Purchasing an RV is an exciting but overwhelming endeavor. With so many types to choose from, the process of narrowing down the right one can be daunting without a roadmap.
Here’s an overview of different RV types and their pros and cons in order to help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle.
There are three major RV brands in the U.S.: Forest River, THOR Industries, and Winnebago Industries. Each of these manufacturers has subsidiaries, which you can learn more about on each company’s website. You’ll also find plenty of smaller, niche RV manufacturers, which we discuss more under applicable sections.
RV stands for “recreational vehicle,” which includes motorhomes, trailers, and more—any camping unit on wheels. The easiest way to start is to understand the two general RV categories: motorhomes and towables.
Motorhomes vs. Towables
A motorhome is an RV that’s powered by an engine. Towables are RVs that require another vehicle, usually a pickup truck, to tow them. Many people are drawn to motorhomes when they begin their search, but the vast majority of RVs sold— around 90% — are towables.
Towables are popular because they’re dramatically cheaper than a comparably-sized motorhome. You need a vehicle, in most cases a truck, to tow them, which can be expensive. But if you already have a daily driver to trade in, that can mean big financial savings.
A towable also comes with the benefit of traveling with a vehicle that allows you to easily leave the campsite. With a motorhome, you’ll have to tow a car behind you if you don’t want to break camp every time you leave your campsite.
Some of the advantages of motorhomes are that they’re faster to set up at camp and that the ride is more enjoyable for passengers.
Types of Motorhomes
Motorhomes are further broken down into three categories based on their chassis. Class A, B, and C motorhomes range from small vans to 45-foot-long motorcoaches.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are constructed on a chassis that has a bus-like shape. They can be the most expensive and luxurious of all RV types because the chassis can handle the added weight of expensive finishes and heavy appliances.
Some class As are known as “diesel pushers,” meaning a diesel engine is at the back of the vehicle. This allows for a smooth, quiet ride, and easy access to the engine bay. The more affordable gasoline-driven models typically have the engine located in the front.
Class As range in length less than 30 feet to a maximum length of 45 feet. Prices start around $100,000 and reach all the way up to millions of dollars for a custom luxury motorcoach.
Class As are often designed for the traveling couple, usually with one queen- or king-sized bed. Some models have a bed that drops down over the cab or a set of bunk beds, but most additional sleeping space requires converting a dinette or sofa.
Generally, Class As can accommodate up to six sleepers and have multiple slide-outs that expand the cabin space when parked. Some floor plans have more than one bathroom, or come equipped with a washer/dryer combo in the unit. You’ll also get lots of storage in the “basement” underneath the coach.
It’s important to remember that Class As are the heaviest of motorhomes, and require a truck or RV service center for repairs and maintenance. In some states, an RV that weighs more than 26,000 pounds requires an upgraded driver’s license. Usually, only Class A motorhomes will fall into this category.
Class A manufacturers include: Coachmen, Entegra, Fleetwood, Forest River, Holiday Rambler, Newmar, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin, and Winnebago.
Class B Motorhomes
Class Bs are vans that have been converted into living spaces. They’re easy to drive and often fit into a regular parking space. Class B travelers rarely tow anything, opting to break camp when they need to relocate. If traveling light and fast is appealing, a Class B might be for you.
Everything is smaller in a Class B and space is limited, but designs have become more innovative with layouts utilizing every single nook and cranny. Fuel mileage is outstanding compared to other rigs, and people often use them as a second vehicle. Class Bs typically cost between $80,000 and $200,000.
Class B motorhomes are built inside a commercially manufactured van shell, with space for two adults to sleep comfortably, and four people max. The bed usually converts to a seating area during the day. Most Class Bs are equipped with a bathroom, often with a shower and toilet combination (known as a wet bath) and smaller holding tanks for fresh and wastewater.
Some municipalities and homeowners’ associations don’t allow RV parking in driveways, but Class Bs often circumvent the rule since they might be registered as a van instead of an RV. And since they are built on a major brand-name chassis, like Mercedes-Benz, Ram, or Ford, finding service is much easier.
Class B manufacturers include: Airstream, Coachmen, Jayco, Leisure Travel Vans, Pleasure Way, Thor Motor Coach, and Winnebago.
Class C Motorhomes
Class Cs are usually built on a medium-duty truck chassis and typically have an area above the front cab that serves as an extra bunk or storage space. Like Class As and Bs they offer a more comfortable ride and serve as the middle ground between a larger motorhome and a van.
You may hear people refer to a category of motorhomes called “B Plus.” These are technically Class C motorhomes since they’re not built within the shell of a van. Instead, a B Plus uses a cutaway van chassis and the exterior is built to create an RV that bridges the size gap between a typical Class B and C.
There are also Super C motorhomes, which are Class Cs built on a diesel-powered, heavy-duty truck chassis, like a Freightliner or Ford F-550. They can haul a significant amount of weight, making them perfect for towing a large trailer behind.
Class Cs are typically smaller and more affordable than Class As. Both gas and diesel models can be found and service on the engine portion is straightforward. Typical Class Cs are usually less than 30 feet and cost between $50,000 and $100,000.
Class Cs often have a boxy appearance with an overhang above the driver’s cabin and the hood, which is usually a bunk space. Most Class Cs have open floor plans and you’ll find some with dry bath options.
Class Cs can be ideal for those looking to have a more spacious motorhome and camp at national parks, which typically require RVs to be less than 30 feet long to properly fit at campgrounds.
Class C manufacturers include Coachmen, Forest River, Jayco, Tiffin, and Thor Motor Coach.
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