RV vs Trailer: Which one should you buy?

Now that it’s summertime, you may be aching to get on the road and travel through our beautiful country. To do that, you will need something to travel in. Some people are happy with their car and a tent, but if you’re looking for something roomier, you may be interested in recreational vehicles and travel trailers.

So, which one should you buy--an RV or trailer? What are the pros and cons of each vehicle? Check out our ultimate buying guide below.

What is a recreational vehicle?

A recreational vehicle, also known as an RV, is a vehicle designed with eating and sleeping quarters and often includes a small living space and full bathrooms. There are numerous types of motorized RVs and towable RVs on the market today, including Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, travel trailers, pop-up campers, tiny travel trailers, and truck camper vans.

What are travel trailers?

Travel trailers are a type of tow vehicle that sits on a truck chassis and conveniently attaches to a pickup truck or other large vehicle. Travel trailers offer sleeping accommodations along with some of the same features as a motorized RV. They also come in various sizes.

The benefits of buying a tow vehicle trailer

Towable RV trailers offer numerous benefits, including the following:

1. It can be an investment

When purchasing a trailer, you get a valuable new asset to call your own, that can retain its value if you take good care of it. You can keep it solely for your own use or even rent it out part-time during the off-season.

2. No additional fees

When you own your own trailer, there are no additional costs like drop-off or late fees; or charges for wear and tear on the trailer. If you choose to rent a trailer instead, you may be subject to these fees, and additional ones too, including rental insurance.

3. Availability and flexibility

An owned trailer is an available trailer. It’s there when you want it. You have the flexibility to use your trailer as you see fit, and are not bound by any terms and conditions from a rental company.

4. Features and customizations

Towable RVs come in numerous sizes, allowing you to choose a square footage for your needs. They offer basic cooking facilities, a small interior space to relax at your destination, some cargo space, sleeping areas, and slide-outs for extra room.

5. More affordable purchase price

The overall cost of a towable RV will be more affordable than the purchase price of a motorized RV. Additionally, if you're considering an electric vehicle to tow your trailer, take into account the cost of installing an electric charger at home.

The potential downsides of owning a towable RV

Before purchasing a towable RV, it's important to know the potential downsides to these vehicles. Take a closer look:

1. Need a pickup truck or other vehicle

Unlike motorized RVs that are self-propelled, to use a travel trailer, you'll need to have a vehicle with a high tow capacity able to transport your trailer to and from your destination.

2. Basic amenities

Compared to a motorized RV, smaller trailers have less space and are more suited for short trips or day trips.

3. Learning curve

Towable RVs have more of a learning curve compared to motorized RVs. This includes setting up the pop-up and driving to and from your destination while towing the trailer on the back of your pickup truck. That said, towable RVs can require less maintenance than motorized motor homes and are generally easier to handle.

The benefits of buying an RV

Just like trailers, RVs are great to have, whether you’re planning a long-distance road trip or dropping in on family – you don’t have to pitch a tent or stay in a hotel, and there are other benefits of owning a trailer, including:

1. Convenience

Your RV is available to you year-round, and you can leave all your gear inside. This means that you can be ready to hit the road without too much planning.

2. Active lifestyle

Travelling in an RV can take you to scenic places, resorts, campgrounds, and various recreational spaces. While comfortable, the limited space inside the RV can inspire your family to get out and explore your new surroundings.

3. Fewer travel expenses

Travelling in an RV can reduce many of the costs usually spent when travelling. There is no need to budget for hotels, you can make fewer visits to restaurants, and you can pack your own entertainment and bring it along, like bikes, games, boats and more.

Potential downsides of motorized RVs

While motorized camper vans offer several benefits, they also have some cons, including the following:

Expenses

The price of purchasing a motorized RV will be significantly more than a towable camper, making them unrealistic for the average family.

More maintenance

With mechanical components, more cargo space, and more living space, motorized RVs require more overall maintenance, which can be a lot of work and cost a lot of money over the years.

Gas mileage

Fuel costs for motorized motor homes can be high, as you'll likely need to refuel at numerous rest stops along the way.

Storage space

When you're not on the road, you'll need to store your RV somewhere safe. Unlike trailers that come in a compact size, RVs offer less flexibility when it comes to storage space. If you don't have room on your property, you may need to pay an extra fee to have your recreational vehicle stored in a secure storage unit or garage.

