Camping guides
Caravan vs motorhome NZ: complete comparison guide
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With domestic travel around NZ becoming increasingly popular, more Kiwi’s are buying camper vehicles than ever before. However, one question that seems to keep popping up is which is better: caravan vs motorhome?
Generally, caravans are a better fit for travellers who want to stay in one place for long periods. Comparatively, motorhomes are better for people who want to move from destination to destination almost every day of their road trip.
However, there is much more to take into account when considering buying a caravan vs motorhome. To help you out, our travel experts have written this guide in which we discuss:
The differences between caravans and motorhomes
The benefits of both caravans and motorhomes
Whether a caravan or a motorhome is better suited to your personal needs
At the end of the article, we also discuss how to ‘Try Before You Buy’ when comparing a caravan vs a motorhome. Plus, we detail how you can earn up to $10,000 a year by hiring out your caravan or motorhome when it’s not in use.
Caravan vs Motorhome
Caravan
What is a Caravan?
A caravan is a trailer that gets towed behind a road vehicle and provides accommodation whilst you’re travelling. Most caravans include a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living area. It can be easily attached and detached from the towing vehicle.
Caravans are normally larger than motorhomes and can sleep anywhere from 2-8 people. Generally, the larger size also means there is more living space and room to move inside a caravan.
What Are the Benefits of a Caravan vs Motorhome?
Freedom to Use Your Towing Vehicle
The biggest benefit of a caravan is that it can be easily attached and detached from your towing vehicle. This means your tow vehicle is then free to use when driving around town (e.g. grabbing groceries) and checking out local attractions.
However, a caravan can also be restrictive in some ways. Towing a large caravan trailer may limit your access to certain places where the roads aren’t suitable for towing (e.g. beach roads or certain dirt roads). This can make freedom camping in some places difficult.
Buy For Less
Caravans are generally cheaper to buy and maintain than motorhomes. When buying a caravan, you might save anywhere from $50,000 - $100,000 compared to a motorhome of the same size, layout and features. This is because you don’t have to pay for the cost of the motorhome chassis. However, you will need a vehicle capable of towing the caravan.
Further, a caravan doesn’t require an annual service because it is a trailer. When services are due, they are normally minor (e.g. changing tyres and checking brake lights) because caravans are designed to sit stationary for long periods and incur minimal damage.
More Trailer Storage
Because caravan trailers are longer and larger than motorhomes, it is easier to store oversized items inside the vehicle (e.g. surfboards, skis, fishing rods, etc.). It may be more difficult to store such large items inside some motorhomes unless they have dedicated storage spaces.
Higher Resale Value
Caravans generally do not depreciate as quickly as motorhomes do. Compared to motorhomes, caravans tend to be more stationary vehicles and do far fewer miles. As such, the value of a caravan is more dependent on age than mileage.
However, if you ever do get to the stage where you’re thinking about selling your caravan or motorhome, consider hiring it out via Camplify instead (see below for details). Doing so allows you to create a long-term passive income stream whilst retaining ownership.
Who Are Caravans Best For?
Caravans are best suited to travellers who want to spend at least a few days at each campsite. Rather than constantly moving from site to site, caravan owners prefer to stop and smell the roses for a while.
The following people may prefer a caravan vs motorhome:
People who want to leave their caravan at a holiday park for several months or years at a time.
People who want on-site accommodation whilst their house is being built.
Large families who are looking for affordable holiday road trips with enough space for everyone.
Sporty people (e.g. fisherman or surfers) who want semi-permanent accommodation at their frequently visited spots.
Families who want to use the caravan as an add-on to their home (e.g. spare room).
Motorhome
What is a Motorhome?
A motorhome is a driveable vehicle that has an accommodation module permanently attached or built into it. On a motorhome, you can not easily detach the module from the base vehicle. Wherever your vehicle goes, the accommodation module goes with it.
Motorhomes are generally a little smaller than caravans and can sleep anywhere from 1 - 6 people. However, they usually include all the same features as a caravan - such as a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
What Are the Benefits of a Motorhome vs Caravan?
Easier to Park and Set Up Camp
The beauty of a motorhome is that it is so quick and easy to set up camp. Simply park anywhere and you’re done. No attaching or detaching trailers. You can just jump out of the cabin and into your bed.
However, whilst a motorhome is convenient, the vehicle cannot simply be detached from the trailer (like a campervan). In some circumstances, this can be a bit cumbersome, but very rarely does it ever affect your ability to access height-restricted roads and car parks.
