Motorhome on wheels: trailer, bus, trailer and features of their operation

Many people have a passion for travel. Thanks to this passion, such a variant of transportable housing appeared as a motorhome on wheels: a trailer, a trailer, a camper - all these structures provide a comfortable environment on the road. This article will help you understand all the advantages and disadvantages of mobile housing on wheels, familiarize yourself with the existing types of homes and choose the right option for your budget and personal needs.

A motorhome on wheels is a useful purchase for those who like to travel a lot

Motorhome on wheels: trailer, bus, trailer, their distinctive features

The populations of America and Europe are well acquainted with the concept of a mobile home, which is widely used. In our country, this approach to solving the housing issue is not so widespread. Not all people know what a mobile home is called, but many are already thinking about the advisability of such an acquisition. Someone needs a comfortable car that will allow them to move within their home country, others need a reliable and mobile home with comfortable conditions for long journeys.

Residential trailer allows you to relax in nature with comfort

Photos of mobile homes that are found on the Internet reflect how diverse and multifunctional such structures can be. There are several types of mobile housing. Each type of transport has its own advantages and disadvantages. They must be weighed before deciding to buy a mobile home.

The advantages of mobile homes: the advantages of mobile structures

Before you buy a motor home, be sure to weigh the pros and cons. Only in this case will the choice be conscious and correct. This can be a daunting task for the buyer as there are many characteristics to analyze.

These parameters include:

• type of transport;
• the size;
• design;
• interior layout, etc.

Traveling in a motorhome can significantly save on hotel accommodation

Some users may like photos of motorhomes that have a rooftop pool. Others will prefer models based on a three-wheeled moped. The third category of buyers is simply looking for an inexpensive housing option to install in a summer cottage during a summer vacation or construction.

Note! The cheapest is the purchase of mobile housing for summer cottages. It can be furnished with simple, used furniture and can be easily moved from place to place a couple of times a year. Choosing a motorhome for travel needs to be more thoughtful as the cost is much higher and the operating conditions are more difficult.

Why is it profitable to buy a car-home on wheels:

• reducing the cost of hotels and hotels;
• lack of binding to a specific place, time and date;
• the ability to independently make a decision regarding the choice of the route, the duration of the stop, the speed of movement;
• large capacity, allowing you to take all the necessary things with you, a dog or a cat, a scooter, a canoe, etc .;

The motorhome can be equipped with all possible comfort

• an extensive selection of modifications allows you to purchase a comfortable housing option with suitable conditions, as well as vehicles with high traffic, which is suitable for traveling not only on asphalt roads.

A high degree of freedom, combined with versatility and practicality, has made travel vans so popular and in demand.

Difficulties faced by owners: the disadvantages of campervans on wheels

If you want to buy a camper for traveling, be sure to take into account all the disadvantages of such a transport and prioritize. Firstly, in our country there are very few equipped parking lots where you can replenish resources. In some cases, gas stations can be used for these purposes.

However, not all stations have such capabilities, and places suitable for replenishment of resources provide such services for a fee, which is quite high. Secondly, the condition of the road surface leaves much to be desired. Not in all cases the owner of a motor home has the opportunity to travel on highways, most often it is necessary to move off-road. The list of models that can cope with these operating conditions is small and most of them are very expensive.

Mobile home - ideal for family trips

If a mobile housing option is purchased for the purpose of traveling in Europe, the car owner will face less difficulties. But this does not mean that they will not be at all. In order to travel in comfort, you will have to acquire a list of campgrounds located along the route of the proposed route. The car parks displayed by the navigator are predominantly suitable for conventional vehicles.

Note! In most cases, European car parks are underground car parks. The maximum ceiling height in them is 2.2 m.Under these conditions, not every travel trailer model will be able to drive into the parking lot.

More often than not, campgrounds are located along quiet roads rather than on expressways. To get a comfortable overnight stay, you will have to turn off the highway, which will entail additional costs for gasoline. Moreover, such parking is always paid. Of course, the cost of a daily stay on them is much lower than in a hotel, but for many it may seem high. Sometimes you can park for the night near a river or lake, but in most cases, such a decision can be fraught with a fine.

