Recreational vehicles, aka RVs. You don’t exactly need them, but there are a million reasons why you might want them. Think about it: you have a home and a vehicle in one. When you go on a road trip, a little extra comfort and space go a long way. It helps when you can sleep on an actual bed and take bathroom breaks on a real toilet bowl (in larger RVs anyway).
But no matter how you look at it, RVs are awesome. This is why over 9 million households in the US own one. Here’s a quick look at the most common types of RV on the market, and why you would want to own one.
Class A Motorhomes
Of all the different types of RV, this is likely the fanciest you can find. But all the bells and whistles are well worth it, and it’s easy to see why! You have so much space that you can basically have parties on the road!
Riding in a Class A diesel motorhome is the epitome of luxury RVing. On a long and winding road trip, you’ll have almost all the comforts of an actual home on wheels. They look like small buses on the outside and come with diesel or gas engines. Go for the diesel one if you want better mileage and more power.
Class B Motorhomes
Notice that we’re talking about classes, because the most common RVs are in three categories. Class A, B, and C. Amenities and features come in descending order, and this time, we’re going to talk about the Class B.
Class B motorhomes are more compact. That means they’re a bit easier to drive. Imagine trying to squeeze a 24 to 40-foot Class A RV into a smaller area, and you’ll see what we mean. But despite their smaller size, Class B RVs still have enough space for a kitchen and basic bedding. They look more like vans than buses, and often have a raised roof so you can stand inside. They’re also often a better value than Class A RVs because of the price to performance balance.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C RVs aren’t really the smallest of the three main classifications. In fact, some of them might be bigger than Class Bs. These almost always feature an overhand that extends above the cab. Think mid to late 90s family movies which feature an RV, and you get the image. This extra space above the cab can serve as either a sleeping area or additional storage.
Travel Trailers
You might think, “I already have a vehicle, maybe I can just tow something behind it.” And that’s perfectly fine! In fact, you can have a taste of the RV life for a bit cheaper if you go for a towable travel trailer. Trailers are portable containers with living spaces and all the basics of a home. Of the different types of RV, this is a good option for newcomers.
Let’s compare a Class A and a travel trailer, for instance. Class A RVs are prized for the spacious interior. But such an RV is an all-inclusive vehicle already. Not only will you have to pay for the space and the furnished interior, but also for the engine and everything else. A travel trailer, on the other hand, tends to be cheaper because it’s only a trailer. It’s not an entire vehicle. And it comes with enough living space that can rival a Class A RV in size.
Toyhaulers
Are you very fond of your so-called “Big Boy Toys?” Whether you have something like an ATV or a dirtbike, there’s a good chance you’ll want to test them out in the wild. If so, a toyhauler is one of the best types of RV for you! Toyhaulers resemble a typical towable trailer, but with a small garage in the back. You get all the best things an RV can offer, including a full bedroom, a kitchen, and extra living spaces. All while you get to bring your high-speed hobby with you on the trip!
Related: Quick Travel Trailer Checklist For The Forgetful Traveler
Fifth-Wheels
While also resembling travel trailers, fifth-wheels have something their counterparts don’t. They have a gooseneck connector that extends to your car’s towing hook. This means that maneuvering your vehicle with the trailer is way easier. They also have an overhang like a Class C motorhome, meaning there’s more space for you to work with.
One issue you have with them is their size and heft, though. You can never realistically tow this with a four-door sedan. If you want a fifth-wheels trailer, you will need a truck. That’s mandatory. Because you will need as much power as you can to tow this beast. Other than that, there’s not much negatives left about a fifth-wheels trailer! You get a ton of space and comfort for the price. That’s always a win.
Related: Top RV Custom Products Every Owner Needs
We put together a list of RV living must-know and created a comprehensive infographic below:
While you’re in the process of getting an RV, why not make sure it’s up for the rigors of the outdoors? For instance, you can start by making sure that you have good RV emergency exit window. We at Peninsula Glass can help you with that! Talk to us today.