Congratulations, you’ve decided to take the plunge and add a motorhome to your life. You may think that that’s the biggest decision, and in essence, it is, but now you have to decide on the type of motorhome. Will it be motorized or non-motorized – in the non-motorized variety you have a choice of a folding camping trailer, a truck camper or a fifth wheeler.
The type of motorhome you purchase will most likely be a reflection of your budget as much as the intended use of the new rv. You know your budget, let us help with the other part of your decision - intended use.
Ask yourself these simple questions: how often you will use the rv? Will you travel occasionally, stay at one location and then need or want to get around? Or will you travel more frequently, or for extended periods of time and tour rather than park and explore? Will the journey to and fro be just as important as the destination?
If you answered yes to the first scenario, then a towable trailer is probably a better choice. Aside from being a more affordable option, the largest advantage is that once unhooked from the tow vehicle, the trailer is home and your vehicle is your vehicle. towable trailers come in different sizes to fit different needs. Folding camping trailers can be short and light and thus towable by almost any car. A longer and heavier travel trailer will require a vehicle with more towing power. A fifth wheel trailer requires either a truck or a large SUV. It is closest to a motorized rv in the non-motorized category due to the extra room it affords the traveler.
Another option open to the first scenario is a truck camper. It is a camper that fits on the bed of a pick up truck. These also come in different sizes and can be roomy and packed with amenities. If you already own a pick up, then this may well be the way to go. Like the other camper units, once you detach the vehicle, the camper is home and the vehicle is just that, your vehicle.
If you answered yes to the second scenario, where the journey is as important and the destination, then perhaps a motorhome is the correct choice. The ease of the journey is phenomenally appealing. To be able to walk into the back to grab something to eat or to watch a video seated in any belted position can be a superb way to travel. And the facilities are mere steps away. If your vacations consist of a long trip with several stops, then this could be the way to go. You can always bring along the bikes for short jaunts or rent a car for a day or two for longer trips, without the rv. Motorhomes, especially the Class A models are typically more comfortable, ride better and have a larger, roomier cockpit than the other models.
Whatever you desire, there’s a motorhome out there to fit you.
