For years Joanna and I would go back and forth on whether we’d prefer camper trailer or travel van? Both promise the allure of adventure and the thrill of the unknown, but they each offer unique experiences that cater to different travel styles and preferences. After years of exploring the great outdoors, I’ve gathered ten compelling reasons for each option, drawing from our own travels, that might just help you decide which is the best fit for your wanderlust.
The Case for Camper Trailers
1. Customizable Space to Fit Your Needs
When we traveled with just a 19ft trailer, we enjoyed the freedom to customize our living space according to our needs. Whether it was creating extra storage for our gear or setting up a cozy reading nook, camper trailers provided the flexibility to make our home on wheels just right.
2. Separate the Vehicle from the Living Space
One of the significant advantages we found with a camper trailer was the separation between living space and the vehicle. This became especially crucial when traveling with our daughter and Joanna’s parents in a 31ft trailer. We could set up camp and take the car out for supplies or exploration without disturbing the setup, making family life on the road more manageable.
3. Cost-Effective Adventure
Camper trailers often come with a lower price tag compared to travel vans. When we started our adventures, this was a huge factor. Trailers have less complex mechanical systems, translating to lower maintenance costs – a boon for any young couple looking to travel extensively without breaking the bank.
4. Versatility in Travel
Whether it’s a weekend getaway in the vineyards or an extended trip to the national parks, camper trailers offer versatility. Detaching the trailer means your vehicle is free for daily commutes or short trips, which proved invaluable during our longer stays at campgrounds.
5. Leverage Your Existing Vehicle
Already owning a capable SUV, adding a camper trailer was a natural upgrade for us. It eliminated the need to invest in a new travel van, making it a practical choice that allowed us to hit the road sooner than expected.
6. Spacious Living Areas
Traveling with our daughter and parents in a 31ft trailer highlighted the importance of space. Camper trailers provided more room to stretch out, making longer trips more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, especially with the added demands of multi-generational travel.
7. Embrace Indoor/Outdoor Living
Many camper trailers come equipped with awnings or canopies, creating an ideal indoor/outdoor living area. Some of our fondest memories involve enjoying morning coffee under the awning, with the sounds of nature all around us – the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor freedom.
8. Ample Storage Options
From camping gear to our daughter’s toys, camper trailers offered more storage solutions both inside and outside. This ensured we could bring along all the necessities and a few luxuries without feeling cramped, crucial for maintaining harmony in close quarters.
9. Off-Road Adventures Await
For the adventurous souls like us, there are rugged camper trailers designed to handle rough terrains. These trailers allowed us to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, adding a sense of adventure to our travels that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
10. A Sound Investment
Camper trailers tend to hold their value well, making them a wise investment. Should you ever decide to upgrade or change your travel style, you’re likely to get a good return on your initial purchase – an important consideration as our family’s needs evolve.
The Case for Travel Vans
1. All-in-One Convenience
There’s something incredibly appealing about the simplicity of an all-in-one travel van. When Joanna and I traveled as a couple, we loved how everything we needed was integrated into one compact and efficient space, making quick getaways effortless.
2. Enhanced Mobility
Navigating through city streets, parking in tight spots, or winding down narrow country roads – travel vans handle it all with ease. Their smaller footprint compared to camper trailers meant we could explore places that might be off-limits with a larger setup.
3. Fuel Efficiency for the Long Haul
Generally, travel vans offer better fuel efficiency than towing a camper trailer. This translated into significant savings over long distances, allowing us to stretch our travel budget further – a crucial factor during our early adventures.
4. Stealth Camping for the Adventurous
Travel vans excel in the art of stealth camping. Their discreet appearance allowed us to park and sleep in a variety of locations without drawing unwanted attention. This was especially beneficial in urban environments where campsites weren’t always available.
5. Perfect for Spontaneous Trips
With a travel van, our home was always ready to roll. Spontaneous weekend getaways or last-minute road trips became our norm. We just threw in some essentials, and we were good to go. This spontaneity was one of the reasons we initially fell in love with van life.
6. Year-Round Comfort
Travel vans are often better insulated and equipped for year-round use, including harsh winter conditions. This made them a great choice for those cold-weather adventures when we still wanted to be comfortable.
7. Built-In Luxuries
Modern travel vans come with a host of built-in amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters. These features elevated our travel experience, offering a touch of luxury on the road and making us feel at home no matter where we were.
8. Join a Vibrant Community
The van life community is a vibrant and supportive network of like-minded adventurers. Joining this community enriched our travels with shared experiences, tips, and meetups, creating a sense of camaraderie on the road that was both comforting and inspiring.
9. Simplified Setup
Setting up camp with a travel van was often quicker and less hassle compared to a camper trailer. Fewer hookups and leveling requirements meant we could spend more time enjoying our surroundings and less time setting up camp.
10. Embrace the Minimalist Lifestyle
If the idea of a minimalist lifestyle appeals to you, a travel van offers the perfect opportunity. The compact living space encouraged us to focus on the essentials and enjoy the journey, allowing us to travel light and live more freely.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately choosing between a camper trailer and a travel van will come down to your travel style and long-term goals. Both options offer distinct advantages to enhance your adventures. For us, the camper trailer provided the space and flexibility necessary for family travels, while the travel van delivered unmatched convenience and mobility for our couple’s getaways.
If you value the customizable space and versatility of a camper trailer—ideal for family needs or even as extra housing for guests—this is your best choice. On the other hand, if convenience and mobility are your top priorities and you’re not planning on major off-road excursions, a travel van is perfect—especially for couples.
If you’re still not 100% I’d suggest renting from RVezy or Outdoorsy to get a real sense of how you travel in a trailer or van.
In the end, it’s about the journey and the memories you create along the way.
