The freedom to explore without the hassle of airlines or questionable motels is usually at the top of a list of reasons people love camper trailers and caravans. Both are ideal ways to enjoy a quick getaway or an extended holiday.
The popularity of camper trailers and caravans transcends age and social boundaries. At any given moment, the caravan or camper trailer you see on the road has an even chance of being occupied by a family, some college mates, or a retired couple, each off on an adventure with their home away from home in tow.
If these scenarios sound appealing to you, a camper trailer or caravan might be in your future. Many people who would love the freedom these rolling accommodations provide worry about affordability. At Loans Unlimited, we offer a variety of loans for leisure. This allows you to think about what you need in a travelling home and not worry about keeping costs down.
Before you head out to purchase your camper trailer or caravan, you should take a bit of time to work out the details of what you want and need. It should go without saying that you should include your spouse, partner, children, or anyone else who will be part of your outdoor adventures in the early decision-making process.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying A Camper Trailer or Caravan
- What Style of Camping Do You Prefer?
You will want to think beyond your first excursion when considering this question. While your first trip may be a summer holiday to the shore, there are several fantastic places on and off the grid that you might enjoy. If you want to be your self-contained entity, you will need a different setup than if you will visit national parks and forests that have amenities such as hot showers and toilets.
- What Amenities Will You and Your Travelling Companions Require?
What is a deal-breaker for one person is a frivolous luxury to someone else. However, you need an honest opinion from those involved to make the best choice. If your spouse thinks roughing it is a hotel with no room service, you may want to think about a caravan with climate control, a toilet and a shower over a hard floor camper trailer.
- Can Your Vehicle Legally Tow What You Are About to Buy?
Getting caught up in the excitement of purchasing a caravan or camper trailer is easy. However, your wonderful investment will not get you very far unless you have a way to tow it.
- How Long Will You Be on the Road?
Be aware that the longer your holiday and the more remote your destination, the greater your need for comfort and convenience. Many excited campers find themselves far from home and quite uncomfortable because they did not honestly account for just how much they disliked toileting in the bush during a rainstorm.
- How Large of a Caravan or Camper Trailer Do You Need?
While you want to make reasonable choices and stay within your budget, think twice before choosing the smaller of two options. What feels like plenty of space in a showroom can feel claustrophobic on day six of a two-week holiday. You may also want to make allowances for changes over the coming years. Your tiny toddler will eventually become a teen who wants to bring a friend along. You could also add to your family or opt to bring mum and dad for a getaway.
- Do You Want a New or Used Camper Trailer or Caravan?
There are several advantages to buying a new camper trailer or caravan. You can be sure it meets all of the latest safety standards and that everything is in excellent condition. In many cases, you have the option of customising your home away from home as well. You can find some outstanding deals on camper trailers or caravans. A family may buy one, discover they barely use it, and sell it. A word of caution, be sure you visit a licenced dealer. Doing so can guarantee the title is clear. Licensed dealers go to great lengths to ensure their stock is not stolen or encumbered. Additionally, dealers will do safety checks and clean their stock before it leaves their lot.
Ask Fellow Camping Enthusiasts
If you’re looking to buy, then it might pay to ask friends and family for their opinion and experiences. Even what they might suggest for you in terms of size and features. You can also look at reviews online, many businesses and manufacturers have learned the hard way that customer reviews matter. Before making your big purchase, narrow down your potential choices by reading reviews and watching in-depth reviews from owners on youtube.
Try Before You Buy
Another way to learn what works and what does not is to rent a caravan or camper trailer to take on holiday. Numerous locations rent these, and you can save a fair percentage over the cost of a hotel. The ultimate try before you buy, renting a camper trailer or caravan will give you the genuine experience of how well you and yours manage in one type or the other. While you are travelling, you can talk with other campers in caravan parks. Most would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of makes and models. You will come away from the experience with the knowledge you need to purchase the best caravan or camper trailer for you.
Choosing Between a Camper Trailer and a Caravan
The choice between a camper trailer and a caravan is relatively straightforward. There is no “better” choice between the two. The question is more about which would fit into your lifestyle and the kind of camping you prefer. Here are a few notable points to consider when making your choice:
Camper Trailer Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to tow
- Less limiting if you want to explore off-road
- Typically costs less than a caravan
- It uses less fuel to tow than a caravan
- It has a high payload
- Easy to store in most residential areas
Cons:
- Setup takes time and can be difficult
- Fewer amenities
- Canvas to protect you from the elements
- Limited room for extra mattresses
- Minimal Security
Caravan Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Requires little to no setup
- Typically has all of the comforts of home, including climate control, kitchen convenience, and toilet
- Offers protection from rain and heat
- It has space for several adults to sleep
- You can lock the door at night
Cons:
- An expensive investment
- Requires the right vehicle to tow legally
- Limited off-road capabilities
- Requires great amounts of fuel to tow
- Payload to size ratio is poor
- Difficult to store in some residential areas
When you make your decision, you should keep in mind that there is no perfect choice between the caravan and the camper trailer. Each one will surpass your expectations in some respects and fall short in others.
Choosing the right camper or caravan for you may be a little tougher than you expected. However, when you think about the amount of time you will spend there, you will see it is worth your time to make sure you and your group will be comfortable. Once you discover the perfect model, get in touch with our team of experts to discuss any financial matter you may have coming up. You can count on Loans Unlimited to come through with the best financing available.
