RV Types
RVs fall under two categories. Towable RVs are carried by another vehicle and Motorized RVs can be driven.
Below are all the different RV types broken down into two main categories:
Towable RVs
A towable RV is one that gets hooked up to a truck or vehicle that is powerful enough to tow it. The biggest benefit of buying this type of RV is that you can unhook your RV from your vehicle and drive around without it. There are a few different types of towable RVs.
Fifth Wheel
A travel trailer and a fifth wheel tend to get mixed up. The main difference is in the way it attaches to your vehicle. A fifth wheel attaches directly to the bed of your truck. Fifth wheels are usually 30-36′ long
Travel Trailer
A travel trailer attaches to the ball of a hitch and is anywhere between 20-40′ long
Pop Up Camper
The most compact (and possibly the lightest) of all RVs is a pop-up camper. It collapses when traveling or storing it, making it easier to maneuver, and “pops up” when you are ready to use it. This is often done manually, and it gets locked in place (open/closed.
Toy Hauler
Most toy haulers are fifth wheel or travel trailer style, inasmuch as they are towed, but some are motorized RVs. A toy hauler is an RV with a “garage” in the rear. There is typically a ramp that folds down in order to be able to load your motorcycles, quads, and other “toys.”
Drivable RVs
Truck Camper
Sitting on top of the bed of a truck, these are great for single travelers with pets, or couples. They are made for full-sized pickup trucks, or midsize and can be slept/lived in while attached, or detached from the truck.
Class B Motorhome
The smallest of the motorized RVs is Class B aka a campervan. About 17-20′ in length, and typically sleeps 1-3 people. Class B fits lengthwise in most regular parking spaces but rarely can fit in a parking garage due to its height.
Class C Motorhome
Even though it doesn’t make sense alphabetically, Class C RVs are the mid-sized motorized RVs, and the most common at 21-41′. They can sleep up to 8 people, with most of the dining areas doubling as beds, and over the cab being a sleeping space, as well.
Class A Motorhome
Class A RVs are the largest type. The ones that are the size of a bus, measuring up to 45′ long. Class A RVs sleep up to 12 people.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between the Different RV Types
Who’s Traveling?
Another major deciding factor in the size of an RV to buy is counting how many people will be traveling with you. Will you be taking your family with you? For those that have a spouse or children, other members of family, or friends that will be coming along on your trips, you will need a place for them to sleep.
Unlike a regular home or apartment, not everyone will have their own room, but they can have a small space to call their own, and lay their head down at night. Unless you have other plans for them such as a tent, or getting a hotel room for them.
Full-Time or Part-Time?
First and foremost- will you be living in your RV full-time or part-time? Will it be your new (and only) home, or is it for vacationing, camping, and taking road trips?
The tiny home movement has made full-time RVing more common, and more accepted than it once was. Plenty of people are selling their homes and most of their belongings and moving into their RVs.
Then there are the rest of the RVers that use their rig seasonally, or for the occasional getaway. These people still have a “sticks and bricks” residence that they call their full-time home, but consider their RV to be their home away from home.
Deciding how frequently you will be using your RV can help dictate which size to buy, and how many comforts you want it to have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Special License?
You may or may not have thought about needing a special driver’s license to drive (or tow) an RV and the answer to that depends on where you are. Each state has its own regulations as far as licensing goes.
Some states go by the length and weight of the vehicle. So, if you have a certain size motorized RV you may need a CDL license. Or, if you have a towable RV, and the combined length of your vehicle and RV is a certain length you may need to upgrade your driver’s license.
How to Pick the Right RV?
Consider all of these factors, and also your budget. There is a tricky balance of wanting to have enough room to feel comfortable and wanting to go with a smaller vehicle to save on gas (and money.) If you are on the fence about this decision, most RV owners would suggest that you go as small as you feel comfortable going as we often do not need as much space as we think we do.
What is the Best RV Type When it Comes to Storage?
Other than people, clothing, food, and toiletries what will you be bringing with you to the RV? Do you have special hobbies that require gear or equipment? Perhaps outdoor activity gear such as bicycles, kayaks, or skis?
Those that will be moving into their RV full-time will most likely have more to bring than those that will only be using it part-time because you are bringing everything you own with you. Part-timers need to pack for the trip they are going on.
Finding a place to store your belongings inside of the RV is one thing, but where will you store the RV itself? This can be a deciding factor in purchasing. Choosing a storage facility is the most common way to go, while others have the room at home or on a friend’s property.
Enjoy Your Journey
You may want to take your time while choosing from the different types of RVs, and there is nothing wrong with that. But also, what are you waiting for? Turn your dreams into realities, and check out more travel-related content here on TravellBuzz.