The Difference Between RV’s and Travel Trailers

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Nobody can deny the challenges the world has been faced with recently. But like most things in life, a silver lining can always be found if you look hard enough. A recent study indicates nearly 6 in 10 Americans have a new appreciation of nature, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, 6 in 10 also shared they’ve been able to finally take the time to explore! That’s not all, for the first time ever in history the work-from-home model is becoming the new norm, allowing people to reevaluate just how flexible they can be. As long as you have WIFI, many companies are allowing their employees to work virtually anywhere, including in different states.

If you’ve ever thought about purchasing a travel trailer or RV to explore the world, you are not alone. According to Travel and Leisure, many of those purchasing an RV during this time are first-time buyers. Dealers estimate anywhere between 50 to 80 percent of buyers are first-time purchasers of RVs (depending on location). One year ago, that number was between 25 and 35 percent. 

If you’ve been thinking about traveling or ‘GLAMPING’ in style and comfort with your own RV or Travel Trailer, you might be asking yourself what the difference is and which one is right for you. Here are some distinguishing features, according to Camper Report. 

RVs, Explained
The definition of an RV (Recreational Vehicle) is basically a motor vehicle or travel trailer, or 5th wheel trailer which includes living quarters designed for accommodation.

Types of RVs include motorhomes and campervans and include everything in one vehicle. Passengers are able to access the complete interior of the vehicle while traveling, and includes the full amenities therein. There are a variety of sizes and features depending on what you’re looking for: campervans tend to be smaller but not necessarily more affordable, though they are small enough to gain access to parking lots & smaller venues. Larger Motorhomes provide a full suite of features and compartments, though there may be restrictions on certain campgrounds, but provide the comfort of any hotel or home for those looking to live on the road. 

What is a Trailer?

  • A trailer is basically defined as something that is pulled behind another vehicle. 

  • So, a travel trailer or 5th wheel trailer would be a trailer with living quarters towed behind a vehicle.

  • A travel trailer would be towed from a hitch behind the bumper of  a tow vehicle. While a  5th wheel trailer would be towed from a pin mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck similar to a tractor trailer plate. This allows for much better stability even with heavier larger trailers.

Travel trailers and 5th wheels (also known as caravans and camper trailers) require a separate vehicle to tow. This makes them much more affordable than motorhomes. One limitation here is the requirement that you have a vehicle suitable for towing the type of travel trailer or 5th wheel you’re looking at. One option around this requirement is seasonal camping. One would find a campground in an area they like, their dealership would deliver & set up the RV on site, and the consumer would use the travel trailer or 5th wheel as a camp or summer home. If you got tired of the current campground, the RV could be easily relocated the next season.

Travel trailers & 5th wheel trailers offer many different floor plans, & options. They can fill many functions from being a summer home for the family, to a base camp for mountain biking or hiking, to sleeping quarter & galley for travel soccer or baseball families. The versatility of a RV is limited only by your imagination.  This is why buying from an experienced dealer is so important. Whether it is matching it up to the right tow vehicle, or equipping it to get the most use out of it, an experienced rv dealer has spent years getting it right. More importantly, is service. A RV is a complex man-made piece of equipment. So keeping it on the road or maintaining it properly, you would want the most experience you can find in your dealer.

That’s where we come in!

Are you ready to hit the road and explore the country? If so, stop into Imperial Trailers today! Imperial Trailers is a 3rd generation family-owned business. We started in the 1940s as a service station and home heating oil business. From our own camping experiences, we got into selling used camping trailers during the 1950s and haven’t looked back. So to say we’ve got over a half century of RV experience is not an over statement.  We now concentrate on sales of new and used Travel trailers & 5th wheel trailers. Please visit us online to see our full lineup of products, including pre-owned inventory, or give us a call today at 518-279-9345

Sources:
https://people.com/human-interest/over-50-percent-of-americans-appreciate-nature-more-now-than-before-the-pandemic-study-says/
https://trak.in/tags/business/2021/01/02/1st-time-ever-work-from-home-becomes-official-working-model-as-per-govt-rules-it-bpo-firms-can-now-wfh-officially/
https://camperreport.com/is-an-rv-considered-a-trailer/