With summer officially underway, there’s no better time for a road trip than now! Discover the various RV types so you can travel in comfort and style.
Are you looking to buy an RV for a summer road trip, but aren’t sure which one to choose?
Road tripping in an RV is the best way to get around. The extra space will help save you from stir-craziness.
Plus, because you can sleep in your RV, you won’t need to waste money on hotel rooms.
However, you need to make sure you choose the right RV for your needs. Which one is best? There are plenty of places you can look at, like CampersCraft.com.
Check out this RV types guide to learn how to choose the best RV for your summer road trip.
Towable vs Motorized RV
RVs fall into two general categories: towable RVs and motorized RVs. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
Motorized RVs
Motorized RVs, also known as motorhomes, have engines.
With a motorized RV, you get all of your driving and living functions under one roof.
And, you don’t need to deal with the hassle of hitching or unhitching your vehicle when you set up camp.
Since the living quarters and engine are located within the same vehicle, driving a motorhome can often feel more comfortable for first-time RVers, as you don’t have to worry about turning or maneuvering with another vehicle in tow.
There are four main types of motorized RVs.
These include Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, and campervans.
We’ll cover each of these vehicles in detail below.
Towable RV
Towable RVs, also known as trailers, require you to use a tow vehicle to attach the RV.
The size of the vehicle you need will depend on the size of the RV that you select. Towable RVs are typically less expensive than motorized RVs.
And, because there’s no motor, you don’t have to worry about the RV having any engine trouble.
Plus, once you reach your chosen destination, all you have to do is unhitch the trailer and then you’ll be able to explore the area using your regular-sized vehicle.
If you plan to visit national or state parks and do a lot of hiking, a towable RV can be especially useful, as you won’t need to drive a huge vehicle to each trailhead.
There are five different kinds of towable RVs. These include:
- Travel trailers
- Fifth-wheel trailers
- Pop up campers
- Truck campers
- Sport utility trailers
Each one comes with its own pros and cons.
Class A Motorhomes
One of the most popular RV types to consider is a Class A motorhome.
Class A motorhomes are considered the king of all RVs, as they are the most luxurious, most spacious, and of course, most expensive.
These RVs are so nice that many people choose to make them their permanent homes.
If you’re looking to keep all of your creature comforts when hitting the road, then a Class A motorhome is a great option.
It’s also great for those traveling in large groups, as some Class A motorhomes even come with multiple bedrooms.
However, because of their size, Class A motorhomes can be quite difficult to maneuver. Also, they don’t have the best fuel efficiency.
If you’re looking to buy a Class A motorhome, you can check out We Sell RVs.
Class B Motorhome
Class B motorhomes are the smallest RVs on the market.
Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are typically built on top of a standard van chassis in which the roof is raised to add more space.
If you’re traveling with just one other person and going on a small camping trip, a Class B motorhome is a great option.
Class B motorhomes typically come furnished with all of the necessary amenities.
Amenities included with Class B motorhomes typically include toilets, refrigerators, and AC/heating.
In addition to being affordable, Class B motorhomes offer good fuel economy and excellent maneuverability.
They can also be easily driven on narrow roads and inside city limits.
The downside to Class B motorhomes is that there’s limited cargo space and you can only fit in about two people.
Class C Motorhome
A Class C motorhome is basically a scaled-down version of a Class A motorhome.
While the size is generally the same, Class C motorhomes don’t come with all of the bells and whistles that Class A motorhomes come with.
If you’re traveling with a bigger group or heading on a lengthy vacation on a tight budget, Class C motorhomes are a great option.
Class C motorhomes typically come with small kitchens, large storage compartments, and convertible beds.
The downside to Class C motorhomes is that they can be difficult to maneuver within city limits.
Additionally, while Class C motorhomes are cheaper than Class A motorhomes, maintenance can be expensive.
Class B+ Motorhome
Class B+ motorhomes are essentially a cross between Class C and Class B motorhomes.
The RV is either built over a small truck chassis or a van. They’re more spacious than Class C RVs but aren’t as spacious as Class A and C RVs.
It also doesn’t come with as luxurious of furnishings as a Class A RV.
The main drawing point of a Class B+ RV is that it comes with a few extra luxuries as well as more sleeping space for a couple more people.
Facilities that come with Class B+ RVs typically include dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, and bigger bathrooms.
They also offer better fuel efficiency than Class A and C RVs, and they’re easy to maneuver.
The main downside to this type of RV is that there isn’t a lot of room for modifications.
Truck Camper
Another RV type you might want to consider is a truck camper.
A truck camper is an RV that can be carried in the bed of your pickup truck.
Rather than being towed, the trailer is attached to your truck, so you can easily attach a second trailer to tow additional items.
Truck campers come in a variety of different sizes.
While some come with just a small cot for sleeping in, others come with fully furnished homes that are complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Because some of them are quite small in size, truck campers aren’t ideal for those going on extended road trips.
Most truck campers fit one to two people.
Popup Camper
Another type of RV you may want to consider is a popup camper, which is also known as a folding trailer.
are small, towable RVs that can be collapsed or folded for easy transport and storage.
The walls may either be soft or hard, and they’re typically made from materials like vinyl or canvas.
You can furnish a popup camper with amenities like a microwave, toilet, fridge, or power system.
One major upside to a popup camper is that you don’t need a large truck to tow it.
It can be towed by both small and medium-sized vehicles. Popup campers are also great because they’re compact, lightweight, and extremely affordable.
If you’re looking for a no-hassle RV option that helps you save money, a popup camper is a great choice.
The major downside to popup campers is that they can be susceptible to extreme weather.
Also, they don’t offer much storage space, and they can take a long time to set up.
Travel Trailer
Last but not least, we have travel trailers.
This type of RV does not come with an engine of its own. Instead, it’s completely towed by another vehicle.
Travel trailers serve as dedicated living spaces, and you can furnish them like a proper house.
Many travel trailers are equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even entertainment rooms.
Additionally, you can hook your travel trailer up with an electricity back-up system and a water storage facility.
Many people like travel trailers because they’re more affordable than full-sized motorhomes.
Another major advantage of travel trailers is that they can be unhooked from your towing vehicle.
This means that you can set up your travel trailer at your campsite and then take your smaller vehicle with you to go explore the surrounding area without being encumbered by a large trailer.
The downside to travel trailers is that they can be somewhat difficult to maneuver and reverse.
Additionally, it can be easy to lose control when driving one.
RV Types: Which One is Right for You?
As you can see, there are many different RV types to choose from. Now, all you have to do is figure out which RV type is right for you.
Pretty soon, you’ll be hitting the road in style in your brand new RV!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more RVing tips and tricks.