Caravan mobile homes, otherwise known as "tiny houses on wheels", have been gaining more and more attention and popularity in society in recent years. 

However, there are still people who imagine a classic caravan typical of holiday road trips around Slovakia and abroad. In the article, we will therefore look at the basic differences between a mobile home and a trailer, and we will tell you which is the better choice for you if you are looking for a space suitable for year-round living.

What is a caravan mobile home?

It's about small house reminiscent of a classic smaller house with basic equipment, but at the same time has wheels for better mobility. The wheels are not designed for regular travel as is the case with caravans, but only for occasional transportation of the house from place to place.

For the purchase of a caravan mobile home you do not need building permits. You can have the house that way move to a new location at any time. A caravan mobile home can be towed by a vehicle that has a certain engine power and sufficient towing capacity. These are primarily vehicles with a load capacity of 2.7 to 3.5 tons, i.e. pick-ups, jeeps or 4×4 off-road vehicles.

A fundamental feature of a mobile home that differs from a caravan is its ability to provide permanent place of residence. It is designed to efficiently use every part of the living space and was bringing comfort like a traditional household.  It has enough storage space for your belongings, you will find a kitchen, a bathroom and one or two bedrooms. 

Mobile homes are at the same time energetically self-sufficient and their operating costs are often also 2 times lower as with classic family houses.

What is a camper trailer?

They provide caravans, in other words also caravans greater mobility, because they are designed to be constantly in motion. They are ideal for those who want to travel with a roof over their head. It's about recreational vehicle, which, however, does not provide permanent, only a temporary home. Less expensive materials are used to build caravans, which means they will usually be cheaper to buy than a tiny house.

Other significant differences:

• Material and production

Caravan mobile homes and caravans are manufactured from different materials. They are used to build caravans less expensive, flexible and light materials such as vinyl, fiberglass or laminate. These materials are suitable for regular road transport because they flex well when in contact with the road and easily absorb impacts.

Conversely, tiny houses on wheels are usually built from heavy, structurally sound building materials, so that they can serve as a permanent unit for living. They are stronger, more durable and have better insulation than a caravan. Thanks to this, the life of a small house significantly longer as the life of the caravan.

• Temperature regulation

Vinyls and laminates are not particularly good insulators. That's why it can be in caravans much more difficult to regulate the temperature, especially in colder climates or winter months. In residential trailers, it is also necessary to take into account the accumulation of moisture or water leakage, because sealing materials and membranes wear out quickly. This can lead to mold growth and subsequent serious air quality problems.

Even in this case, tiny houses are a better alternative. Small houses provide integrated air conditioning and thermal insulation systems, thanks to which you can live in them throughout the year. The result is greater energy return spent on heating and cooling.

• Interior design

Tiny homes on wheels are not built to be moved as often as RVs. They are not designed to be aerodynamic, but they are designed to they provided a comfortable space with the possibility of movement if necessary.

Caravan mobile homes also offer you the option complete customization of interior equipment. Here you can perform surface treatments and install appliances that you would find in a classic family home. This means that you can easily create a full-fledged and tasteful living space in it, whereas in a caravan your options would be limited due to its size much more limited.

• Capacity 

In the caravan, we usually find only one multifunctional room, in which, in addition to a bed, storage space and a table, there is only a miniature kitchen unit. The caravan is more suitable for a couple who decides to go on road trip adventures. He can't however, provide a full-fledged space for everyday living.

On the other hand, a caravan mobile home can provide space for sleeping and full-fledged living as well a smaller family, which is used to minimalism. It does not only have one shared space, but also offers separate rooms, which they bring to their users comfort a privacy.

• Sustainability 

Most caravans it is not produced particularly sustainably – they are often made from serial pieces of materials that can cause the release of gases and toxic substances.

However, we cannot say the same about a mobile caravan house. Tiny house is made of sustainable, non-toxic materials. It therefore has no negative impact on the health of its inhabitants.

Which type is better for you?

Caravan mobile homes are suitable price also a minimalist alternative to a traditional family house or apartment. So if you are looking for a space that you can fully inhabit all year round, a space that does not lose its quality at the expense of mobility and at the same time you care about reducing your carbon footprint, then this is for you this option is the best solution.

With us in Mooble House you will find quality small mobile homes (tiny houses), which offer an ideal minimalist concept that is friendly to nature. Come and see for yourself in our showroom in Liptov, where you can view various models from our offer, or do not hesitate to contact our experts, who will be happy to advise you on your choice.