Why We Chose a Towable RV: A Good Decision for both Full-Time and Weekend RVing
- alcain55
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Years ago, just before I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2001, my wife and I made the life-changing decision to purchase our first Recreational Vehicle (RV). We spent countless hours researching the best RV options, visiting sales centers, and attending RV shows. After thorough consideration, we concluded that a towable RV was the best choice for our lifestyle.
Since then, we’ve owned two 5th wheel RVs and one bumper pull towable RV. Our current setup is a bumper pull Keystone Cougar 28RLS, featuring a king-size bed, mid-kitchen, rear living room, dual A/C units, and 50-amp power capability. The single slide-out significantly enhances the living space, making it ideal for the two of us. We tow it with a 2024 Chevy Silverado High Country equipped with a 3-liter LZ0 diesel engine.
After years of RV ownership, we’ve discovered some critical reasons why a towable RV works best for us compared to a motorized RV. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing between towable vs. motorized RVs.
⸻
1. Cost Efficiency of Towable RVs
One of the most important factors when choosing an RV is cost efficiency. Bumper pull RVs are significantly more affordable than Class A motorhomes, both in terms of the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance and insurance costs.
Our first towable RV was a 33-foot 5th wheel, and purchasing a motorized RV with comparable square footage would have cost over five times as much! Additionally, maintenance is simpler and less expensive with a towable RV because your tow vehicle handles the engine and transmission. You may still encounter common RV problems—like issues with plumbing, electrical systems, or tires—but you won’t be stuck without a place to stay if your truck needs repairs.
⸻
2. Versatility and Flexibility of Towable RVs
One of the biggest benefits of a towable RV is its versatility and flexibility. When you park your rig, you can unhitch your tow vehicle and use it separately to explore the local area. This level of freedom is difficult to achieve with a motorized RV, which often requires towing a dinghy vehicle for mobility.
Our towable setup gives us the best of both worlds: a comfortable living space and a fuel-efficient truck for day trips. Plus, if we ever want to upgrade our truck, it’s much easier than replacing an entire motorhome. Our current Silverado High Country not only provides a smooth ride but also serves as a practical utility vehicle for home projects.
⸻
3. Lower Maintenance Costs with Towable RVs
Another major advantage of a towable RV is the lower maintenance cost. Since there’s no built-in engine or drivetrain, repair and upkeep expenses are significantly reduced compared to motorized RVs.
While any RV can require costly repairs, towables are generally more manageable for DIY maintenance. Whether it’s fixing plumbing leaks or troubleshooting electrical issues, I’ve found that most common problems are easy enough to handle on my own.
⸻
4. Ease of Parking and Storage
Storage is another crucial consideration when choosing between a towable and motorized RV. Our 28-foot bumper pull RV fits comfortably alongside our house, eliminating the need for expensive RV storage fees. Even when we had the larger 33-foot 5th wheel, we kept it on our property without any issues.
Towable RVs are generally easier to maneuver into tighter campsites and smaller state parks, where large Class A motorhomes may struggle. We’ve managed to fit our rig into some pretty tight spots, and we love visiting less crowded, scenic campgrounds where larger RVs simply wouldn’t fit.
⸻
5. Better Fuel Efficiency with Towable RVs
Let’s face it—fuel efficiency is always a concern when RVing. Towing a trailer means your tow vehicle only consumes extra fuel when actively pulling the load, whereas Class A motorhomes are known for being fuel guzzlers even when cruising.
Our 2024 Silverado High Country has been impressive in terms of fuel mileage. When towing, we’ve averaged around 10 mpg against headwinds and up to 16 mpg on calm days. When not towing, it consistently delivers 23+ mpg in town and up to 28+ mpg on the highway. On a long trip to Michigan, we even hit a peak of 34 mpg! While diesel costs a bit more, the improved mileage more than makes up for it.
⸻
Join the RV Community
If you’re new to the RV lifestyle or simply curious about your options, consider joining the Family RV Association (formerly Family Motor Coach Association). Becoming a Pathfinder Member will connect you with valuable resources and a supportive community eager to share insights and advice.
⸻
Final Thoughts: Is a Towable RV Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between a towable vs. motorized RV boils down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. While I might paint a somewhat rosy picture of towable RV ownership, the reality is that every setup has its pros and cons. Only you can decide which option aligns best with your needs.
Take your time to research and explore your options before making a decision. I hope this guide gives you valuable insight into the advantages of towable RVs. We look forward to seeing you out on the road—safe travels!
Comments