The tiny house movement is receiving a lot of attention for what seems like a revolutionary way to live, but once you dig deeper into minimalist lifestyles, you realize that tiny houses are far from the only option. Although there aren’t a dozen reality television shows about RV campers, they remain one of the most efficient ways to live and, unlike tiny houses, aren’t anchored to a location.
There’s more than one way to reduce environmental impact, live more affordably and escape society, but which one is the best option? Tiny houses or RV campers?
What’s the Difference Between Tiny Houses and RV Campers?
Tiny houses have more in common with traditional homes than RV campers. They’re an appealing option for people who don’t want to stray too far from convention because tiny houses still look, and function, like traditional homes. Yes, many tiny houses can be moved, but they’re still a mostly-permanent living option. On the other hand, RV campers encourage travel and promote an active and social lifestyle. They don’t look like a house, which means they’re less distinct and blend in better while you’re on the move.
Cost is another important consideration, especially because affordability is one of the reasons people look into alternative housing options. On average, tiny houses cost quite a bit more than RV campers because you build a tiny house from scratch. The difference in cost is even more significant if you purchase a pre-owned RV camper rather than a new one.
On the Move?
Both tiny houses and RV campers offer more mobility than traditional houses, but RV campers are better suited for regular travel. Tiny houses aren’t meant to be transported very often. If you’re not looking to travel regularly and only move every few years, then the limited mobility of a tiny house might be satisfactory. But if you want to travel semi-frequently and move any more often than every few years, then an RV camper is better suited for meeting those needs.
It’s also important to consider that the housing codes and regulations in many places have yet to accommodate tiny houses. In some places, the housing code actively deters people from living in tiny houses. On the other hand, RV campers are exempt from housing regulations and relatively straightforward to insure because they’ve been popular for some time.
What’s the Weather Like?
Where you’re planning to live and how long you’re planning to stay there will dictate whether or not you should be concerned about the weather. With a tiny house, the weather will be a big factor because you’ll experience all four seasons. But as more permanent, stationary structures, tiny houses are also better insulated and weatherproof.
Although you can add insulation to your RV camper and optimize it for winter weather, it’s not ideal to remain stationary in an RV camper during colder months. One of the advantages of living in an RV camper is that you’re able to avoid areas during the seasons with bad weather, and experience different regions when the weather is most comfortable.
There are compelling reasons on both sides, for anyone to build a tiny house or buy an RV camper. Ultimately, it comes down to your needs. For many, living in a tiny house is a statement, whereas living in an RV camper is a practical decision that opens up a lot of opportunities.
At Ketelsen RV, we’re RV lifestyle specialists because RVs are our business. If you have any questions about living in an RV camper, call or stop by today and one of our RV experts will be happy to answer all your questions.
