The old Caravan versus Motorhome Debate

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

The old Caravan versus Motorhome Debate

Ozzie_Traveller · Senior Member

G'day Ray

Your confusion is excellent - it's very definitely the way to go, because it means that you can see both sides of the issue(s) and the many pros & cons

I have had this conversation many times over the many years I have been caravanning + campervanning + motorhoming ~ none is 'perfect' and they call come down to your needs + your lifestyle.

For us, when the kids were growing up, the caravan was the go as our 3 weeks hols were a qwik drive to 'somewhere', put up the annex and all the other crap that kids needed / brought along, and when it was over, it was back home again

As the kids became teenagers, they came with us less & less, and we wanted to travel more ~ so along came the campervans. Still used CPs as we had no shower & toilet, but started to do occasional free-camping in nat parks etc and loved getting away from the madding crowds. Then the time came when "the board of management" specified the need for a toilet & shower, so the MH now came upon the scene. All of this covers my years from my mid-30s to my now late 60s.

would I want to tow a caravan these days - no bluddy way
would I enjoy getting down on my knees to wind down / wind up the corner legs every time we stopped - no fear

can I now park the MH at a nice scenic location & walk back to the stove & put on the kettle - yes & it's magic!
can I now go anywhere, stop anywhere and go on the internet, pull a fresh battery out of the camera's battery charger [for example] as everything is always right there - and not left behind in the CP -yes & it's fabulous

Our MH has now clocked up 400,000km over the 12yrs we've had it ~ and we're on the wallaby for 280-300 days each year

Phil

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

You have sold me Phil if I wasn't already. I have never towed a caravan before and the thought did seem a little daunting. Stayed in a few onsite ones and my tenting days are definitely over. Now to narrow down the make, model, layout etc etc etc. Time is on my side.

Ron-D · Guru

It's a personal choice I chose the Caravan, Iam in my very late sixties and find towing and setting up the van no big deal,the thing simply follows the car, reversing its a no brainer after you have experience, unhitching and rehitching ten minutes and your done, to have the same set as we have now in our a new van,would cost us an extra 100k in a new luxury motor home with the same space and all the mod cons we now have in this van.

When were camped we don't have to take the whole show with us when we go to town or site seeing,the motor home would be a pain to drive around at home, cars are more convenient..

no ones right or wrong horses for courses eh...

Woody n Sue · Guru

Our choice is a 5th wheeler for the reasons that Ron-D has said plus the Un surpassed safety of the 5th wheeler while towing, and larger van for the same overall length
BUT this is just what suited us I have been driving Semi's since I were 19.
Woody

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I agree it's a personal choice. I chose a caravan and 4x4 twin cab ute set up, why? Cos it was my choice, that personal thing.

Now, just something not mentioned so far.

Imagine this. You are set up at a free camp, no booked sites etc. The place is packed. You need to go get more supplies or empty the toot canister at the dump point 10km down the road. Either can't wait. Put all the bits and pieces away so no damage in the MH. Off you go. Shopping done or toot empty or both and ready to go back. You get back and no spaces left at that great place you really wanted to be at for at least another week, bugga.

I have met many people in a MH towing a car behind. My thought is, if I am going to tow something, I might as well tow a caravan and have a decent size car to get around in. My car us also a taxi when I am with the grandkids. All my opinion.

Yep, it's a 'personal thing' alright.

Enjoy you choice Ray and keep safe on the roads.

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

Damm you Doug. Now I'm back sitting on the fence. very uncomfortable position to be in. lol

iana · Guru

I think it may have a little to do with the style of traveling one would do. This is the way I see it, the persons who travel in a motor home would be quick sightseers. They would reach a town, see everything they could in their tight schedule, and then be ready to leave the next day at sparrow fart.
Where as the caravaner would be more layed back, it wouldn't matter if they stay one day or one month. They can un hitch the tug and nose around on no fixed schedule, and know they have a base for them to go back to. Shopping presents no parking problems, and they have comfort features in the van that's set up for them to come back to.
I can appreciate the ease of driving a motor home, or more exactly the ease of backing a motor home, but I'm blowed if I can understand the logic of seeing a great big motor home towing a trailer with a car on it? further from what I have seen the drivers and passengers seats double as lounge chairs in some, and I'm dammed if I would want to sit in that seat after a days driving.
I have a caravan parked on the lawn and I use the ute to go to work in, and can use it for house work as well.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Then there's the Secuity of leaving your van alone !! Never have issues parking our MH. The people that tell me they have parking issues are towing vans . "Funny that" ., lol

macka17 · Guru

Had both if you can class a large Nissan van as a motorhome.

Motorhome main bonus is you can park Overnight in centre of city (IF you go near cities)
and nobody knows.
Just make sure you stop with sink drain over gutter grate for "no show" drainage.
Apart from that the only resaon I can see for one is old and decrepid.
And you can't take boat with you as well as spare set of wheels.
Without making a huge trailer.

Plus. when home. you either have a few dollars to float otherwise you using the thing as daily wheels.
Short hauling they great.

Also apart from taking boat and van comfortably.
You can leave van (and boat if want)
at a select spot away from your area.
then just drive there with tug or small car. and have home and boat already there ready to go.
For a few $$'s storage a week.

