Even though we’re pretty much died-in-the-wool (whatever that means) Airstream enthusiasts, we enjoy browsing RVs of all types.
No matter what kind of RV you own, it’s always interesting to view other options. What frequently impresses me about the RV industry is the sheer overwhelming variety of options. These choices are either wonderful or baffling, depending on your point of view.
Let’s take this opportunity to review the major types of RV.
1. Travel Trailer
I’ve listed travel trailer as the first type of RV simply because we own one. Am I biased? Perhaps. The travel trailer is the oldest existing RV design. But it ain’t broke. So why fix it?
The bad news is they have no motor, so obviously travel trailers must be towed.
The good news is that they have no motor, so that’s one servicing headache that’s removed from the equation.
2. Pop-Up Camper
Pop-up campers are also towable RVs. They derive their name from their ability to fold down and compress to a very tow friendly size. You can tow pop-up campers with ordinary cars, bicycles, and even tricycles in some cases. When they “pop up” at your campsite, they expand to form an RV of significant size and amenities. These pop-ups are the least expensive method of RVing. They are easy to tow, and provide a nice comfortable camping space for anywhere from one to 50 adults. (Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but we have been surprised at how many people we’ve seen pile into pop-up campers.)
3. Fifth Wheel
Fifth Wheels are like travel trailers on steroids. They are towable RVs in which the hitch configuration allows the trailer to be attached over the truck’s rear wheels. This make them stable from a towing perspective, if not particularly aerodynamic. To tow a fifth wheel, you pretty much NEED a truck. The interior cabin of the typical fifth wheel is outrageously cavernous. These things are designed for long term living, and boast more storage space than the average warehouse. If William Hearst was alive and RVing, he’d probably build a Fifth Wheel Castle.
3. Class B Motorhome
Class B motorhomes are van campers. Repeast after me: “If it looks like a van, but it’s an RV, it’s a Class B.” (Hey, that phrase rhymes! We should trademark it.)
Sometimes Class B van campers boast puzzling price tags. Let’s see… For $100,000 I could buy a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet… OR a van with a couch and a toilet. Hmmmm….
4. Class C Motorhome
Class C motorhomes are built on a cutaway van chassis. These RVs look like an ordinary van gave birth to a motorhome. For reasons that make sense to no one, Class C are typically larger than Class B, but smaller than Class A. Who the heck designed this class system, anyway? Shouldn’t we strive for a class free society? Or at least a society in which classes make sense?
5. Class A Motorhome
These are the Mac Daddy motorhomes. If you see a motorhome that looks like suitable housing for a 16-member rock band, it’s a Class A. These motorhomes can be quite impressive, with the Prevost conversions carrying price tags north of one million dollars. The amount of living space is about the same as any other RV, but they often offer substantial storage options beneath the rig. And if you ever need some extra cash, you can rent them out to Greyhound, or Bon Jovi.
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All of the above RVs can be modified via slide-outs. What are slide-outs? Slide-outs are portions of the RV that literally slide outwards from the center axis, creating more living space inside the RV. When you’re in an RV, every square inch of space counts. So slide-outs are an attractive option for many.