Camper Van vs Caravan - which is better?

Can't decide between a camper van or a caravan? Each has its advantages over the other.
Here I talk about 10 advantages of each, comparing an entry level camper van (Sun Living) with an entry level caravan (Adria Altea).
If you have any pet preferences that I have missed out, please share them in the comments below.
For more info on the Sun Living V60SP, please see: www.sun-living.com/gb/en
For more info on the Adria Altea Trent, please see: www.adria.co.uk

[@traceyarnaud8433]

One reason I prefer a van over a trailer is that, as a solo female in the U.S., it's good to have the option of jumping into the front seat and driving off if someone or something is skulking around your vehicle.

[@You_Can_Do_If]

Unless you have bullet proof tyres

[@melissapolom3075]

Tracey, I'm researching vans or campers. I'm an older (61) year old female and will be traveling (living) alone. Would love to hear any advice.

[@srilakshmi6941]

@@melissapolom3075 It's better to have a licensed gun and a friendly 🐕

[@margaretthompson4982]

Loved your video Andrew. We have a caravan and a tow car and still can’t decide, we would love to tour Europe in a Motorhome in the future. It’s expensive to change and with covid19 it’s not safe for my husband.

[@immortalsofar5314]

My best setup was a van with a motorcycle on the back - kind of combined the best of both worlds. I adventure which means parking in some dodgy areas where I can just get up and drive off at a pinch or leave the van locked up knowing that no-one can just hitch it to a car and steal it. Oh, and particularly when you're stuck in traffic, nothing tastes better than freshly ground and brewed "road coffee". Not easy, but all the tastier for it!

[@weldee]

If you are on an extended trip with a campervan or motorhome and your vehicle breaks down and parts or repair time is substantial, then you have also lost your dwelling. If you are towing a trailer and your vehicle breaks down,you could get your trailer towed to a campground and have your own place to stay with all your belongings while you are waiting for your vehicle repair.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent point!

[@dontfencemein.6125]

Thanks for all of that! It has helped me with my ever lasting affection for our little campervan as our holiday vehicle

[@wildflowerwind6941]

This comparison was exactly what I needed. Really good points. Nice to see it layed out like that.

[@johnvancamper1987]

Thanks for a nicely balanced video. I've been caravanning and campervanning for 30 plus years. I think 42k to spend is nice but unrealistic for many. Fortunately you can have a brilliant holiday or weekends away in very reasonably priced caravan (under 1000) . Also despite what many people seem to think, it's quite easy and cost effective to insulate a panel van well and fit a simple double bed. There's tons of inspirational self builders on KZbin now. Think of it as a rolling hotel room. Everything else can be added later - or not. At the end of the day its the journey AND the destination that matter - whether solo or with loved ones - not how posh or well appointed your outfit is. Happy travels everyone. John

[@robertmorrison2011]

Hi Andrew, you have produced a very valuable and informative vlog. Many folks can benefit from your comparison but most importantly your emphasis on their individual needs. As always, thank you for offering a wonderful vlog.

[@Brougham2007]

Thanks for useful info Andrew. The choice is a dilemma for many and this does help.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Neil!

[@AdventuresofSarahJames]

Great comparison 😊 no doubt extremely helpful for those who can’t decide which would’ve best for them. We love our campervan but there’s no denying that stretchy-outy space would be awesome 😁

[@StaticOverlander]

We have both, a MWB Sprinter camper for weekends and 'car' and the caravan for longer breaks. We love the day van feature of the camper. Great for dogs as so much more space. Great video as always.

[@HDLEquestrian]

Thanks for this video Andrew... really helpful! .. we are off to the nec this weekend can’t wait 😊

[@FatRedHog]

I've had both ..started with VW T5 went to an Elddis motorhome ...actually decided that although the campervans are useful for touring ...the main issue is that you have to take the campervan everywhere! bit like a tortoise with your house on your back .. also car parks are a problem...so for home comforts & overall convenience, it's a caravan for us!

[@andrewjditton]

Horses for courses, eh Trevor? Cheers!

[@motorhomequest]

I agree with Andrew, it is all about what you need or want to get out of your caravan or camper or motorhome. It took my wife and myself 6 years of research, thought and experimenting before deciding on a the right vehicle for us. A motorrhome.

[@danielkavan2228]

Excellent points. I decided to go on for a slide on (demountable) camper, which has the advantages of both!