Much more versatile with only detriment, really
being hitching and Un hitching.

Apart from the fact that. Unless you buy a Small with the emphasis on small.
or Older models.
You get less for your money

Decent smaller M/Homes tend to start around $75/80k and go up.

The average worker, pensioner, Gets a lot more for his money in the Caravan/tug life.

Hence the (A lot of times) Rather Haughty attitude towards vanners from a lot of M/Homers
NOT all but a lot.

It was really felt round about the time The M/Home assoc was trying to integrate some vanners for more usable cash.
YES you can pay for FULL membership.
BUT you can not vote a committee meetings Nor have full perks.
and we don't really want you coming on our rally's
You have (yuk) CARAVANS... uuuuuugh.

We just want your money thank you..

A lot WERE really up themselves (You felt it when in same locations as them) Travelling round.

Also If you are going to travel full time or for several months a yr.
They fairly cramped internally,
Unless they around 24 ft and more.

They are more upmarket. Financially. for the average retired. pensioner.

Self funded was more comfortable
but current interest rates have put a lot of us on Part pensions.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

A van is $45 to 65k plus the tug is about the same new ? Value wise your up there ., it's a personal thing and budget comes into it too ? I've seen some very good fold out camper 4WDs also . Like a comper trailer on the back of Cruiser etc . I saw a real nice 6 wheeler Mazda owned by let's say mature lady was traveling around just ideal . Everything was electric operated .. So many options now ..

Bagmaker · Senior Member

why don't you hire one for a little trip and try the theory?

www.imoova.com/imoova/relocations

Desert Dweller · Senior Member

We know of one particular couple who own a motor home that camp for 4 months every year in a certain popular free camp in QLD. They don't do anything or go anywhere because if they did they'd loose their spot immediately if they moved their motor home.
The wife has to plead with fellow campers to get a ride into town to do her shopping. What a bloody boring life!

Dougwe · Chief one feather

rayaroundoz wrote:
Damm you Doug. Now I'm back sitting on the fence. very uncomfortable position to be in. lol

Sorry Ray but isn't it much better to be sitting on that fence now than 12 months after purchacing that very expensive aluminium tent, whatever way you chose and get your pants caught on the wire on top of the fence and left hanging there not a happy camper confuse smile Yeh, you could sell and go the other way.

Don't get me wrong Ray, I'm not trying to talk you into a CV. It's your "personal choice'. I made a list if all the good and bad things I could think of about having a CV or a MH and ended going the eay I did. Best for how I travel around at the moment. Also best for if I can't travel anymore but choose to set up somewhere and live in it, I still have my good car. I live in my van and a solo though and your situation might be different.

Maybe just sit on that fence a little longer. Sorry, I know I'm a pain but I already know that, you just found out biggrin

Careful you don't slip on that wire on top of the fence while you are thinking, could be a little painful wink

jade46 · Senior Member

rayaroundoz wrote:
Damm you Doug. Now I'm back sitting on the fence. very uncomfortable position to be in. lol

Its just a question of being organised Would you go into a camp in a MH or caravan without your shopping or with a full toilet cassette No of course you wouldn't You think before you leave the last town.

Santa · Guru

Have had both, much prefer the convenience of a motor home. smile

Ozzie_Traveller · Senior Member

rayaroundoz wrote:
You have sold me Phil if I wasn't already. .... Now to narrow down the make, model, layout etc etc etc. Time is on my side.

Regardless of what you choose, things to be considered are floorplan - storage - mass/weight - convenience etc.

When you are looking into a van / MH, consider your needs in wet weather ... you are stuck inside, how much space do you have for the 2 of you to do your stuff? Can one be on the computer while the other reads the paper? Is the table large enough for all yor needs? Does the unit have 2 regions where the 2 of you can operate?

** Storage wise- does the unit have roll-out drawers or cupboards? ... how easy is it to get stuff from the back?
** with your outdoor chairs & table - where will they be stored during travelling? Is the boot large enough to fit them? [and maybe you will need to purchase items that fit more easily into the boot]

** Do the overhead cupboards / lockers raise all the way to the ceiling, or [like some units] stop 2/3 up to the ceiling, just waiting for you to lose an eye as you swing sideways

** Where is the house battery/ batteries located? These items are bluddy heavy so need to be easily accessible, but too many units I have seen put them in the most out-of-the-way locations

** does the unit come with decent-sized [9kg] gas bottles or the pissy-little 4kg ones that barely last 1-week?
** does the unit have at least 100Lt of fresh water? - many people use a minimum of 20Lt per day
** does the unit have grey water tank ... not essential today but probably will be required within 5 years

None of the above locks you in to a van or MH - it's just a few things to consider ... and others here may add to the list :)

Phil

Bryan · Guru

Its a matter of preference, there are pros and cons for both. I've had both. I changed from a motorhome to an off road caravan as I wanted to do more bush camping but now that I'm getting older and overall health is going downhill, my next unit will be a motorhome. Why, because my priorities have changed. Purely personal.

goldfinger · Senior Member

Caravan for me....it's the height of a Motor Home that would mean I could not access many bush tracks/roads for prospecting/bush camping particularly in Victoria...far too many trees and the constant worry of a MH height would be a PIA for me........plus if something serious goes wrong with the tug it's a lot easier just to replace the tug.....or visa versa for that matter.....I bet plenty of turtles wish they could simply replace their damaged shell.....to each his own with the 'reason' for our travelling...no right or wrong.....its akin to asking what is the probability that something will happen according to the odds........Hoo Roo

Hey Jim · Guru

Ho sorry Ray i'm late mate, Just got out of the bunk.

