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Towable vs Drivable RVs: Which One Is Right for You?

ByMorgan Middleton

Trying to decide between a towable RV and a drivable one? You’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest choices new RVers face, and it can shape everything from how you travel to how you camp.

We’ve owned both styles. Our Class C was perfect for travel days and weekend getaways. Now we’re full-time in a fifth wheel toyhauler with more space and more setup time. Each option has its perks and tradeoffs.

In this post, we’ll break down real pros and cons of each setup, including comfort while driving, space inside the RV, fuel economy, ease of setup, and how each one handles repairs and propane. You’ll get honest insights from our own experience and tips from other RVers we’ve met on the road.

Whether you’re planning weekend trips, seasonal vacations, or full-time RV life, this guide will help you choose the setup that fits your adventure best.

A fifth-wheel trailer hitched to a silver Ram truck is parked beside a large Super C RV labeled "Pasadena" in a spacious lot under a cloudy sky. This image highlights two distinct types of RVs, showcasing both towable and motorized options for travelers.

What Counts as a Drivable vs Towable RV?

Let’s start by making sure we’re comparing the right categories.

Drivable RVs have their own engine and can be driven without a tow vehicle. This group includes:

  • Class A: Large flat-front rigs that look like tour buses
  • Class B: Compact campervans built on van chassis
  • Class C: Mid-size RVs with a cab-over bunk, built on a truck or van chassis
  • Super C: Heavy-duty versions of Class Cs with more power and towing capacity

Towable RVs must be pulled by a separate vehicle. Common types include:

  • Travel trailers: Also called bumper pulls, available in many sizes and layouts
  • Fifth wheels: Hitch into the bed of a pickup, typically larger and more stable to tow
  • Pop-ups and teardrops: Lightweight, compact options for minimalist campers
  • Toyhaulers: Designed with a rear garage space for gear or vehicles. Most are travel trailers or fifth wheels, but a few Class A versions exist

If you want more details about each RV type, we break them all down in our Types of RVs Explained post.

Drivable RVs: Pros and Cons

A Class C RV, specifically a Coachmen Leprechaun, is parked on a grassy campsite beside a red SUV and a small trailer, with moss-draped trees and open fields in the background. This setup showcases one of the popular types of RVs used for road trips and camping.

We loved our Class C for longer travel days. I could grab a snack, use the bathroom, or stretch my legs without pulling over. Coco napped on the floor or the sofa, and the whole ride felt more relaxed. It made road trips feel like vacation started the moment we pulled out of the driveway.

But once we were parked, things got a little trickier. We didn’t bring a car with us, so running errands or going out to eat meant driving the entire RV or borrowing a vehicle. That worked fine at off-road parks, but it wasn’t ideal in town.

Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about going with a drivable RV.

Drivable RV Pros

  • More comfort during travel: Passengers can move around, make meals, or use the bathroom while on the road
  • Easy setup: Just park, level, and plug in
  • No tow vehicle required: Everything you need is already built in
  • Fast getaways: Many people love the ease of turning the key and hitting the road
A beige and black Class A motorhome with slide-outs extended is parked on a grassy campsite next to other RVs under a clear blue sky. This image highlights one of the most spacious and luxurious types of RVs, often used for full-time living or long-term travel.

Drivable RV Cons

  • Built-in propane tanks: Refills require moving the whole RV
  • Limited mobility after setup: Unless you tow a car, you’ll need to drive your RV for errands
  • Engine repairs can be costly: Access is often limited and may require specialized service
  • Wasted interior space: The cab and driving area aren’t very functional once you’re parked

Towable RVs: Pros and Cons

A Torque travel trailer toy hauler is set up on a grassy campsite with slide-outs extended, surrounded by other RVs and trees under a clear blue sky. This image represents one of the towable types of RVs designed for both living space and transporting recreational gear.

Our fifth wheel gives us a lot of space, and once we are set up, it truly feels like home. Travel days take more planning, though.

We have to make sure everything we might need is packed in the truck, including snacks, drinks, Coco’s things, and my laptop and charger, because we do not have access to the RV while driving.

We’ve learned that towables offer a lot of freedom once you arrive at camp, but they require a bit more effort to get there.

