The Ultimate Guide to The Different Types of RVs

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This is an excerpt from my guide, A Beginner’s Guide to Living in an RV: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Full-Time RVing. You can try the best-selling guide right here.

When I first began RV procuring in 2014, I saved seeing the time period “fifth wheel”.

I had NO concept what it meant.

An RV with 5 wheels? Isn’t a fifth wheel unhealthy? Kinda like being the third wheel on a date?

It took an astonishingly very long time for me to know {that a} gooseneck trailer and a fifth wheel are the identical form—however one is for towing livestock and issues and the opposite is an opulent house on wheels.

(Here are 31 extra RVing phrases new vacationers ought to know!)

There are countless choices on the subject of shopping for an RV and professionals and cons to every. In this tremendous lengthy put up, I’ll cowl all the main varieties of motorhomes, trailers, and campers you should purchase to hit the street.

There are countless choices on the subject of shopping for an RV and professionals and cons to every. Here is the final word information to every totally different sort of RV. Click To Tweet

Now inside these three sorts, there are fairly just a few totally different choices. There are Class A motorhomes (and B’s and C’s). There are journey trailers and fifth wheels. Then there’s at all times pop-up campers and truck campers. Or if you happen to’re actually fancy, there are bus conversions and motorcoaches.

It begins getting complicated, doesn’t it?

Let’s look into how we outline these three major classes:

• Motorhomes
  Motorhomes are precisely what they sound like: houses with motors. This is the important thing distinction (and simply so you realize for later if you wish to tow a automobile, that is the kind of rig for you). Please don’t confuse motorhomes with cellular houses. They are utterly totally different. Mobile houses are what you see using on the again of “oversized loads” happening the freeway. They aren’t as cellular as their title implies.
  Options: Class A, Class C, Class B, Buses, Motorcoaches
• Trailers
  Trailers are motorless RVs that have to be towed by a truck or another heavy-duty car.
  Options: Fifth Wheels or Travel Trailers
• Campers*
  Campers are all the pieces that doesn’t fairly fall into these two choices and are extra designed for “weekenders” (i.e. individuals who don’t use an RV as their major residence however use it purely for pleasure). Campers are usually smaller than trailers and extra light-weight. You’ll have to personal a truck or simply a big SUV for these.
  Options: Truck Campers, Pop-Ups, Teardrops or “tiny trailers”

Now that you realize the principle varieties of RVs, let’s break down your choices one-by-one so you may determine which rig is best for you.

A Quick Look at Class A’s

Average Length: 27-50 toes

Height: 11 feet-13 foot 6 inches (business most)

Average Cost (new): $70K-$1M+

Pros:

• Ample dwelling house
• Kitchen facilities: range, oven, microwave, fridge
• Bathroom facilities: bathroom, separated bathe
• Sleeps 4+
• Inclusive
• Gas or diesel choices obtainable

Cons:

• Expensive upfront prices
• Motor upkeep*
• Insurance prices
• Length limits skill to journey sure place
• Need to tow a automobile for simpler native journey

Motorhomes: Class A

Class A’s are your basic motorhome. Heath and I liked our Class A Winnebago Brave. With opposing slideouts, it felt HUGE. And at 33′ it was nonetheless sufficiently small to be manageable to drive and never restrict us on entry in nationwide parks.

When it involves motorhomes, Class A’s are your largest choice. Generally talking, they may have the highest-powered motors and supply probably the most house.

Class A’s usually vary between 27-50 toes lengthy. Most A’s could have not less than one slide-out. The greater the rig, the extra particular options you may anticipate. Our 33-foot rig with two slides (additionally referred to generally as slide-outs or pop-outs) has a king-sized mattress, an enormous sofa (that folds right into a mattress), dinette that seats 4 (and converts right into a mattress), a twin-size loft mattress, and a detachable espresso desk.

Our rig sleeps 5 complete, which is common for a Class A, however many can sleep as much as 10 folks. (Choosing to host that many individuals for a sleepover is as much as you).