I'm a van man myself and like to go bush. I see your back, sitting on the fence once again. All for a good reason. When you get out of bed did you think Two Rego's + Two insurance premiums + two sets of tyres + two Batteries. Plus im now going back to bed. Let me know when the coast is clear. Im still a van man myself. confuse confuse confuse

Hey Jim

Ron-D · Guru

Ray when you fall off that fence how about letting us know how you went, both caravans and motor homes are good choices ...

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I think he's pulling the splinters out of his back side ? Lol

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Jeez Dougwe - you stole my thunder (again) lol

Having read all the msgs prior to your 1st one, I was going to say something similar about driving down to the local shops or sightseeing and a m/home becomes a pain having to make sure its all packed up and none of the wine glasses are going to break.

But we've met lots of nomads in m/homes and they love them.....

As most have said, it boils down to personal choice and what suits you best.

Ray - why don't you hire a m/home for a week and see if it will likely suit your life style (you can also hire caravans in some cities) ?

Geeco · Senior Member

Solution to Dougwe's dilemma - a push bike or as I have done a metal stake with a sign on it that says " reserved for ( a picture of my MH) it has never failed to work for me. There is a contributor called "Tracker" on an English MH forum who has a Moto - no right or wrong just different. I think that sums up this question perfectly.

-- Edited by Geeco on Monday 27th of June 2016 04:47:13 PM

Gus1949 · Senior Member

We have a caravan and friends have a MH. They get home on Friday after work the MH and are at the beach 2hrs for a short weekend. We get home Friday after work and couldn't be bothered hooking up the van for jut a couple of days. They go to a c'van park for a week and it's a pain every time they need to go somewhere. We go to a c'van park for a week and jump in the tug to go somewhere, no having to disconnect power & water etc.

What's best out of CV's and MH's depends on how you use them.

dieseltojo · Senior Member

With me it's a time of life style of camping decision. I mean I still need the 4x4 to go on trips. Both vehicles can get to a camping ground, but it all stops there for the MH.
I want to run in to town 5 kays to get a paper or a small thing, no problems, jump in the Toyota and jobs done. MH has to do some packing and even then his pot is in danger of getting pinched.
Fire wood, I have a rack on the 4x4 and just go into the scrub.
But that's why you see the MH towing a Suzi isn't it? smile

Friends have a MH and love it. They just take it all in their stride and nothing can't be over come. They just Take their MH back into town and to hell with it.

mezza56 · Senior Member

Hi Rayaroundoz

We went thru same dilemma a couple of years ago , it was a 30' winnie or a van

Went thru every single scenario , talked to numerous people who had either.

Ended up going for a 25'6" van with everything we wanted in either .

We figured with our 4WD we can go off camping in remoter areas , leaving the van in the safety of a park storage area .

We can drive on the beaches or up beautiful bush tracks on rugged hillsides .

In the m/h we could only do the same if we towed a 4wd as well , that was getting pricey .

If you only want a m/h and not tow a car and ur happy to restrict where you go then go with the m/h .

If you dont mind towing a car then its more of a draw again and it becomes personal preference .

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It certainly generates debate and I love the passion in peoples choices. The fact that some people over time gravitate from one mode to the other demonstrates that at different stages of our lives one suits better than the other. And our needs do change for varying reasons.

I appreciate everyone's advice and opinions. As Ron-D said, both are good choices. And I guess that sums it up. As long as I choose one of them then I am on a winner.

I am leaning more towards Motorhome but time will tell. Will keep you posted.

keiron · Senior Member

An earlier reply referred to a M/H towing a smaller vehicle behind.

Such a combination has proved invaluable historically when the M/H breaks down (particularly in a remote location). The smaller towed vehicle was / has been used to seek assistance, and at times, to do some sight seeing.

Could also be used for mother-in-law transport !!!

KB

Hylda&Jon · Guru

Unless I have a car in tow I'd go a caravan any time.

Nothing better than setting up your caravan and for the next few days jumping in our car and exploring the lookouts, towns and all the nice spots within a 100km or so radius then come back to your home away from home all set up and waiting for you. Can you imagine the petrol expense if you took a campervan/winnabago exploring all around the area you're camped, up the mountain passes to get to those amazing lookouts?

A fifth wheeler would be the go if after a big unit you can unhook from the vehicle but, unluckily, too expensive for us so, at a later date, we may sell our caravan and Landcruiser then look into buying a twin cab ute with a slide on camper so we can just pop the camper off at a nice spot then go exploring.

Cheers.

Jon

-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Tuesday 28th of June 2016 11:34:08 AM