Motorhome vs Caravan Life: Which is Really Better For Full Time Travel?
Posted: 05/02/2025 Author: Jackie ShipleyTags: caravans, motorhomes
Once you’ve settled on the idea of a leisure vehicle lifestyle, you’re faced with an enticing choice. Do you opt for a motorhome or a caravan? Each offers unique advantages, and challenges, and each represents an answer to different preferences and needs. This edition of our blog delves into the logistics and nuances of both types of vehicles and the lifestyles they facilitate. We look at various aspects such as space, bed comfort and the quality of facilities, so that you can make an informed decision when you’re about to buy your new Coachman.
Space and Layout
Space is a huge consideration for full-time travellers.
Caravans can provide more interior living space when compared to motorhomes of a similar size, and that’s mostly because they don’t have a driving cab. This allows for a more flexible approach to using layout space, making caravans particularly appealing to families or couples and solo travellers looking for a roomier living area. Coachman’s Acadia range, for instance, offers a series of versatile models designed to cater to various space requirements.
On the other hand, modern motorhomes are designed to maximise the available space efficiently. Features such as swivel seats and over-cab beds can combine so that the interior space is utilised in a versatile way. Coachman’s flagship Travel Master range is a key example of this, with its electrically operated drop-down bed over the front lounge, which enhances both the functionality and comfort of the motorhome.
Sleeping Comfort
Just like it is back at home, a restful night’s sleep is really important for full-time travellers. Caravans and motorhomes both offer various bed configurations (including fixed double beds, single beds, drop-downs and convertible dinettes).
Caravans often have the advantage of larger, more permanent sleeping areas due to their spacious layouts.
Motorhomes are more likely to feature innovative solutions (drop-downs or convertible seating). While these motorhome designs do optimise space, they might require more effort, for daily set-up and take-down – which could be an important consideration for some travellers. The Travel Master Imperial range by Coachman includes models which include electrically operated drop-down beds, offering an ingenious solution which provides a great balance between space efficiency and day to day convenience.
Quality of Facilities
The quality and depth of onboard facilities in motorhomes and caravans can significantly impact full-time living in terms of comfort and convenience.
Caravans typically come equipped with well-appointed kitchens, bathrooms and living areas, making for pleasant spaces that are as naturally comfortable as they are functional. Coachman’s VIP range, for example, showcases high-quality interior finishes and a strong array of amenities.
Motorhomes also offer comprehensive facilities, and they enjoy the added benefit of being self-contained units which are suitable for ‘wild’ camping. Coachman’s Travel Master Imperial range boasts features such as premium leather upholstery, a roof-mounted air conditioning unit and a spacious fixed island bed plus electrically operated drop-down double, both furnished with luxurious mattresses, everything ensuring a luxurious living experience.
Mobility and Towing
Mobility is a crucial factor when you’re faced with the choice between buying a caravan or a motorhome.
Caravans are not self-propelling vehicles, and therefore they need to be towed. This means a suitable tow vehicle is required, which may present initial challenges in handling and manoeuvrability, especially for drivers who are inexperienced. However, once your caravan is pitched at a campsite, the tow vehicle is free to be used for local exploration. There’s no need to pack up and secure the living area, as there is with a motorhome, so caravans offer a distinct advantage in terms of mobility.
Motorhomes provide the great convenience of being all-in-one vehicles as they are self-propelling and therefore there’s no towing involved. This allows for easy movement from place to place and can be particularly advantageous if you like to change locations on a frequent basis, or prefer spontaneous ‘get up and go’ plans.
Set-up and Convenience
Setting up camp differs between motorhomes and caravans.
Motorhomes offer quick set-up. Unlike caravans, there’s no need to unhitch or level the vehicle, and this convenience is beneficial for travellers who move frequently. However, if you want to explore the area local to where you’re based, you must secure the interior and drive the entire vehicle, which can be cumbersome in more urban settings.
On the other hand, if you want to explore then the tow vehicle of your caravan is all that you need. Caravans may require more time to pitch (including levelling and possibly setting up an awning to extend the living space) but they remain in place, providing greater flexibility.
