Buying an RV can be a pretty overwhelming task – where do you even start? A colossal mistake is to simply show up at a dealership and start “shopping”… Sure this may be fun, but you’ll quickly realize that there are hundreds of different makes and models of RVs – add to that the ever increasing number of floorplans available in each model and your options are literally limitless!
No one wants to get caught up in the excitement of buying only to get home and realize that what you “bought” doesn’t fit what you “want”… Instead, spend a little time familiarizing yourself with your options, talk (as a family) about what your RV experience is going to look like and find the RV make and model that seems to be the best fit for what you’re looking for. To help get you started; here is a list of the main types of RVs and a brief summary of each…
Class A Motorhome
If you’ve ever seen an RV on the road that closely resembles a bus (with a flat vertical front) and large windows – you’ve probably just spotted a Class A Motorhome… Measuring anywhere from 30-40 feet long, the Class A Motorhome is recognized as top of the line among RVs. Pure luxury on wheels you’ll find these RVs are equipped with complete kitchens, full bathrooms, entertainment centers with flat screen TVs and DVD players, king sized beds, washer and dryers, with spacious living and dinette areas! The sky is the limit with a Class A Motorhome and many are far more luxurious than most homes…
Class A Motorhomes are often a popular choice for retirees or adventurous families who choose to sell their home in favor of travelling… All this luxury does come at a hefty price – but if your budget allows it and the idea of a home on wheels is appealing to you, then a Class A Motorhome just might be in your future.
Class B Motorhome
The Class B Motorhome, affectionately known as the “van camper”, is just that – an RV built on a van chassis with the roof raised. Although small, the Class B Motorhome will still have a bathroom, stove, sink, mini-fridge, and a bed that will often double as a dinette during the day. The smaller size has some major advantages though… It’s easy to drive, can be parked just about anywhere and can even be used as a second family car if needed.
Class B’s are very well suited to the “adventurous couple” – and I say couple as any more than 2-3 people sharing this space and things will get really squishy.. But if you’re big on “experiences” and looking to see the world… doing long road trips will be made easy with this fuel efficient RV!
Class C Motorhome
Class C Motorhomes have an instantly recognizable silhouette with the RV being built on a truck chassis and the cab being covered by an overhang, or cab-over. With the option of slide-outs some Class C Motorhomes can rival the Class A motorhome in terms of space and amenities, which include a bathroom, separate dining area, stove, refrigerator, extra sleeping areas and plenty of storage compartments inside and out.
If you’re looking for the luxuries of the larger Class A Motorhome at a smaller price point – a Class C Motorhome may be just what your family is looking for.
Fifth Wheel
Hugely popular among seasoned veterans of the RV lifestyle, Fifth Wheel RVs can stretch in size from 25-45 feet with more options and floorplans than you will ever be able to consider.
Offering the most spacious “living area” for its size, with various slide-outs and the raised forward section creating a bi-level floorplan – and all the luxuries of a motorhome – it’s easy to see why this RV provides the perfect option for full time RV families.
Travel Trailer
The travel trailer is the number 1 selling RV type in the history of the industry and it’s not hard to see why… Ranging in size from 10 to 35 feet they can easily accommodate a family and can be towed by a vehicle most people already have sitting in their driveway. With a full bathroom, kitchen and various bedroom options you can have fun searching for the perfect floorplan for your family.
Considered an apartment on wheels, the travel trailer is the perfect self-contained unit for weekend camping.
Pop-Up Trailer
The Pop-Up Trailer, also known as a tent trailer or a fold-up camper, has become a family favorite when it comes to summer vacation – encompassing the novelty of tent camping with the conveniences of an RV. Inside you’ll find beds in the slide-outs, a table (that often collapses to an additional bed), as well as a small kitchen with a sink and camp stove. Upgrades could include bathrooms, outdoor showers, grill areas, etc… The sky is the limit when choosing options for your Pop-Up Trailer.
Being extremely compact and easy to maneuver the Pop-Up Trailer can be towed by your regular family vehicle and stored effortlessly in your driveway awaiting your next weekend adventure.
Truck Camper
No matter where you want to go – a Truck Camper can take you there. Designed to be mounted on the bed of a pick-up truck getting around is as easy as if you weren’t towing along an RV. Compact yet spacious, you’ll still enjoy the conveniences of a toilet, shower, and cooking facilities.
Being among the least expensive types of RVs a Truck Camper is an economical way to explore the RV lifestyle. Once parked and set-up, you’ll have full use of your pickup for adventurous daytrips. You even have the option to tow a small trailer or boat along with you on your camping trips allowing you to bring all of your toys along.
If total freedom is what you’re looking for – the Truck Camper just might be the one to meet your needs.
Park Models
Worth mentioning is a full-time option that is kind of a compromise between a house and an RV called “park models”. These RVs are typically placed on rented, leased or purchased sites in campgrounds, RV resorts or private property and used as weekend retreats or vacation cottages.
Upscale in appearance, park models often come standard with sliding patio doors, residential cabinets, full size appliances, a washer and dryer as well as optional bay windows. They’re bigger inside with 8″ ceilings, have multiple slides, usually have better insulation and energy efficiency and are built for extended living.
Most Park Model “RV” owners locate their unit within several hours of drive time from their primary residence and use them for weekend camping.
