While mobile homes and RVs both offer scaled-down living situations, they couldn’t be more different. If you’re on the hunt for a new home and are weighing your options between an RV vs mobile home, there are a number of factors to think about. Below we’ve outlined just a few of the primary differences, including the cost of living, mobility, future value and lifestyle demands.
Mobile homes
Mobile homes are built in factories and can come in several sizes. The most popular are single-wide and double-wide homes. Single-wides are typically 18 feet in width and 90 feet or less in length. Double-wides are two separate units combined measuring around 20 feet wide and 90 feet long individually. People typically buy mobile homes and pay rental fees to park them on someone else’s land.
Advantages of a mobile home vs RV
Mobile homes are usually much cheaper than investing in an RV. According to TheHomesDirect.com, the average price of a single-wide is $48,054 while a double-wide averages around $89,923. Though you can find an RV somewhere in between those figures, it will probably be a used or an older model. Even if you do spend the extra money for a newer RV model, they’re still susceptible to damages and unexpected repair costs. In addition to paying extra for gas, RV owners also have to spend money on parking even when they’re not living inside the vehicle.
Furthermore, mobile homes offer more stability than RVs. For one, mobile home users don’t have to worry about fluctuating gas prices or where they’re going to park. Mobile homes also don’t require as much maintenance and upkeep as an RV does. You’re more likely to inflict damages on a moving vehicle than a mobile home planted in one place. Overall, RVs come with more unexpected repairs and expenses than a mobile home does.
Cons of mobiles homes
Unlike RV owners, most mobile home tenants will have to deal with a landlord. You shouldn’t have any issues as long as you’re a respectful neighbor, though there is always a risk of being evicted. And since mobile homes aren’t as “mobile” as an RV, your cost of moving out could be anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000. Moving costs can vary greatly depending on your home’s weight, size, the mover’s fee and length of travel, among other things.
RVs
If you’re looking to buy an RV, it’s important that travel is one of your top priorities. RVs provide plenty of advantages when it comes to traveling. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the hidden expenses that come along with a purchase.
Advantages of an RV vs mobile home
The biggest advantage of owning an RV over a mobile home is the most obvious one: mobility. While mobile homes are built for moving, the cost of transportation can be so high that it outweighs the benefits. The best RVs allow you to live comfortably and spontaneously at the same time. This is something mobile homes simply cannot offer.
Living in an RV also cuts out the cost of hotels and allows you to be your own landlord. You’ll have to pay RV park fees ranging from $30 – $50 a night. But that’s significantly lower than what you’d pay for a hotel. You can cut down on your parking fees if you own land. Or you can ask friends to let you use their space.
The cons of buying an RV
You are going to deal with a lot more unexpected costs when living out of an RV than in a mobile home. While an RV offers a great way to explore the country in style, your money will probably go toward more than just gas and food. Anyone who’s owned a car knows that you need money for maintenance, repairs, towing fees and more. You’ll also have to buy automobile insurance. Be prepared to dip into your savings in case of an accident.
With unexpected repairs come guaranteed depreciation in the value of your RV. There’s really no way to sell your RV for more than the original price unless you’re dishonest in your sales pitch. Mobile homes also depreciate, though these mobile home upgrades can help increase its worth.
RV vs mobile home: What will you decide?
We hope you have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of RVs and mobile homes after reading this article. Combine those with your budget and lifestyle goals to help you make the right decision.
About Dan Leighton
