Recreational vehicles come in two primary styles: trailers with a hitch that require a towing vehicle for transport, which are broadly referred to as towable RVs, and self-contained vehicles with their own engines and driving cabs, commonly referred to as motorhomes.


When you’re shopping for an RV, one of the primary decisions you’ll need to make is between these two styles. Each one has its merits, but if you’re new to the world of recreational vehicles, you may not be certain what those merits are.

Allan Dale Trailers & RVs, with locations in Edmonton and Red Deer, is your Alberta RV dealer, so we’ve broken down the differences between towables and motorhomes to help you make your final decision.

Towables

Much of the RV market is made up of towables, a group which consists of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. Each of these styles requires a strong towing vehicle to pull it from place to place.

Cost

Towable RVs are generally considered the more affordable of your two primary options because they don’t have engines. Even the most expensive towables won’t come close to the price of the most expensive motorhomes out there. Your maintenance needs will be lower and repairs on towables are often cheaper, simply because they’re less complex. You’ll likely also get better resale value on a towable, should you choose to trade it in at some point to upgrade.

Access To Your Towing Vehicle

When traveling with a towable, it’s very simple to unhitch it once it’s set up at your campsite, whether you’re boondocking or in an RV park. This allows you free use of your towing vehicle, which can be a real bonus. You can run errands in town, head up steep roads, check out tourist attractions and simply maneuver around an area without a hefty rig in tow. For anyone who likes to investigate the area around their campsite, a towable is a great option since you can leave it behind while you explore!

More Options

Towable RVs, since they come in so many different styles, often have more options available for you to choose from. Whether you’re a powersports enthusiast who needs the extra cargo space afforded by a toy hauler or an intrepid solo traveler who loves the compact nature of a teardrop trailer, you’ll be able to find a towable recreational vehicle that perfectly meets your individual traveling needs.

Motorhomes

A motorhome is designed with a cab and engine, so it’s an all-in-one type of camping vehicle that eliminates the need to tow. This quality has its own advantages, in and of itself.

Durability

Your average motorhome is built to withstand a great deal of abuse, since it’s built to endure. The frames are stronger and longer-lasting, and interior features are of a very high quality, so they aren’t as likely to wear down as fast.

Comfort

Motorhomes are often some of the most luxurious recreational vehicles available on the market. The attention to detail given in their construction, along with the top-notch materials used and the modern layouts and conveniences all combine to give you a truly luxurious camping experience. You’ll have so much space to spread out and feel at home when you’re traveling in a motorhome that you might forget you’re not at home!

Now you know more about both of your options, so you can make a more informed purchasing decision! We want you to find the RV that’s perfect for you and your family’s camping needs. Ready to buy? Visit Allan Dale Trailers & RVs in Edmonton and Red Deer, serving the province of Alberta, to check out our current selection of new and used trailers and RVs for sale. We also offer rentals, parts and services, should you need them.