expedition might be choosing whether you’ll ride in an RV or travel trailer. You could go with either, but if you’re new to camping out, you probably don’t know the differences or which is the better fit.

Before you select one of many RV trailers for sale, you can meet with authorized dealers in Tracy, CA for assistance in choosing the appropriate model. Motorhomes and fifth-wheel RVs are perfect if you want more living accommodations, while remote campers have the versatility of smaller models that can be towed up winding mountain trails.


Here are several factors that will help you narrow your choices:

Budget and Ownership Costs

The cost of RV and travel trailer ownership includes much more than the initial purchase price. When calculating your budget, don’t forget the cost of repairs, professional maintenance, tires, and insurance. Some RVs and travel trailers have optional amenities that aren’t included in the base cost, but might be necessary for your travel. 


Additionally, motorhomes have motor and drivetrain costs. Even a travel trailer can have a substantial amount of maintenance costs, and both types require repairs over time. Because travel trailers have fewer repair needs, they are more economical for smaller budgets. If you’re especially concerned about staying within budget, you might consider buying used. Used motorhomes and travel trailers can be close to new and save you thousands of dollars.

Your Travel Destination

Your RV or travel trailer’s size will restrict your travel options. A large RV is difficult to maneuver in restricted spaces. Additionally, campgrounds may limit the size of RVs allowed in the park. If you plan to go off-road and off-grid, travel trailers tend to be more robust and easier to maneuver. 


For example, a Taxa Outdoors Cricket travel trailer can easily reach locations that larger trailers can’t. If you want to stay in mainstream campsites and easy-to-access locations, any type of RV is fine, but getting to more out-of-the-way spots will require thinking on the smaller side. Generally, smaller trailers include teardrop, hybrid trailer, and truck trailer models.

Recreation vs. Lifestyle

If your goal is to camp in remote places, a small travel trailer may be ideal. In addition to versatility, travel trailers also have the advantage of being towable by ordinary family vehicles. They can also be parked at campsites while you ride in your regular vehicle to area attractions. If you want to take along recreational vehicles, kayaks, bikes, or other outdoor gear, you’ll find a toy hauler to be the most appealing. It has living space and storage for dirt bikes, motorcycles, and more.

Are You Towing or Driving?

As mentioned above, small travel trailers can be towed behind family sedans or small SUVs. Some people find that towing a trailer is easier than driving a large rig, but others prefer the single-unit RV to a fifth wheel or hitch-haul camper. You’ll need to weigh each option against your personal preferences. Since motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers all tow differently, the decision may depend on your driving ability.


There is no one-size-fits-all choice for an RV. Your family size, travel destinations, and travel goals are all factors that must be taken into consideration, as well as your desired camping experience. Talk to the premier RV dealers at Tracy, CA to gain insight into making the best choice and selecting a model well-suited to your lifestyle.