There are 5 main classes or types of RVs. Each one is suited for a specific purpose and the type you choose will depend on:
- Your budget
- What you want to do with your RV
- Where you want to take your RV
- How many people are RVing with you
- Whether you prefer “roughing it” or glamping
Let’s take a look at the various types of recreational vehicles available.
Motorhomes
Just as the name implies, these are homes one wheels. You can live in a motorhome (link to Wikipedia) for an extended period of time if you wanted to.
This type of RVs falls under three classifications: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Regardless of the Class, having a motorhome can give you the opportunity of travelling to places where most tourists may not be able to go.
Class A
These are very large motorhomes and are easily recognizable because they don’t have separate cab area like conventional coach-built motorhomes.
They have a bus-like windshield and the same mobility and size of a bus. If you’re looking for luxury in a motorhome (ie. glamping), then this class of motorhomes is ideal.
They come equipped with all types of modern luxuries (depending on your budget) from home entertainment centers and full-size bathrooms to king-size beds and built-in fireplaces.
However, because of their size, you may find it difficult driving on certain roads. Class A motorhomes are the most expensive out there, but they are worth it if you plan on adventuring for multiple months at a time.
Class B
The Class B are smaller than Class A or Class C motorhomes. Class B motorhomes are more like vans modified to hold a living compartment in the back. The living space is limited and so it’s perfect if you have a small family or don’t want to bother with operating a bulky motorhome.
You can go more places with the van-like Class B motorhome than the Class A. And the Class B motorhomes cost WAY less than a Class A.
Class C
Class C is a midsize motorhome and a smaller version of the Class A motorhomes. It has almost the same amenities with the Class A motorhomes, with the only difference being that the Class C motorhomes have a sleeping compartment over the driver’s cab. They are ideal for families and the typical traveler.
Camper
Campers are towable travel trailers used by everyday travelers and are smaller in size. They are one of the most popular types of RVs. They can be easily towed by SUVs and pick-up trucks without any issues.
Just hook it up behind your truck and off you go. They are not expensive and many of them come with modern amenities for fun camping.
Camper Trailer
These are also towable by an SUV or a pick-up truck, just like a standard camper, but cheaper.
Camper trailers are more versatile and certainly more ideal if you want to hit the road whenever you feel like it. They are more rugged and suitable for rougher roads. Though they don’t have many luxuries, a few models provide an outdoor shower, and the option of a roof top tent.
Fifth Wheel
These types of RVs are like trailers that are pulled by a pick-up truck outfitted with a special hitch in the truck bed. Fifth Wheels are more like a mix of the Class C motorhome and a camper – large enough to have modern amenities, but still small enough to be pulled by a big pick-up truck.
This is definitely a great way to travel for some families, because of its decent sized living quarters.
Something very convenient about campers, camper trailer and fifth wheel types of RVs is that you can detach your vehicle at the camp site. You can then drive around and explore the area. If you have a motorhome, you’ll have to two a vehicle or stick to walking and bike riding.
Truck Bed Camper
Just as the name suggests, these are placed right in the bed of a pick-up truck. It’s as simple as that.
If you have a pick-up truck and a tighter budget, then this could be the option for you.
Truck bed campers come in various sizes and can boast of some luxuries such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchenettes. Prices differ according to sizes, and amenities. So, there’s an option for everyone.
Some truck bed campers are pretty bare bones with no bells and whistles. So you may need to buy some additional equipment to take with you like solar panels or portable grills.
Truck bed campers can be taken the most places. They do not extend much past the width of the truck they’re on and they have the same turning radius as the truck. So you can easily take these up winding logging roads or through tight dirt roads in the mountains.
Conclusion
An RV is a major purchase. Knowing a little about the different types of RVs can help you choose which one is right for you.
