Residential dacha trailer on wheels as a replacement for a house

Advantages and disadvantages

Like every phenomenon or thing, a mobile home has pros and cons. In order not to be disappointed later, you first need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and then make an informed choice. And there is plenty to choose from. In addition to the type - car trailer or self-propelled camper - you need to choose the size. After all, there are motorhomes that can transport your car and have a swimming pool on the roof. And there are those made on the basis of a three-wheeled moped.

There is a mobile home that can carry your car))

Advantages

Those who dream of purchasing a mobile home can be divided into several groups. The first are lovers of outdoor recreation, who are tired of tent life and want a little more comfort. The second are those who like to travel around Europe, who are tired of paying substantial sums for hotels, fooling around with reservations, etc. And the third category are owners of summer cottages who don’t want to bother with construction.

It makes no sense for summer residents to think too much. Finding a suitable used model that only needs to be taken/brought back a couple of times a year is not a problem. You can invest on a fairly modest budget (from $2000). Everyone else will need a much larger amount, so you need to think carefully. In this regard, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of motorhomes themselves and traveling on them. Let's start with the pros:

• Having a motor home, when traveling you do not pay for hotels, are not tied to a specific place, date and time, you choose the speed of travel, the duration of the stop, etc.

  Here is an example of a motor home with high cross-country ability))

• You can take with you as many things as will fit into the trailer or cabin; you can carry cats and dogs, bicycles, canoes, and scooters. Anything that will fit in or behind the motorhome.
• There are models that allow you to travel not only on asphalt. You can find a motorhome based on a high-capacity truck.

All in all, when you own a motorhome, you are your own boss. It is the greater degree of freedom and independence with a fairly high level of comfort that attracts people.

Flaws

Now about the disadvantages. Let’s talk about them in a little more detail so that unpleasant moments are not a surprise. So, here are the cons of traveling in an RV. It’s worth saying right away that in Russia and neighboring countries, camper sites with the ability to replenish resources are a rarity. Yes, you can do this at some gas stations or parking lots. But not for everyone. And for a fee. A separate problem is the roads. Not everyone and not always travel on the highways. Many people drive off-road. Few mobile homes can handle our roads. There are such models, but their prices...

When traveling around Europe, everything is different and it is this part that we will talk about next.

• You need to have a list of parking lots specifically for campers along your route. Those that the navigator sees in cities are for ordinary cars. They are mostly underground and have a height limit of 2.2 meters. Not every camper will pass. It is also necessary to restore life support systems, which is impossible at such sites. So having a list of stops along your route will greatly enhance the convenience of your trip.
• Camper sites are usually located not on highways, but on quiet roads, which does not affect the quality of the surface, but for an overnight stay you will have to turn off, and this is an additional expense.

  You can't tell right away that this is a mobile home

• You have to pay for parking. In general, it turns out to be 10-20 euros for daily parking, which, of course, is incomparable with the hotel fee, but still... You can, of course, do without them by stopping somewhere near a river, lake, etc. But not everywhere. In Europe this may result in a fine.
• If you have a van or bus based motorhome, driving through European cities with their narrow streets is a challenge. In this sense, it’s easier with a trailer: we left it in the parking lot and drove into the city by car.
• Large trailers and motorhomes require a special category of driver's license.

And one more common problem. If you live in an apartment and do not have your own plot of land, you need to store your mobile home somewhere. The cost of annual storage is comparable to the cost of traveling for two for a couple of weeks to a country that is not the cheapest. Like this.

It needs to be put somewhere

Here are briefly all the pros and cons of owning and traveling in a motorhome. So there's something to think about. Reflections on the feasibility of such an acquisition will be given below.

Advantages and disadvantages. Types of mobile homes

What will purchasing a motor home mean for you?

Firstly, you will be able to travel and not stay in hotels, but live in your own home, which is equipped with everything necessary for living. Wherever you stay, like a snail, you will always have housing with you. Independence and freedom of movement are guaranteed to you.

Secondly, this is an excellent option for a summer residence, since it does not take up much space and requires minimal maintenance. He came, lived as long as necessary, and left. And there is no need to be afraid or worry about the safety of things in the house.

However, if in the West this is a common practice, then in our country they are still looking closely at this invention. And there are even those who don’t know what a mobile home is. This multifunctional vehicle was invented by American designers, and it was loved by local residents and not only them.

A mobile home is a type of trailer that is designed to accommodate several people comfortably living in it. It usually has a refrigerator, stove, a set of necessary furniture and other amenities of civilization. You can tow a trailer with a regular car; you do not need to purchase a special vehicle.

