Caravan vs Motorhome: Which is Best for You?

Caravan or Motorhome?

Want to venture into the outdoors but are unsure whether to choose a caravan or motorhome to accompany you? Fear not, for you’re not alone, with this choice having bamboozled eager adventurers for decades. At Spinney we cater for every kind of explorer, stocking the very best caravans and motorhomes so that you can make an informed decision on your beloved new purchase.

The difference between a caravan and a motorhome

First things first, it’s important to make clear the distinctions between a caravan and a motorhome. The most clear and obvious difference comes in their structure, with caravans being towed behind another vehicle, while motorhomes are the vehicle, with a living area, kitchen and bathroom being integrated alongside the driving cab.

Ready to use as soon as it has been parked, motorhomes can be extremely practical, whereas caravans involve a little more maintenance once you arrive at your destination, having to be detached and set up. Though, as motorhomes are contesting for space with you, the driving cab and the engine, they sacrifice space, with caravans being far roomier.

The pros and cons of motorhomes

Every vehicle comes with its own pros and cons and motorhomes are no different, with each one offering something different for you and your needs.

Positives

• Convenient all-in-one vehicle: Fitted with all the necessary amenities, motorhomes are designed with your comfort in mind, especially when you consider that there’s no towing or setup required. Once you park, you’re good to go! If this sounds like your cup of tea, take a look at our new motorhomes for sale here.
• Driving ease: Thanks to the sheer convenience of their design, many state that motorhomes make for a smoother driving experience, especially as you don’t have to worry about towing anything behind you.
• Ideal for spontaneous road trips: If you love being spontaneous, a motorhome might be your new best friend, with it being simply effortless to move from one destination to the next.

Negatives

• Mobility: While motorhomes are efficient and functional vehicles, their lack of mobility could be a problem for many. Lacking an extra vehicle, once parked at a campsite, you will have to organise bus or taxi travel to venture out, moreover, if you did want to explore in your motorhome, you might find parking a problem, with many places putting restrictions on the large vehicles.  
• Maintenance: With several different compartments that require running water, electricity and much more, motorhomes can be difficult to maintain. In addition, if you get any mechanical issues, your holiday could easily be upended.
• Cost: Costing more, first and foremost, than a caravan, there are several hidden fees when operating a motorhome, including insurance and storage fees. You can, however, save money on a new vehicle by exploring the second-hand motorhomes available at Spinney, with these models being considerably cheaper than the completely new ones.

The pros and cons of caravans

Where one person will treasure their motorhome, another will search for something different that better suits their needs and preferences, with our range of new caravans for sale offering up a new world of possibilities.

Positives

• Cost: If cost is a priority for you, why not check out our used Caravans for sale, with the cost of a caravan in comparison to a motorhome being considerably cheaper. In addition, caravans are cheaper to maintain considering they don’t need to be insured or have an annual MOT.
• Dynamic: Caravans may take slightly longer to set up than motorhomes, but once you’ve detached them from your other vehicle, you have a dedicated home away from home. With your caravan pitched, you can have the freedom of using your car to visit any attraction in the nearby environment without having to lug around your entire home!
• Spacious interior: Caravans often have far more living space than motorhomes, considering that they don’t have to contend with an engine and driving cab. In addition, caravans are also better insulated, meaning they are comfortable all year round.

Negatives

• Towing: Towing a caravan can take a lot of getting used to, especially when you’re on the open road battling the elements of heavy wind and rain. As a result, they can be difficult to manoeuvre, with reversing being a particular challenge, especially when squeezing into tight parking spots.
• Setup: It’s not quite as easy to simply get up and go with a caravan, with the awning needing to be packed down before the unit is hitched to your car and all the necessary checks are taken place before you go.
• Less spontaneous: A lack of spontaneity is a consequence of the previous negative, with changes of destination requiring a considerable amount of planning and preparation.

Can’t decide between a caravan or motorhome?

Ultimately the decision between a motorhome or a caravan comes entirely down to personal preference and the kind of holidays you like to enjoy. But, if you’d like some expert insight into the best kind of vehicle for you, contact us today and enjoy advice from our team of experts with decades of experience in the industry.

Offering both second-hand and new caravans and motorhomes, at Spinney we hold every one of our vehicles to the same high standards, giving each product a 170-point check and full valet before you receive the keys. So, upgrade your free weekends and summer breaks with Spinney today and invest in your new vehicle, no matter if it’s a caravan or a motorhome!