[@Mads_1313]

I’ve not long got back, I sat down with a cup tea to watch something quickly before I do dinner. I then discover you had uploaded this - perfect!😃 It was great meeting you yesterday xx

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Mads, it was great meeting you too. Good luck finishing the course and getting back out in the van :)

[@rexhowells7015]

Good video, thanks for sharing. It maybe a little different in Australia, being so big. But have found the caravan better. As set up takes the same time, water hose, sullage drain for grey water, and connecting to 240v power. Then we can go and site see with our car, or shopping etc. But the camper van when set up, the owner's stay put and walk to what's close. So what they usually end up doing is buy a small car and tow behind a motor home. So still end up towing.

[@jimff5]

I am a committed caravanner, but it really boils down to you holiday choice - if you want to stay for longer periods a caravan is decidedly best, if you want to move on every few days, a campervan is maybe best.

[@RailAdventUK]

Excellent video Andrew, you pretty much summed it up in the first 30 seconds - do whats best for you. We went with a caravan because a car is much easier to fit down the country lanes that Wales / Yorkshire etc are known for, but we can also see what draws people to a motohome (campervan). Keep up the good work Regards, Michael

[@kerryshrode]

Quite an excellent video Andrew. I have been looking for EXACTLY this type of video to help us make our decision. You covered the most important points of each and are a wonderful presenter. We are state side and all these attributes apply here too. I still am in the evaluation stage but this helps greatly. Thank you again SO much for this video.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Kerry!

[@sunnybuttercups3272]

Good points made, thanks ☺ glad to still see Dougal 😉

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Your brilliant explaining to a newcomer deciding.. thank you..

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Good video sensible discussion. I think both products are great as you said it's what suit your needs. J&P

[@qwhjrf]

We had caravans for many years but have had motorhomes for around the past 15 years. Your observations were quite good and I agree there is no right answer, its personal preference. One thing we have enjoyed is on our return home journey ( the worst part of any holiday 😁) we can usually stop at an attraction (National Trust etc.) and break the journey.

[@cathrynbagley8005]

Looking at lots of campervans and caravans at the show made us realise that we are definitely caravan people - although a lot of the campervans were very lovely quite a lot of the seats in the back were high and our feet were dangling (we are average height) we found the caravans were more comfy for lounging and more spacious. Great video setting out the pros and cons of both.

[@stevenmcfarlane8831]

Andrew. Thanks for this. As I get older I take ages deciding on anything never mind a big purchase. Lots of things I could send to you to list the pros and cons of lol. Cheers.

[@juttapelzer6632]

Thanks for this -as always- fair review/summary and for managing to edit and upload while busy judging at the NEC. After all the pros for both vehicle types l’m still quite satisfied with our decision. But there are clearly good pros for any choice- like you mentioned it depends on personal needs. Thank god for all the options on the market to choose from so that we all can have our perfect vehicle.

[@karlpetereriksson5915]

Hello! Very glad to here you taking about THE fact, someone of us (like me) is disabled or special needs person, for me and my wife a van is THE only god working choice! But AS you said: ITS about your personal needs you should make right choice! Happy times on THE road and safe driving IN both vans or Caravan , from DonPedro IN Norway.

[@brnesouthwest9915]

Thanks for the video, excellent points. Having used both a caravan and tent, and now that I am separated, I can see the advantage of the motor-home where you just drive onto site and park up. This a great video for those who have to make the choice car or caravan>

[@kernowgirl53]

Thank you. Great comparison and given me food for thought 😊

[@annettefournier9655]

Ooo La La, swanky leather pants made the show! I miss mine so much. I wore them to bits and never replaced them. So comfortable and useful. 😁😁 Good points on the comparison. Food for thought. Thanks Andrew. Hope you have a wonderful week.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Annette!

[@lynnrixson3013]

Extremely well explained! It is 6 of one and half a dozen of the other and as you say personal choice. We are just about to purchase an Eriba Touring caravan so we were really interested in what you had to say. Thank you very much. Really enjoyable 😊

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you - and enjoy the Eriba! :)

[@mdkram]

Great video. I've just started my nomadic campervan life and have an old campervan. Although, I'm still sticking with the 'campervan' over 'caravan' options, one disadvantage of the campervan is that your entire home with belongings are in the garage when the engine needs fixing. Have had to stay at a hotel or friend's place when the campervan is in the shop which can add to costs (hotel if not friends in the area) and be without your stuff while the vehicle is inaccessible to you.

[@rscosworthfan]

good point that

[@mehmetkasimkalkan3256]

I loved your video, your style and almost all your other stuff. I do respect you, Andrew. Thank you for all the info. English Teacher from Turkey.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@ladylexiea3084]

Really really useful. Still struggling to decide as I want both!

[@Petehcs100]

Me too, considering a medium transit style van with seats, part conversion for weekend or day trips, low roof for car parking,. Possin bly economical, good for towing and good payload I think. Any thoughts anyone?