There are several types of motorhomes available for sale. They differ from each other in dimensions, interior decoration, the presence of built-in equipment and its quantity.

The simplest and most inexpensive option is a tent trailer . Externally, it looks like the most ordinary trailer.

However, the difference is that a special tent is attached around it, in which the essentials are installed (stove, sink, refrigerator, light folding furniture) and is designed for 2-4 people.

It is most popular among hunters and fishermen, as well as among extreme sports enthusiasts. The disadvantage of such housing is that it must be assembled at the stopping place and disassembled when you are leaving.

The next type is a cottage trailer , which is also called a trailer or caravan. It has large dimensions (length 6-12 m) and is more comfortable. Such a cottage trailer can become a full-fledged replacement for a stationary house. In addition to the refrigerator and stove, it may have other furniture and equipment. For example, a bathroom, shower, large refrigerator, heaters.

If life in a tent trailer is more reminiscent of a camping trip with spartan conditions, then living in a trailer will become very convenient.

The interior is as close as possible to what we are used to in everyday life. A set of furniture may already include a double bed, a sofa, various cabinets and drawers, etc.

Also, this type of mobile home is divided into autonomous and camping, depending on how the life support system is organized. The first subtype has a diesel generator that generates electricity and also has equipment with a certain supply of water. The second subtype is connected to the centralized water supply and energy supply system, which are provided at campsites and summer camps.

The third type is called a house on wheels. This is practically a mobile full-fledged apartment. The average length of such a house is 12 m, but there are models 15-17 m long. 6-7 people can live in it at the same time.

Structurally, such a motorhome has its own characteristics. For example, a sleeping place (alcove) is provided above the driver's cabin in the upper part of the body.

The house is equipped with running water, to which a shower is connected, a separate kitchen, which has a refrigerator, gas stove, and several sleeping places.

The weight of the trailer is not small (up to 3500 kg), so your passenger car may not be enough to tow it; for these purposes you will need a powerful pickup truck or SUV.

Types of mobile homes

A mobile home can be of two types:

• trailer;
• on the basis of a minibus or bus.

The second option is also called a motorhome or camper (or motorhome). They are not very large - based on minibuses. The same Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat, Gazelle, UAZ-Pickup and Cargo are specially produced by various European and domestic companies. There are entire airliners that can accommodate cars.

This is also a camper)))

The trailer house can be stationary, or folding. There are also tent trailers. The first type is transported in a “living” form, the second and third - folded. A folding caravan can only be unfolded when parked. Its advantages are that it becomes less loose on the way, the height is lower, which means there are no restrictions on travel. Cons - it takes time to unfold/fold it. The whole procedure takes about five minutes, but you won’t be able to rest immediately after stopping.

A tent trailer is a combination of a trailer with an “attached” tent. Since the size of mobile trailers is usually small, there is little space and it will not be possible to accommodate a large group. A tent trailer usually has a dining area in the center in the part that is on wheels, two sleeping areas along the edges, and a fairly spacious tent, the edges of which are attached to the body of the van. Often there is also a canopy in front of the tent so you can spend time outdoors.

Difference between a motorhome (background) and a tent trailer (front)

When compared in terms of comfort, coach-based motorhomes provide more comfort than any type of trailer. The camper may have a toilet with a shower and a small kitchenette. The trailer can only have sleeping places; some models have a gas stove, and even then it is usually mounted outside. If necessary, the sleeping area can be transformed into a dining area - a small table and two sofas. That's all mobile home trailers have to offer.

What is a mobile home

A mobile home is a vehicle with a separate or built-in living space for comfortable living during long journeys. It has sleeping places (most often transformable into seats), a bathroom, a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, storage space, as well as all the benefits of civilization. Manufacturers are trying to make mobile homes as autonomous as possible: the heating system and water heating run on gas in cylinders, water tanks of 100-140 liters are filled using pumps, the toilet is equipped with replaceable cassettes with chemical disposal.

To have or not to have

First, what type of motor home is better to choose - a trailer or a campervan. To travel around Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space, if you have a car of sufficient power and cross-country ability, you should think about purchasing a mobile tent home. They have less weight and size, and are easier to pull than a full-fledged residential trailer. If you don’t want a trailer and need a greater level of comfort, you can take both a trailer and a motorhome. But models based on trucks and semi-trucks are more suitable. Particular attention should then be paid to the suspension and clearing, as well as to the strength and reliability of the interior/trailer assembly. This is if you like to drive in the outback and primers are nothing new to you. If you plan to drive only on highways, you can also look at less passable models.

