10 Feb Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Campers, Tents And RVs
As regular readers may know, Chanel and Stevo love to camp, and they’ve done a fair amount of it in Africa, North America, Australia, and even Europe in all sorts of set-ups like campers, tents and RVs. So it’s no surprise that they’ll jump at any opportunity to camp. But camping presents a lot of options. Maybe you’re new to the experience, or perhaps you want to know how to elevate your next excursion. What suits you best — an RV, camper or tent?
Even within these categories, you have several options. It pays to investigate the pros and cons of each beforehand so that you don’t waste precious money on gear that doesn’t suit your needs. Let’s explore the pros and cons of campers, tents and RVs in depth to help you decide.
Exploring RVs
Many people use the terms “camper” and “RV” interchangeably, but there’s a difference. An RV (or recreational vehicle) typically refers to an all-in-one vehicle, whereas a camper is a separate trailer you pull behind your truck or car. There are three distinct classes of RVs:
- Class A: These are the largest and typically have the most bells and whistles. They’re also the most challenging to manoeuvre with a heavy-duty commercial bus-style chassis.
- Class C: Typically smaller than an A and bigger than a B. They have sleeping quarters above the truck cab, with the rest of the home built on a van chassis.
- Class B: Here is your camper van. They are the smallest and easiest to manoeuvre.
Pros Of An RV
RVs offer substantial benefits, especially for campers with specific needs.
All-In-One Convenience
Hooking up a camper to your vehicle takes a degree of skill — you have to back your car to the ball, and get the electric brakes and chains just right. Not so with an RV. Simply hop in and drive.
Room For What Your Family Needs
RVs can be like Baby Bear’s chair — they fit you just right. For example, many solo travelers adore Class Bs designed to be indistinguishable from large vans, as it enables on-street parking. Large families with multiple children appreciate the multiple slide-outs a Class A offers. Those who live for convenience often find Class C’s the most approachable, as they’re easier to manoeuvre than Class A’s.
Warmth And Power
You can travel to some mighty cold places and feel snug at night. Plus, you’ll have access to your 12-volt charger and an attached generator for juice.
Security
Is there a bear or lion at your campsite? Your RV offers an escape. It’s more secure than a tent and you can take it wherever you want.
Potential Downsides To RV Camping
Of course, RV camping does have downsides.
Difficulty Navigating And Parking
Depending on your model, you could struggle to get around. Some US states even require you to get a CDL license to legally operate certain models. RVs that sit too low to the ground won’t navigate off-road trails, leaving you confined to campsites, and hitting the drive-thru on your road trip could prove impossible. Furthermore, some campsites limit the length of the RV you can bring, limiting your choices.
Poor Fuel Economy
Some larger RVs can guzzle gas. You get less bang for your buck than you would with a smaller vehicle.
Resale Can Be Challenging
Selling a used RV is a lot like trying to sell a house and a car as a package deal. You have to find a special buyer who wants both. Plus, like any vehicle, an RV begins to depreciate the minute you drive it off the floor, so you rarely recoup the value of your investment.
Happy Campers
Campers offer another alternative that you tow behind your vehicle. You have several models to choose from, including:
- Fifth-wheels: The largest and roomiest, featuring a unique towing design.
- Toy haulers: Feature a descending back ramp that lets you store ATVs, canoes and dirt bikes with ease.
- Travel trailers: The smallest and lightest fully-enclosed trailer.
- Pop-ups: These feature the smallest trailer, and a tent-style pop-up.
Pros Of A Camper
You might consider a camper for these great perks.
Detachability
It’s mighty handy to remove your vehicle once you reach your campsite. You’re then free to use it to run errands or do game drives, preserving your space by leaving your camper behind.
Storage Space
Nearly all RVs and campers have limited undercarriage storage. However, some models of camper, such as toy haulers, have space for your quads — no need to tow a separate trailer.
Ground Clearance
In general, many campers have higher ground clearance than RVs. Boondock to your heart’s content, assuming your tow vehicle also has sufficient clearance to tackle tough trails.
Potential Downsides To Campers
Of course, owning a camper also has potential downsides.
Towing Woes
It takes skill to learn how to tow a trailer on highways, with rides feeling unwieldy and downright scary on windy days. To stay safe, most camping enthusiasts recommend fifth-wheel hitches, which feature a kingpin and coupler system for maximum weight distribution and control. If you do go the towing route, put a little extra time into making sure the camper is secure.
Lower Gas Mileage
You’ll notice you have to fuel up much more often with your camper in tow. You must ensure your car or truck has sufficient towing capacity to avoid destroying your transmission. Furthermore, learning how to hook your camper up challenges some.
Pro-tip: An electric tongue jack is a must if you don’t have the upper-body strength of Hercules.
Security
Leaving your camper unattended enables anyone with sufficient towing capacity to take it in your absence. Ensure you learn how to lock your tires to prevent theft.
Tent Camping
Tent camping might be the first thing you visualize when you hear, “let’s go camping.” Here, too, you have choices, as with RVs and campers. You might choose a standard tent or one built to mount on your vehicle’s roof (like #TheBadger🚐) or hang as a hammock. Smaller tents preserve body heat more effectively, while large models provide ample room for families.
Pros Of Tent Camping
It’s good to get a little down and dirty sometimes.
Closer to Nature
Tent camping is as close to nature as you can get. All that lies between you and the good Earth may be some canvas and a ground cloth.
Learn New Skills
No matter which style of tent you choose, setting it up and taking it down will test you. You’ll learn how to set it up quickly and efficiently (and how to remain calm and patient in the process).
Least Expensive
You can pick up some smaller tents for less than $200. It’s far cheaper than spending several thousand on a camper. Newer model RVs can sometimes cost as much as a small house.
Potential Downsides Of Tent Camping
However, getting dirty can weary you at times.
Uncomfortable
Tent camping can be downright uncomfortable. You can make it cozier with an air mattress or cot or even install a tent stove for warmth, although you have to pack in and pack out all of that gear. The extra load can quickly take over your boot.
Security
If you’re a fan of podcasts like “Scary Bear Attacks,” you might feel uncomfortable with nothing but canvas to protect you while you sleep. Consider your risk aversion. Furthermore, parents with young children might feel safer having their little ones indoors at night, (at least in bear or lion country).
Is Camping In RVs, Campers Or Tents Right For You?
You have multiple options for indulging your camping pleasure. Only you can decide if an RV, camper or tent camping is best for you and your unique needs. Consider the factors above when deciding. Being mindful and investing your money wisely leads to smart choices for your recreational budget.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, The Travel Facts, Urban Adventure and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
If you enjoyed this post, you may want to follow Chanel & Stevo’s journey on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest, browse through the HFFH Shop, or check out some other popular articles on the blog.
Disclaimer: some links in this blog post may be sponsored or affiliate links, meaning that we receive a small percentage (at no extra cost to you) if you end up buying through the link. We appreciate the support! You can read our full privacy policy here.
No Comments