Camper or caravan – you may be wondering which to choose? If you’re already imagining scenic trails and campsites in fabulous locations, but you’re still not sure what’s better to rent: an RV or a trailer, be sure to read this article. Here you will find a comparison of traveling by camper and caravan and we show the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions. Here we go!
Campers and trailers are modern apartments on wheels, offering comfort, convenience and independence. However, there are some important The differences between traveling by trailer and camper. We will show them to you in this article! Remember always happy to talk to you, a once we know your needs and travel plans, we will help you choose the best motorhome for YOU.
Table of contents
- Caravan or camper – mobility and independence when traveling
- Maneuvering an RV – is it easier to drive an RV or tow a caravan?
- Driving license – camper vs caravan
- Vehicle capacity and living area – comparison of camper and caravan
- Camper or caravan – rental costs
- Camping costs for motorhomes
- Camper vs trailer – fuel consumption
- Buying an RV or caravan – costs
- Which is better? Camper or caravan – summary
Caravan or camper van – mobility and independence when traveling
Here are the essential differences between a camper and a trailer, which are relevant depending on, Which type of travel, overnight stays and sightseeing you prefer:
Camper – tour
Here are the essential differences between a camper and a trailer, which are relevant depending on, Which type of travel, overnight stays and sightseeing you prefer:
The camper, along with all your luggage and equipment, is with you at all times. It’s The best option if you are planning a so-called touring, that is, you want to change locations frequently, travel long distances and stop at a stopping for campers. All you need to do is properly secured parking space and you can just get out of the vehicle, and go for a hike in the countryside. And the next day do the same… 200 km away.
However, if you dream of vacation in an RV, but you want to stay several nights in a row in the same place i drive your RV in the area, it is also possible. Just remember that every time you need a preparing the camper for driving (roll up the mosquito net, disconnect from utilities, secure luggage and items in the living area). It usually takes approx. 15-20 minutes) and it can be tiring if you are aware that you could NOT do it, having a caravan.
When you want to use camper’s living space, you simply unbuckle the straps … and you are immediately in your comfortable home on wheels. You don’t have to get out of the car, disconnect and stabilize the trailer (about 15-30 minutes, if you’re skilled), and reconnect it the next day before you hit the road.
Caravan – Staying stationary at the campsite and touring by car
Caravan works great when you plan longer stays at one campground and want to enjoy the attractions offered there, while you prefer to explore by car. In this case, you unhook and stabilize the trailer (if you’re skilled, it takes about 15-30 minutes), leave it safely at the campsite and pack your belongings for the trip in the car. Convenient bus or water cab services are often available at the campsites, which you can use to explore the area. This is definitely a better option than touring with a caravan due to the problems of finding a parking space, especially in cities and crowded tourist resorts.
Accommodation only in campgrounds or wild parking lots?
By camper You can spend the night almost anywhere you can legally camp. If you prefer Special parking lots, camper feet (where campers are welcome, but trailers – due to their length – not always anymore), wild campgrounds – camper will provide you with a comfortable rest: a private kitchen and bathroom, the possibility to use electricity, and access to water thanks to capacious tanks.
Caravan as a rule has a small gray water tank (or does not have one at all and an external connection is required), as well as an average 2.5 times smaller clean water tank Compared to a camper. For this reason, it is more difficult to camp away from civilization with a caravan, but, if you prepare, it is possible.
Maneuvering an RV – is it easier to drive an RV or tow a caravan?
Camper is a much larger vehicle than a passenger car and the driver must exercise great caution when driving and maneuvering. In general, our customers do well with driving an RV and quickly get used to its dimensions. The vehicle is one lump and its handling is rarely difficult.
Towing a large caravan requires the driver to have more experience and concentration during any maneuvers on the road. Parking a set of vehicles can be a challenge for less experienced drivers.
Camper also drives well in the mountains, in winter. Pulling a trailer can be a challenge on high altitude, windy trails if you are inexperienced. If in doubt, contact us, we will talk and advise you. If you immediately feel that Towing a trailer in winter may be too difficult for you, better rent an RV.
Driving license – camper vs. caravan
To To drive an RV In most cases, a category B driver’s license is sufficient.
In the case of driving a combination: passenger car + caravan Exceeding the GVW of 3.5 tons is almost certain. In such situations, a B96 (up to 4250 kg) or B+E (up to 7000 kg) license is already required. Click here for more information on
caravan driving licenses
.
Vehicle capacity and living area – comparison of camper and caravan
Camper and trailer have separate: a living area with comfortable sofas, a bathroom with a shower, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, sink and gas stove, as well as space for luggage storage. However, if We will compare a trailer and an RV of similar length, then generally more living and luggage space is offered by the caravan Than an RV. Upon entering the trailer, we may have the impression that it is more spacious than in an RV, for the reason that in an RV some of the space is taken up by the cab.
W caravan there is usually More space for storage (roomy closets and cabinets). In an RV this space may be slightly less, but they usually have a a roomy garage accessible from outside the vehicle.
When making your choice, consider, how many people will be traveling, because:
- There are trailer models that provide comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to 8 people.
- Most RVs are designed for 4-5 people, less often there are vehicles that can accommodate 6 people.