Motorhome on trailer

It is worth saying that traveling in a motorhome in Russia is not very convenient, since there is no infrastructure. There are, of course, organizations that organize similar tours and provide “refueling” points. But this is no longer a solo journey and there is no talk of any autonomy or independence.

This concerns the use of a motor home in Russia. If you need it to travel around Europe, then there are no restrictions on cross-country ability, since the roads are excellent everywhere. But again the question arises about the advisability of ownership. You still have to get to the border, but a motorhome “eats” decently in any modification. So the cost of gasoline is more than... Many people come to the decision to drive to a certain point and then rent a motor home there. This option is not at all more expensive, but much more convenient.

This model was developed for the pampas - German Bimobil

In any case, if you don’t have experience traveling in a motorhome yet, but really want to have it, rent a car or trailer and spend a couple of weeks traveling. This is where your decision will take shape. At the same time, determine exactly the characteristics and options that you would like to have.

The most unusual mobile homes

Nowadays motorhomes are considered boring, because they are usually used by lovers of long trips and travel. However, enthusiasts have found ways to change the appearance of even such large vehicles to make them unusual and unique.

Mini Wildgoose. In 1964, Wildgoose Ltd from Surrey was able to create their own caravan. The craftsmen used the Austin Mini chassis as the basis, and the camper received a rather toy-like exterior. According to the developers, the vehicle would appeal to older couples.

The power of the power unit under the hood reached only 35 hp, but the advantage was not this, but the huge space inside. Without any problems, you can accommodate four people at once; there is a sleeping place and a gas stove, a table, a bathroom, a luggage compartment and a sink.

Pontiac Six. Pontiac 1936 with a 60 hp engine. was the first campervan assembled in the UK. Captain Dunn asked specialists from the Russell studio to remake an American chassis for him and create a motor home. The Count used a wheelchair, but really wanted to be able to travel at any time. All of its features remained in the vehicle:

• Mascot figurine on the hood
• Bow
• Pontiac 4-liter inline six

Hunt House Car. Director Jay Roy Hunt in 1936 decided not only to give the mobile home a unique look, but also to equip it with a streamlined shape. The specialist built it to break speed records, and as a result, the House Car became the first campervan with a working shower and toilet.

It is noteworthy that later the house, built on the basis of a 1937 Ford, was even mass-produced.

Rectrans discoverer. Larry Shinoda, designer of the Mustang Boss 302 and Corvette Sting Ray, has built a unique motorhome based on a Dodge. The weight of the massive body was reduced through the use of new materials - fiberglass and others. As a result, the salon was able to accommodate not only a place to sleep, but also some furniture.

The Discoverer motorhome weighed four and a half tons, but it accelerated in 11 seconds and consumed 20 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers traveled.

Star Streak. A mobile home called Star Streak was designed by a little-known but talented designer Paul Jones from Florida. The basis of the concept was the chassis from the Cadillac Eldorado, but the vehicle’s power unit came from the Oldsmobile Toronado coupe.

In addition to furniture, the interior included gold and chrome trim, gas burners and colored metal elements. Enthusiasts managed to release only a few houses.

Bottom line. Motorhomes are considered not very attractive due to their large dimensions. They are usually used for long trips or when moving. However, several enthusiasts have found ways to design RVs that are not only stylish, but also lightweight.

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Campers - a set of possible amenities and maintenance on the road

Let's start with the fact that such a mobile home is large. Length - from 6 meters, width - 220-230 cm, height - at least three. If you have never driven such a car before, it will take time to get used to driving such a large and heavy car. Difficulties may arise when parking - two parking spaces are required, as well as free space for maneuver. There are “summer” campers - without insulation and “winter” - with insulated walls. With equal parameters, the width of the second is 5-10 cm larger - due to the greater thickness of the walls.

A travel van can have different “fillings” and equipment

Inside, a motorhome based on a bus or minibus may have the following support systems:

• interior battery;
• external network 230 V;
• water supply;
• gas cylinders (usually 2 pieces) to ensure the operation of a small stove, heating water and some other systems.

Inside there may be a shower with a water heater, a toilet (with a dry closet), a kitchen with a gas stove and refrigerator, an air heater and several sleeping places - from two to six. With rational use of resources, a mobile home can exist autonomously for two or three days. The water supply is used up the fastest. In the basic configuration, the liquid supply is designed for a day; if saved, it can be enough for a day and a half. Therefore, when choosing a parking place, pay attention to the possibility of replenishing your water supply or carry an additional container with you. The second resource that is quickly depleted is battery charge. The problem is solved by the presence of a generator (gasoline or diesel).

