RVing is the perfect way to explore the world while staying in the comfort of someplace you know and love. But how do you figure out what RV you’ll love the most?
Trying to find an RV that suits you can be overwhelming. After all, there are tons of options out there. To simplify the process, we’ve put together a guide that includes questions to ask yourself and the pros and cons of a few popular types of RVs.
Ask Yourself These Questions
Knowing the answers to these questions will get you that much closer to discovering the RV that suits you best.
What’s My Budget?
Searching for RVs within your price range is the smart thing to do, just like you’d do when shopping for anything else. RVs come in a wide range of prices, from thousands of dollars to more than a million, and the last thing you want is to fall in love with something that you can’t afford.
What Type of RVing Am I Interested In?
Different types of RVs are better suited for different terrains. For example, if you plan on staying mostly in RV parks and resorts, your RV may look different than if you plan on frequently off-roading and exploring nature.
When Do I Plan on Traveling?
If you plan on traveling all-year round, you could benefit from a four-season RV with a heating system. If you plan on traveling in warmer climates, make sure there are enough air conditioners to cool down the vehicle and your family.
How Much Space Do I Need?
A large family with kids will likely need a bigger RV than a couple who lives a minimalist lifestyle. Take into account an RV’s length, storage space, and floor plan, keeping in mind the amount of space you need and the amount that you want.
Does Length Matter?
Length is relevant not only to how much RV space you’ll have, but to what RV parks you’ll be allowed into. Some campgrounds, state parks, and National Parks have length limits, so if you’re worried about that, do your research and only browse RVs that are your desired length.
What Kind of Car Do You Drive?
Do you picture yourself driving an RV and towing your car behind? Or do you have a pickup truck that’s capable of towing a fifth wheel vehicle? Keep in mind that only certain vehicles have what it takes to haul a travel trailer, and only pickup trucks can haul fifth wheels.
Pros and Cons of RV Types
You’ve answered the necessary questions. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the RVs at your disposal.
Keep in mind that you should always try something out before you buy it, just like you’d do with a car. See if the interior is tall enough, if the beds are long enough, and if the seats are comfortable enough. Everything about your RV should be to your liking!
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the biggest of the bunch, ranging between 21 to 45 feet long. They’re spacious and can sleep up to 10 people, and their kitchens often rival those of regular homes. When you think of luxury RV, Class A motorhomes should come to mind.
If you’re a new RVer, though, the Class A type could be intimidating. They’re a lot to maneuver and can be difficult to park, which is overwhelming for those just entering the game. But, hey, if you plan on spending a lot of time in your RV, this type might be worth getting used to.
Pros:
- Lots of storage space
- Luxurious living areas
- Good for full-time RV life
- Plenty of accommodations/amenities
Cons:
- Are expensive to buy, repair, insure, and fuel
- Difficult to maneuver on the road
- Intimidating size
- May need to tote along a smaller vehicle for day trips/errands
- Some states require a special license
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes are often called campervans or van campers, because they operate much like a van. These RVs are compact, easy to drive, and perfect for day trips. If you’ve never driven an RV before, they’re great starter vehicles.
What you get in drivability, though, you give up in space. These vehicles can technically fit up to four people, but you’ll notice pretty fast that two people work much better for such a contained space.
For spontaneous travelers and people looking to get away on the weekends, this is the perfect, low-maintenance option.
Pros:
- Affordable to fuel and repair
- Easy to drive
- A convenient size
Cons:
- Can sometimes be an expensive purchase
- Restricted space
- Limited storage
- Not as many amenities
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are mid-sized and combine what’s best about Class A and Class B vehicles. Often called mini-motorhomes, they’re smaller than Class A vehicles but offer plenty of storage and sleeping space.
Class C vehicles are more maneuverable than Class As, but not quite as agile as Class Bs. Some people choose to tow the car behind a Class C RV to make getting around easier once they reach the campsite, but more experienced RVers may choose to just tool around in the Class C vehicle.
Class C vehicles often cost less than a Class B up front, but you might end up paying more for fuel and maintenance down the road — though the cost still won’t reach that of a Class A. Class C does offer a wide range of amenities, though, which makes it a good choice for full-time RVers looking to get their money’s worth.
Pros:
- Plenty of living space and sleeping areas
- Extra storage/sleeping space above the driving cab
- Has all basic amenities
- Less expensive than Class A and some Class B
- More maneuverable than Class A
Cons:
- Maneuvering can be tough for new RVers
- Expensive to fuel, maintain, and repair
- May require towing a smaller vehicle on trips
Towable RVs
Towable RVs are vehicles that can be towed behind a truck or an SUV — they’re not motorhomes with driving capabilities. The three main types are as follows:
Fifth Wheel Trailers
Fifth wheels are the largest and most expensive of the towable RVs, and they must be towed by a pickup truck or conversion vehicle. Fifth wheels are spacious, fitting up to eight people, and some even include multiple living levels.
Pros:
- Spacious living quarters
- Plenty of storage space
- Full amenities
- Secure and maneuverable hitch
- Can be unhitched to take the tow vehicle on day trips
- Affordable in comparison to similarly-sized motorhomes
Cons:
- Limited passenger space during travel
- A large towing vehicle is needed
- Can be intimidating for first-time haulers
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are versatile, with tons of different floor plans and capacity possibilities. The largest one may have space for multiple bedrooms, roomy kitchens, and full baths, and the smallest kinds may just have space to sleep and cook a modest dinner.
Travel trailers can be hauled by any vehicle that can handle their weight capacity, so owning one of these doesn’t mean going out and buying a new truck if you don’t already have one.
Pros:
- Many different floor plans
- Can be towed by a variety of vehicles, not just pickup trucks
- Affordable compared to similarly-sized motorhomes
- Can be unhitched to run errands in the tow vehicle
Cons:
- Nearly impossible to drive in reverse
- Larger trailers can have an issue with tail swing
- Limited passenger space during travel, since riding in the travel trailer itself is illegal
- Small trailers = fewer amenities
Pop-Up Campers
Pop-up campers, also called fold-down campers or tent trailers, are compact and easy to transport. They typically come with basic kitchen and bathroom facilities, and their tented sides convert into a sleeping space that can fit up to six people.
Pop-up campers aren’t suitable for long-term living, rather the occasional weekend camping trip. There’s not much storage available, and the tent-like sides don’t offer much protection from the outside world.
They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver, though, which means they can be hauled by a variety of vehicles by using a simple ball hitch receiver. They’re great starter RVs for families looking to step up their camping game!
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight
- Can be towed by all sorts of passenger vehicles
- Affordable to buy and own
Cons:
- Limited living space
- Not much storage space
- Not equipped for severe weather conditions
- Tent-like sides are susceptible to wear and tear
What RV Is Calling You?
The list of RV options is seemingly never-ending, and all those options can be overwhelming. RV Dynasty can help you make sense of it all, though, so there’s no need to fret.
We have new and pre-owned RVs in a wide range of styles. If, after this article, you know which one is right for you, stop by and see us to tour some models for yourself. If you’re not quite sure, our experts can help you make a good decision for you and your family.
Get in touch with us or stop by today! We’re located at 10001 U.S. 31 in Bunker Hill, Ind. We look forward to seeing you.