Things to consider before buying a trailer or RV

Regardless of whether you're thinking about an RV vs trailer, there are some major considerations you need to take into account before going ahead with your purchase:

Budget

As we mentioned, trailers are typically less expensive than RVs. Additionally, trailers tend to retain their value longer than motorhomes or RVs. However, you will require a towing vehicle with a trailer hitch.

If your vehicle is now powerful enough to pull a trailer, you may need to purchase a new one, which can offset the savings you gain from buying a trailer instead of an RV.

Restrictions

You cannot have anyone riding in the trailer while you are on the road. All of your fellow travellers must be inside your towing vehicle until you are parked.

Insurance

Travel trailers are not motor vehicles, but when the trailer is being towed, it receives the same liability coverage that is currently on your auto policy. However, your trailer is not covered by any other coverages associated with your auto policy, such as comprehensive or collision coverage.

In addition, while your property insurance may cover the contents of your travel trailer, it may not be enough. Similar to how you insure a utility trailer, you should also have a proper travel trailer insurance policy, with coverage that includes:

• Damages
• Collisions
• Bodily Injury
• Contents Coverage
• Standard Emergency Roadside Service
• And more

Things to consider before buying an RV

In contrast, before buying an RV, think about the following:

Usage

Some lifestyles are better suited for RV ownership than others. Before purchasing an RV, it’s important you first consider how often you will use it, how much room you need and how far you plan to travel. When researching which RV you want to buy, find one that matches your expected use and needs, whether it be for visiting national parks across the country or for weekend trips closer to home.

Occupancy

Owning an RV is a long-term investment, so it’s important to consider who plans to share your RV adventures with you. RVs are a great way for families and friends to travel and spend time together. Consider the number of people who will use your motorhome when deciding the size and style of RV you want to buy.

Insurance

RVs come in many sizes, with both basic and luxury options. Because recreational vehicles can be driven independently, they require their own auto insurance policy. RVs (motor homes) are organized into three classes: A, B and C. The rate you pay for your RV insurance will depend on these classes, as well as how much you use it and the value of the RV.

In addition, if you don’t have a large enough driveway or a place to park on your home property, you may have to pay to store your RV somewhere else when it’s not in use.

Is my trailer covered by my auto insurance?

While your trailer is being towed by your vehicle, the third-party liability portion of your car insurance policy will extend to cover your trailer. However, your policy will only cover your trailer while it’s attached to your car. Once your trailer is unhooked from your vehicle, it will no longer be covered by an auto insurance policy. This is when you would need a separate policy just for your trailer.

When is the best time to buy an RV?

Although RVs are available for purchase year-round, the best time to buy one is during the winter months. During October and November, sales slow down, which might lead to some pretty good discounts. December and January may be even slower, making them great months for RV shopping. Sales tend to pick up in March, which is when the price points also tend to increase.

Are you allowed to live in an RV for extended periods?

You are allowed to live in your RV for as long as you please. Some people even choose to live in their RVs permanently, as they find that this fits their lifestyle best. There are no laws against this practice; however, before parking anywhere, make sure you’re allowed to park there. Double-check if there are any fees associated with parking your RV somewhere.

Road trip essentials and tips

So, you've found your perfect RV or trailer, and now you're preparing for your first trip. Before you head out on the road, there are some road trip essentials you'll need to remember:

Book camps in advance

Most campsites require a reservation to stay, especially during the summertime. Before leaving, make sure to plan your campsites or trailer parks in advance to ensure they can accommodate your stay.

Plan your meals

Snacks and meals are a must-have when you're on the road. Try to plan your meals before going grocery shopping, so you can save space in your camper.

First aid kit

Anything can happen out on the road or at your campsite. Make sure you have an updated first-aid kit on hand at all times.

Pack for the weather

Don't forget to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly!

Get in touch with an insurance broker at BrokerLink today!

Let BrokerLink be your resource for all things RV and travel trailer insurance. From start to finish, our brokers handle the legwork and make sure that you walk away satisfied.

It’s easy to get in touch with a local BrokerLink insurance advisor to discuss your RV and other insurance needs! You may also do some quick quotes in advance on our website.

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