Layouts for Class A’s will differ primarily based on producer and mannequin. But 99% of Class A’s will embrace a kitchen (fridge, sink, range, oven, microwave), a toilet (bathroom, sink, bathe), a eating desk or a eating desk/sofa combo, and a bed room.

Depending on the 12 months, some fashions won’t have showers, and ovens are usually thought-about a “specialty” function. But general, it has all the pieces your property would have*, together with two A/C models. Because it consists of two A/Cs (one for the dwelling space, one for the bed room), Class A’s run on 50 AMP energy.

Class A’s are fuel pullers or diesel pushers (engine within the entrance versus engine within the again). Overall, they’re the costliest kind of RV and supply a substantial amount of house.

*If you’re searching for a rig with a washer/dryer set and a dishwasher, you’ll want a big class A motorhome or a fifth wheel.

A Quick Look at Class C’s

Average Length: 23-35 toes

Height: 10-11 toes

Average Cost (new): $50K-$120K

Pros

• Living house
• Kitchen facilities: range, oven (in bigger fashions solely), microwave, fridge
• Bathroom facilities: bathroom, bathe
• Sleeps 3+
• Inclusive

Cons

• Expensive upfront prices (in comparison with trailers and campers. Generally C’s would be the least expensive motorhome choice although!)
• Motor upkeep
• Insurance prices
• Length limits skill to journey sure place
• Need/need to tow a automobile for simpler native journey
• Less dwelling house than Class A (even when rigs are the identical size) due to the separated driving space

Motorhomes: Class C’s

Class C motorhomes have a really distinct silhouette. While Class A’s have large windshields, Class C’s have a loft above the cab. This loft is usually a mattress or a storage choice.

Class C’s are usually shorter (in top and size) and smaller than Class A’s. C’s could have a kitchen and loo, however relying on the size, they won’t have a full bed room. Your mattress could be above the cab of the rig or within the nook.

In normal, you may anticipate fewer or smaller options in a C in comparison with an A. For instance, no oven, a considerably smaller bathe, and a kitchen desk for 2 as an alternative of 4.

C’s will run on 30 AMP energy. Among different issues, this implies your C could have just one A/C unit. This additionally means you’ll have higher electrical choices when touring. We typically are compelled to make use of 30 AMPs on our Class A due to an absence of availability of fifty AMP websites at RV parks.

The largest distinction between the A & C is the driving areas. You will step down right into a C driving space, and you’ll have driver and passenger doorways along with the principle door. Because you step down into this space, the cab isn’t “livable” house, whereas it usually could be in an A. This signifies that despite the fact that many Class A’s and C’s are the identical lengths, A’s have extra dwelling house.

Engines between these two lessons are very related and typically even the very same. If you belief my RV salesman, supposedly Class A engines get higher fuel mileage, even when they’re equivalent engines. (What am I saying? He in all probability made that up.) C’s are nice for quick or moderate-paced journey, no matter fuel mileage. Depending on the size of your C, you’ll probably need to tow a automobile.

Our first motorhome was a 29′ class C. It was a bit of too lengthy to drive round with a tow automobile but it surely was the right dimension for 2 individuals who needed to go on adventures. You can see inside that first motorhome and see our little renovation right here.

Photo Credit: Kristin Snow

A Quick Look at Class B’s

Average Length: 15-25 toes

Height: 9-10 toes

Average Cost (new): $40K-$125K+

Pros

• Typically have the very best engines (typically constructed on Mercedes chassis)
• Small and straightforward to maneuver
• Great for fast-paced journey
• Sleeps 2(+)

Cons

• Small dwelling space for greater than two folks
• Fewer facilities
• Motor upkeep
• Insurance prices
• The smallest quantity of cupboard space in a motorhome
• They can typically be as costly as Class C’s

Motorhomes: Class B

Class B’s are smaller than A’s and smaller than C’s.

“That’s weird. Why aren’t the motorhomes named based on size?” I DON’T KNOW. It would solely make sense for B’s to be the medium-sized rig. But that is how it’s.