Off-Grid Freedom Camping
Motorhomes may be able to access some camping areas that caravans can’t access due to the condition of the roads. These campsites are normally off-grid and require your vehicle to meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard.
Most motorhomes meet the Self Containment standards because they have large fresh water and wastewater tanks, which not all caravans have. Plus, many motorhomes are fitted with solar panels, meaning you can power your appliances without needing mains power.
Finally, should you need to pull over somewhere in an emergency and stay the night (e.g. a public car park), it is easier to do so in a motorhome than a caravan.
Easy Access to the Cabin
In most motorhomes, you can move directly from the accommodation module into the driver’s cabin without ever actually having to exit the vehicle. This is a great safety feature in emergencies and highly convenient in rainy or snowy weather conditions. You will not be able to do the same in a caravan because you must exit the trailer before you can get into the tow vehicle.
Great Second-Hand Market
Yes, a good quality motorhome is more expensive to purchase and maintain than a caravan. However, motorhomes still hold their value well and there is a massive second-hand market in NZ.
If you are interested in buying a motorhome in New Zealand, you are bound to find bargain deals on second-hand trading sites like TradeMe. There are a lot of ex-rentals for sale in NZ and many of them are in great condition thanks to being well maintained and serviced.
Dedicated Storage Compartments
Whilst caravans are great for carrying large objects inside the trailer, they lack dedicated storage compartments. Once you arrive at your campsite, you will likely have to leave the object outside so that you can move around freely inside.
On the other hand, many motorhomes are designed to have specialised compartments for storing large and bulky goods. This means that once you’re at camp, you don’t have to leave your goods lying around outside - you can return them to their storage space where they’re secure and totally out of your way.
Relatively Simple to Drive and Maneuver
If you’re new to driving a large vehicle, a motorhome may be preferable over a caravan. Motorhomes are usually smaller and more compact, making them easier to drive in suburban and city environments. Plus, there is no pivot point on a motorhome (as there is between a caravan and the towing vehicle) - this makes reversing and parking the motorhome much easier than a caravan.
Who Are Motorhomes Best For?
Motorhomes are best suited to travellers who want to be on the go almost every day whilst road tripping. Rather than staying at one site for too long, motorhome owners prefer to frequently move from destination to destination. Motorhomes are quick and easy to pack up and get moving.
The following people may prefer a motorhome vs caravan:
Road trippers who are looking to travel long distances and want to drive to a new destination almost daily
People who are new to driving and parking large vehicles
Couples who don’t need all the extra space that a caravan provides
Digital nomads who want to work in their motorhome whilst travelling around with ease
How to ‘Try Before You Buy’
Whether or not you prefer a caravan vs a motorhome is a personal decision. But there’s one easy way to verify your preference - “try before you buy”.
Hire a caravan out for a few nights and then hire a motorhome. Compare both types of vehicles and decide for yourself which is better suited to your travel lifestyle.
Camplify offers private caravan and motorhome hire in New Zealand. To make life easy for you, we’ve put together this list of thebest motorhomes in New Zealand currently available for hire through Camplify. On the list, you’ll find motorhomes like:
Te Hiiri T449 (Papakura)
Harvey RV1 (Auckland)
Wendy (Wellington)
Weild’s Italian Auto-Roller 4/6 Berth (Christchurch)
R2 D2 (Auckland)
You can then compare your motorhome hire with one of the best caravans available for hire in New Zealand, including:
Affinity and Beyond (Tauranga)
Escape Artist II (Kumeu)
Cozy Poptop Camper - Winter Discount (Dairy Flat)
The Hilton (Palmerston North)
Mangu (Auckland)
Earn a Return on Your Investment
Buying a caravan or a motorhome might seem like a large upfront investment. However, if you do your research and buy a vehicle that tourists will want to rent out, earning a long-term return on your investment is easy.
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by renting out their motorhomes and caravans through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 RAC nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year by using our earnings calculator.
Caravan vs Motorhome: The Verdict
When it comes to choosing a caravan vs motorhome in NZ, neither is necessarily better than the other. Your preference will come down to your personal needs and wants - how will you use the vehicle when you are travelling?
Caravans are best for those that want to set up their accommodation for long periods and then use their tow vehicle for touring. They provide you with extra space and comfortable accommodation but can be more difficult to drive.
Meanwhile, motorhomes are best for those who want to be constantly on the move and drive to a new destination every day. They provide the flexibility to camp anywhere.
When comparing a caravan vs a motorhome, don’t forget to consider other camper vehicles too! Check out our blog for more informative articles that may help you, like this guide to the difference between a fifth wheel and a motorhome.