There are models of caravans suitable for every need

Owners of home-buses on wheels will find it problematic to move along narrow streets, which are many in European cities. Transport equipped with a trailer is more convenient in this respect.

What can you buy a motorhome on wheels: types of mobile housing

The existing types of mobile homes can be divided into two categories:

1. Trailer structures.
2. Homes made on the basis of a bus or minibus.

The second category has another name - motorhome or camper. There are very large vehicles on sale, suitable for living. They are made on the basis of a minibus. These designs are mainly produced by large companies. Among foreign manufacturers, such mobile homes are popular: Mercedes Sprinter, Cargo, Fiat. There are also domestic options, for example, Gazelle or UAZ pickup.

A house in the form of a trailer can have a stationary or folding structure. There is also a tent option. Transportation of a stationary structure is carried out disassembled, that is, the house is completely suitable for living. The other two options move exclusively when folded. Such models have both advantages and disadvantages.

The choice of the type of mobile home depends on the needs and capabilities of the buyer

The upsides of foldable camping trailers are that the design doesn't loosen up as much along the way. In addition, they have a lower height, allowing access to underground parking lots. On the other hand, it takes time to fold or unfold a structure. The procedure itself lasts no more than 5 minutes, but it must be performed immediately after stopping.

Tent structures are a combination of a trailer and a tent that is attached to it. Most often, the dining area is located in the center, and two bedrooms are located on either side of it. The spacious tent is attached to the body of the van. Sometimes it is equipped with a canopy that allows you to spend time outdoors.

Note! If you want to buy a camper in the form of a tent trailer, it should be borne in mind that the size of such a structure is small. This type of mobile housing is not suitable for a large company.

Tent trailers are perfect for short outdoor recreation

In terms of comfort, bus-based mobile homes are much better than trailer designs. The camper can be equipped with a compact kitchen and shower and toilet. The trailer can only accommodate berths. Some modifications are equipped with a gas stove, but it is mounted outside. If necessary, the resting place can be transformed into a dining room, consisting of a couple of sofas and a small table.

Which is better to buy a mobile home: a trailer or a camper van

First of all, it is worth deciding which design option is better to choose: a van or a trailer. If you have a car with a sufficient level of power that can go off-road, then to travel around Russia it will be enough to have a house in the form of a trailer-tent.Such options are more compact, they have less weight, so they do not pose problems during transportation. For more comfort, you can buy a motorhome and a trailer. However, in this case, a more practical option would be a model made on the basis of a semi-truck or truck.

When choosing mobile housing, special attention should be paid to the following points:

• clearing;
• suspension;
• the level of structural strength and reliability of the assembly, both of the trailer and the passenger compartment.

It is also worth paying special attention to the terrain and the quality of the roads on which the trip is planned.

All these nuances are of particular importance if traveling on dirt roads is expected. If mobile housing will move only along highways, you can get by with the purchase of a model with less traffic. It should be noted that travel across Russia will be complicated by the lack of appropriate infrastructure.

Of course, there are companies that organize special tours. They provide dedicated refueling points. But such a journey can no longer be called free and autonomous, which creates a certain discomfort.

If the mobile home is used to move around Europe, then there are practically no restrictions on cross-country ability, since the condition of the roads is good everywhere. Nevertheless, the question of the advisability of such a purchase remains unresolved. Firstly, you will need to get to the border using poorly surfaced roads. Secondly, a mobile home "eats" a lot of gasoline.

In European countries, there are much more equipped parking spaces for campers and trailers, but they are not free

Useful advice! You can get to a certain point in your car, and then rent a mobile home on wheels to travel around Europe. This option is more practical and the costs will remain the same.

Features of camping on wheels: device, maintenance, operation

Any mobile home is large. The size of the structure depends on the type of camper and its modification. Most often, the length of the vehicle is 6 m or more, the minimum height is 3 m, and the width is 2.2-2.3 m. In the absence of experience in driving cars of this size, it will take some time to adapt to the dimensions of the camper. Difficulties can also arise during parking, since the car requires at least two spaces, plus free space for maneuvering.

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Consumers can buy a RV trailer of two types. Some cars are designed for operation in summer conditions, others can be used in the cold season. The second version of the camper has insulated walls. With equal indicators, the width of a car intended for use in winter will be approximately 5-10 cm larger.