Class B’s are your smallest motorhome choice. But don’t low cost these unhealthy boys primarily based on their dimension. Many B’s are as much as 25 ft lengthy.

B’s are usually luxurious autos. Most are constructed on Mercedes chassis, so that you’ll have a diesel engine recognized for lasting. This means they are often expensive because you’re paying for a diesel engine, however along with the sturdy engines, a number of the most stunning RV interiors I’ve seen are inside B’s.

B’s will embrace a toilet and kitchen, however with fewer facilities than bigger rigs. You in all probability gained’t discover an oven in B’s and also you might need a moist bathtub (that means a mixed bathe and loo). And not like A’s and C’s, Class B’s usually is not going to have slide outs.

There will probably be a mattress, a sofa that transforms right into a mattress, or perhaps a murphy mattress. Unlike Class A’s and C’s which usually have a non-public bed room, B’s are extra open, like a studio condominium.

Oh, and in case I didn’t point out it but, all RVs—motorhomes, campers and trailers—constructed previously few years include flat-screen TVs. Yes, plural. TVs. It is the twentieth century in spite of everything.

We lately toured Canada for 3 months in a Leisure Travel Van (thought-about a B+ motorhome as a result of RV class names are simply made up) and recorded this video tour:

A Quick Look at Super C’s

So now you realize what A, C, and B’s are, and that they’re named in a completely bizarre order. Just to make issues loopy, let me educate you about Super C’s.

Why Super?

A Super C is a Class C (identical fundamental silhouette), BUT they’ve an 18-wheeler engine. Oh yeah. These large guys can haul. They are an awesome choice if you happen to’re planning lots of mountain journey, or if you wish to tow a big car behind your rig, like a truck.

According to my husband, these are the “sexiest” RVs. I don’t need to know what meaning. But if you happen to’re searching for a strong engine—and you’ll afford to pay high greenback for it—Super C is a good choice.

Super C’s could have all of the facilities of a Class A or C, however due to their hefty price ticket (you’re paying for a diesel engine), they often embrace further options like washer/dryer hookups or an electrical fire. Some shall be toy haulers (which I’ll clarify in a second!).

A Quick Look at Buses and Motorcoaches

I’m going to keep away from going into particulars on buses and motorcoaches for 2 causes:

Buses: Most buses are initiatives. You purchase an outdated bus and it’s a must to construct your rig your self (or utilizing an organization). School bus conversions have gotten more and more well-liked, however I do know completely nothing about them. Want to customise your personal RV? Buy an outdated bus.

Motorcoaches: Are you a millionaire? Are you planning to open for Taylor Swift on her subsequent tour? No? You shouldn’t purchase a motorcoach. Like actually Prevost and different high-end motorcoach manufacturers actually promote rigs that value $2 MILLION. Get outta right here.

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Photo Credit: 188 Sq. Ft. Follow Kevin and Mandy on Instagram.

A Quick Look at Fifth Wheels

Length: 22-40 toes

Average Height: 12 feet-13 foot 6 inches

Average Cost (new): $25K-$100K+

Pros

• Amenities and structure most corresponding to a home
• Largest kitchen choice for any kind of RV
• More privateness (and obtainable two-bedroom layouts)
• Sleeps 4-8
• Price (extra space for much less cash than motorhome)

Cons

• Need to buy a heavy-duty truck
• Outfitting truck mattress for hitch
• Difficult of backing into RV websites, making u-turns, backing up
• Designed for a slower tempo of journey (in comparison with motorhomes)
• Interior steps—largely an issue for many who have hassle with stairs or as a result of climbing stairs will shake your entire rig which is extremely annoying
• All of your journey shall be in a truck (versus in a “home”, like with motorhomes)

Trailers: Fifth Wheels

Ah, fifth wheels. First factor you need to know: fifth wheels are big. HUGE.

