How to Choose an RV

Are you a fifth-wheel? A fifth-wheel kind of camper, that is. Or perhaps you want to be able to macho your way to the top of anything out there. Whatever your preferences and needs, there is a recreational vehicle (RV) for you. An RV is simply a vehicle that combines transportation and living quarters.

“A lot depends on what kind of trips you want to make,” says Kevin Broom, spokesperson for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “RVing is just like any vacation except that you bring your own home with you.”   

Choosing that home away from home is much like choosing a non-mobile one. There is no correct choice or wrong answer. The best decision is different for each person and family.

There is a lot to learn when choosing a recreational vehicle, however.

Fortunately, there is also a lot of information out there to help.

Exploring RVIA’s website (GoRVing.com) or asking yourself some basic questions is a good place to start. Think about how you want to use your RV. Will you be bringing the kids or grandkids along? Do you want to get off-road or stick to city streets? Do you want a fast-driving RV or a cool-looking RV? Are you a tailgating party planner or a master chef?

For campers who will be traveling with children, as an example, RVIA points to models with varied sleeping options.

“RVs are built for family fun. Built-in bunks or trundle beds give everyone a comfortable place to call their own. Best of all, there are no strange beds to sleep in, and there are always familiar surroundings,” RVIA says. “Type C Motorhomes often have an over-cab bed that sleeps two to three and can be a fun, personal space for kids.”

The next step is to choose the type of RV you think you might want. RVs are divided into categories largely based on how they’re moved (see chart on opposite page). There are towable RVs; motorized RVs; specialty RVs, such as horse trailers and those equipped for the disabled; and park model RVs, designed to look more like a traditional home.

An array of styles fit into any given category.

GoRVing.com will help guide you to a specific model through a series of basic questions, including what type of vehicle you plan to use to tow an RV, how many people it will need to sleep and if you want to feel close to nature while inside.

Once you complete the process, you will have a better idea of what kind of camper you are. Perhaps you really are a fifth-wheel — a fifth-wheel camper, of course.

Travel Trailers

Conventional Travel Trailer

• Wide range of floor plans and sizes
• Affordable homelike amenities
• Sleep up to 10
• Typically $8,000 to $95,000 new

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers

• Spacious two-level floor plans
• Towed with a pickup truck
• Sleep up to six
• Typically $18,000 to $160,000 new

Travel Trailers with Expandable Ends

• Ends pull out for roomy sleeping
• Lightweight towing
• Sleep up to eight
• Typically $10,000 to $30,000 new

Folding Camping Trailers

• Fold for lightweight towing
• Fresh-air experience with RV comfort
• Sleep up to eight
• Typically $5,000 to $22,000 new

Truck Campers

• Mount on pickup bed or chassis
• Go wherever your truck can go
• Sleep up to six
• Typically $6,000 to $55,000 new

Park Model RVs

• Movable resort unit designed exclusively for part-time recreational use
• Sleep up to 10
• Typically $20,000 to $80,000

Motorhomes

Type A Motorhomes

• Generally roomiest of all RVs
• Luxurious amenities
• Sleep up to six
• Typically $60,000 to $500,000 new

Type B Motorhomes

• Commonly called van campers
• Drive like the family van
• Sleep up to four
• Typically $60,000 to $130,000 new

Type C Motorhomes

• Similar amenities to Type As
• Optional sleeping space over the cab
• Sleep up to eight
• Typically $43,000 to $200,000 new

Sport Utility RVs

• Available motorized and towable (as travel trailers or fifth-wheels).
• Built-in garage for hauling cycles, ATVs, and other sports equipment
• Sleep up to eight
• Typically $10,300 to $170,000 new