Some mobile homes can be used at any time of the year, and some only in summer

Things to Consider Before Buying a New RV: Standard Security Systems

Almost all home cars made on the basis of a bus and a minibus are equipped with the following systems:

• external power supply, rated for 230 V;
• rechargeable battery for feeding the passenger compartment;
• supply of the required amount of water;
• gas cylinders for servicing the stove and other systems, as well as heating water (usually a car is equipped with 2 cylinders).

In the photo of motorhomes, you can see various variations of the layout. The most common versions of campers are designed for several berths. Their number varies between 2-6 pcs.If the resource consumption is approached in a rational way, mobile housing on wheels can exist in an autonomous mode for 2-3 days.

Residential trailer tent is a convenient option for those who like to spend a lot of time in nature

Water supplies run out the fastest. The standard volume of liquid is usually enough for a day, and if it is saved, for 36 hours. For this reason, when choosing a parking space, you should first of all pay attention to the availability of an opportunity to replenish the liquid supply.

Useful advice! As insurance, you can take with you an additional container for storing water.

The battery charge is also consumed quite quickly. To solve this problem, it is enough to acquire a generator. It can be powered by diesel or gasoline.

High-quality modifications of the best mobile homes may include other amenities, for example, a bathroom, a shower with a water heater, a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and a gas stove, and an air-type heater.

Especially for such structures, parking lots are provided where you can connect the camper to the power supply. This can be done using a carrier. Such parking lots are equipped with posts with a large number of sockets. Through them, for an additional fee, the mobile home is supplied with electricity.

Inside the mobile home there are all the conditions for a comfortable life - shower, kitchen, bathroom, sleeping places, etc.

Servicing a caravan on the road

If you want to buy a caravan for camping, do not forget that the transport will have to be serviced on the way. Moreover, caring for a mobile home is much more difficult than for an ordinary car.

During the trip, you will have to constantly monitor the availability of water. The supply of fluid must be periodically replenished, as well as disposed of. For these purposes, a special container is provided in the design. All waste water is removed through the drain hole. The camper has a liquid level control system. The indication located on the driver's panel, as well as in the car's interior, displays the amount of water remaining in the tank.

Cleaning and caring for a dry closet is another aspect of operating a RV. The container should be emptied regularly. On the territory of Europe, special parking lots for campers are equipped for these purposes. After emptying, the tank is filled with antiseptic agents, which should always be at hand. It's best to always take a supply with you on the road.

For those who like to travel in a mobile home, there are special parking lots where you can replenish water, gas, and food.

Note! To keep the dry closet in a wheeled trailer clean and functional, you need to clean it at least once a week. With frequent use, you will have to empty the tank every 2-3 days.

Gas cylinders are usually installed in the kitchen. One is considered the main, the other is the spare.

Gas cylinders ensure the operation of many elements:

• plate;
• air heater;
• water heater;
• fridge.

If the volume of the cylinders is completely filled, this supply is enough for two weeks (subject to moderate consumption).

Lighting is provided in several places:

• over the kitchen;
• in several places in the cabin (lamps);
• before entering the bathroom;
• near each bed (lamps with switches).

a mobile home differs little from the usual one in that it can be placed in any convenient beautiful place and be there as long as you want

The electrical condition of the motorhome can be monitored using a panel located above the front door. In rare cases, there is also a water level indication system. This panel can be used to turn on and off the power in the car. In addition, it is possible to monitor the charge level in the batteries (in the passenger compartment and in the car).If the energy charge is running out, the indicator light in the form of a red light turns on.

General device of a motor home and its operational features

The central area of ​​the salon is occupied by a table with benches. The number of seats depends on the capacity of the camper. A sink and a gas stove are installed near the table for cooking. There are always several outlets near the stove. Their number varies within 2-3 pieces. The mains voltage is 230 V. The power supply system functions only if the camper is connected to the mains using an extension cord.

There is also a refrigerator. Its recharge is carried out from the mains or from the battery. Some caravan models allow the refrigerator to be connected to gas. The transition between power sources is carried out using a switch. The user can choose a specific option or set the automatic mode of operation. In this case, the device independently decides from which network to draw energy.