This kind of trailer is known as a fifth wheel as a result of the neck of the trailer (probably the place your future bed room is) will sit within the mattress of your truck, so the rig shall be towed from the mattress of the truck as an alternative of the hitch. Because of this, fifth wheels have two ranges (which suggests further stairs inside), so there is a bit more privateness provided right here.

In each fifth wheel I’ve been in, there was: an electrical fire, a sofa, presumably a second sofa or two recliners, two A/C models, a kitchen desk with 4 chairs, an island, and a totally stocked kitchen. This is the closest you’re going to get to dwelling in a transferring home and can supply probably the most house and nicest facilities for the very best value (usually talking). Heck, some fifth wheels have fold-out patios simply because they’re so fancy. Depending on how fancy you need to be, you will discover a brand new fifth wheel for wherever from 30K-100K.

I’ve been in lots of RVs previously few years and I need to say, so far as interiors go, fifth wheels have the very best design. While motorhomes nonetheless appear to be missing in model, fifth wheels are aesthetically designed for a more recent era of RVers. I’m nonetheless ready to discover a rig that doesn’t appear like the material patterns had been picked by a color-blind man, however new fifth wheels do have your least unattractive choices. (Update: Every 12 months, this paragraph turns into a bit of extra unfaithful as RV producers step up their design sport on all their merchandise. Way to go guys!)

Fivers are good (when you have a truck to tow it with) since you don’t have to fret about engine upkeep on the precise rig. Plus, when your truck has engine issues, you may take it to any store, whereas most motorhomes can solely be serviced at RV-specific or engine-specific mechanics. Because of their weight and dimension, fifth wheels are finest used for sluggish journey, the place you spend weeks or months in a single place.

Unofficially, fifth wheels are the preferred RV for full-time vacationers due to their house and value. Grand Design particularly makes the very best fivers available on the market proper now.

Photo credit score: Nuventure Travels. Follow Lindsey and Adam on Instagram. 

A Quick Look at Travel Trailers

Average Length: 21-35 toes (Available lengths as quick as 12 toes)

Height: 9-12 toes

Cost (new): $12K-$45K

Pros

• Open flooring plan
• Sleeps 1-8 (relying on the size of your trailer)
• Able to be towed on the hitch of your car (in comparison with fifth wheels)
• Price (even cheaper than fifth wheels)
• Great for households (and usually a well-liked selection for households)

Cons

• Need to buy a truck or massive SUV for towing
• Difficult of backing into RV websites, making u-turns, backing up
• Designed for a slower tempo of journey (in comparison with motorhomes)
• All of your journey shall be in a truck (versus in a “home” like with motorhomes)

Trailers: Travel Trailer

This is your basic pull-behind trailer. Of the choices listed up to now, that is the least costly choice. You have a large amount of house in journey trailers and you’ll anticipate the identical facilities as a fifth wheel. However, as a result of it’s towed behind your car, they’re typically shorter and smaller than fifth wheel trailers. In reality, you should purchase trailers like Casitas or Scamps for as quick as 12 toes.

Kitchen, toilet, eating space, bed room—it has all of them. In my very own procuring expertise, I’ve discovered that journey trailers have probably the most structure choices for bunk beds and room for teenagers. One trailer even had a room with 4 bunks, in case you could have a big household.

With any trailer, you’ll have to personal a truck and also you’ll want to begin practising backing up with a trailer. Many RV parks supply pull-thru RV websites, however most of the time, you’ll have to again your trailer into its nightly house.

One of the most important drawbacks to towable RVs of any variety is that on “drive days” you’re caught inside a truck all day. In our motorhomes, I can stretch my legs, watch TV, work on the desk or kitchen desk, nap in mattress, make meals, stare blankly into the fridge looking for one thing to eat, and basically maintain myself entertained whereas touring. This is a big plus for motorhomes, particularly if you happen to journey with youngsters!

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Photo credit score: Mali Mish. Follow Mali Mish on Instagram.

