Your ultimate RV resource centre

Choosing an RV

In a perfect world, your choice of RV would have no limits. It would be the biggest, the most fuel efficient, the cheapest, and the sleekest ever seen on the road. However, in the real world, you have to consider what you really need and measure that against what you can afford.

Let us begin with the questions you need to ask yourself about the type of RV you really need:

How many people will usually be traveling in this RV?

How often will you be taking a trip?

How long will your average trip be?

Will you be taking sightseeing trips?

Will you drive to a destination and park the RV?

Will you need to tow a car to use when you arrive at your destination?

Now that you have a better idea of what you need, let us look at the different types of RVs there are.  RVs fall into one of the following categories:

• Class A

• Class B

• Class C

• Truck Camper

• Pop Up Tent trailer

• Travel Trailer

• Fifth Wheel

A Class A motor home looks like a bus.  The driving area opens right into the body of the RV and they are self-propelled.

Advantage: There is more living space per foot because the driving area becomes living space when the RV is parked.

Disadvantage: It is not convenient to use for short trips while you are on vacation so you might need secondary transportation such as a car you tow or rent or bicycles.  Parking one of these at the local grocery store is a challenge.

Class B RVs are campervans and often have a raised roof and wider body than a standard van. Some have slide out sections so that you have more living space when you are parked.

Advantage: They fit into regular parking spots so they can be used both as a place to live while traveling and as a vehicle for visiting and shopping.

Disadvantage: The limited space restricts this type of RV to one or two people.

Class C RVs are motor home coaches built on a chassis that contain a driving area. There is usually a bed over the cab. It has the same advantages and disadvantages as the Class B RV.

Truck campers fit into the bed of a pickup truck. The truck should be heavy-duty to handle the extra weight.

Advantages: They are not as expensive as the all-in-one cab/living area type of RV and can be used as a regular vehicle when traveling.  At home, the camper can be removed and the truck used as regular truck.

Disadvantages: The living space is quite limited.

Pop-Up tent trailers are collapsible and are typically towed behind a car or truck. The central unit has a roof that is raised and sleeping areas that pull out on either side.  They are one step up from a tent.

Advantages: They are lightweight and inexpensive and allow the towing vehicle to be used as a regular vehicle when traveling. 

Disadvantages: The living space is quite limited.

Travel Trailers range from come in sizes from 12 foot to 35 foot models. Some are even larger and suitable for full-time living.  They can be as plain or as elaborate as you wish. A travel trailer is towed behind a heavy-duty car or truck.

Advantages: The towing vehicle can be unhitched and used to travel around. The trailer can be as spacious as your budget allows.

Disadvantages: There are no real disadvantages other than the smaller ones are limited in space.

Fifth wheels are also towed behind a heavy-duty vehicle. The name comes from the hitching point which places the weight over the rear driving axles of the tow vehicle.  The advantages and disadvantages are the same as the travel trailer but they are more maneuverable because of the type of hitch.  A fifth wheel does not however come in the same range of sizes as travel trailers....

• Tips for RV Travelers...read

• RV Expenses...read

• Tips for Choosing an RV...read

• Gone with the dogs...read

• Home Away From Home or Running Away From Home...read

• On the Road and Off Season...read

• Buying a Pre-Owned RV...read

• RV Detailing: Tips & Tricks...read

• Choosing an RV...read

• Wired to Go...read

• RVs and Gas Prices Go Together...read

• Getting RV Service While “On the Road”...read

• Connecting On the Road...read

• Enjoy Luxury at Less Expense with Used RV...read

• Cruise the Country with an RV Rental...read

• Camping Fun With your RV...read

• A list of RV Accessories You May Want To Acquire...read

• 5 things to consider when buying RV furniture...read

• “Consider Renting an RV Before you Buy One”...read

© 2006-2007 Rv Info. All Rights Reserved. RV resource center.