RV vs Trailer vs Camper

RV vs Trailer vs Camper

Posted on November 14, 2022

So, What's the Difference Exactly?

According to the Canadian Camping and RV Council, campsite bookings increased by 26.5% in 2021 when compared to 2019. RV dealerships have seen a proportionate increase in sales as more people discover the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle.

Are you among those who are ready to give up their tent in favor of a more comfortable set-up? Shopping for an RV can be an overwhelming process unless you know exactly what you're looking for.

Many first-time RV buyers don't know the difference between RVs, campers, and trailers. Keep reading to learn more about each type and help narrow down your search.

What Is An RV?

The term “recreational vehicle,” applies to any vehicle you might use to stay in during a camping trip.

There are three main types of RVs available, as follows:

• Motorized RVs
• Towable RVs
• Park homes

The term ''camper'' officially refers to a truck camper, which is either affixed to the bed or chassis of a pickup truck or loaded onto it. The Canadian RV Association classifies campers as a type of towable RV and many people refer to all towable RVs as campers.

Other towable RVs include fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, folding camping trailers, and hybrid or expandable travel trailers. Park homes are large towable trailers designed to move infrequently.

Does That Make A Trailer An RV?

 Yes, a trailer is one of the major types of RVs.

It meets the official definition of an RV, which describes an RV as a structure designed to provide temporary accommodation during travel and which you can drive, tow, park or transport for this purpose.

What's The Difference Between An RV And A Camper?

Although a camper is also an RV, most people use the terms to refer to different types of recreational vehicles. Usually, when someone uses the term ''RV'', they mean a motor home, while the term ''camper'' frequently implies a towable trailer.

What's The Difference Between A Camper And A Trailer?

Campers and trailers are both towable RVs, with a few major differences.

Campers usually fall into the category of smaller trailers. Some are tiny, with sleeping accommodations, a pop-up top, and very little else. Larger varieties include a fixed roof, extra storage, basic cooking facilities, and a small seating area.

The realm of trailers includes those with onboard bathrooms, slides for extra space, and many extra amenities. Due to their smaller size, campers are also cheaper than trailers. In general, the more square footage and amenities in a trailer, the higher the price.

The brand you choose may also impact the price. Naturally, if you opt for a pre-owned trailer or camper, you can expect to pay less.

Pros & Cons Of Trailers

The benefits of trailer RVs include more cargo space and extra facilities. Price aside, the larger your RV, the harder it is to manoeuvre, and the more you'll pay on fuel costs when moving them from point A to point B.

Considering that campsites usually have a maximum occupancy of six people, you'll save more on accommodation costs per person when you buy a larger RV, as these accommodate more people.

This cost-saving is especially pertinent when one considers the anticipated hotel price increases of 8.2% in 2023.

Pros & Cons Of Campers

A lower purchase price is an obvious and immediate benefit of choosing a camper. Their lightweight also makes it easier to tow these RVs. In most cases, you can tow a small camper with an ordinary sedan.

A couple of downsides that campers have include difficulty in maneuvering them, fewer facilities, and less space for cargo.

If you choose a camper that fits into the bed of a pickup truck, you can eliminate the maneuverability issue. But, you'll have to take an extra vehicle along unless you want to dismantle your camp every time you go exploring. Another point to consider is these trailers also take up less parking space.

Which One Could Be Right For You?

When deciding on the best RV for your needs, there are a few important things to consider.

The purchase price is always a major consideration for savvy shoppers, but there are other cost factors to consider when choosing an RV. These are:

• Fuel costs
• Whether you'll need a new towing vehicle
• Licensing costs
• Ongoing maintenance and repairs

Be sure to take all these costs into account when deciding on the best RV for you.

Always think long-term when buying an RV. If you're planning a family, or your children are about to leave home soon, you should consider buying an RV that suits these needs.

If you want to accommodate more than two people, a camper is best for you, while a trailer suits four travelers. Those who want to live in your RV or enjoy extended vacations should consider one of the larger RV models.

Extra amenities add a lot of convenience to your camping trips, but you might not need all the bells and whistles if you only intend to enjoy short trips.

Do you love exploring your surroundings? A trailer is a good choice for those who want to set up camp and use their towing vehicle for day trips to see nearby sights and attractions.

If you enjoy relaxing around the campsite or enjoying the onsite facilities like swimming pools or hikes, a motorized RV might suit your needs.

The Takeaway

The best way to decide what will suit you best is to see for yourself. Keeping the above information in mind, visit a dealership, so you can get a realistic perspective on each type of RV.

Thanks to 40 years of experience in the RV business, we can help you make the best decision for your family. Browse the wide selection of RVs available on our website, and get in touch if you have any questions.

Alternatively, pop into our dealership and one of our expert representatives will help you find your perfect match.