A Quick Look at Truck Campers

Average Floor Length: 6-12 toes

Height: 10-12 toes

Cost (new): $15K-$45K

Pros

• Easy to maneuver
• Lightweight
• Sleeps 2-3
• Designed for journey wherever
• Designed for a faster-paced journey

Cons

• Few facilities
• Need to buy a truck
• Need to outfit mattress of the truck to deal with the load
• Many RV parks don’t permit truck campers (however these rigs are most frequently seen boondocking anyway)
• All of your journey shall be in a truck

Campers: Truck Camper

Little recognized secret: Before we purchased our first RV, we thought-about a truck camper. We determined in opposition to a truck camper after we realized it will truly be extra costly to purchase a camper and a truck than to purchase a Class C motorhome. We opted for extra dwelling house within the motorhome.

Fitting within the mattress of your truck, truck campers are probably the most compact size choice for full-time journey, until you need to sleep within the backseat of your automobile.

Truck campers could have: a small kitchen (two-burner range, sink, a fridge), a eating room desk that may double as a visitor mattress, a toilet (which is probably a moist bathtub, that means you bathe the place the bathroom and sink are), and a mattress. If you don’t thoughts sometimes waking up and hitting your head on the ceiling, a truck camper is a good choice if you wish to go to locations off the map or match down small roads.

Photo credit score: Go RVing. Follow @gorving on Instagram.

A Quick Look at Pop-Ups Campers

Length: 10-27 toes (open or “popped”)

Height: 8-9 toes (open)

Cost (new): $10K-$25K

Pros

• Easy to maneuver
• Lightweight
• Designed for journey wherever
• Price

Cons

• Sleeps 1-2
• Some of them would not have A/C
• Few facilities
• No toilet or bathe

Campers: Pop-Up Camper

Don’t dwell full-time in a pop-up camper.

Oops, sorry. There I am going spouting my opinion.

My husband nearly tricked me right into a pop-up camper. Then I spotted a HUGE deal breaker: no A/C (not less than the one we had been ).

Pop-ups often would not have a lot kitchen house or a toilet.  Some could have a mini-fridge and a sink, however that’s not a assure! Overall, they’re lightweight and straightforward to tow behind most SUVs, however I wouldn’t advocate them for full-time journey until you’ll be in superb climates or until you actually, and I imply actually, just like the tenting and the outside.

However, if you wish to simply weekend journey for some time, pop-ups are a reasonably cheap choice to check out of the RV life with out committing to the life-style.

Photo credit score: Teardrop Trailer. Follow them on Instagram.

A Quick Look at Teardrops

Length: Less than 13 toes

Height: Less than 5 toes

Cost (new): $12K-$25K

Pros

• Easy to maneuver
• Lightweight
• Designed for weekend tenting journeys

Cons

• Sleeps 1-2
• No A/C
• Few facilities
• No toilet or bathe
• Outdoor kitchen

Campers: Teardrops

Again, teardrops—like pop-ups—aren’t designed for full-timers. They are, nevertheless, tremendous cute! Teardrops have gotten an more and more well-liked choice amongst RVers who need a retro camper-vibe. A typical Teardrop camper could have related facilities to a popup camper, however lower than a trailer.

For outside lovers like our buddies Marc and Tricia, teardrops are a enjoyable strategy to get actually off the grid.

What RV Should I Buy?

Ultimately, there are lots of components to determine on when choosing your first RV. Buying an RV is a mixture of excessive pleasure and lots of stress in making the correct choice. The smartest thing you are able to do is go RV procuring typically. Try an RV present (Tampa and Hershey are too large ones!). Watch excursions on Youtube. Rent an RV on Outdoorsy to check the life-style. The extra RVs you see in individual, the better your choice shall be.

If you’d prefer to learn extra about our expertise in our Class C motorhome vs. our Class A motorhome, you may learn that right here.

Trying to study extra before you purchase an RV? Read this put up on 3 HUGE Factors to Consider Before Picking your RV.

Ready to purchase a used RV? Here are 11 Questions to Ask Before Buying A Used RV.