RV Lingo Guide

Recreation Vehicles (RVs)

An RV, or recreational vehicle, is a flexible travel option that combines transportation with temporary living space, catering to adventurers and campers. Available in towable or motorized forms, RVs serve as a home on wheels, equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable journey. They exclude mobile homes and off-road vehicles. Sold by recreational vehicle dealers, these vehicles provide a unique way for individuals and families to explore the open road, offering various models to suit different preferences. In essence, an RV is not just a vehicle but a lifestyle that celebrates the freedom to explore and create lasting memories on the go.

Towable RVs / Travel Trailers

Travel trailers, a popular category of towable RVs, are versatile and well-suited for families looking to explore the open road. These towable campers are designed to be pulled by family cars, vans, or pickup trucks, providing the convenience of unhitching and leaving them at the campsite while using the tow vehicle for exploration.

Travel trailers feature a bumper pull hitch, compatible with various vehicles beyond pickup trucks, and offer sleeping arrangements for 2 to 8 campers, with a variety of sizes and space-saving features. Costs for new travel trailers range from $10,000 to $150,000, reflecting diverse sizes and features. With lengths varying between 8 and 40 feet, travel trailers cater to different budgets and preferences, offering a range of features for families to choose from.

For those seeking unique RV designs, toy haulers provide an unconventional option, combining traditional living spaces with a large cargo bay storage area for adventure gear. They come in two main types – travel trailer toy haulers, smaller and towable by a wide range of vehicles, and fifth wheel toy haulers, larger with a more spacious living area but requiring a truck for towing.

In addition to travel trailers and toy haulers, fifth wheels and folding campers (also known as tent trailers) add to the RV options. Fifth wheels offer a unique hitch design, attaching to the bed of a pickup truck, providing a spacious living area. Folding campers, on the other hand, are collapsible for easy towing and storage, making them a compact and convenient choice.

In conclusion, towable RVs, known for their lightweight design, offer an easy road trip experience. They are easy to hitch and unhitch, contributing to stress-free driving. With a more affordable price point compared to other RV options, towable RVs provide an economical choice for families. Their simple design and smaller size make them practical for various tow vehicles, including SUVs and vans.

Motorized RVs / Motorhomes

Motorhomes, a subset of motorized RVs, seamlessly integrate living quarters with the driver's area in one unified unit, offering a unique blend of transportation and comfort. These "homes on wheels" come in various classes – Class A, Class B, and Class C – catering to different preferences.

Class A motorhomes, the largest at 30 to 45 feet, feature expansive interiors resembling buses, with luxurious amenities like residential-style appliances and larger beds. Built on commercial trucks, buses, or motor vehicle chassis, their significant advantage lies in spacious interiors and multiple slide-outs, providing extra room at campsites.

On the smaller end, Class B motorhomes, resembling vans or "camper vans," prioritize exceptional fuel economy and easy driving, making them suitable for RV novices or those favoring a streamlined approach. Despite lacking slide-outs, they offer convenience and flexibility for smaller groups.

For a balanced option, Class C motorhomes range between 25 and 30 feet, some with slide-outs, and feature a truck-like appearance with a separate driving cab. Accommodating four to eight people, they use convertible furniture to maximize space without sacrificing comfort, making them an excellent fit for families seeking versatility and convenience in their RV experience.