Why Buy a Motorhome Instead of a Caravan?
As you look into caravan sales, you could be pondering what would work best for you and your needs. Do you want something large or something small? Is a caravan even what you need, or would a motorhome be better? It’s a valid question.
Should you buy a motorhome instead of a caravan? Perhaps. Following are some reasons why a motorhome would be better for you.
Benefits of a Motorhome over a Caravan
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Low-priced caravans are usually very tiny. Many would contend that you can find cheaper caravans at caravan sales than you could a motorhome? While this can be true in some cases, it depends. Most low-priced caravans are much too small for a family to use, but a smaller motorhome could work for them. You could end up saving a lot by purchasing a caravan, but only if it’s just and a spouse road tripping.
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A motorhome typically has more space. In the same vein as the above-mentioned point, a motorhome typically has more space. You can usually fit up to 4 or 5 people in a motorhome while an easy-to-tow caravan may only fit up to 3.
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It’s easy to simply pack up and go in a motorhome. Making sure that the caravan is hooked up to your car correctly and finding places to park it while you use the car to run errands can be time-consuming. If you like efficiency while on the road, a motorhome makes it easy in the sense that you just have to make sure all the hookups are disconnected and off you go.
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You need a strong vehicle to tow a caravan. You may think that a caravan is easy, because you hook up to your car and voila. But…hold the brakes there, both figuratively and literally. How good are your brakes? How strong is your car’s engine? How many miles do you have on it? All these things matter when it comes to your car towing a heavy vehicle behind it. Not just any car will do. In order to own a caravan, will you need to own a new car? It isn’t that cost-efficient when put this way.
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It costs less to fill up your tank in a motorhome. You’ll need to fill up on gas a lot when towing a trailer. Your car is working double time to pull that heavy thing so it should be no surprise that the gas tank is begging for more fuel after a day on the road. While a motorhome does cost a bit, as well, it takes less to fill her up.
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A motorhome is more comfortable for life on the road. When traveling on the road with family, it’s easy to do more than just stare out the vehicle at the passing cars. You can watch shows on the T.V., prepare lunch for the kids, take a comfortable nap, and more, as your partner drives. It makes road tripping a much more convenient experience and is undoubtedly more enjoyable for the time spent on the road.
Questions to Ask
Before deciding what is best for you, you’ll want to ask yourself some important questions. It’s a personal choice that will make you happy. You know what you need and how much you want to spend. So, before setting out to the dealership, take time to ponder the following:
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Who are you traveling with? If it’s just you and your honey setting off to enjoy retirement, a caravan might do. You have a strong vehicle and all you’re looking for is a couple of comfortable features. That could work just fine. But, if you have a family or are more than just two people, caravan travel may not feel so convenient over time.
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Are you a patient person? A caravan requires a bit more effort when it comes to spending the night somewhere, setting out on the road again, being comfortable on the road, etc. Are you patient enough for all the small details that pop up when traveling with a caravan? If not, consider a motorhome. While it can also require you to be cautious and take time, it’s a tad bit easier to handle on the road.
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How much are you willing to spend, both initially and for travel? Are you looking to spend less short term but maybe more long term? That may be what happens when you invest in a caravan. It could be better for your pocket to perhaps spend more on a motorhome but spend less on the road.
In the end, whatever decision you make when browsing local caravan sales, one thing is certain: traveling will be a great experience for you. What will work best for you is largely dependent on your lifestyle. What are your preferences for road trips? 