Types of RVs

Looking for information on various types of RVs? Today, recreational vehicles come in a wide variety of available options, features and styles to choose from. Read the descriptions below for more information about each type of RV.

Towable Recreational Vehicles

This RV group relies on a separate vehicle that has a driving compartment. They include kitchens, toilets, dining, sleeping and living areas as well as electric, water and appliances. Towable trailers allow you the freedom to unhitch the tow once you arrive at your campsite and use your vehicle as you normally would. They do require stopping in order to enter. Please note – it is prohibited to ride in this type of RV while moving.

Conventional Travel Trailer - This towable RV unit is one of the most familiar trailers on the market, most likely because it has traditionally been the most popular recreational vehicle purchased in the United States. This trailer hitches to the back of the tow vehicle, which can be a pickup truck, van or automobile, by means of a bumper or frame hitch. The length of this type of RV can vary considerably ranging from 12-35 feet in trailer length. Most of today’s models come equipped with kitchens, toilets, sleeping, dining and living areas as well as electric and water systems and modern appliances.

Fifth-Wheel - This type of towable trailer hitches in the bed of a truck that is outfitted with fifth-wheel towing capacity. The Fifth-Wheel Trailer is designed with a forward raised section that provides a bi-level floor plan. (Generally, the raised section houses the main sleeping quarters.) The inside traditionally features all amenities of a Conventional Travel Trailer or Motorhome.

Folding Camping Trailer - This lightweight unit features collapsible sidewalls, usually made of canvas. When it is set up, a Folding Camping Trailer can provide dining, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping space.

Pop-up Trailer - This towable trailer is designed with front and back panels (and occasionally the sides) that open. When closed, a Pop-up looks like a box. This model is one of the least expensive on the market today. Due to its lightweight and compact structure when closed, a Pop-up Trailer can be easily towed by a car or van and most units are large enough for families. There are a couple of things to consider with this type of RV: the time to set-up and tear down can be a bit timely; this is not an ideal towable trailer if you are going to many different RV camping resorts. Also, because the sides of the trailer are usually made of canvas, it can be uncomfortable when camping in bad weather.

Slide-on Camper - Also called a Pickup Camper or Truck Camper, this model features a camper shell that is removed from the body or chassis of a flat bed pickup truck. Various Slide-on Campers have kitchen and bathroom facilities and many of the amenities found in more expensive units. This type of unit tends to be a good size for one or two people.

Slide-out Camper - This towable recreational vehicle can be used as the tow vehicle for a Conventional Travel of Pop-up Trailer for a larger family. Its “slide-out” side design provides additional living space to other trailers and motorhomes. On its own, overall space is limited compared to most Travel and Fifth-Wheel Campers, but is generally a good size for one or two people.

Park Model Trailer – This type of RV is connected to utilities and was designed for temporary or seasonal living. Park models are often used as cottages, retirement homes or vacation homes.

Motorized Motorhomes - Another Approach to RVing

Looking for motorized RVs? Consider the various groups of motorhomes, which are constructed on a motor vehicle chassis. This kind of recreational vehicle has the driving compartment located within the vehicle itself. These types of RVs tend to be easier to drive, park and maneuver than Towable Trailers as they handle very similarly to an automobile. They range in length from around 20 feet to 40 feet and vary greatly in price. Most motorhomes offer kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas that are all easily accessible from the driver’s compartment. This allows a passenger to move freely throughout the recreational vehicle.

Class A Motorhome – Often rectangular in shape, the Class A model of motorhomes is the top of its class in features, size and price; they usually offer the maximum number of optional and standard amenities of any other class of recreational vehicle. Some models even contain washers and dryers. This type of RV typically ranges in weight from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds. Larger Class A’s tow a car behind them (referred to as the “toad”). The Class A stretches from 30 to 40 feet in length and is commonly built on either custom undercarriages, or on 3-10 ton truck chassis’. Depending on the size, this group can sleep up to 8 people. Amenities include a self-contained kitchen, bathroom, dining area, living room, bedroom as well as fresh water, grey water and black water tanks. Additionally, some driver and passenger seats swivel around for supplementary seating in the living areas.

Class B Motorhome – This type of RV is built on a van chassis and features a raised roof. It is generally very easy to drive with adequate head room and storage space.

Class C Motorhome – The Class C motorized recreational vehicle is a truck chassis with an RV unit built on top of it. The sleeping area is found over the driver and passenger unit. Although it is typically the least expensive of all motorhomes, it tends to rank close to the Class A for standard and/or optional amenities offered. In addition, the Class C RV can further be referred a mini, low-profile, or compact RV, depending on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Van Conversion – Originally manufactured by an automaker, this recreational vehicle is a traditional van that has been customized for transportation and/or recreational use with a primary function of comfortable, and well-appointed daily travel. Some Van Conversions include small sinks, ice chests, and even convertible sofa beds, among other comfy amenities.

No matter what kind of RV camping you most enjoy, there is a recreational vehicle for every taste. Consider the amenities you are looking for, your budget range and your RVing lifesyle when choosing the best model.