Caravans v Campervans - Which is best?
If you’re new to the world of caravanning you may be weighing up your options when it comes to buying a caravan versus buying a campervan.
Aside from the obvious differences, there are pros and cons associated with both caravan and campervan ownership. We’ll discuss some of them below.
Caravans v Campervans - What’s the difference?
The answer may seem obvious, but before you can decide which is right for you, it’s important to understand what makes these leisure vehicles different.
Essentially, touring caravans could be likened to large trailers. Typically towed behind a car, touring caravans provide ‘living’ facilities that are completely separate from the towing vehicle.
Campervans on the other hand are self-contained vehicles with mobile ‘living’ accommodation. The driving cab cannot be detached from the ‘living’ quarters.
Pros and cons of caravan ownership
Pros
- Flexibility: Owning a caravan means that you have complete flexibility once you reach your destination. You can simply unhitch your car and set off to explore, safe in the knowledge that your caravan will be waiting for you when you return. Campervans on the other hand have to go everywhere with you!
- Space: Typically, an average caravan will always provide more space than an average campervan - which means more storage space for your summer wardrobe! This is because the driving cab in a campervan usually takes up part of the living space.
- Efficiency: Modern caravans are purpose built for ‘living’, with grade 3 insulation and double-glazed acrylic windows. Many campervans are converted vans, so you may find that they’re less efficient.
- Cheaper to maintain: Given that touring caravans do not have engines, they are exempt from mandatory servicing or MOT testing. You’re also not legally required to have caravan insurance. Although according to the AA around 4,000 caravans are stolen every year, with many more experiencing accidental damages, so insuring your caravan is advisable.
- Facilities and comfort: Typically, life is more comfortable in a caravan. Most modern caravans have fitted beds and their own washroom and toilet. Space is a premium in campervans and many don’t have their own bathrooms (which is fine if you’re happy to use campsite facilities). You’ll also have to reconfigure your motorhome every night before you go to sleep and again every morning.
Cons
- Towing: Towing can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re new to it. Towing a caravan requires experience, focus and ability, and it’s one of the main reasons that people choose not to buy a caravan.
- Storage: When you’re not enjoying trips away in your caravan you will need to find a suitable storage option. If you don’t have adequate parking at home, this could mean finding a storage compound nearby - which could cost you upwards of £400 for a year.
- Need a suitable towing vehicle: Minis and Smart Cars may be ideal for squeezing into tight spaces, but they’re unlikely to efficiently tow a touring caravan! Matching your car and caravan effectively involves calculating the kerbweight of your car and the maximum mass of your caravan (explained here by the RAC). Not every car is capable of towing a caravan, if yours isn’t, you may need to consider an upgrade. You may also have to have a tow bar fitted.
Pros and cons of campervan ownership
Pros
- Driving is easier: Anyone can drive a campervan (unlike some motorhomes which may require drivers to possess a category C1 licence to drive legally). The self-contained driving cab negates the need for towing and, unlike towed caravans, campervans can usually fit into standard parking spaces.
- Quicker to set-up and pack away: Setting up and packing away your caravan can be a bit of an ordeal, especially if an awning is involved! Setting up your campervan on the other hand couldn’t be easier! Other jobs like filling up water are easier too. Most campervans have onboard storage for water, so you may not have to do it as often, and you can just drive to a dedicated bay at the campsite when required.
- Spontaneity: Owning a campervan makes spontaneous road trips extremely simple. If we have an unexpected sunny spell, you can simply hop in your campervan and off you go! Campervans are also great for off-grid camping as they’re easier to maneuver than a caravan and faster to pack-up if you need to leave in a hurry!
Cons
- You have to drive it everywhere: If you plan on taking day trips during your holiday, a campervan may not be ideal. Although packing up is relatively simple, do you really want to do it every time you need to leave the campsite? You also run the risk of losing your pitch whilst you pop out for 10 minutes to pick up some shopping (we’ve seen it happen)!
- Running costs: Campervans are more expensive to run. Unlike caravans, campervans must pass an MOT and carry road tax and insurance. There’s also the cost of fuel to consider. If your campervan is your only vehicle, you’ll have to drive it everywhere, which is likely to cost more than fueling a car.
Caravans v Campervans - Which is better?
It’s really not a question of which is better, rather, which would better suit your needs. Think about the way that you and your family will use your new caravan or campervan. Arguably, caravans are better suited for families who need more space, or those with concerns over running costs. Whilst campervans are great for fans of spontaneous getaways!
Here at Sedgemoor Caravans in Somerset we have a great selection of caravans, campervans and motorhomes for sale and our friendly team are always on hand to answer any questions. Please get in touch to arrange a visit.