The interior design of the motorhome should be compact and comfortable

The most expensive mobile homes have a heater that keeps the air at the optimum temperature. Depending on the model, this unit can be diesel or gas. It provides two operating modes: winter and summer. In summer mode, the capabilities of this device apply only to water heating. The device heats the liquid to a temperature of 40-60 ° C.

In winter mode, air is also heated. There is a knob for setting the temperature. The number of operating modes depends on the modification of the unit, but most often there are at least 5 of them. The air is heated by the convector. A small volume takes a few minutes to warm up. The device turns on and off automatically. This happens at the moment when a certain temperature is reached, which is recorded by temperature sensors installed in the cabin.

Note! Since the water supply is limited, it is advisable to use the shower less often.

If the mobile housing has a shower and a toilet, this area must be separated from the main body of the trailer. In the normal position, the user has access to a sink and toilet, as well as a cabinet for storing small items. To take a shower, you must open the stall doors. In this position, they block the door. In this case, the sink is hidden in the wall. As a result, the amount of free space increases.

Some options for the interior arrangement of a mobile home are striking in their beauty

The interior of the trailer: photo and nature of the placement of beds, cabinets and windows

Campers are considered to be the most convenient and comfortable options for housing on wheels. They have enough free space to relax. Trailers and trailers have much less space. The number of berths depends on the type of transport and its model. You can buy a trailer for two people, or buy a car that has all the necessary conditions to accommodate 4-6 people.

The nature of the placement of sleeping places also depends on the modification of transport. A double bed can be located above the driver's seat. A ladder is provided for climbing it. Sitting on such a bed will not work, since there is not so much space to the ceiling. But in terms of dimensions, such a design is suitable even for accommodating large people. The standard length is 2 m, although larger sizes are also possible.

You can buy a trailer house where berths are installed along the salon. Their number does not exceed 4. There are modifications where single beds are placed at the back of the car across to the direction of its movement. As a rule, they are combined into a two-tier structure.There are options where the benches and dining table are transformed into a one-and-a-half bed. Such structures can often be folded into a double resting place, but in this case the passage through the cabin is blocked.

A mobile home is always designed for two or more people

Caravan trailers for cars are equipped with several windows. They are closed with blinds and can be opened without problems if ventilation is required. While the car is moving, the windows must be closed, but during parking in the daytime they can serve as a source of a sufficient amount of light.

Upstairs, there are cabinets with shelves for storing dishes and various things. Locks are built into their doors so that their contents do not fall out during the movement of vehicles.

Useful advice! So that the dishes in the cupboard do not rattle while driving, it is advisable to put them on something elastic and soft. For these purposes, terry towels will go.

Review of popular mobile homes: photos and prices for mobile housing

Mobile housing in the form of trailers is also called mobile cottages, since on sale you can find models that have all the necessary amenities. Such houses can be installed in suburban areas where the construction of the main housing has not yet been completed. There are models of transportable houses that are equipped with a minimum set. As a rule, they are equipped with a dining area and sleeping places. The choice of filling depends on budgetary possibilities and needs.

A residential trailer can be equipped inside with a minimum of the required functionality, the rest can be taken out

Features of a stationary caravan trailer on wheels with rigid walls

This type of residential transport is designed for a different number of beds (from 2 to 6). The length of the trailer is 3.6 m, the width is about 2.2 m, and the height is about 2.5 m. These types of houses can have insulated walls.

The set of amenities is almost the same as in mini-caravans:

• equipped kitchen;
• refrigerator and sink for washing dishes;
• dry closet and shower;
• space heating system.

It should be noted that such a set is present only in very roomy designs. Of course, this type of trailer is expensive. Budget models with a simplified package can provide comfort only for sleeping and eating. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to be in the trailer while driving.

Life in the trailer has a touch of adventure and romance, but it is not devoid of its own nuances.

Characteristics of folding houses on wheels: photos and features of structures in the form of tents

Most convertible caravans are designed for summer use as they are not insulated. When folded, the height of the tent trailer hardly exceeds 1 m. The number of functional areas and berths may differ depending on the model.