[@phililpb]

my friend does that. the tows his caravan with a VW T4 day/campervan. It works for him. gives him a space to relax or eat in when at the beach for example.

[@graceygrumble]

As someone whose family travelled around The British Isles and Europe, I have to say that the caravan is the only way to go, for families. We all crammed into the Ford Zephyr - I (being the youngest and smallest) had to hide in the footwell, going through passport control in Switzerland, as there needed to be an allocated seat for each passenger. We rocked up, pitched up (awning needed) and then, bomb-blasted in different directions until tea was ready. We did this from 1973-1983 - all 7 of us. Then, the older ones started to get married. First, there was 7, then 6, then 5, then 4. And that's when hotels became affordable - but, they were never as enjoyable, because the journey is the thing. My mother always regretted selling the caravan. It's a funny old world. We always looked with envious eyes, on those people who could afford to eat at service stations/aires, until we could afford it. Then, we realised that mam's scotch eggs, or cooked chicken, or home-cooked ham, or slab of cheese with home-made coleslaw and crusty bread rolls were infinitely superior. In short, get a caravan. Unless, you're a solo traveller, or a couple, then get a campervan - you'd be mad not to. ;)

[@andrewjditton]

Completely apt and true, thanks for your lovely comment!

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Gracie thank you advice!

[@twinphill900]

graceygrumble love your story and you are so right, infinitely superior 👍

[@jonward5118]

Aaaqq

[@wilwilly159]

Nice overview! Just one addition: You can expand your caravan on the spot really easy with an awning. It gives you a lot more space on rainy days.

[@catherine1910]

Really useful thanks Andrew. Lots of food for thought.

[@mikefriend7570]

Brilliant video of pros and cons. My partner and I recently bought a caravan having spent a number of weeks deciding which was best way to go

[@Parknest]

You pretty much summed it up at the beginning and end of the video. It is what suits our needs best. You've had a foot in both camps so you can see both sides of it. I worked my way up from a tent to a caravan. MPVs make for great towing vehicles with the extra height, interior space and still feel like a car when out on the road.

[@Kev_Partner]

We looked at both campervans and caravans. Our low budget and the fact that we already have a car that can pull a caravan made it a no brainer for us. If you've only got a couple of grand to spend, your only option is a caravan in our experience.

[@dandare2586]

Having had both I can confirm I am a committed motorhomer. I have also travelled extensively around Europe. A motorhome can be parked overnight at countless aires in Europe. We spent many weeks wild camping in Scandinavia where it is perfectly legal and tolerated in a campervan.

[@pamdean7834]

As a complete novice to caravanning -v- motor home I found the comparisons between the two informative and helpful.Thank you

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Pam!

[@hettysmotorhomeadventures4860]

Andrew, what a really good Vid, we have just changed from Caravanning to a Motor Home so I have some insight. I think that the choice between one or the other to some degree depends on how you want to use you caravan or MH. As you say a MH is about the journey, so it's more about journeying than holidaying in one place. I have gone on holiday so many times in our caravan, you get to your destination set up and that's you for a Week or maybe 2. Your holiday radiates from the hub that is your van. I would never stay more than a couple of nights in one place in a MH as its really designed to travel not sit on a site. But a couple of points, with a camper van you pay one insurance policy with a car and caravan you pay 2 and in my experience the caravan insurance was more than the tow car. The most important thing for me is usage, I find I am now using our MH for day trips. We take our home with us for the day and have our facilities with us, I would have never towed our caravan to use for a day trip. You have made a really good vid here, this is the biggest 👍I can give you.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Martin! Yes, that was kind of touched on with my last point... you have it all with you all the time, not just when you're hitched up. Thanks for the top tips!

[@mick2d2]

Good point about the day trip. Also a lot of sites make you vacate by twelve, which is a bit of a pain. We've also done a lot of touring with our caravan (spending two or three days at each site and exploring the surrounding area by car).

[@gerrycollins7079]

But insurance costs will be much greater for campervan owners if they also want (or need) to have a car for the rest of the year, which I suspect is the majority.

[@mick2d2]

@@gerrycollins7079 Not necessarily. I pay quite a bit for my caravan too.

[@philgray1023]

Some good points there. My camper trailer insurance is $350 pa, my 4x4 is $715 pa, but the registration is $150 on the camper and $680 on the 4x4. We are finding even parking a large 4x4 is getting difficult with some car parks now 2 metre clearance and where we had timber houses and open car parks we now have multi storey shopping centres and unit blocks and car parks like rabbit warrens. We wouldn't be ableto use a campervan or motorhome as a daily drive so trail a camper trailer. We do see quite a few motorhomes towing small cars. The Suzuki 4x4's are very popular for that.

