What's the right-size camping vehicle?
Here's the bedrock principle: you'll want the smallest, most maneuverable vehicle you can be comfortable in. Anything bigger will be more trouble, more limiting, and more expensive than any additional amenities can justify.Big RVs
Motorhomes
pro:
- Unexcelled comfort and amenities
con:
- Limited off-highway use
- Expensive to buy and to own
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
pro:
- Comparable to motor homes in comfort and amenities
con:
- Almost as expensive as motorhomes
- More limited for off-highway use than motorhomes
Read more about advantages and disadvantages of big RVs.Medium-Size RVs
Mini-Motorhomes
pro:
- High comfort level
- More maneuverable than big RV
- More affordable than big RV
con:
- Less maneuverable than other choices
- More expensive than other choices
Travel Trailers
pro:
- Cheaper than mini-motorhomes
con:
- Less maneuverable than mini-motorhomes
- Less stable than any other RV
Read more about advantages and disadvantages of medium-size RVs Small RVs
Van Conversions
pro:
- Very maneuverable
con:
- Minimal space
- More expensive than other choices
Tent Trailers, Pop-Up Trailers, and Pickup Campers
pro:
- Least expensive RVs
- Good maneuverability
con
- Little space and amenities
Read more about advantages and disadvantages of small RVsCar Camping with a Tent
pro:
- Maximum versatility and maneuverablilty
- Lowest cost
- Least owner maintenance
con:
- Fewest amenities
Read about how to make car camping comfortable and convenient.Best RV Advice You'll Ever Get
Don't spend tens of thousands of dollars or (hold your breath) hundreds of thousands on a RV based on your neighbor's or your cousin's opinion. You can rent a RV for around $200/day, depending on the size, trip duration, and season. If you think that's expensive, you're not ready for a RV. Trying it out allows you to weigh the comfort of size against the inconvenience and expense that come with size and then decide what size is right for you. As it turns out, most RV owners would be better off renting than owning anyway. Not only is it cheaper for people who only use them 15 or 20 nights a year, which is normal, but they save the trouble of managing the RV when they're not using it, plus they can choose the right kind of RV for any given trip.
