Why More Brits are Buying Caravans and Motorhomes

What are Caravans and Motorhomes?

Caravans are structures made out of metal or fiberglass that are designed for temporary accommodation and can range from very simple ones, being hardly an upgrade from a tent, to fully insulated, lavish caravans for leisurely lounging. In this context, these caravans can be hooked onto your car and towed around as a home on wheels so there’s no need to book hotels while on vacation.

Motorhomes follow the same theme of being a home on wheels however; they are actual vehicles, with an engine and other parts at the front and the living space at the back. This makes them more expensive compared to caravans however, they also have the advantage of providing more amenities such as a running shower, a fully functioning kitchen, and a living room because they have much more space. Although all these features could be added to caravans since they are being towed by normal cars, they can get heavier and harder to move around, additionally, they also become aerodynamically inefficient and you might need a bigger car to tow them around which defeats the whole purpose of a caravan since these are supposed to be a more affordable and flexible option.

Now, you might be wondering what powers all the amenities in motorhomes; this is done by batteries. Since the sole battery of a motorhome can’t fulfill so many different needs, leisure batteries are used to cover this gap, these can also be used in caravans since the need for electricity is irreplaceable. Starting from the fridge to even a lightbulb needs power.

The rise in Caravan and Motorhome Sales

Since the start of the pandemic, the demand for motorhomes and caravans has risen sharply, more than 30% and although the demand was steadily growing as manufacturers were appealing to a niche market, the pandemic turned it into a mass market. 20% of the Brits interviewed in 2020 said that they were planning a caravan holiday that year. A majority of the people who planned this said that they did not want to risk flying abroad or having to stay in hotels amidst a pandemic and saw a ‘staycation’ as a safer option.

A staycation gives one the liberty of traveling to beautiful, remote locations, avoiding maximum human contact while also being a great, peaceful getaway to areas often unexplored as they are far away from the city. The convenience of a remote accommodation, equipped with all the comforts of the home allows for a great bonding experience with your buddies instead of being stuck at home.

Despite the hefty price tags on leisure vehicles, in the long run, the benefits outweigh the costs as it cuts down on thousands of dollars in plane tickets, hotel bookings and even paying for meals. Therefore, a majority of people consider it to be a worthwhile investment. In addition to this, renting motorhomes and caravans is becoming easier as people rent their vehicles out when not in use. We would highly suggest that, before you take the huge hit to your bank account, try renting a vehicle for a month or so, just so you get an idea of life on the road and decide if it is made for you or not. If you have already made your decision, the market is full of motorhomes for sale.

Another factor that may contribute to a rise in the demand for leisure vehicles is the drop in taxes on them. In 2021, the tax rate rose almost 700%! But you don’t need to worry about that anymore as the ruling has been reversed and these beauties are back to being much more affordable for the average Brit.

Lastly, the caravanning community of the UK is a bright, welcoming one, the main two groups being the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Both of these groups, collectively representing over 1.5 million members, make vacations convenient, providing parking spots in great sites that they own and maintain, services such as tent renting as well as caravan insurance.

Which One is Better for You?

When weighing the pros and cons of each, both a motorhome and a caravan are great for a vacation on wheels however, since you would be driving the vehicle yourself, it is important to know that although you don’t need a special license to drive a leisure vehicle, the accident rates are very high with these giant vehicles so, it comes with a learning curve and requires practice.

With motorhomes, the living space cannot just be detached once you’ve reached your destination and wish to explore it, finding parking may be tricky and even a simple trip to the grocery store could get complicated. With caravans, towing them can be nerve-wracking for drivers, especially on narrow roads or even on the highway since they don’t always cooperate although; the chance of completely losing control of a caravan is quite low.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that retains its value, caravans probably aren’t for you. Motorhomes do not devalue as fast since people know that vacations only last so long, so even with second-hand motorhomes, the wear and tear is minimal. Caravans, on the other hand, can be bought at a bargain so, they might suit someone on a budget. For your dream vehicle that suits your needs perfectly, do your research and check guides on purchasing motorhomes so that your experience is exactly how you pictured it to be!

Article by Oaktree Motorhomes