[@patrickwarren3824]

Another great and informative Video Andrew

[@ShannaTrenholm]

As always, an excellent video and a reasoned and useful discussion of the two options. One thing that sways lots of women here in the U.S. to a van is the safety when traveling alone--so easy to jump in the driver's seat if you have a bad feeling or get creepy visitors--especially when boondocking/wild camping. Not as easy or safe to get out, hook up, and drive off if you're in a caravan :)

[@Evileneist]

yes in USA Van is better but in Uk is more safe thanks God we don't have so much problems

[@angelareynolds4980]

Shanna Trenholm swift door handle

[@stuartelms3005]

This makes America sound scary...

[@pahwraith]

@@stuartelms3005 it's larger and more isolated. So someone can kill you and throw you down a forested ravine and you'll might never be found. Especially where most people RV, the western USA is very sparsely settled. It's more like interior Australia or parts of Russia, than anything found in the UK. There's no one you can call for help. Which breeds predators that take advantage of this.

[@dzonikg]

@@pahwraith Its reason i love europe ..even most unsafe west or east europe country is much safer then most safe north or south american continent

[@bornfreefreedom4900]

Hi Andrew. A very good Video indeed Best wishes to you and beautiful doggie. 👍😊🚐🐕

[@geoffbeckett4591]

Darren Hunt i

[@debbie3630]

Thankyou Andrew for your information, most appreciated, helped us a lot 👍🏻 😀

[@raymond2704]

This is very informative, now I finally get a good idea of the actual differences

[@brettfoster6786]

Nice video ! I have done all of the campers . Fun . Im in 63 VW bus today . Peace. Happy trails.

[@iaincandlish3781]

Excellent video Andrew. We used similar pros and cons as you explained when choosing to get our Caravan. With regards winter touring and as you showed in your videos of the Isles the camper van was better in the high wind than a caravan would have been.

[@andrewjditton]

Yes, good point Iain!

[@BrasherFox]

We are currently in the dilemma of switching from a caravan to a campervan or motorhome, so thanks for the vlog.

[@CarlJones14]

Another great video. I have a home built campervan very similar to the one in the video. My brother in law has a caravan (young family) but he has to pay storage for the entire year...I don't know what this costs. The ability to wild camp is a big saving, even if you only use a camp site once every three or four days. As you say, its all about choices.

[@findingjuniperrose2030]

Done the caravan, great for families, but moving on to the camper van to suit this new phase of life. Of course, I still love my bell tent as well! Loved the discussion.

[@ianwestwood29]

I must say that you are a natural presenter and your video blogs are very compelling. If you make 'em I'll watch 'em. Girlfriend not so keen but you can't have everything! I've just bought a Buccaneer so I need all the tips I can get. I live in a village one mile from the NEC so I should really make the effort to go to the show.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Ian! Maybe will see you here.

[@paulskidmore9987]

I'm a tourer rather than a stayer so rarely stop more than a couple of nights maximum in one place so the faf of having a set up and take down routine would be just that - something I wouldn't value. I spend a couple of months a year in France touring round and the free motorhome aires mean that apart from my ferry costs (cheaper for just the van rather than a vehicle and trailer) the rest of the time it is the same cost as home - just drive into the local supermarkets and stock up. There are 1000s of aires throughout France in some lovely spots, very many of them are free have electric and often wifi. There is often a 3 day max stay but I rarely stay more than 2 days so it's perfect for me. I also stop on the mountains to watch the Tour de France and having a base to stay with all the facilities for around 4 days up in the Alps or Pyrenees is fabulous. For the activities I want to do it's a no brainer. I also use it as day van in the UK - again after doing a sporting event and getting back to base with the shower etc waiting is just great - something I've never seen anyone using a caravan for. It I had a family it may be different but for a couple the space is easy to live in. I love the high driving position and I'm far more relaxed driving now than when I previously towed my power boat with a car. The van cruises comfortably and legally at 70 mph on the motorway / autoroutes.

[@DesmondsDonders]

Setting up was the thing that turned the decision towards motorhome rather than campervan for us. Both of us have bad backs and I have bad legs and setting up the caravan was getting harder and harder. It started out as a way of extending our caravanning and opened a whole new set of experiences to us. Another great video.

[@charlesgravina3429]

Thanks Andrew, I would go for a t@b .

[@mick2d2]

Desmond's Donders You could always use a mover and a power drill for the caravan legs! ;)

[@philgray1023]

I think you have hit on what works for you. We are facing the same issues. Two serious back operations and now I can't use my camper trailer for at least 3 months. We were looking at a caravan as being easier than a camper trailer, but I'm not so sure. We do have a boat, but it steadfastly refuses to go inland.

[@philgray1023]

@@mick2d2 I use the bloke next door and the wheels on garage trolleys, but he's going away when I need the camper moved.

