Should You Tow or Drive an RV?

Should You Tow or Drive an RV?

If you are just breaking into the RV lifestyle, it can be challenging to figure out which rig is right for you. You see some people towing small to mid-size travel trailers, while others tow massive 5th wheelers. On the other hand, some people are on the roads driving their rigs. So what method is best for you?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide to tow or drive an RV:

Who Are You Traveling With?

If you have a family with small children, towing an RV may be a good option for you. The main reason is you and your family would be seated in the tow vehicle—a truck or another vehicle with towing capacity. The vehicle will have seats and seatbelts for each member of your family. It’s especially important to ensure that small children are in car seats and seatbelts to ensure their safety. In a motorized RV, occupants are safe traveling inside an RV, but seatbelts are often located on chairs, the couch, and dinette seating. These types of seats provide far less protection for small children in the event of an accident compared to a regular vehicle.

If you’re traveling with pets, you could either tow or drive your RV, but would need to consider their overall health and the amount of space your pet typically needs during road trips. 

How Important is Having Quick Access to Amenities?

When you drive an RV, taking a bathroom break and grabbing a snack from the kitchen is easy—all you need to do is pull over and park for a few minutes! You may even decide to take a quick nap while you’re parked, too. But when you’re towing a travel trailer or 5th wheel, rest stops won’t be as convenient, especially if your rig has slides that are pulled in and restrict access to the interior. In addition, you’ll be driving in your tow vehicle, which can feel cramped over time, especially if you have a large family. 

What Type of Camping Will You Be Doing?

Boondocking and camping in remote areas requires you to have a nimble RV. This means that towed rigs are generally most ideal for this type of camping. Travel trailers are often easier to maneuver in and out of rural areas with dirt roads, and many come specially equipped for off-road travel. Certain motorhomes can make remote trips as well, but most are better suited for camping in campgrounds or other areas without rough terrain. 
So what will it be? Are you Team Tow or Team Drive? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!