To organize the sleeping area, the space in the trailer itself is used, the rest of the rooms are arranged under an awning, which is installed on the ground. The complete set is usually represented by a minimal set: a sink and a gas-powered stove. Water enters the sink thanks to a compact submersible pump, which is lowered into the water tank.

There are several types of folding housing on wheels:

• with a hard roof and walls;
• with rigid walls and a roof made in the form of an awning;
• with a plastic roof and walls, the upper part of which is made of fabric.

The cost of a tent trailer will depend on its dimensions and the number of berths

It is impossible to answer unequivocally how much a mobile home in the form of a tent trailer costs. In this category of mobile housing, there is an extensive pricing system. This is due to the wide range of products.

On sale you can find models that differ from each other:

• size;
• the number of sleeping places;
• material consumption.

All of these factors have a direct impact on the value of a motor home. In the most expensive options, the walls and roof are made of rigid materials. The other two categories of tent trailers are roughly the same price.

Useful advice! If, during the construction of suburban housing, a mobile house is installed on the site, the structure will be registered as a caravan. In this way, interference of supervising organizations and additional costs can be avoided.

Do not forget about the legal side of the issue - the installation of a mobile home is not allowed everywhere

Characteristics of a semi-truck trailer mini-caravan

This type of housing is suitable for certain car models. It is installed on vehicles with an open trunk. As a result, part of the trailer hangs over the driver's cab, the middle zone is located in the body, and the remainder in the form of a small "tail" hangs from the rear of the car.

The motorhome in the form of a semi-truck trailer has a significant carrying capacity. It is convenient and practical, but we rarely use it. The fact is that semi-trucks with an open trunk are not so common in Russia, so such trailers are not widely used.

A mobile home on wheels in the form of a trailer is an excellent choice for owners of cars equipped with a powerful engine. Such machines are capable of pulling significant weight. When choosing a transportable housing for your own needs, be sure to pay attention to the total length of the structure, as well as its weight. There are certain guidelines to consider when purchasing mobile homes. If exceeded, a completely different category of driver's license may be required.

The dacha trailer can be brought and installed on the site during the harvest season and taken home for the winter

Buying a mobile home: prices for mobile housing

Trailer houses cost two or three times cheaper than long-distance camper vans. This type of mobile housing as an alcoven is designed to accommodate 7 people. The minimum transport height is 3 m.

As a prototype for the creation of an alcoven, an ordinary serial production truck with a protrusion above the driver's cabin was taken. This area has a double bed. The average price of a motorhome of this type is 2,200,000 rubles. You can purchase a used model with a mileage of about 5 years. The cost of such a car will be about 1,275,000 rubles.

Buying a trailer is significantly less expensive than buying a motorhome on wheels. A used car can cost from 200,000 rubles, but the condition of such a car will be very far from perfect. The average price of a new medium-sized trailer is about RUB 1,200,000.

Today the market offers a large number of different models of mobile homes for every taste and pocket.

If you intend to travel with short stops along a given route, it is better to buy a motorhome. For other situations, a trailer is suitable as it offers more freedom of action. You can always leave it in the parking lot, connect it to communication systems, and go by car on a short trip around the neighborhood.

How to make a mobile home with your own hands: recommendations for home improvement in a car

On the Internet, you can find many options for redeveloping an existing car into a mobile home suitable for travel. Such projects can be quite original, however, before their implementation, it is advisable to study the internal structure of mobile housing in order to avoid mistakes during construction.

Important! Before making a caravan trailer with your own hands, be sure to familiarize yourself with the current legislation.Most motorhome models are subject to registration, for this reason, the design must meet the established requirements.

Most self-made structures require mandatory registration

The legislative side of creating a mobile housing or a caravan with your own hands

Regardless of whether the motorhome is made independently or whether it is planned to buy the structure in a finished form, you need to carefully consider the issue of taxes. The amount depends on the dimensions of the vehicle. It can be increased if the total weight of the structure exceeds the permissible norm - 3.5 tons.

To legally operate a caravan, you must have a valid Category B driver's license. The design is a minibus or a compact truck, the interior of which is arranged in a compact apartment. If the total weight of the car exceeds 3.5 tons, in this case the category of rights must correspond to the parameters of the car.