[@mick2d2]

@@philgray1023 That works too! (until he's not available) My caravan is quite small, but it weighs in at 1050kg (empty). It's nigh on impossible to move unless on a flat surface, hence the mover. The only downside is the price and added weight (about 900€ & 70kg)

[@LisaMarli]

Thanks for a comparisons. Still debating within the family which is better, but at least we have something else to use.

[@steadycamuk1]

As the comment by Martin Davis has summed it up nicely in that its down to usage and either visiting an area then travelling out in the car in a star pattern or going on a voyage stopping off here and there as you go. Still liking the Cool Blue graphics and the overall style of the vid and its a big round of applause for the return of the LEATHER PANTS - TaaDAAHHH!!!!

[@juliealderson8187]

Really good video 👍🏻 Lots of information, I’ve decided that after owning a camper for six months, I’m a fan of caravans. I miss my lovely car so much😭

[@andrewjditton]

Oh dear! There is no perfect solution is there?

[@leanavine]

Thanks for this - I still can't decide which one and there is also the option of a tiny caravan, much easier to tow and connect/disconnect. Here in the US there is the TAB trailers (as we call them) but between larger motorhome, caravan or van the truth is they are all wonderful!

[@brightondude9327]

I think this is an excellent comparison of caravan versus a campervan. Something people might like to consider as a variation is a really compact caravan. The compact caravan loses some of the advantages of the caravan you described, of space, but you get a quite a lot of the campervan advantage of feeling like you can just go anywhere. You can wild camp fairly easily etc. If you already own a car then you can very probably tow the compact caravan with it. Also the compact caravan is much easier to store somewhere than a regular sized caravan. I really like the Barefoot caravan. It is not cheap but I think very well designed. Another great one is the Go-Pod.

[@stephenangeloni9432]

Compact caravan can be a really good way to go. I tow a T&B 400 with a truck. It is very stable, you just have to remember you are towing something. When towing gets too much I will probably get a demountable like the TISHER.

[@wirralot]

This is the point I’m at, having found I was towingnthe Family tourer and doing all the setting up alone, i think for me the compact caravan is the closest I can get to a motorhome. Looking at the freedom jetstream range

[@geoffhanbury4978]

We used to own the tiny Eriba Puck and still miss it. An advantage of caravans under two metres high is they are free on French toll roads. Also the very small vans do not need a motor mover. Excellent video with some well made points

[@muddymarvellous]

Thank Andrew, you even had an Adria man looking through the window..so funny...anyway I've learnt over the years that as lovely as they some motorhomers prove to be "clingons" !

[@SteveHainesCounsellor]

Hi Andrew. Last October we purchased a caravan after watching this video and it helped us to make the choice. So ... Thank you! One thing we experienced only a week later, after purchase, and booking to go to a site in Wales, which we didn't think about and you didn't mention in the video. Maybe because you have a robust heavy Airstream ... Was ... The Wind! The weekend we booked, it was blowing a gale! We decided to cancel 3 nights out of the 4 booked. We went for just the one night instead, just to get the experience. We would have gone in a campervan. Wind is a biggy in the Autumn and Winter months. I also find towing to be a bit scary too. Thanks for your videos Andrew. We watch them all. Steve 😀👍

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Steve, and congratulations!

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

I wish Andrew would start doing more of these videos, He is still the best on YT when it comes to Tips and Reviews. I don't always agree with him But he is the Best of the Best without a doubt.

[@HereWeTow]

Another top vid. It’s magic how you changed clothes half way through !! 👍👍

[@andrewjditton]

AND how I started in Edinburgh and ended up in Birmingham! ;@)

[@webrumrunner]

I don,t own either of these but this came up on my feed so I watched it anyway. Never knew there were so many pros and cons to consider.I would keep it simple myself, buy one and if that don,t work, buy the other.

[@mikeryan959]

We have a campervan. Main advantage for us was ability to store on the driveway. Main disadvantage was that you can't abandon the "home" on a site and go touring. Not actually used it yet in anger but looking forward to some great times ahead.

[@davidkerr6107]

Very usefull video Andrew but whilst watching the part where you mentioned ferries. I did recall during march Caravans can go for free on P&O ferries. we go away in January or February every year to different parts of Europe. We will now consider going in march in the future. I was going to change to a motorhome this year but ended up buying a new caravan.. I thought you balanced the pro's and con's very well indeed. many of the points you raised on both sides were very fair to be honest.. I think your 100% correct when you stated its up to your individual needs. I never comment on videos usually but I enjoy watching your videos.. I have been following your videos for some time including your bailey challenges.. I felt that moment when you recalled that trip and my blessings how you coped with those personal moments.. Keep the videos coming we love your Videos.. Happy travels DK

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers David, thanks for your message!