Maintenance and Costs
When you’re buying either a caravan or motorhome there are financial considerations to make (including the initial purchase price of your vehicle plus the ongoing costs of maintenance, etc).
Motorhomes generally have a higher upfront cost, mostly due to the integrated engine and driving components. As they’re engine vehicles, they also require regular vehicle maintenance, MOTs and servicing (just like with any other motor vehicle).
Caravans are typically less expensive to buy upfront, and to maintain. They don’t have an engine or the associated mechanical systems. However, you do have to consider the tow vehicle and make sure it’s both well maintained and adequately equipped for towing.
Depreciation and Resale Value
Depreciation plays a key role in your financial considerations when buying a leisure vehicle, with both motorhomes and caravans offering advantages in this regard.
Motorhomes often maintain a strong resale value, so when the time comes that you want to move the vehicle on and upgrade, or just sell it because you’ve decided the lifestyle’s no longer for you, you’ll find that you’ve made a smart investment. This is due to the dual purpose of a motorhome as both transport and accommodation – highly appealing to buyers looking for a pre-owned vehicle, and even more so when it’s a Coachman.
Caravans, although they may experience quicker depreciation than motorhomes, offer a more affordable initial purchase price and that can balance it out. Premium caravans, such as those from Coachman, stand out for their exceptional durability and craftsmanship, so they will retain value better than many others.
Storage and Parking
Thinking about storage and parking is vital, both during travel and when the vehicle is not in use.
Motorhomes, due to the simple fact that they’re larger and self-propelled, may face restrictions in certain areas, and can be challenging to park in urban environments.
Though they’re also sizeable, caravans can be unhitched and left at your campsite, which means the tow vehicle can navigate more easily in areas where space is limited.
However, when they’re not in use, both caravans and motorhomes require adequate storage solutions, and if you don’t have the appropriate amount of space at home, this might mean additional costs.
Insurance and Legal
Owning either a motorhome or a caravan comes with different insurance and legal requirements.
Motorhomes, being self-propelled, require their own motor insurance, similar to cars. This covers both the driving and habitation elements, and some insurers offer policies that include breakdown cover and emergency accommodation.
Caravans, on the other hand, do not require insurance by law. However, it’s always strongly advisable to protect against theft, damage and liability.
Practicalities
For those who are looking to embrace full-time travel in a motorhome or caravan, practicalities like heating, insulation and energy sources are critical.
Motorhomes, particularly luxury models like the Coachman Travel Master, are equipped with high-end insulation and efficient heating systems. These make them well-suited for travel all year round, even during the colder months of winter. Many motorhomes come with built-in solar panels and advanced battery systems which can enable off-grid living for longer periods.
Caravans are also well-equipped for full-time living, especially high-quality models like Coachman’s attractive Lusso range, which boasts top-tier insulation and Alde wet central heating for the maximum comfort. It’s advisable to remember that full-time caravanning requires careful planning around energy sources, as most models rely on campsite hook-up during extended stays.
Internet and Connectivity
Staying connected is essential for many full-time travellers – particularly those who are heavily into their online entertainment or, more importantly, those who work remotely.
Motorhomes and caravans can include Wi-Fi, mobile data routers, and satellite internet systems. Motorhomes offer an advantage over caravans, as they can relatively quickly be moved to locations with stronger ‘coverage’. However, caravan users can plan ahead by choosing campsites with strong Wi-Fi infrastructure or can invest in high-quality mobile broadband solutions.
Lifestyle and Community
Motorhome owners often prefer the ability to move frequently, exploring multiple locations in a short period of time. This lifestyle lends itself to meeting fellow travellers along the way, creating an ever-changing and often spontaneous experience.
Caravan owners, on the other hand, are more likely to stay in one place for longer periods of time, fostering a deeper sense of community with fellow long-term campers at caravan parks. This sort of social stability can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy building lasting friendships during their time on the road.
Choosing between a motorhome and a caravan for full-time travel is a highly personal decision. It depends on your individual priorities, travel preferences and lifestyle goals. With Coachman, whether you opt for the caravan lifestyle or the motorhome lifestyle, you’re investing in a high-quality travel capsule that will provide the maximum luxury and support you on the road lifestyle.
