Owning an RV, or recreational vehicle, is a great way to get the entire family to enjoy the outdoors together. Owning an RV can provide the means for a spontaneous weekend getaway, an inexpensive extended family vacation or an affordable summer home. However, if you have never owned an RV before, there are some things to consider when picking the RV that’s right for your family. Type, style, size, amenities and cost must all be factored into your buying decision.
The two basic categories, or types, of RVs, include trailers and motorhomes. A motorhome is constructed as a single vehicle, being built on a large cargo van or bus frame. Motorhomes have a “cab,” like a truck, with seating for the driver and one passenger at the very front of the vehicle. Travel trailers are pulled behind a tow vehicle, most commonly a pickup truck, but smaller trailers can be towed by an SUV or car. Both travel trailers and motorhomes have pros and cons and you will have to decide which type of RV will best suit your family’s needs.
Motorhome Pros
• Motorhomes are easier to drive and park for some people, as you aren’t having to tow anything.
• Motorhomes can tow a boat, a small car, or a trailer with extra gear, dirt bikes, wave runners, etc.
Motorhome Cons
• If you don’t tow a small car, you will have to break camp and secure everything whenever you need to move the motorhome, such as going sightseeing or making a run for supplies.
• Typically, even the smallest motorhomes get poorer gas mileage than a vehicle towing a trailer.
Travel Trailer Pros
• Trailers are typically more economical when towing.
• A trailer can be set up and left at your campsite while you use the tow vehicle for exploring and trips into town.
Travel Trailer Cons
• Learning to pull, and especially back up, a trailer does take some practice.
• While some states allow you to tow more than one vehicle, pulling a trailer usually doesn’t allow you to take your boat.
The size of your RV will depend in large part on the size of your family and how much time you plan to spend in the RV as opposed to being outside. If you are a family that is always on the go and your RV is basically just a place to sleep, then you can get by with a smaller RV. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the camper, you will need an RV with a little more room. At the very least, be sure your RV sleeping accommodations match the size of your family.
Both travel trailers and motorhomes come in a wide variety of sizes. Travel trailer length can range from under 12 feet to as long as 40 feet. Motorhomes typically begins at around 20 feet in length and can be as long as 45 feet. Bear in mind that when comparing motor homes and travel trailers that a motor home with the same living area as a trailer will always be longer to accommodate the cab and engine compartment.
There are several style travel trailers that include hard and soft-sided models.
Hard-sided trailers come in a standard hitch configuration and fifth wheel models, with the latter requiring a specialized hitch set in the bed of a pickup truck. While fifth-wheel trailers require a pickup to tow them, this style has two advantages over traditional models that use standard hitch designs. First,
as the fifth wheel hitch point is centered over the truck’s rear axle, a fifth wheel’s turning radius is much narrower than a trailer with a standard trailer hitch. Second, fifth wheels provide more living space as a raised sleeping area hangs forward over the truck’s bed. The downside to fifth-wheels is it prevents you from carrying as much cargo in the bed while towing.
Soft-sided RVs, commonly called “pop-up” or “tent” campers, have hard-sided bottoms and roofs with canvas walls. The walls fold down into the body of the trailer for travel and then “pop up” when the camper is set up. Pop up campers may or may not be self-contained. These types of trailers have the advantage of being very lightweight and easy to tow. Additionally, you can easily put a canoe, kayak, bicycles, or extra gear on top of the trailer when it is folded down ready for travel.
Hybrid RVs are typically hard sided and have soft-sided fold out areas that provided extra space for sleeping.
Motor homes come in three classes, A, B, and C, and vary greatly in size and features, based on the class. Here is a quick breakdown of the three classes:
• Class A motorhomes are the largest of the three classes. These RVs are built on a bus frame and are the most luxurious of the three motorhome classes. These palaces on wheels can come equipped with everything you would have at home, from a washer and dryer to a master suite with a hot tub. Class C motorhomes can sleep up to 10 people and have enough underneath storage to keep you on the road indefinitely. Obviously, Class A motorhomes are the most expensive to buy and operate and can be up to 45 feet in length.
• Class B motorhomes are the smallest and built on a cargo van frame. These “mini motorhomes” can be equipped with just a bed, sink, stovetop and icebox/refrigerator or can be fully self-contained. Class B motorhomes will usually sleep two to four people and are typically the most economical to operate.
• Class C motorhomes are the most common type of motorhome and fall between the Class A and B in size and amenities. Class C motorhomes are fully self-contained, have a full kitchen, and ample storage. Class C motorhomes also have a cab-over style bed, a feature that neither Class A nor B motorhomes have. A Class C motorhome will typically sleep six people.
Both travel trailers and motor homes are available with the same basic features. Whereas travel trailers may not have a full or even partial bath, virtually all motor homes are fully self-contained. This means that the RV has a toilet, shower, sink as well as freshwater and sewage holding tanks.
Kitchens can range from being just a one-burner propane stove and small sink to fully equipped with a gas range, microwave oven, double sink, a two-way refrigerator that operates on propane gas or electricity, and even a built-in coffeemaker.
The most basic travel trailers, such as the small teardrop designs, may be little more than hard-sided tents, having just a sleeping space inside for two people and an outdoor style kitchen on the back.
Mid-range travel trailers, in the 13 to 17 ft. range may have some or all the features of larger trailers, including full baths and kitchens. This size travel trailer can sleep four to eight people.
The largest travel trailers can be equipped with separate bedrooms, full baths with tubs, and sleep up to eight people. These larger trailers, as well as Class A motorhomes, can also have “tip outs.” These are areas that deploy when the RV is set up to increase the living area and stow away when underway.
Many motorhomes and the larger travel trailers will have a battery bank for powering lights when you are away from an electrical supply. Some will also have a built-in generator for running heavier appliances and recharging the battery bank.
The cost of an RV can vary greatly depending on age, condition, size, RV class, and how motivated the seller or dealer is. Smaller used RVs can go for less than $1,000, whereas a new top of the line Class A motorhome can run into seven figures. There are many great deals on RVs, and the best way to determine if you are getting a good deal is to look online and see what the RV you have your eye on is worth and what comparably units are selling for elsewhere. If you can wait until fall, this is when you will find the best deals. Most RV dealers and private sellers are more motivated to sell at this time, rather than let the RV sit all winter.
Buying a used RV will save you thousands of dollars, however, you need to beware of potential problems with a used RV, just as when buying a used car.
If buying a used RV from a private party, be sure to check over the entire vehicle inside and out. Be sure all the appliances work correctly and the motor, drive train and controls work properly. Be sure to give the roof and interior a thorough inspection for water damage. Use anything that isn’t working properly to negotiate a better price.
If buying a used RV from a dealer, be sure to have them demonstrate that everything is in good working order. If something isn’t working, make the sale contingent on them fixing any problems. Like buying any used vehicle from a dealer, don’t be afraid to try to negotiate a better deal.
Always keep in mind that when picking the RV that's right for your family, the best camper is one that meets your needs and you can comfortably afford. Think about how you intend to use the RV, how many people it has to accommodate, and what you can honestly afford. If you don’t already have a truck or SUV that can pull a trailer, then you will have to purchase a tow vehicle. In this case, if you are on a budget, then a motorhome may be a better choice.
Take some time to consider all the options, shop around a little, and talk it over with family before making your decision. If you have friends that have an RV, ask them for advice. Find out what they think of theirs, how it suits their needs, and what things they wish their RV had that is doesn't, and vice versa. Armed with this knowledge you will be ready to pick the RV that's right for your family.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.