Types of RVs
All RV types can be divided into two broad categories;
- Towable RVs
- Motorized RVs
Towable RVs
As the name implies these are made to be towed by a vehicle. Cooking facilities, refrigerator, air conditioner/heater, self-contained toilet, shower, fresh, grey and black water tanks, faucets, sinks, LP gas supply and AC power supply are provided in each type, unless otherwise mentioned. Four types of RVs fall into this category.
Truck Camper – Also called Slide-On Campers or Pickup Campers. The tailgate of a pickup truck is removed and camper body is clamped into the bed of the truck. The camper can be easily loaded and unloaded from the truck. Fresh water and waste water tanks are provided. A camper provides sleeping space for two to six people depending on the model. Length range – 5 feet to 12 feet. Price range - $4,000 to $30,000.
Folding Camping Trailer – Known as Tent Trailers or Pop-up Trailers, these are the least expensive of all RV types. Their small size and lightweight construction allows towing even by a small car. They are normally made from canvas with large vinyl windows on the sides. Takes only about 10-20 minutes to setup and pull-out/convertible beds are available in these RVs. Sleeping space for up to six people available. Length range – 10 feet to 18 feet. Price range - $4,000 to $25,000.
Travel Trailers – These come in a range of sizes. Slide-outs that extend the unit’s living space are a feature of these RVs. Some planning is required when deciding on the tow vehicle for the larger models due to their size and weight. Sleeping space for up to eight people available. Length range 10 feet to 35 feet. Price range - $10,000 to $100,000.
Fifth-Wheel Trailer – These differ from large travel trailers due to the extended section in front which connects to the tow vehicle. Due to its unique shape, only pickup trucks can be used as tow vehicles for fifth-wheels. Slide-outs are a common feature in these RVs while the front extended section serves as a sleeping space. Sleeping for up to six people possible. Length range – 21 feet to 40 feet. Price range - $15,000 to $150,000.
Motorized RVs
The living quarters are combined with the motor chassis in these RVs and therefore operate as a single unit. All motorized RVs have cooking facilities, refrigerator, air conditioner/heater, self-contained toilet, fresh, grey and black water tanks, faucets, sinks, LP gas supply and AC power, unless otherwise stated. Three classes of motor-homes make up this group.
Class A motor-homes – These are the most luxurious of all RVs with a price tag to match. They are equipped with every comfort imaginable in a home. Automatic slide-outs are a feature of this type. Additional appliances and entertainment units are also available. Length range – 30 feet to 40 feet. Price range - $60,000 to $700,000.
Class B motor-homes – Also known as Van Conversions, these are the smallest of motorized RVs. The design is a van chassis modified to include an elevated roof without any changes to the length and width of the original vehicle. Convertible or folding beds are used to save space. Fresh water and waste water tanks are provided. Sleep space for up to four people available. Length range – 16 feet to 22 feet. Price range - $40,000 to $100,000.
Class C motor-homes – Called Mini Motor-homes, they are smaller scale versions of Class A motor-homes. A sleeping bunk above the cab and manual slide-outs are features of this type of RV. Like Class A RVs, these too provide a range of appliances and entertainment fixtures. Up to ten people can sleep in these motor-homes. Length range – 22 feet to 35 feet. Price range - $50,000 to $140,000.
Summary - A large range of RV models are available to suit varying needs and financial levels.
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