According to current legislation, trailer owners will have to undergo a re-examination in order to obtain a category “C” driver's license, since the weight of the removable part exceeds 750 kg. In this case, it is very important that a passenger car can be combined with a trailer. Otherwise, overloading is possible.

It is also important to take care of obtaining the rights of the corresponding category.

Features of building a camper with your own hands

Each vehicle variant has its own advantages in terms of conversion into a living compartment. The conditions you have to work with depend on the chosen car model.

However, in general, the arrangement process can be divided into several stages:

• exterior finishing works;
• interior decoration;
• supply and connection of communication systems.

At the first stage, you need to determine the number of people who will live in the mobile home, and also select the type of transport in accordance with this. A detailed plan for future construction works is then drawn up. First you need to clear the body of the car and remove objects that can create obstacles or occupy free space.

Further measures for the preparation of the structure are as follows:

• creation of additional windows;
• arrangement of the ventilation system;
• the formation of holes for gas outlet;
• installation of insulation.

It is quite possible to build a residential house on wheels or a trailer on your own if you have the necessary materials and certain skills

To provide a cozy and warm environment in a mobile home, you should select exclusively high-quality materials for construction. Also, do not forget about applying an anti-corrosion coating that will protect the car body from rust.

For a comfortable stay, you will need to carry out other activities:

• align floors and walls;
• carry out the installation of insulation;
• install containers with clean water;
• equip a sewage tank;
• install a propane tank, which is necessary for the gas stove to function.

Useful advice! It is advisable to install a ventilation system, as well as a gas cylinder at the bottom of the house. Propane is much heavier than air, and this type of accommodation will protect residents in the event of a gas leak.

You will also need to equip the electricity supply system and install the necessary set of furniture.

Residential trailer drop drawing with dimensions

Do-it-yourself motorhome creation based on Gazelle

The Gazelle minibus will be an ideal basis for the construction of a mobile home. This model is equipped with a body of the appropriate size.

The preparatory work in this case will look like this:

• removal of seats and unnecessary items;
• body primer from the inside;
• installation of interior decoration.

Various materials can be used as interior decoration.The main thing is that they are easy to use and practical. For these purposes, plastic, wood of moisture-resistant species, carpet, etc. are most often used.

Then the living quarters are equipped. First of all, the installation of a system that provides the availability of electrical energy is carried out, and a generator is installed. Based on this, you can also equip the kitchen. Further, the installation of a storage tank for water is carried out, from where the liquid will be taken and supplied to the bathroom and kitchen. At the last stage, furniture is installed. All items must be firmly and securely fastened. For these purposes, it is advisable to purchase transformer structures that have compact dimensions and extensive functionality.

Many are converting their own vehicles into a mobile home

Building a homemade mobile home based on other models

Houses made on the basis of the Mercedes brand are no less popular. Such structures can be purchased ready-made or equipped independently.

The preparatory procedures are the same as in the case of equipping other models. It is very important to equip the structure with a sufficient number of windows, as well as to choose the right place for placing the front door, since Mercedes, unlike Gazelle, has large dimensions.

For the arrangement of a mobile home, a KamAZ car can be used. His van is roomy enough, so several living quarters can be organized inside at once. This type of transport is ideal for families. Unlike previous options, the preparation of KamAZ can be complicated by the fact that the vehicle was not originally designed to transport people. For this reason, it will be necessary not only to apply a primer to the body, but also to install the cladding on the walls, floor and ceiling. You will also need to take care of the organization of high-quality insulation.

A mobile home gives freedom of movement and allows you to relax with maximum comfort wherever there is a place for this

The most expensive option in terms of buying or building is bus-based housing. This transport has large dimensions, allowing you to thoroughly approach the issue of arranging a comfortable space. The bus initially has a heating and insulation system, so it is much easier to work with it. The stages of construction are carried out in the same order, and the interior layout is selected taking into account personal preferences and needs.

It should be noted that buying or making a mobile home with your own hands will be an excellent choice for those who like to travel or spend their holidays outside the city. This type of housing allows you to feel comfortable almost anywhere in the world. Maintaining a mobile home is significantly less expensive than paying taxes on owning an apartment or a private house, although it is not without certain difficulties associated with the lack of parking for campers.

Mobile home construction: video review of technology