If you’re shopping for your first RV, you may not know how many types of RVs there are! While every RV has its own benefits and charm, choosing the right RV will help you enjoy using it every day for years to come. Before you visit the lot, read on and get familiar with the various types of RVs you can choose from!
Motorhomes
When many think of RVs, they often think of the motorhome. This type of RV is all-in-one: it’s drivable and contains the living quarters. If you don’t have a tow vehicle, or want to keep your RVing simple, a motorhome can be a great option!
Motorhomes are split into different classes:
Class A Motorhomes
The largest of the three types of motorhomes is the Class A. For full-time RVers or those that want true luxury on the road, they’re a fantastic option. Class A RVs can be sized between 20 and 45 feet, and typically feature every amenity you could ask for in an RV.
Large families can easily fit in an Class A – most have space for upwards of eight people to sleep. True comfort is available anywhere you go, and extended trips are much easier with the space offered by these massive vehicles.
Pros:
- No need for a tow vehicle
- Large, roomy interior
- Feature a large variety of amenities
- Floor plans offer a higher degree of privacy
Cons:
- Can be difficult to drive for beginners
- Higher fuel usage
Class B Motorhomes
If you’re looking for something sized like a typical vehicle, a Class B might be for you! These motorhomes are essentially large vans and are also referred to as camper vans. They offer a relatively roomy living space but come with improved fuel economy and agility versus other motorhomes.
With a Class B motorhome, you may not have all of the luxuries or amenities of a larger motorhome, but you still have plenty of living space for sleeping. Many will still have room for cooking and storing food. Some even have a self-contained toilet! Overall, these motorhomes are for the agile traveler, who wants to enjoy the road comfortably but doesn’t require all of the amenities of home.
Pros:
- No need for a tow vehicle
- More agile than other motorhomes
- Roomy interior without being massively oversized
Cons:
- Less room than a Class A
- Fewer features than other RVs
Class C Motorhomes
When you think of a motorhome, your mental image is likely that of a Class C. These are in between Class A and Class B motorhomes. The most defining feature of a Class C is often the overhead sleeping area, which hangs above the driver’s seat.
Despite being notably smaller than a Class A, these types of motorhomes still offer plenty of room for a family of four to spread out and relax. In fact, like a Class A, Class C motorhomes can comfortably sleep upwards of eight campers!
There are plenty of amenities in a Class C motorhome as well, with everything from cooking areas to bathrooms. Slide-outs on a Class C allow you to stretch out and really enjoy the space when you arrive at your destination.
Popular amongst travelers, Class C motorhomes are known for their ability to tow vehicles as well. That allows you the freedom to leave your RV at the campgrounds while you tour the city in a more fuel-efficient car or truck.
Pros:
- No need for a tow vehicle
- Plenty of space without being too oversized
- Customizable with feature you may need or want
Cons:
- Higher fuel costs
- Can be difficult for beginners to operate
Travel Trailers
The quintessential RV, travel trailers can be found in campgrounds and on highways across the country. As their name implies, they’re intended to be towed behind a vehicle. The range of travel trailers is vast, from those with small and quiet living quarters to those filled to the brim with luxurious entertainment options.
Travel trailers use a standard trailer hitch. This means any tow vehicle with enough power can pull one, regardless of whether it’s a truck, SUV or other type of automobile.
Travel trailer can range between 16-42 feet long. Typical units are around 30 feet in length, which offers a nice balance between size and living space for the average traveling family.
Big families or those looking to enjoy long vacations will easily find travel trailers to be suitable for their needs. The big living space combined with the selection of appliances and utilities makes them a great option even for those that want to move out of their home into an RV!
Pros:
- Roomy interiors
- Full range of appliances and features
- Can be towed by any vehicle without enough tow capacity
Cons:
- Adds significant length to your vehicle
Expandable Travel Trailers
In addition to standard travel trailers, there are special hybrid trailers known as an expandable RV. These expandables do exactly what they sound like – they collapse when not in use and expand to increase the space.
These are excellent RVs for new RVers! They’re easier to tow, easier to store and still come with plenty of space. Don’t stress about expanding or packing away an expandable, either – it’s very simple to set it up when you reach your campsite. And when you’re ready to go home, it’s just as easy to get back on the road.
