What's best for Camping: Alu-Cab versus RVs
When preparing for constant camping with your car, your first instinct may be to get a Recreational Vehicle (or simply RV); however, for the more enterprising and spontaneous personality, an Alu-Cab may be a better choice. While there are positives and drawbacks for both, here is a handy comparison between a basic Caravan RV, an Overland Explorer Vehicle (OEV), and the Alu Cab Modcap!
Price
Alu-Cab is the most price-friendly option. An average travel trailer RV can range from $30,000 to $60,000, and even the more comparable truck-mounted OEVs average around $40,000. In comparison, a brand-new Alu-Cab costs around $7,000, excluding installation.
However, the Alu-Cab base has significantly fewer amenities than a fully furnished RV, with additional modifications driving up the price. It should also be noted that you can get specialty RV loans, whereas if you are planning on getting an Alu-Cab, it must be either out of pocket or a personal loan. With both, there are options available for any price range, whether it be higher quality interiors or increased luxury modifications.
Customization/Amenities
An RV will always have more features. What an Alu-Cab lacks in base features, it more than makes up for with customization and personalization. While an Alu-Cab may not have a built-in kitchen, it is possible to add one with modifications. Other potential additions include fireplaces, toilets, and even showers. All of these functions are independent of the vehicle, eliminating the need for a vehicle-wide fresh, grey, or blackwater tank. All of these are also significantly more compact, which is a positive for a more space-conservative traveler, but a significant negative for the more claustrophobic. What camping is to a hotel stay is what an Alu-Cab is to an RV. Alu-Cab is more suited to camping, compared to the mobile living provided by an RV. While you won't have the same access to comforts between the two, many consider it either part of the experience or a necessary sacrifice for the mobility of the Alu-Cab.
Mobility/Vehicle Requirements
An Alu-Cab takes up significantly less space than a Caravan or even a truck-mounted RV. While the Modcap is closed, it barely takes up more space than a contour canopy. This means you get all of the maneuverability and compactness of your vehicle before any additions. This also means that you are confined only to finding vehicle-friendly trails/camp sites as opposed to needing to plan and search for Kampgrounds of America sites. This means you have greater exploration ability for less money. This also makes using the vehicle for road driving or commuting easier, as you still only need one parking space for your truck, compared to needing to account for a trailer or low clearances. Alu-Cabs are also lighter, meaning you can use a weaker or more nimble vehicle for transport, compared to the stronger and more expensive requirements for towing or driving an RV.
Durability/Car Damage
The material makeup of an Alu-Cab also makes it more suited to off-roading than any other option. As opposed to fiberglass and insulation, the main build of an Alu-Cab is aluminum. This makes it more resistant to the constant wear and tear caused by off-roading. The aluminum is significantly more sturdy than fiberglass, meaning it's a lot harder to accidentally wreck an Alu-Cab in camping accidents, compared to the more brittle fiberglass. The Alu-Cab is also easier on the vehicle long-term, due to it being less weight than truck mounts, and not having to deal with the damage caused by long-term towing. Meaning if you have a pre-existing car which you want to convert to allow for long-term travel, you are likely to gain more mileage and less damage from an Alu-Cab.
Conclusion
Choosing between an Alu-Cab and an RV ultimately depends on your camping style, budget, and desired level of comfort. The Alu-Cab stands out for its affordability, customization potential, and ease of maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for adventurous and flexible travelers who prioritize mobility and exploration. Its durable aluminum construction and lightweight design enhance off-road capabilities while minimizing wear on your vehicle. On the other hand, RVs offer extensive amenities and comforts for those seeking more accessible experiences and wanting to enjoy more stable luxuries. While they are generally more expensive and less suitable for off-roading, RVs provide a home-like environment with all the necessary facilities for comfortable living.
These differences and options are crucial in determining which vehicle best aligns with your lifestyle and camping preferences, whether embracing the ruggedness and spontaneity of an Alu-Cab or indulging in the convenience and comfort of a fully equipped RV. Making the right choice can allow you to truly enjoy and embrace your next and future adventures!
Think an Alu-Cab might be the right fit for your adventures? Give OK4WD a call or chat in now to ask the experts any additional questions you have and talk through your build! Contact OK4WD
