We already talked about why you shouldn’t live in a tiny house or RV, but if you’re still interested in the lifestyle, something you need to figure out is which option is best for you – RV vs travel trailer vs tiny house.
We made a comparison table for quick evaluation, but we’ll break it down a bit more first.
Some of the main things to compare are:
- cost
- maintenance
- space
- storage
- mobility
- flexibility
- weather
- insurance
- comfort
It’s helpful to keep in mind that you can do a lot by thinking outside the box for ways you might adapt what’s already available, but some options are easier to customize to your needs than others.
Quick Breakdown
Tiny House
- can be built less expensively if you DIY, but that can make it more complicated to insure
- is much more like living in a regular home and can be built much more customized, but it all comes at a premium
- usually made with more quality materials and built to need less maintenance, but not as suited for travel
- heavier and harder to pull
- generally better climate-controlled
RV/Motor Home
- nice that it’s easier to move, but potentially more complicated with the added component of of vehicle maintenance (attached to your house)
- generally less flexible with living space/not as accommodating to families
- able to travel more comfortably on the road
- lower resale value due to added mileage
- much easier setup and teardown to travel
Travel Trailer/Bumper Pull
- easy to find very inexpensive options
- wide variety of weights
- generally lots of built-in storage
- frequent upkeep to protect from leaks
- cheaper insurance rates
- lower ceilings
Because there are many of both types available on the pre-owned market, one additional thing to consider with travel trailers is which type of siding is better for you.
Aluminum:
- less expensive
- generally warmer (because of the way it needs to be constructed)
- easier/less expensive to fix
Fiberglass:
- easier to maintain
- better resale value
- generally more streamlined and lighter weight
- stays cleaner
Comparison Table
RV/ | Travel Trailer/ | Tiny House | |
|---|---|---|---|
expense | 2 | 1 | 3 |
weather | 2 | 3 | 1 |
space | 3 | 1 | 2 |
storage | 3 | 1 | 2 |
mobility | 1 | 2 | 3 |
insurance | 2 | 1 | 3 |
flexibility | 1 | 2 | 3 |
maintenance | 3 | 2 | 1 |
comfort | 2 | 3 | 1 |
“Embracing Small” Takeaway: Many people start with one solution and decide to change later. Sometimes you just have to try it out to know. Renting or borrowing for a trip could help you make a much more confident decision. Which option would you choose if money wasn't an issue?
