Types of RVs
There are many different RVs on the market that fit into certain Classes. There is the Class A, Class B, Class B+, Class C, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, Pop-up campers, truck campers, and mini or tear drop styles. Below is a brief primer on each of the classes and styles.
Class A
These are the largest and most expensive motor homes up to about 45 feet long. These come in push or pull models and both gas or diesel fuel. No CDL is required to operate a class A. Several models have multiple slides, toy hauler bays in the rear, and fold out patio areas. Well equipped units come with dish washers, washer/dryer, generators, etc. and may be the style of choice for the full timers.
Plus – large interior spaces, lots of cargo area, many options, luxury
Minus – may be intimidating to drive, expensive to repair, maintain and operate, insurance, need towed vehicle for day trips
These are the largest and most expensive motor homes up to about 45 feet long. These come in push or pull models and both gas or diesel fuel. No CDL is required to operate a class A. Several models have multiple slides, toy hauler bays in the rear, and fold out patio areas. Well equipped units come with dish washers, washer/dryer, generators, etc. and may be the style of choice for the full timers.
Plus – large interior spaces, lots of cargo area, many options, luxury
Minus – may be intimidating to drive, expensive to repair, maintain and operate, insurance, need towed vehicle for day trips
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Class B (B+)
These are the van type chassis that have been converted to small RVs. They can use diesel or gas fuel and are easy to drive and set up at camp sites. They have limited space and interior features, and are less expensive than Class A units.
Plus – drivability, ease of set up, better mileage
Minus – space, less storage, fewer amenities, 1-2 people
These are the van type chassis that have been converted to small RVs. They can use diesel or gas fuel and are easy to drive and set up at camp sites. They have limited space and interior features, and are less expensive than Class A units.
Plus – drivability, ease of set up, better mileage
Minus – space, less storage, fewer amenities, 1-2 people
Class C
These are truck or van chassis generally from 20’ to 33’ long. They have an over the cab area for sleeping or storage, may have slides, and have typical amenities similar to the Class A units and are self contained.
Plus – larger for families, over cab area, storage, may have a generator, less $$ than the A’s.
Minus –expensive to operate and maintain, may need towed vehicle, may be a challenge to drive
These are truck or van chassis generally from 20’ to 33’ long. They have an over the cab area for sleeping or storage, may have slides, and have typical amenities similar to the Class A units and are self contained.
Plus – larger for families, over cab area, storage, may have a generator, less $$ than the A’s.
Minus –expensive to operate and maintain, may need towed vehicle, may be a challenge to drive
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Towable RVs ...
Travel Trailer
These come small to large, simple to elegant, may have multiple slides and can be towed by a variety of vehicles. Set up at the camp site may take a bit longer to get the unit leveled and stabilized. These can sleep up to 10+ in bunkhouse models and can be toy-haulers.
Plus – less expensive, variety of tow vehicles, day use, small families and full timers
Minus – can be hard to maneuver, less storage
These come small to large, simple to elegant, may have multiple slides and can be towed by a variety of vehicles. Set up at the camp site may take a bit longer to get the unit leveled and stabilized. These can sleep up to 10+ in bunkhouse models and can be toy-haulers.
Plus – less expensive, variety of tow vehicles, day use, small families and full timers
Minus – can be hard to maneuver, less storage
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Fifth Wheels (5ers)
This style uses a goose neck type connector to the bed of the tow vehicle, various sizes large to small, area over the tow vehicle is usable space (bedroom). These may have the same amenities as some Class A units and vary in size from smaller to larger 30+ feet.
Plus – goose neck hitch, roomy, storage space,
Minus – limited towing vehicles
This style uses a goose neck type connector to the bed of the tow vehicle, various sizes large to small, area over the tow vehicle is usable space (bedroom). These may have the same amenities as some Class A units and vary in size from smaller to larger 30+ feet.
Plus – goose neck hitch, roomy, storage space,
Minus – limited towing vehicles
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Folding Tent Camper / Tear Drop
These are the smallest and lightest units and can be pulled by a passenger car. The tent models have fold out areas for beds, etc. and can be tent canvas or hard wall. These models have the bare essentials inside, limited storage.
Plus – less expensive, tow vehicle selection, light weight
Minus – cargo space, interior space, exposure to weather (tent models)
These are the smallest and lightest units and can be pulled by a passenger car. The tent models have fold out areas for beds, etc. and can be tent canvas or hard wall. These models have the bare essentials inside, limited storage.
Plus – less expensive, tow vehicle selection, light weight
Minus – cargo space, interior space, exposure to weather (tent models)
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