A Guide to the Different Types of RVs

The RV market in North America is worth over $30 billion, and it’s becoming more popular. So, you might have considered investing in an RV in the past, but you may want to finally make the investment.

But, what kind of RV should you be purchasing? Let’s go through all the different types of RVs.

Class A Motorhome

The largest and most luxurious type of RVs are Class A motorhomes. They’re often built on a bus or truck chassis. Class A motorhomes can range in size from 26 to 45 feet in length, with some models featuring slide-outs that expand the living space even further.

Class A motorhomes often feature a wide range of amenities, including full kitchens with appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops, as well as full bathrooms with showers, sinks, and toilets. They may also include entertainment systems, such as TVs and sound systems.

These vehicles typically have multiple sleeping areas, including a primary bedroom with a queen or king-size bed, and more sleeping options in the living room or on fold-out sofas.

Motorhomes have ample storage space, including cabinets, closets, and under-bed storage, to accommodate the needs of long-term travelers.

Class A motorhomes can be challenging to drive due to their size and weight, and often require a special license. They typically have a large windshield and a high driving position for maximum visibility.

Class B Motorhome (Camper Van)

Another of your RV options are Class B motorhomes, also called camper vans. These are smaller than Class A motorhomes, built on a van chassis.

Class B motorhomes typically range in size from 16 to 22 feet in length, making them much smaller than Class A motorhomes. They are also lower to the ground, which can make them easier to drive and park.

Despite their smaller size, Class B motorhomes can still feature many of the amenities of larger RVs, including a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, a sink, and a stovetop. Some models may also have a small bathroom with a toilet and shower, although this is not always the case.

Because these vehicles are built on a van chassis, they tend to be much easier to drive than larger RVs. They can be driven with a standard driver’s license, and they typically get better gas mileage than larger RVs.

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Class C Motorhome

Another option when you’re looking to buy an RV is a Class C motor home. This type of motorhome is built on a truck or van chassis and features a cab-over sleeping area.

Class C motorhomes range in size from 20 to 33 feet in length, making them larger than Class B motorhomes but smaller than Class A motorhomes. They are built on a truck chassis and have a distinctive cab-over design that provides additional sleeping space, which is helpful for your summer adventures.

These motorhomes are relatively easy to drive, although they may still require a special license, depending on their size. They typically have a large windshield and a high driving position for maximum visibility.

Travel Trailer

You may also be thinking about travel trailers. These are towed by a vehicle and range in size from small teardrop trailers to large fifth-wheel trailers. They come with a variety of amenities, including kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.

These vehicles are designed to be towed and require a hitch to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle. They may also require additional equipment, such as sway bars or weight distribution hitches, to ensure safe towing.

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

Fifth-wheel trailers are another option for you. They’re similar to travel trailers but are designed to be towed by a pickup truck with a special hitch.

Fifth-wheel trailers come in a range of sizes, from smaller models that can sleep 2-4 people to larger options that can sleep up to 10 people. They typically range in length from 20 to 40 feet.

These trailers require a pickup truck with a special hitch mounted in the truck bed for towing. The hitch allows for greater stability and maneuverability when towing, compared to traditional travel trailers that are connected to a hitch on the back of the towing vehicle.

Pop-Up Camper

Pop-up campers, also known as tent trailers or folding trailers, are a type of RV that is designed to be compact and lightweight for easy towing and storage. They are typically towed by a car or small SUV, making them a popular option for families and couples who want a more affordable and convenient way to enjoy camping.

Pop-up campers are designed to be compact and lightweight, with a low profile when folded down for easy towing and storage. When opened up, they can provide sleeping space for up to 6 people, with sizes ranging from 8 to 18 feet in length.

These campers typically have one or two sleeping areas, which can be converted from dinette tables or benches. Some models also have a small “pop-out” section that provides additional sleeping space.

Truck Camper

Truck campers are a type of RV that is designed to be mounted on the bed of a pickup truck. They are a popular option for people who already own a pickup truck and want to add RV capabilities without having to purchase a separate towing vehicle.

Truck campers are typically smaller than other types of RVs, with lengths ranging from 8 to 22 feet. They are designed to fit on the bed of a standard pickup truck and are available in a variety of widths to match different truck sizes.

Because they are mounted on the bed of a pickup truck, truck campers are more maneuverable than larger RVs. They can be driven on narrow roads and in tight spaces that would be difficult for larger RVs to navigate.