Buying an RV is a big deal, and starting the process of picking one that is right for you is a difficult one. When it comes to picking a towable vs drivable RV it all depends on your needs and wants, and there are no set rules because everyone is different. All types of RVs are great, but it really depends on individual needs. If you have no idea of which is best for you, make a list of needs, and let’s see what fits your needs.
Choosing a Towable Vs Drivable RV
Towable RVs and motorhomes differentiate in one main way – motorhomes are self-propelled, meaning you don’t need anything else to make it. With any towable, whether it is a fifth wheel or a travel trailer, it needs to be hitched to a vehicle.
When it comes to picking towable vs drivable RV, making a list is going to be the way to go. Here’s a list of some of the things you should ponder about:
- If you have a truck/vehicle that can tow a trailer
- Do you feel comfortable driving large vehicles?
- What size do you want? What size can you manage?
- Do you want to have a separate vehicle that can unhook at a campsite?
- What is your budget?
- How luxurious do you want your RV to be?
- How many people are usually going to be with you?
- How big of a concern is gas mileage?
Asking yourself these questions is the first step into deciding what is really going to be best for you.
Other considerations within each RV category include purpose, size, color, layout, and brand differentiation. All of this can be quite overwhelming for a first-time buyer. Selecting your perfect rig is a decision that requires lots of research and planning. Here, we’ve compiled a list of differences between drivable RVs and towable RVs to help you choose the perfect RV for you and your family.
Driveable RVs
- Willing to spend more than $50,000
- Don’t want to buy a new truck that can tow a large trailer
- Plan on long-term living in it
- Want to carry all passengers in the RV itself
- Want luxury
- Comfortable driving large vehicle
- Fuel cost doesn’t matter to you
Towable RVs
- The budget is less than $50,000
- Have a truck with a high towing capacity
- Gas mileage matters to you
- Want a separate vehicle to drive into town for errands or day trips
- Want to be able to bring toys with you
- The truck is spacious enough for all passengers
- Comfortable towing large items/trailers, especially while backing up
There are so many options of RVs that fit into both categories. Many towable RVs are more spacious than motorhomes, just like some motorhomes are going to be less expensive than a really nice travel trailer.
As you start looking, you should really look into different types of RVs to find a true fit. Ask the questions that make sense for you are your wants. This way you will be fully satisfied once you make your purchase.
Pros
- The RV is a single unit, meaning you don’t have two engines and two sets of tires to take care of.
- It’s easy to access all of the RV at all times–a big perk for long travel days.
- Motorhome RV’s are quick to move and require minimal setup and takedown.
- You have the ability to tow a small vehicle behind your motorhome, which is more fuel-efficient for errands, commuting, and regional exploration.
- No towing experience is needed or learning curve to overcome!
Cons
- Any repairs or issues with the vehicle mean you’re stuck without transportation. A Good Sam Roadside Assistance Plan
- Poor fuel economy in the large versions.
- More expensive than a towable RV.
- Can be more expensive to fix than a towable.
- Some roads will be out of reach to large motorhomes due to vehicle size.
Towable RVs Pros and Cons
Towable RVs are the alternative to motorhomes and there are plenty of different kinds of towables out there to choose from. More often than not, though, they fall into the following three categories: fifth-wheels, travel trailers, and pop-ups. However, the variations don’t end there. There are numerous sub-types in existence that blend elements from those three main styles.
Pros
- Towables tend to be cheaper than motorhomes because they do not have an engine on board.
- There’s a wider variety of towable options than motorized ones.
- You’re not stuck driving your RV everywhere. Once you park and unhitch, you can drive off to explore or run errands.
- You could get decent gas mileage depending on your tow vehicle and RV.
- They’re affordable and there are a lot of them, which means more variations for floorplans and accessories.
- Towables are easier to add to and customize.
- Towables can be less expensive to repair.
- When you need repairs, you still have access to your vehicle so you’re not stranded.
Cons
- Most tow vehicles are big and expensive. When not towing an RV, it’s unlikely they’ll have as good of gas mileage as a sedan or the like.
- You have to buy a tow vehicle as well as an RV unless you already own one.
- Campsite setup and takedown times are usually longer than with a motorhome due to the hitch-up process.
- Towing can be difficult for some drivers to master. Backing up takes practice and patience.
- Your tow vehicle and towable RV length may be too long for some campgrounds.
So, is a towable RV or a motorhome a better option for me? A towable RV is best for those who have a heavy-duty vehicle and would like to detach from the trailer and drive around separately. Motorhomes are best for those who want little hassle while using an RV, especially when it comes to packing up camp.
So if you are shopping and debating a towable vs drivable RV, make sure to keep this in mind and consult with a sales expert at your local RV dealership!