[@kmac499]

Number 11 Camper over Cara : Spontaneity. If you're interests includes fishing, mountain biking, day trips to the beach etc. The Camper allows you to go at a moments notice with very little fore-planning. Just as you say Andrew, measure you're lifestyle first and decide what matches you.

[@flybyairplane3528]

Ken MacIver where I live, you would NOT be able to park, a camper, boat etc , in your OWN HOME, there is a perpendicular street from mine, there ARE 4 BOATS, INSIDE GARAGE out of site, but car parks in the driveway., in my case the work van I had there bothered nobody, NEVER GOT A COMPLAINT , but then you COULD NOT SEE IT FROM THE STREET EITHER, let’s see, 5 different contractors in the years, now here 48 years, retired.. Cheers from NJ

[@van-gabondramblinrose6398]

Some good points for both Caravan and Campervan. I think for me though, building my own campervan will be the way to go. That way I can build to my own spec, so have superior insulation and equipment and a layout to suit my own needs and I think that is really the main message....there are so many options these days, you can pretty much have whatever you want.

[@andrewjditton]

A very valid point - I think vans are better for a self-conversion or self-build project than a caravan. I'm just not clever enough to do that and am in awe of anyone who is!

[@noohall9213]

We looked at a vw camper van, ver nice indeed! New £50k, shocker. But have decided to go for a adria caravan + awning + powrtoch motor mover + storage, just up the road from where we live. All brand new for 20k including extras etc. My bmw has a max tow of 1’600kg, the new caravans are so much lighter today................ easy choice for us.

[@hywel3143]

I tow with a "soft hybrid" 2015 320i - they are great tow cars and mine tows a Hymer Eriba Nova L 442 with a total loading of around 1300 kg no problem - lots of low down torque. I think conservative outfit matching is key to successful towing - nothing worse than a car struggling up and down the gears, as I had to contend with when I had an older outfit., you end up exhausted just getting to your destination! I would advise going much lower than max allowed towing weight and there are plenty of great lightweight caravans on the market now. I don't understand the trend for larger, wider and heavier caravans when the trend is towards hybrids and eventually electric/hydrogen powered vehicles.

[@CheshireRing]

Excellent analysis. One advantage of most campervans and some coach-built motorhomes is they can legally travel at 70mph on a motorway, whereas caravans are limited to 60mph. And in strong crosswinds most single axle caravans will need to travel slower still. But that's a little theoretical because I've occasionally been overtaken by caravans travelling at 70mph.... And I'm not sure about campervans being easier to get around. It depends on where your going. We have three friends with 6 metre vans who rarely use them as day vans, because most rural uk car parks are too tight or have height restrictions. If I wanted a campervan as daily transport I would probably limit it to 5.4metres length. It really depends on the user, not on the vehicle, as you say Andrew.

[@LoneWolf-xx3bw]

What a nice and honest man

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great vlog, but now I want both. lol

[@peter9180]

And you can with a camper van.

[@beccabeme]

Main advantage of a caravan for many is affordability. My caravan is 26 years old, I've had it 2 seasons and paid less than a grand for it. I'm a hard working single mum and caravanning is the only way I can afford to have a comfortable holiday with my 2 teenage sons. I'm sure you will agree that a 26 year old campervan for less than a grand would be almost impossible to find and wouldn't be a reliable option. Even if I sold my car and my caravan, I would have a small budget. Campervans under 5 grand are very old, very tatty and unreliable.

[@van-gabondramblinrose6398]

I found myself in the same situation and it was the only way I could afford to take my daughter on holiday, first in a tent and then in a cheap caravan. She's all grown up now and I have a Campervan and we still go away together once or twice a year, but I'm glad I was able to give her some great memories in that old caravan. Doesn't really matter how you do it, just that you get out there and do it. :-)

[@beccabeme]

Van-gabond,Ramblin'Rose absolutely!!!!

[@petergraham9049]

Same for us. Ours is 37 years old, but we are the second owner, it has been very cared for. It does mean we can save a lot on many holiday costs, still having the car to run around in, to places which probably wouldn't fit a campervan !

[@philgray1023]

Definitely some good points there. Our camper trailer is undercover with a cover over it. After 3 years it is in pristine condition. We can get a cheap small caravan 14 years old that has been used 10-11 times for a couple of thousand dollars. No motor homes come close in the price range.

[@MrRawUK]

It sounds like a bargain there. Great find.

