When we set out on our full-time RV, we explored all the options for what would be best for our family of 6. Each particular RV type has pros and cons.
Today I’m sharing what I see as important factors when deciding which of these 3 types of RVs suit a family.
Travel Trailers
Pros –
- Economical
- Lighter-Weight
Cons –
- Ceilings are Lower
- Not Well Insulated
- Smaller Master Bedrooms
- Minimal Storage
We considered getting a Travel Trailer which is also called a bumper-pull. The fact that they are less expensive was a draw for us but we decided the loss in space was not worth it. Looking back, I think we would have been just fine with a travel trailer had we not wintered up North. (You can order them more insulated but that will drive your cost up.)
Motorhome
Pros –
- All-in-One Ease of Moving
- Generator is Usually Included for Boondocking
- Decent Storage
- More Seating
Cons –
- Mechanical Breakdown – Out of Your Home
- Rarely Come With Bunks
- More Expensive
When we decided to buy an older RV and undertake a camper remodel, we went with a motorhome. We love our Winnebago Adventurer and it suits us well. Since we are a family of 6, we had to get creative with our sleeping arrangements. I wrote all about our renovations and converting the master bedroom into a bunk room.
5th Wheel
We actually bought a 5th Wheel
Pros –
- Higher Ceilings
- Larger Master Bedrooms
- Much More Storage Throughout
Cons –
- Winter Energy Costs High
- More Expensive
- Less Seating
We actually bought a 5th Wheel and we loved it. There were so many positives to our 5th Wheel. In the end, the cost is why we decided to sell it and remodel our motorhome.
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So that’s our run-down on RV types. Hopefully our insight helps you decide what is right for you and your family.
I think another pro of a bumper pull is that you can use something other than a pickup truck to pull it, and if you have a pickup, you can actually use the bed. I bought a well-insulated bumper-pull for my family of three before I even got a tow vehicle, and part of my reasoning against a fifth wheel was because I was considering buying a van. I ended up getting a pickup after all, but I’m still glad I don’t have to deal with a hitch in my bed.
Julie,
When you say that you got rid of the 5th wheel because of the cost, do you mean because it was a new RV and the monthly payment in your budget stretched your budget too much? Reason I ask is that most monthly budgets that we look at for full-timers…the drivables are always significantly higher.
Yes, that is exactly what I meant Kelly. We bought an older drivable and that is how we were able to cut costs so much. Our used Class A was only $16K vs. $47K (and needing to still get a truck).
How old is the class A. There is a 3 year lifespan for living in them until higher maintenance costs.
Good to know!
We are a family of 7, and we just bought our first RV, a 37′ travel trailer and we jumped into fulltime rving to keep our family together after our landlord decided to sell our house. My husband is active duty military, and we only have one more year at this duty station, so finding another rental was not appealing!
Because we won’t all fit in our pick-up, we needed a light bumper-pull to use with our Suburban. I have to say we really love it. The bunkhouse has opposing slideouts, so there is plenty of room for all five kids without having to tear into the dinette or pull out the couch every night. We actually under-packed, in that we still have lots of storage available. Also, we homeschool, so lots of books and supplies are included in the stuff we had to bring.
The only time I notice the smaller height is when I go outside and see the massive motorhomes and 5th-wheels parked around us. 🙂
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