Pros:
- Easier to travel with than standard travel trailers
- Easy storage when not in use
Cons:
- Additional time for setup and tear-down
5th Wheel Trailers
A fifth-wheel RV uses a special fifth-wheel hitch to connect to pick-up trucks. These hitches, unlike standard trailer hitches, require a specific connector and type of vehicle – so they’re not as universal as travel trailers for towing.
However, the unique hitch allows them to be towed more easily, which makes them excellent for drivers that want to upgrade to a larger trailer. Not only can they be quickly detached from the tow vehicle, but because part of the trailer hangs over the truck, it reduces the overall length added to your vehicle. While this helps move around town, it also makes it easier to navigate backroads and other tight paths that you often encounter when camping, and especially boondocking.
Their size affords them all of the amenities you would want from an RV, and they can also include slide-outs to expand your space. You’ll find everything from TVs to refrigerators, with shower units and spacious beds for comfort.
Pros:
- Large, roomy interiors
- Less length added to your overall vehicle
- Easier to attach, detach and maneuver.
Cons:
- Requires a heavy-duty pickup truck for towing
Toy Haulers
Do you love to go off-roading? Do you have motorcycles that you need to transport? If so, a toy hauler is perfect for you! These unique trailers have spacious cargo areas in the rear that can hold a variety of toys:
- Motorcycles
- Dirt bikes
- ATVs
- Golf Carts
Toy haulers also feature a loading ramp that makes it easy to get your cargo loaded or unloaded in minutes.
They aren’t just cargo trailers, either. Toy haulers still contain the appliances and advantages of an RV to help make your trip comfortable. While sizes vary, your toy hauler can contain everything that you expect from an RV, such as showers or tubs, refrigerators and even TVs.
They are the ultimate RV for campers who don’t want to leave their toys at home. You’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening inside, then step out the cargo bay directly onto the trails with your off-road vehicle!
Pros:
- Unique cargo bay for motor vehicles and more
- Ramp for easy loading and unloading
Cons:
- Cargo space can reduce livable space in the rest of the RV
Destination Trailers
Sometimes referred to as the King of Towable RVs, a destination trailer is your home away from home. These ultra-luxury vehicles have spacious floor plans, plenty of entertainment and all the appliances or utilities you could need. They’re larger than your average travel trailer and can even be considered a mobile cottage.
These make a great option for travelers that want to take extended trips without sacrificing a bit of comfort. If you’re thinking of making a switch to full-time RVing, a destination trailer can make the transition seem easy.
Destination trailers often come with second-floor lofts and larger rooms than you’d expect in an RV. While most full-sized RVs have enough space to comfortably live, a destination trailer can let even a big family spread out.
Pros:
- Extremely roomy interior
- Endless possibilities for features and appliances
- Plenty of room for privacy and relaxation
Cons:
- Higher price than other RV options
- More impact on fuel economy when towing
Lightweight Trailers
While most trailers are classified based on their shape, size and offerings, lightweight trailers are classified based primarily on their weight. Because of this, a lightweight trailer can be a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. All that matters is that it’s significantly lighter than a standard trailer.
By reducing the weight, lightweight trailers make it easier to tow and travel. Many beginners have concerns about towing RVs, and a lightweight trailer may be a good way to dive into RVing. You also have added benefits of improved fuel efficiency, which can help when budgeting your vacations.
Because lightweight trailers can vary in floorplan and amenities, most people can easily find one that offers what they need. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a small family, there’s a lightweight trailer that’s perfect for you.
Pros:
- Can be towed by more vehicles
- Less impact on fuel economy
- Variety of styles to fit most family’s needs
Cons:
- Lightweight materials offer less insulation
- More susceptible to heavy winds
Mini-Trailers
Our last type of RV is a great option for campers that want a bit more than a tent, without needing the “home away from home” experience of a larger RV. Mini-trailers are lightweight RVs that, despite their relatively smaller size, still offer an exceptional level of comfort versus even the most luxurious tent.
Of all the RVs, a mini-trailer is the easiest to tow and store. Don’t be fooled by the name, though! Even small RVs offer a wonderful RV experience: a private retreat even in the middle of a populated campground. While they may not have all the space of a destination trailer, the well-designed floorplans and intelligent usage of space allows them to feature everything from appliances to cabinetry to beds.
Pros:
- Easiest to tow of all RVs
- Small and easy to store
- Least impact on fuel economy
Cons:
- Less roomy than other types of RVs
- Fewer features than full-sized RVs
Find the Perfect RV for You – Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
Are you ready to buy an RV and travel the country? The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for your budget! Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (844) 601-1171 .
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