Should You Start with a Small RV Camper?

There are many different sizes of recreational vehicles. There are many factors that will determine the size of the RV you are able to purchase. These can include budge, storage space, travel destinations, and number of family members. Here are some pros and cons of buying a small RV camper to help you make your choice.

A smaller RV can be a good choice to start out with. This is especially true of you have a limited budget, limited space, and limited time to travel in your RV camper. Smaller RV campers can include conversion vans, truck bed campers, and fold up campers.

Even with the limited space, smaller RV campers do have their advantages. Most importantly, they are less expensive. If you have a limited budget, this is a huge factor to consider. Smaller RV campers are also easier to store. You do not have to take up half your yard to park them while you are not using them. And, if you live in an apartment, they will take up less space in the parking lot. The other tenants will thank you for that.

RV campers that are small will weigh less. This means there will be less wear and tear on the engine. It also means you will get better gas mileage so your trips will not cost as much. If you purchase a fold up camper, you can pull it with a wider range of vehicles if it is smaller and weighs less.

The costs of operating the vehicle will be less. There will be less maintenance to perform. You will also have the advantage of less gas to purchase, as mentioned earlier. And, your insurance costs for your RV camper will be lower.

Smaller RV campers will not require the driver to have anything other than the standard driver's license. They are also easier to handle for the inexperienced driver. This makes them a very good starter vehicle.

If you want to get into the more remote areas, smaller is better. Even some of the wilderness campsites are easier to negotiate with a small RV camper. It can be difficult to get one of those huge vehicles into campsites such as these.

Along with the many advantages of a small RV camper, there are also disadvantages. Because they also do not have all the luxuries of a larger vehicle, there may be some limits when it comes to cold weather use. And, if you have a foldup RV camper, the canvas sides need a large amount of maintenance to keep them from molding or rotting.

Of course, there is less space in a smaller RV camper. There will be less sleeping options, less storage, and can give the feeling of being cramped or claustrophobic. This may be a problem for some campers.

If you are considering purchasing a truck camper, there are a couple disadvantages. You will need the correct type of truck to attach your RV camper to. And, these types of campers can be more difficult to store when not in use. In addition, because of the high profile of the truck campers, they may decrease fuel economy. They are also less stable in windy areas.

If you are trying to decide if you can afford an RV camper, you really should consider starting with a smaller vehicle. They do have a few disadvantages, but they are outweighed by the advantages. Hopefully, this info will help you make a decision.

SOURCE

Eure, Marian. "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds". 2005. Adams Media. Avon, MA. USA.