Wherever you land when traveling in your RV, most of you will need a get-around vehicle. So, you either need to tow said vehicle behind your rig or tow your rig with that vehicle. Deciding which you prefer will determine the type of RV you buy. If you choose to tow the RV, the length and weight will determine whether or not you can tow it with a car, SUV or a pick-up truck and the size and type of pick-up. In order to choose you need to understand the different types.
Class A Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as the conventional motorhome, the Class A is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed, motor vehicle medium duty truck chassis, or in many cases, on a custom undercarriage. They are spacious and available with every conceivable luxury. The engine may be gas or diesel. Sizes ranges from 21 to 38 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They may or may not have slide-outs (which allow a portion of the RV's exterior wall to slide outward as much as 4 feet to enlarge the living area). No special license is required for operating a Class A.
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| Class A Motorhome |
Class B Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as the van camper or van conversion, Class B motorhomes are fully self-contained, with a refrigerator, sink, hot water, air conditioning, heater, and sleeping facilities. The engine may be gas or diesel. Sizes range from 16 to 22 feet* and can sleep up to 4 people. They are the most economical, versatile and maneuverable of the motorized RVs. Many have showers and toilet facilities including holding tanks for fresh and waste water. They make a good towing vehicle for small camping trailers, boats or other small towable toys.
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| Class B Motorhome |
Class C Motorhome:
Commonly referred to as a mini motorhome or just mini, Class C motorhomes are built on a custom automotive manufactured van frame including an attached cab section. They provide all the conveniences of a larger motorhome in a smaller version and at a lower price point. Sizes range from 20 to 39 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They usually have a sleeping quarter over the cab in addition to a bedroom in the rear and sometimes allow more sleeping space then a Class A. They are normally equipped with kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities. They may or may not have slide-outs.
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| Class C Motorhome |
Travel Trailer:
Designed to be towed by a pick-up truck, SUV or a car (for ultra lite weight trailers) by means of a bumper or frame hitch, Travel Trailers are available with all the modern conveniences of home for sleeping, showering, cooking, and dining. Sizes range from 12 to 39 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. As with all towables, the unit can be detached at any time allowing you to use the tow vehicle for other things.. They offer many different floor plans and options. They may or may not have slide-outs.
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| Travel Trailer |
Designed to be towed by a pick-up truck with a special hitch in the truck bed, Fifth Wheels are split level and can provide the most living space of all towable RVs making them extremely popular with full-timers. Sizes range from 20 to 45 feet* and can sleep up to 10 people. They can be unhitched at any time freeing up the tow vehicle for other uses. With the main bedroom and the bathroom located over the truck bed, there is more room in the living section of the trailer. Most models offer at least one slide-out. Due to the special hitch, all fifth wheels require a properly equipped full-size pick-up truck or a custom tow vehicle. They offer a wide range of features and appliances from the basics to the high end including fireplaces, dishwashers, washers and dryers, etc. Firth Wheel toy haulers provide rear storage space for large "toys" such as dirt bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs. In some states, if the combined weight of the fifth wheel and tow vehicle exceed a certain weight limit, a CDL license may be required.
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| Fifth Wheel |
Folding Camping Trailer (Pop-Up):
A lightweight RV with sides that collapse for towing and storage, Folding Tent Trailers offer a kitchen area, dining and sleeping facilities and may contain amenities such as stoves, refrigerators and showers. Sizes range from 8 to 13 feet* when closed and 15 to 25 feet* when open and can sleep up to 8 people. The low price and easy storage appeals to many new RVers. The relative low weight allows for towing by most vehicles (check with your dealer). These units generally have very limited storage space.
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| Pop-Up |
Truck Camper:
A camping unit mounted on the bed of a pick-up truck, Truck Campers offer a full range of amenities such as refrigerator, stove, air conditioning, and full bathroom facilities and are especially popular as rental units. Sizes range from 18 to 21 feet* and can sleep up to 6 people. The camper is removable to allow full pick-up truck usage. You can take this type of RV just about anywhere your truck will go, so they are a good alternative to motorhomes and travel trailers, especially for those new to RVing.
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| Truck Camper |
While I hope this brief over view helps, I realize that it
may only serve to render you as overwhelmed as we once felt. Don't get
discouraged. The more you shop around the more you'll learn about each type,
what they offer and what works best for you. I did a lot of perusing online at
sites like eBay (http://www.ebay.com) and RV Trader (www.rvtrader.com). That
combined with our RV show visits helped us sort if all out. We are careful
people. Research is a must for us. It allows us to be comfortable with our
decisions. We may over do it at times, but I am convinced purchasing an RV is
not one of those times. I can not stress strongly enough how important it is to
take your time and learn all you can before making a choice. The end result
will be worth all the effort.
-Diane
* The lengths and sleeping capacities provided are an approximation as RV lengths and accommodations vary by type and manufacturer and are ever changing. Custom units, especially, may exceed these specifications.
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