Forum Discussion

Nomad II

Jul 24, 2016

Cost comparison - motorhome vs. travel trailer

Before I posted this thread I did a forum search for "cost motorhome vs. travel trailer" and it returned no results, so maybe this is a good question to post here. I see many threads where the pros and cons of motorhome vs. travel trailer are discussed. One of the points mentioned is cost. I was looking at another website discussing the question and it basically said that comparing equal living space and amenities and age, etc. etc., a travel trailer + tow vehicle costs about 1/2 to 2/3 the price of an equal motorhome. I don't know if that's with or without toad. I've looked at a lot of floorplans for both online and tried to research their prices online and my guess would be that for equal living area, amenities, quality, and age a travel trailer + tow vehicle costs about 80% of a motorhome. That means if I was looking at a trailer and tow vehicle that costs me $80,000 I would have to spend about $100,000 for an equal motorhome. If you add a toad then it's maybe 60% of a motorhome. Plus I've read about the tow vehicle mpg vs a toad and the maintenance cost of diesel engines vs. gas.

What would you say is the approximate cost comparison of the two without a toad? I can figure a toad on top of that if I get serious about a motorhome. For now I'm leaning towards a travel trailer.

Thanks mucho, Steve

53 Replies

Terryallan
Explorer II
Jul 24, 2016
Many variables. For people like me that keep a truck no matter what. the TT is the best option. We don't count the TV cost in the deal because we already have one.

However. IF you are going to need to buy a TV AND a TT, or 5er. Then the cost gets much closer. After all a new truck that will tow well, can / will cost North of $60,000. Then a TT can also cost North of $30,000. Most don't but many can.

So you can be looking at right at $100,000 just to get started camping with a TV, and TT, or 5er.

You can get a pretty nice MH for less than $100,000, Maybe not a diesel pusher, but still a nice MH
leaddog
Explorer
Jul 24, 2016
A motorhome will usually have more storage space than a TT. If you plan on fulltiming a motorhome has more cargo carrying capacity than a TT. It all depends on what you intend to do with either unit.

The TT would be cheaper by a long shot than a motorhome. We tow our car behind the MH and use it when we are in a campground. We aren't that fond of pickup trucks at our age.
JWRoberts
Explorer
Jul 24, 2016
We researched this topic extensively 16 years ago when we decided to full time for a while. The TT TV won by a landslide.

We love the rear living afforded by TT's because the best view is always out the back of the RV.

I can upgrade the TT or the TV as necessary without both.

The cost of a TT and TV is about 50% of a MH and tow for the same living area.