[@davidhayes4814]

I quite like what you have said and your style. I have been lucky enough to get a relatively new Boxer based Camper van at a very cheap price. Like many such campers it is based on the H2 L2 format..... 5.4m long 2.5m high but with 1.9m headroom. I now prefer driving it everywhere to a car, everywhere. Modern vans are great to drive. My partner loves her Golf GTI. The van, though, always puts a smile on my face. No contest.

[@andrewjohnston1963]

out of interest where did you get your Boxer "at a cheap price"?? and which model do you have?

[@rachelselby5469]

If you are a family, especially with teenagers, a caravan means that not everyone has to go on every outing because they still have a base back at the campsite. In a campervan, if one person wants to go sightseeing and another wants to stay and relax at the campsite, it's a problem.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent point Rachel!

[@rachelselby5469]

It is a point but thinking about it now, I remember families with teenagers would often have a tent in addition to the campervan which they'd pitch if staying more than a couple of nights anywhere. So that could be a solution to the problem.

[@fredmurray4185]

you also get stand alone awnings in various sizes which are more accommodating than tents

[@billf8248]

I didn't even think of that...good point.

[@mattmatt8910]

Amazing videos. I'd go for a Citroen Spacetourer, small to drive, park and got kind of 4x4, or even a Peugeot Rifter with a roof tent and pull out kitchen

[@CatherinesYoutubing]

Excellent video, thank you Andrew.

[@wasdave]

First of all, thank you for a great video. One advantage a car and caravan has over a campervan is fuel economy. If you are using a campervan as your only vehicle, you will have heavier fuel bills all of the time. With a car and caravan you only have heavier fuel bills when towing. The campervan has the advantage when it comes to depreciation, as cars usually lose their value quickest.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent points, David, cheers!

[@CrimsonFury1982]

Both of those points are situational. Depends how much travel you do hitched/unhitched with the caravan. If you travel large distances to your camping destination, campervan fuel economy works out quite a lot cheaper than towing. 2) car and motorhome depreciation rates aren't that different, while caravans deprecate much slower (no major mechanical systems to deteriorate)

[@steven1498]

" BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CARAVAN OR THE CAMPER VAN IT'S ABOUT WHAT' S BEST FOR YOU" RIGHT ON ANDREW YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH CHEERS😑

[@jeffharmed1616]

Thanks for sharing. You came up several advantages I didn’t anticipate thanks. Here are a few more advantages. Boon-docking is easier in a motorhome. Driver sharing for long distances is easier in the motorhome. For example there are plenty of motorhomes doing the Alaska to Argentina journey. Replacing white goods in caravans is cheaper and easier because they are usually standard sized whereas white goods, fittings and fixtures in a motorhome are bespoke, expensive and less reliable. With the advances in inverters, lithium batteries and solar panels , the motorhome is a better off-grid option.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Jeff! Thanks for that :)

[@davidhayes4814]

Pretty decent little video. Much of it comes down to personal circumstance. However, it also depends on whether you like driving vans. Many folk might be surprised at how good modern vans are. They certainly don’t handle like a car but the driving position and the front seats are really good on long journeys.

[@robforrest12739]

As you have said, its a personal choice based on circumstances. For us at this time, caravan + car combo wins hands down :-)

[@WimTavernier]

Very good explanation of the difference between the both items. You can always put a caravan behind your campervan !!!😄😄 I think that it depends how you wanna go on holidays. I am a real "globetrotter ". I stay no longer than a day or two at one destination so the Van is for me the best opportunity. I changed my old car and my bigger Coral motorhome last year for the Adria Twin 600 SPT Van. It was the last Silver Edition 50 years full option Van available in Belgium. I use him everyday, because he is also my car, and i can just say........he is really great for me.

[@andrewjditton]

Wonderful! I love the Adria Twin... and I love touring in Belgium! :)

[@AlanCallow]

Thanks for this Andrew a very useful video

[@user-pp8ly2wn6t]

Awesome content. Quite interesting and very useful. Thank you for sharing this wealth of information. Thanks for the great watch.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnrees8322]

All good points, although I would add a couple. Towing a caravan has to be more stressful. On the other hand, even used camper vans of a decent standard cost an absolute fortune compared to a caravan of the same standard. Finally, the increasing popularity of seasonal pitches provides a further option for a caravan, more so than for a camper.

[@andrewjditton]

Good points thanks John!

[@rickhurst9058]

Bit late commenting on this - one important thing to mention is breakdowns - when a campervan breaks down on a trip, it might need to go off to a garage for a few days or longer, leaving you with no accommodation! This happened to us in France a few years ago - we were wishing we were in a caravan on that trip!

[@andrewjditton]

Good point Rick!