There are models with this layout (Dethleffs Evan)

There are camper sites where the motorhome can be plugged in using a carrier. On such sites there are posts with sockets. A mobile home is connected to them (for a fee).

Service while traveling

When traveling in a motorhome, you have to monitor the availability of water. The supply needs to be replenished, and used water must be drained (there is a special container that is emptied through the drain hole). The water level is usually monitored on the driver's panel (indicators) and on the panel in the passenger compartment.

Another maintenance operation is cleaning and refilling the dry closet. The container must be emptied (in Europe there are specially designated areas at campsites) and filled with products depending on the type. So you also need products for a dry closet on the road and you can’t forget them. How often does this operation need to be performed? Once every two days if used regularly and once a week if used only when absolutely necessary.

Refilling with water

Two gas cylinders are usually placed in the kitchen compartment. One is working, the other is a backup. Gas cylinders are connected not only to the stove. They also supply gas to heat the water in the shower and to the air heater. Gas also powers the refrigerator. If the cylinders are fully charged, they last for two weeks of moderate use.

The state of the electrical network of the motorhome interior is displayed on a special panel, which is usually located above the front door. Sometimes water level indicators are immediately displayed. This panel turns the interior power on/off. There is an opportunity to monitor the charge level of the car battery and the interior (there are two of them). When the charge is low, the light alarm (red light) turns on. There is light in the kitchen compartment, at the entrance to the bathroom, there are several lamps throughout the cabin, each bed has separate lamps with switches.

General structure and operation

The central place in the salon is a table with benches. The number of seats depends on the “human capacity” of the model. Opposite the table there is usually a gas stove and a sink. Both the stove and the sink are covered with lids to create a work surface. There are two or three 230 V sockets located next to the stove. They only work if the camper is connected to the network through a carrier. There is a refrigerator right there. It usually runs on battery or mains power, but in some models it can also run on gas. There is a switch to select the power source. You can set a specific one or select the “auto” mode, in which the unit itself decides which network it will be powered from.

The kitchen compartment is often located next to the door

If there is an air heater. There are two options - gas and diesel. The heater can operate in two modes: summer and winter. In summer mode, only water heating is turned on (from 40° to 60°); in winter mode, the air is still heated. The air temperature in the cabin is controlled by a separate knob. The number of modes depends on the model, but usually there are at least five. The air is heated using a convector, which heats a small volume in a matter of minutes. The convector turns off and on automatically - according to the readings of temperature sensors located in the cabin.

If the motorhome has a toilet and shower, this compartment is partitioned off. In normal condition, a toilet and a washbasin, a cupboard for every little thing are available. To take a shower, you need to “remove” the shower doors. At the same time, they will close the door, the washbasin will be recessed into the wall, there will be a little more space, but still not too spacious. Since the supply of water is very limited, the shower is usually rarely used.

Sleeping places, windows and wardrobes

A camper is the most comfortable home on wheels. There is enough space for a good rest. The number of beds depends on the model. There is a motorhome for two people, there is one for six, respectively, the number of sleeping places is different. But, in any case, you can relax with a sufficient level of comfort. Sleeping places can be located:

• Above the driver's seat there is a double full-size bed. You have to climb onto it using a ladder; you won’t be able to sit on such a bed, but its size is suitable even for large people. The length is usually about 2 meters or a little more (depending on the camper model).
• Several sleeping places can be arranged throughout the cabin - up to 4:

  This is the view from the inside.
  Just visible are the sleeping places in the rear, across to the direction of travel there may be two single beds, one above the other;

• the table and benches transform into a one-and-a-half bed, which can be converted to a double bed, but then the passage under the salon is blocked.

The mobile home has several windows that are closed with blinds. Can be opened for ventilation. When driving, they should be closed, but when parked in daylight they provide enough light, and by opening all the windows, you can quickly ventilate the interior.

In the upper part there are cabinets with shelves for things and dishes. All doors have locks to prevent things from flying out when moving. To prevent the dishes from rattling during maneuvers, it is advisable to place something soft and elastic (terry towels, for example) in such cabinets before moving.

Brief overview of caravans

Trailer houses are also called summer cottages on wheels. Because there are models with all the amenities. Such a mobile home can be placed in areas where construction is not permitted. It will be registered as a residential trailer, so it does not fall under the scope of activities of monitoring organizations. There are models of mobile homes in a trailer with only the minimum - sleeping places and a dining area. Here everyone chooses according to their own requirements. There are several types of trailer houses.