Camper or caravan – rental costs
Renting an RV is more expensive than renting a caravan (In the KoKo Kamper rental company this difference is about 300 PLN/day).
Price of renting an RV
Prestige in the low season is 590 zł / day, in the high season is 760 zł / day.
The price of renting a caravan
in low season is 280 zł/day, in high season is 320 zł/day.
When renting an RV for a week, the difference in rental price is already more than $2,000.
Camping costs for motorhomes
The fee for putting up an RV or large caravan at a campground is usually comparable, while when traveling with a trailer, there is an additional parking fee for a passenger car (this is usually small, but for a long stay it can be a noticeable expense that is worth including in your budget).
Camper vs trailer – fuel consumption and tolls
When planning your fuel budget, you can generally assume that a camper burns a similar amount of fuel/100km as a car + trailer combination. In the case of our campers, it is an average of 11-13 liters / 100 km.
A combination, i.e.: car + caravan usually exceeds 3500 kg, which entails higher road tolls and more expensive parking lots.
Purchase of an RV or caravan – costs
Buy an RV or a trailer? The decision to buy motorhome is much more serious than the rental decision. Therefore, we recommend: test both vehicles before you make a final decision. In our rental shop we have a special offer for those who are interested in buying a trailer or camper: “Test and buy!“. If after the trip is over you decide to buy a vehicle from KoKo Kamper, the rental amount will be deducted from the purchase price of the vehicle!
Want to learn more? Click:
The cost of buying an RV is higher than that of a caravan. For example, used camper for sale Of KoKo Kamper’s offerings, it costs approx. PLN 335,000 gross, and used caravan for sale Of KoKo Kamper’s offerings, it costs approx. PLN 209,000 gross, although we can offer a cheaper option for you: from PLN 100,000 gross.
Check out KoKo Kamper’s offerings:
If you are thinking about buying an RV or purchasing a caravan, then keep in mind that the cost of operating, repairing, insuring and servicing an RV is higher than a caravan. For both types of vehicles, take care of the place where you will store them safely. At Koko Kamper we offer winterization of vehicles – click the link if you want to learn more about the offer:
Which is better? Camper or caravan – summary
| Camper | Caravan | |
| Mobility | Home on wheels and access to living area immediately after parking. | Access to the living area after leaving the car and safely parking the trailer. |
| Living space (with comparable vehicle size) | Comfortable resting conditions; less space than in a trailer, garage (storage room) for gabarities. . | Larger living space; more room for luggage; no garage for bulky items. |
| Accommodation “in the wild” | Possibility to stay overnight and use utilities without a camping base.*We do not recommend due to the possibility of damage to the vehicle. | Overnight at campgrounds due to the need to connect utilities. *We do not recommend due to the possibility of damage to the vehicle. |
| Additional luggage/trailer | Possibility to connect an additional trailer if the camper has a hitch. | No possibility of towing an additional trailer |
| Road trips in Poland and Europe | YES! | More inconveniences compared to a camper (you have to disconnect/reconnect the trailer often, carefully plan accommodations with access to utilities, less spontaneity when traveling) |
| Stationary stays at a campsite treated as a base for excursions | More inconvenience compared to a trailer (you have to roll the “camp” every time and prepare the camper for driving before each, even short, trip from the campsite) | YES! Easy! Unhooking and stabilizing the trailer ok. 15-30 min. |
| Winter caravanning | YES! (All KoKo Kamper campers are insulated and heated) | The trailers are insulated and heated. Winter driving in high mountains requires more experience from the driver and a strong tow vehicle. |
| Driver’s license | In most cases, cat. B. , the exception is huge camper for category C (linked Frankia) | In most cases, a B+E driver’s license is required, for smaller trailers B96; less frequently, a B category is possible. |
| Loudness while driving | Slightly higher volume while driving than in a passenger car. | The loudness depends on the vehicle towing the trailer, while when towing a trailer, there may be slight jerks affecting travel comfort. |
| Maneuvering | Highly maneuverable, smaller parking space needed. | More difficult maneuvering, larger parking space required when parking the set. |
| Water tanks | Large tanks for clean water and gray water – approx. 120 liters. | Smaller tanks for clean water (usually no more than 40-50 liters) and usually no gray tank (supplied outside) . |
| Rental price | Higher rental price (in KoKo Kamper from 590 zł/day) | Lower rental price (in KoKo Kamper from 280 zł/day) |
| Purchase price | Higher price (in KoKo Kamper from PLN 335,000 gross) | Lower price (in KoKo Kamper from PLN 100,000 gross) |
| Operating costs | Higher cost of insurance, inspections and repairs. | Lower cost of insurance, inspections and repairs, but in addition the need to operate the car. |
| Off-season storage | More demanding, engine start-up required.(Check out the offer: RV winterization – linked – https://kokokamper.pl/zimowanie-kamperow-i-przyczep-kempingowych/ at KoKo Kamper) | Easier – after proper installation preparation and cleaning, you can leave the trailer for the entire winter season and “forget about it”(check the offer: winterization of caravans – linked – https://kokokamper.pl/zimowanie-kamperow-i-przyczep-kempingowych/ at KoKo Kamper) |
You’re still not sure, what to choose? Caravan or RV? Get in touch with us! We would be happy to advise you!