Here’s what to think about if you’re leaning toward a towable setup.

Towable RV Pros

  • Separation between driving and living: Once you’re parked, your truck or SUV becomes your get-around vehicle
  • Removable propane tanks: Easier to refill without moving the RV
  • Flexible floorplans: With no cab area, layouts can feature front kitchens, rear living rooms, or dedicated offices
  • More usable space: Often roomier than similarly priced drivable RVs
Back-in RV site at Shady Grove Campground with a large Alliance Valor fifth-wheel trailer hitched to a silver RAM dually truck. The gravel pad is surrounded by trees and set beside a paved loop.

Towable RV Cons

  • Driving a large truck can feel intimidating: Especially for those new to towing or for spouses that just want to run a few errands
  • More involved setup: Hitching, unhitching, and securing everything takes more time
  • You need a capable tow vehicle: If you do not already own one, it adds to the total cost
  • No access while driving: Plan ahead for bathroom breaks, food, or pet comfort

Things to Think About When Choosing Between Towable and Drivable

Still not sure which way to go? Here are a few real-world factors that might help tip the scales one way or the other.

Driving or Towing Confidence

Comfort matters, especially on the road. If you’ve never driven or towed anything larger than an SUV, both setups can feel intimidating at first.

Drivable RVs may feel more top-heavy and require wider turns. Towable RVs can be affected by sway, especially in crosswinds, and backing them into a site takes practice.

If you’re unsure, consider renting both types or practicing in a large, empty parking lot. The more seat time you get, the more confident you’ll become.

A large Valor fifth-wheel RV hitched to a gray Ram dually truck is parked at a gas station under a bright red and yellow canopy on a sunny day.

Fuel and Maintenance

Comparing drivables to towables as a whole doesn’t work because fuel economy can vary wildly within both categories.

A diesel-pusher Class A pulling a Jeep will burn a lot more fuel than a campervan. Likewise, towing a 44′ fifth wheel with a dually will use more fuel than hauling a teardrop with a midsize SUV.

Drivable RVs also come with engine maintenance, which can be more expensive and harder to access. Towables avoid that, but they rely heavily on your tow vehicle’s power and reliability.

How Often You’ll Move

If you plan to move frequently, the simplicity of a drivable RV can be a big advantage. Less hitching. Less packing. Faster setup.

That said, plenty of full-timers with towables find their rhythm and do just fine. In fact, we can have our entire Fifth Wheel packed, hooked up, loaded (side by side and ebikes), and rolling in under 45 minutes.

If you’ll be staying in one spot for weeks or months at a time, a towable might offer more comfort and flexibility once you’re parked.

Propane Refills

Most towables have standard removable propane tanks that you can take to almost any refill station. It’s quick and convenient. Drivable RVs typically have built-in propane tanks. Refilling them means driving the entire rig to a station, which can be a hassle if you’re already set up at camp.

Outdoor RV show on a sunny day with people walking between rows of large motorhomes and travel trailers. Bold red signs display prices like "$14,999" and "$44,999" on the RVs, while some attendees carry blue "Camping World" shopping bags. A green picnic table sits in the foreground beside a trash bin.

Still Deciding Between Drivable and Towable? Here’s What We Recommend

We’ve had both. Our Class C was great for travel days and quick getaways. Our fifth wheel gives us space to breathe and live comfortably for longer stretches. Each setup has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends entirely on how you want to travel.

Ask yourself:

  • How comfortable are you behind the wheel of a large vehicle or towing a trailer?
  • Do you want more living space once you are parked or more convenience while on the road?
  • Are you willing to invest in a tow vehicle, or would you rather have everything combined in one?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That is why we created a full post with 7 questions to help you choose the right RV. If you are still unsure which RV fits your lifestyle, that is the best next step.

Already leaning toward a specific type? These guides can help you decide:

Your RV should support your adventures and match your travel style. Whatever you choose, the right rig will make the journey even better.

New to RV Life? Here’s What to Read Next

If you’re just starting your RV journey, we’ve got more resources to help you hit the road with confidence:

Whether you’re setting up for the first time or the fiftieth, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re always just a blog post away.

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Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.