With the endless amount of RV varieties, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with the possibilities of what could be yours! But finding out which RV is just right for you is also one of the most exciting moments in any RVers journey. Whether you decide to buy used or fresh off the lot, finding the perfect rig that fits your lifestyle is priceless. In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of different RV types to help you determine which one is best suited for your specific needs.
Why RV?
There is so much to love about RVs! Motorhomes and towable RVs give people and their families the freedom to explore and grow. You’re able to spend quality time with family in the comfort of your own rig, and whenever you need a change of scenery, you can easily pick up, and go to your next destination! Traveling in an RV is also more cost-effective when you have a family. You’ll be saving on flights and hotel accommodations. The list goes on and on! Convinced? Awesome, let’s move on to…
Motorized vs. Towable
There are two main types of rigs, and from there you’ll find almost countless makes, models, and floorplans. First, you have motorized RVs, or motorhomes, which have engines and don’t require a vehicle or truck to tow. Motorized RVs are great if you don’t have or want an extra vehicle. Think of this rig as a two in one! Experienced RVers have often mentioned that motorized RVs are easier to maneuver for newbies, and not having another vehicle to tow is one less thing to consider while traveling. There are four types of motorized rigs: Class A, Class B, Class C, and campervans. We’ll discuss these in-depth later on.
Towable RVs: these types of rigs, on the other hand, require a tow vehicle. This simply means you’ll need a car or truck to haul the rig from one place to the other. Depending on the type of towable you have, your car will need to be compatible in order to haul the size and weight of your home-on-wheels. There are five types of towable RVs to choose from: fifth-wheel, travel trailer, toy hauler, truck campers, and pop-up campers. Towable RVs might be your choice if you want a car to run several errands in, go off-roading, visit remote places, or get someplace faster. Having a vehicle is more convenient and practical for some travelers. Also, towable rigs are often less expensive than motorized ones, making them a great affordable option for many families. On top of a lower MSRP, towable rigs don’t have motors, which means there is no engine, and no engine to service or potentially breakdown. That said, towable and motorized RVs alike contain a wealth of appliances and mechanized components, all of which are bound to fail–that’s why having a warranty on your rig is so important! An Extended Warranty will save you big in repair bills over its lifetime.
Class A Motorhomes:
Class As will be one of the biggest rigs out on the road. They are beyond spacious, with some fitting up to 11 people! This vessel looks like a bus and can weigh up to 20,000 pounds. They can be as long as 45 feet and feel bigger than a New York sticks-and-bricks apartment! These giants are equipped with king-size beds, washer/dryers, and other full-size amenities. You’d never know you were camping! While these rigs might be considered “luxury”, their size also makes them more difficult to drive. Driving a Class A can be intimidating and hazardous without proper education, so many first-time RVers tend to avoid them. If your heart is set on a Class A, make sure you take the time to get formal training on safe driving and maneuvering your new home-on-wheels. Another thing to keep in mind: these spacious rigs are generally more costly to repair and fuel up. 
Pros:
- Space!
- Luxury amenities
- “True home” comfort
Cons:
- Expensive to buy and repair
- Difficult to maneuver
- Not practical to move and travel daily.
Class B Motorhomes:
Think of Class Bs as a van. You can also call these “campervans” or “van campers.” They are smaller in nature and easier to drive around. These usually are good for solo RVers or couples, but fitting the whole family might be a challenge! These vans still have a bed, a kitchenette, and a dining area. These motorhomes are affordable and convenient to get around town in. Class B’s can have tight quarters so expect to get cozy! Note: a true “campervan” will look more like a vintage van, and may not have the true amenities that a Class B can offer. Campervans typically only have a single sleeping space and sink.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Tight space
- Fewer amenities
Class C Motorhomes:
If you’re looking for something that encompasses the benefits of both a Class A and B, this rig is for you! Class C’s are the perfect size for couples and families. These mid-size motorhomes range from 20 to 33 feet, house several sleeping spaces for everyone in the family, a kitchen, and a bathroom. You can drive around town, pull out of spaces in a breeze, and still have enough room inside to be comfortable. Class C’s are less expensive than a luxury Class A, but their larger size makes them less convenient than a Class B or campervan.
Pros:
- Perfect mid-size
- Basic daily amenities
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Costly to repair & fuel up
- Not convenient for daily errands
- Not comfortable for larger families
Fifth-Wheel or “Toy Hauler”:
From here on out, we’ll discuss the towable RV types. Fifth-Wheels are the most luxurious and biggest of the towable RVs. They are on the more expensive end but offer a variety of luxury amenities to make up for it. You can easily fit your whole family in this rig, comfortably and with style. These rigs can get up to about 40 feet long and will be hitched from the bed of your truck, and keep in mind you’ll need a larger pick-up truck to haul a 5th wheel. It has a gooseneck like shape that hovers over your truck’s bed. A Toy Hauler is similar to a 5th wheel in looks and size, but a toy hauler comes with a “garage” for toys like bikes, ATV’s, and motorcycles.
Pros:
- Large space for comfort
- Storage space
- Luxury amenities
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to maneuver
- Limited space in tow vehicle during travel
Travel Trailers:
These trailers come in all shapes and sizes! This makes it easy to pick the perfect size for your lifestyle. They can come with as many amenities as you’d like depending on the size you choose. Travel trailers will be hauled with a ball-hitch which can be difficult to reverse in. They can be as small as 4 feet or as big as 35 feet. Travel trailers are a huge draw, as there seems to be a make and model to fit everyone: from the compact to the spacious, and the inexpensive to the luxurious.
Pros:
- Widest array of options
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Can be difficult to reverse in
- Generally more compact than 5th wheels
Truck Campers & Pop-Up Campers:
Truck campers are what you would find to perfectly fit on top of a truck’s bed. These are simply for sleeping and offer little to no amenities. Some will come with a sink and dining area, but no full kitchens to be found here. These campers are for the outdoorsy type who wants a comfortable place to rest their head but will spend most of their camping trip outside. Truck campers are great starter RVs for weekend trips, but might not have the amenities one looks for in a long-term stay. Maneuverability is great though, and you can easily drive around town in the comfort of your own truck and not worry about hauling a major trailer.
Pop-up campers are also practical options for camping enthusiasts. Think of these trailers as tents, but with amenities! They can fit around 6 people and have several sleeping areas, a kitchen, and a bathroom. These trailers don’t have storage and are not suited for extreme weather such as heatwaves or thunderstorms. Again, think “Glamping!”
So, Which One Do You Pick?
Phew, now that was a run-through! Let’s easily break this down. There is no such thing as finding the “perfect” rig. In fact, most experienced RVers have many different rigs throughout their travels. Make a list of your RV priorities and do a process of elimination from there. Choosing your travel capsule should be fun and exciting! The possibilities are endless! Before you buy, take a week-long trip and rent out a motorhome through RVshare.com. “Date” around and find the perfect match for you!
It’s also important to do your research! The internet is your best friend and you’ll find tons of resources that are relevant to your search. Check out RV Reviews.net for ratings and reviews. No matter which RV you choose, know that Wholesale Warranties is here to protect your investment and support you along the way.
Don’t quite have your answer yet? Check out this fun quiz as part of your RV research!
So tell us, which RV is right for you? Leave a comment and share your RV story below!
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