Which Type of RV Suits Your Lifestyle Best?
Buying
When it comes to finding the right recreational vehicle, it’s best to consider what it’s going to be used for. In most cases, there’s two reasons to pick up an RV. The first is camping. An RV can allow you to camp in more comfort than a tent alone. Just a few amenities of the city brought along to enjoy the bounty of nature. The other common use is for vacations and road trips. Everyone has seen the gigantic motorhomes travel the highways of the country as people get to see the varied and beautiful sights this country has to offer. An RV can be a great retirement plan for people who want to keep moving around during their golden years. There are several different types of RVs which can be chosen from. Each has some benefits and some disadvantages. What follows is a brief exploration into some of the most popular different types of RVs out there.
1 - Class A Motorhomes
These are the biggest options on the road and can run as big as 45 feet long. Despite the size, there’s no need for a special license, so it’s important to practice as they can feel intimidating to drive. These motorhomes have all the comforts of home, with large beds and plenty of storage. The biggest downside is the price. The top of the line models easily run into six figure prices. Their large size also makes it difficult to run around on day trips unless you have chosen to two a car or other vehicle along with it. However, if you have the money and confidence, these will give you everything you need.
2 - Travel Trailers
These are the most popular forms of towed trailer. Travel trailers are towed from a standard tow hitch, meaning that there’s a wide variety of vehicles that can be used with them. Another bonus is that the tow vehicle can then be used from day to day to go out and run errands or do some sightseeing. Travel trailers come in a huge variety of sizes, meaning there’s one for any budget. The downside is driving with them can take real skill. Tight areas can be a problem and the tail can swing out. Driving in reverse can be even more difficult. There’s another variant known as a 5th wheel trailer. These trailers use truck beds for their connection and can be much easier to drive around. The downside is that a pickup truck is required.
3 - Class B Motorhomes
Many people call Class B motorhomes a “Camper Van”. This is because a lot of them are built off of basic van chassis that may be stretched or have increased roof height. The space inside certainly can’t match a Class A motorhome, but can be pretty good for one or two people. These are far more nimble than a Class A motorhome and this makes it much easier to drive around and do things throughout your vacation if you need to go pick up some supplies or have some fun somewhere.
4 - Folding/Tent Trailers
These are arguably the most inexpensive option to get involved with. These folding tent trailers start small and are towed. Once parked, they can expand out and provide extra room. They are lightweight and easier to drive around in. There’s some downsides however. The folding hinges can sometimes be damaged. If one of them stops working, the entire RV can be unusable. The interior space is also quite limited. Since the RV expands out, there’s no room for cargo initially, so that needs to be taken into consideration. These RVs are arguably best used for camping trips, rather than long road vacations.
5 - Class C Motorhomes
These motorhomes offer a balance of size and drivability. They aren’t nearly as large as the monstrous class A motorhomes. These run between 20 and 33 feet in size. They aren’t the largest, but they can fit a family as long as it doesn’t have too many members. While smaller, they can still be rather expensive to maintain and to run. Some people struggle to drive them, even though they are based on extended van or truck chassis. Still, they are a good budget option for a family that needs an RV for their adventures.