Tired of paying extortionate fees for hotel rooms and ready to follow your own itinerary? If so, investing in a caravan or motorhome could be the best choice for you. With more and more younger people discovering the joys of caravanning, the unrivalled convenience of a second home on wheels has seen bookings surge in recent months.
However, it might seem difficult to decide whether to choose a caravan or a motorhome for your upcoming self-catered adventures. In our handy guide below, we’ll outline the main differences between the two – alongside their pros and cons – to help you make an informed choice.
What are the differences between caravans and motorhomes?
The primary difference is that a caravan is towed by a vehicle – for instance, your own car – whereas a motorhome is a self-contained vehicle with its own engine and cab.
A static caravan is a much larger, self-contained mobile home that’s usually stored in a holiday park, perfect for returning to your favourite place time after time.
What difference does towing make?
Towing could be the obvious ultimatum. For instance, you’ll be able to tow bikes, luggage, or even another vehicle behind a motorhome, but if you choose a caravan, you’ll be towing only the caravan behind your car.
If you don’t think you’ll be comfortable towing anything at all, choose a motorhome. Towing a caravan behind a car takes skill, patience, and practice, so if you feel at all uncomfortable or anxious about towing one, opting for a motorhome or static caravan makes more sense.
Are caravans more affordable?
In general, caravans are cheaper to buy outright than caravans. However, quality is almost always reflected in the price, so if you choose a top-of-the-range caravan or motorhome, it’s more likely that it will retain its value.
If you’d like to make an investment, a static caravan could be the best option. Spaces and new plots rarely become available on the most popular holiday resorts in the UK, but if you’re lucky enough to secure one, your mobile home is almost guaranteed to appreciate in value.
Why choose a caravan?
If you’re willing to tow one behind your car, choosing a caravan could be the most economical option for you and your family. Nothing compares to the flexibility of simply driving to your holiday destination and having everything you need right next to you. Furthermore, you’re bound to enjoy superior fuel economy by towing – and simpler recovery if things go wrong.
Or, if there’s a special place you see yourself returning to every year, investing in your own static caravan could be the way to go. Plus, you could even rent it out to guests when you’re not using it – so it’s potentially lucrative, too.