This is also a caravan on a trailer... Futuria with swimming pool, garage for a sports car, living room and bedroom

Stationary trailer with rigid walls

Such trailers are available for a different number of sleeping places - from 2 to 6. Length - from 3.6 meters, height - from 2.5 meters, width - from 2.2 m. They can be with or without insulation. The range of amenities may not be inferior to a motorhome: kitchen with sink and refrigerator, bathroom with shower and dry closet, room heating. But such a set can only be in a rather large trailer.

Motorhome on a trailer - section and one of the possible layouts

The simplest models can only provide a place to eat and sleep. And keep in mind that you are not allowed to be in the trailer during transportation. When choosing, in addition to the set of amenities, pay attention to the weight (with loaded water, gas, etc.). You need to evaluate whether your car can move such a mass.

Trailer tent

This type of folding motor home. Almost all of them are for summer use, since there is no insulation. When folded, the height of the trailer is just over a meter. They vary in the number of “rooms” and beds. Sleeping places are usually organized in the trailer itself, and the remaining rooms are under an awning, which is located on the ground. This type of mobile home is usually equipped with a small gas stove and sink. The stove is connected to a gas cylinder, water is supplied to the sink using a small submersible pump, which is lowered into a container of water. There are three varieties:

• With rigid walls and roof.
• With rigid walls and a tent roof.
• The upper part of the walls is made of fabric, the roof is plastic.

  Tent trailer with soft walls and ceiling

This category has its own price hierarchy. Not only do they differ in size and number of beds, there is also a significant difference in material consumption, which invariably affects the price. The most expensive are tent trailers with hard walls and a roof. The remaining two categories are approximately equal in cost.

Semi-truck trailer

This mobile home is called a “slapper”. This is because it is placed in a semi-trailer of certain car models - with the trunk open. Part of it hangs over the cabin, part is in the body, and another small “tail” hangs down at the back.

Such a residential trailer for cars with a solid load capacity and an open trunk

Such models are still rare here, and there are not many of them abroad. A very good solution for semi-truck owners.

And what to choose?

A mobile home on wheels is a good choice if you have a car with a powerful engine that can pull a lot of weight. Such a unit costs two to three times less than a camper (van for travel). But when selecting, pay attention to the total weight and length of the caravan. If the limits are exceeded, a different category of driver's license is required. And keep in mind that most trailers are not designed for off-road use. There are models for bad roads, but their price tag is much higher.

And this is with rigid walls, and even with a lowering telescopic roof

A tent trailer is a less comfortable holiday, but there are more models that can be towed off-road. They are a great replacement for a regular tent. It's better to sleep in a trailer, not on the ground. And you can relax, cook, swim, under an awning.

Motorhome trailer

Trailers "Motorhome"

Trailer "Istok" model 3793M2

Motorhome trailer

A comfortable mobile vacation will become a reality if you travel with your own home. A trailerable motorhome will allow you to forget about the inconveniences that often arise on tourist trips.

Motorhome trailer useful for fishing and recreation

Motorhome trailer made of sandwich panels is equipped with rear and side doors

The motorhome trailer has the required number of windows and doors

We were given the task of creating an external structure for a house that would perform the main functional tasks associated with it and would allow the owner to equip it inside according to his wishes.

But the main and most important thing is, of course, the maximum reduction in cost of such products, which today are quite expensive even on the used equipment market.

The big advantage of a trailer house is that it can be detached from the car at any time. In this case, you will always have a maneuverable car at hand, in which you can always go somewhere, for example, to buy groceries.

Aerodynamic wedge-shaped van trailer with side door and window

Wedge shaped box trailer with open rear awning door

Wedge-shaped box trailer - inside view

Additional options: folding ladder, side door, window, folding table

The trailer can be equipped with a folding table

Additional options: folding ladder, side door, front bevel

You can always transport your “iron horse” and in the future have a comfortable mobile home on wheels at hand

The van trailer has a direct purpose as a mobile office, with accessories including folding tables, windows, underwater lighting inside, as well as folding chairs

The trailer configuration, made in the form of a butterfly (openable side doors), allows this trailer to be used in many ways: as a mobile office, as a cargo trailer, and also be able to trade from wheels

In this configuration, the trailer-van, with company logos applied, can be used as a mobile office

Black van trailer for mobile office

Van trailer for a mobile office, model “Istok” 3792M4

Equipping a camper trailer with folding tables and windows

All photographs posted on the site reflect only the general layout of the product and do not provide information about the materials and components used.