[@garyschneider5781]

I think you were more distracted by outside activity than we were, so don't be hard on yourself.... the video went well. Honesty is always more important than production value. I'm not sure that valuables are any safer in one or the other if you're actually away and there's a break-in… but, hey maybe you, or your peers, have more actual direct experience to draw from than I can only imagine. But overall, that was very a well-balanced comparison and a great summary for people who are just starting off to research the pros and cons of Campervans versus Caravans. I think you covered-off all the major points quite well.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Gary!

[@ouradventuresnz70]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks

[@stevebrown6665]

As a dyed in the wool campervan fan it was still interesting to see advantages of caravans - nice one

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Steve!

[@williamchanning7677]

another excellent video andrew. you said you looked at the sol, did you look at the Murvi morello, just wondered what your thoughts were. I was at the NEC but didn't spot you or a few other you tube vloggers. thank you I enjoy listening as you always give a balanced and informative delivery.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers William. I've known the Murvi Morello for many years and it's one of my favourite vans with what would be the perfect layout for a tour like I just did. I'd rather the sofa than a fixed bed.

[@gailcooper3550]

Brilliant vlog as usual 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Gail!

[@philipellis7039]

I’ve never used a motorhome ( I’ve used 6 or 7 over time) that didn’t have a 3 way fridge. Anyway, to me they are different things. Never had a caravan, we used to have family holidays in self catering places - bungalows, lodges, static caravans,gites, etc.We would explore the immediate area then drive out further each day exploring a wider area. Just seemed to make sense that when we arrived somewhere we could stop and drive on somewhere else the next day. So although a motorhome holiday might include a lot of travelling not really any more ( and often less) than we would have done from a self catering place or caravan ( which is just carrying your own self catering accommodation with you). Motorhomes really come into their own once you get outside the U.K. as well where you are better catered for and the French aires de camping car ( and equivalent in other countries) are where you want to be not five miles away with no bus service like U.K. campsites. I’d only consider a caravan if I never intended to leave these shores.

[@andrewjditton]

Yes, France, Germany etc all seem to be far more motorhome friendly than the UK :-/

[@lindahealey6992]

Very good format and points both ways. I haven’t been caravanning long, 9 months, but I’ve been on the road full time, so that may qualify as “long”. I made to decision to sell my house and drastically change my retirement and lifestyle rather quickly, more in reaction to being priced out of my condominium by new owners wanting the character of an old house but then wanting all the amenities of high end urban living and having the money to afford special assessments to get their way more than wanting to live in a caravan and travel full time. I suppose I knew I’d love it, though, so without looking around or educating myself a lot, I most a small trailer I knew was well built and thought was cute

[@lindahealey6992]

And..., though cute, I find myself longing for more flexibility about where I can park out on the wild and in the cities and towns. And I have educated myself on the vanlife side, and avidly devour everything I can find about small class B motor homes. I thing your analysis is instructive and bears out what I’ve learned about caravanning in my TAB vs how I think I could live in a class B van. I wish I knew how to go about making the switch, selling my truck and trailer for enough to afford a van. I haven’t much of a clue how to go about it.

[@andrewjditton]

It's tough when you have nowhere else to go while switching. Good luck Linda!

[@JPNYC315]

So dapper in the leather sand blazer 😍

[@andrewjditton]

Shucks, thanks! :)

[@mangebbange]

Nice video!. My setup is an small campervan (Dodge van 1988) , and an old sprite caravan. So depending on where to travel , and how many peoples want to follow , its flexible :) The van and caravan has each own disel heater , and with the 2 way remote I can see the temperature in the caravan and start the disel heater from the van when driving. Higly recomend! Cheers! Ps solar on both and permanent bed in van. 5 passengers can travel in the van, but a 3 way sofa is easily detatchable if not needed, leaving more space in the van aswell :) ds.

[@caravancol1]

very good video giving some very good valid advice. we feel we have the perfect setup VW transporter camper van and a twin axel sprite quottro, camper van for wends away and carvan for longer main holidays. the campervan tows the caravan. each to there own but after many years caravaning we found this to work for us best, best of both worlds, now friday afternoons are so easy to shoot away with the kids for the wends, then when on main holiday we have the campervan down on the beach.

[@andrewjditton]

YES! A camper van towing the caravan, that would be my ideal set-up! Trouble is, buying a van would mean working more and.... nah! ;@)

[@caravancol1]

did take a lot of saving andrew LOL, purchased caravan first then 7 years hard saving for the vw transporter and the conversion!! well worth it though. keep up the good work mate .

[@rancher12121]

all good points, i've always preferred a caravan because you can park and connect, then have your tow vehicle to site see or go to the store. of course you need a camper van if your going to be pulling a trailer, boat, motor bike. here in the states, so many times, you see a motor home, the size of a house, pulling a towed vehicle, usually with just two old folks on board