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Selecting the right RV, whether to buy or rent, comes down to several factors. Drivable vs towable, big vs compact, how many people can sleep inside comfortably. Then there are the various manufacturers to choose from; Winnebago, Jayco, Thor, Coachmen, Airstream, and more. Most RVs fall into 7 classes.
Drivables:
Class A - largest and most spacious, full kitchen and bathroom
Class B - camper vans that travel well anywhere
Class C - mid-sized and most popular, also include full amenities just on a smaller scale
Towables:
Fifth Wheel - largest and heaviest trailer, requires special tow vehicle
Travel Trailer - come in a wide range of sizes that can be towed by SUVs or pickups
Toy Hauler - contain a large garage for “toys” such as ATVs or motorcycles
Popup Camper - any vehicle can tow, these have canvas sides and are more akin to tent camping
Discover the pros and cons of these various RV classes and explore the manufacturers that create them to find the best fit for you.
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Motorhomes
The big rigs. Equipped with high-end amenities, ample amounts of space, and several sleeping options, Class As are a great choice for families or large groups looking to ride comfortably in style. The little guys. Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are the smallest of the three motorhome classes and are a popular choice for couples or solo travelers. The middle child. Class C motorhomes are a smaller, more compact version of the larger Class A rigs, and offer more sleeping space than both Class A and Class B models – the perfect family vehicle to explore the great outdoors!
Class A Motorhomes
Whether you’re in search of a family friendly RV for an epic road trip, or a drivable RV for besties ready to take a relaxing adventure, Class A RVs are the perfect option. These rigs provide ultimate comfort, ample space, and homelike amenities – a true house on wheels! They come in a variety of sizes, from a compact 25 feet to a whopping 45 feet. No matter what size you choose, you’ll be traveling with a full-sized kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Enjoy perks like a residential-sized refrigerator, a large entertainment area with a TV, a master suite with plenty of storage, or maybe even a washer and dryer!
These RVs are built with an open interior design that combines living and driving space as one, offering a variety of floor plan and layout options, plus multiple slide outs for added space. Class As are also completely motorized, so no need to worry about a separate tow vehicle. It’s basically like driving a big car – just gas it up, hop in, and go! (the large panoramic window makes for an incredible view of your surroundings!) From the outside, they look just like a tour bus, but from the inside these motorhomes are the definition of luxury. Some popular Class A brands that you may come across include Forest River, Jayco, Newmar, Coachmen, and Winnebago.
- Comfort: Typically sleeps 4-8 comfortably with multiple sleeping options
- Space: Extremely spacious with abundant storage
- Driveability: Quick take-off time and easy to drive
- Features: Equipped with 5-star amenities
- Tow Capacity: Able to tow an extra vehicle to easily explore your destination
- Price: Most expensive rental option
- Gas: Least fuel efficient of all three classes
- Size: Large size can be intimidating for some and difficult to maneuver
- Convenience: Cumbersome for everyday adventures if you don’t tow an extra vehicle with you
- Hot: Driving area can get hot as heat rises from the engine
Class B Motorhomes
Class B Motorhomes are a great choice if you’re looking to take an RV trip without the intimidation of driving a bigger rig. If you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of interior space for the convenience of travel, this one’s for you! Whether you have a big city in mind or a small mountain town, these RVs have the potential to go pretty much anywhere your heart desires. Class B motorhomes are small but mighty, boasting several basic amenities like a galley kitchen, a bathroom, and a bed. These guys are insanely nimble and fuel efficient making them perfect for any length of travel.
On average, smaller Class Bs can seat up to five and sleep two, while the larger ones can seat up to seven and sleep four. Most range in size from around 17 to 24 feet in length. Units can get between 17 and 18 mpg, while some get up to 22 mpg or more! Like Class As, Class B motorhomes are also completely motorized, so no need to worry about a separate tow vehicle. And since these RVs are so compact, you’ll have more campsite options to choose from while traveling. Plus, they’re super easy to take off-grid if you’re looking for solitude! A few of the most popular Class B manufacturers include Thor, Fleetwood, and Coachmen.
- Price: Least expensive motorhome option
- Gas: Cheaper at the pump – lighter and better fuel economy than other motorhomes
- Driveability: Smooth driving and easy to park
- Raised roof: Roof raises to provide standing room
- Convenience: Ability to travel anywhere a traditional car would
- Size: Smallest motorhome option – space is limited
- Sleeping Capacity: Largest Class Bs sleep a max of 4 people
- Storage: Few places to store belongings
- Bathroom: Tiny – the entire bathroom often doubles as a shower
- Features: Least amount of amenities due to small floor plans
Class C Motorhomes
Maybe you’re a first-time RVer looking to take an affordable family road trip, or maybe you’re looking to grab your friends and head to your favorite music festival. Either way, a Class C rig is a great choice! A common fork in road debate is, should I go with a Class A or Class C motorhome? What’s really the difference? Class C motorhomes come well-equipped with most of the same creature comforts and luxuries of a Class A, but at a lower price point and with a tad less living space – the perfect balance of the three classes.
Generally, these motorhomes can sleep up to 8 people, although there are ways to increase this by choosing a floor plan with bunk beds and/or sleeper sofas. The over-the-cab profile is their most distinguishing feature, which provides an additional space for sleeping or for storage. Along with this extra space, many class C models have multiple slideouts, which makes the RV feel roomier. You’ll find features like a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a master bedroom, and a convertible dinette among other amenities.
Class Cs can also fit in many places a Class A can’t, giving you the ability to upgrade your outdoor space. This could mean camping at a National Park or finding a campsite off the beaten path – it’s all up to you! Some of the most popular Class C motorhomes are made by Forest River, Coachmen, and Winnebago, and each offer a variety of sizes anywhere from 20 to 40 feet long.
- Sleeping capacity: Often the highest of the three classes
- Driveability: Easy to park and navigate – similar to driving a truck or van
- Versatility: Well-equipped for boondocking or urban adventures
- Family-friendly: Most family-friendly plans out of all three classes – many models feature several bunks for kiddos
- Camping: Easier to fit into smaller campsites than Class As
- Bumpy ride: Large engine and suspension can make the cabin a bit loud and rocky
- Exterior Storage: Less storage space than class As and other travel trailers
- Inconvenience: Can be wildly annoying to set up/ break down camp each day for driving – towing a small vehicle may be necessary
- Gas: Only averages around 14 -18 mpg
- Smaller tanks: Gas and water tanks are smaller than class As – may find yourself stopping for gas/ water more often
Towable RVs
The “fiver”. 5th Wheel RVs are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds! These massive campers are outfitted with a myriad of features and amenities, making them the perfect home away from home. The “bumper pulls”. Travel trailers are the most well-known type of RV, and are a great option whether you’re a family of seasoned RVers or a newbie hitting the road for the first time.
5th Wheels
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, but still want to enjoy some modern comforts and amenities, a 5th wheel may be the one for you! With full-sized appliances, room for entertaining, and other luxe features, renting a fifth wheel is a great way to experience the high-end camping lifestyle. A 5th wheel is a large trailer that is towed in the back of a pickup truck bed, using a specially designed 5th wheel hitch. Since the hitch weight sits over the rear axle of your tow vehicle, the weight of the trailer is evenly distributed, preventing it from swaying while you’re driving. These rigs are a great choice for families or big groups, as the larger models can sleep up to 10 or more. Bunkhouse models are equipped with multiple bunk beds, and sometimes even a loft for kids or guests.
Unlike motorhomes, 5th wheel trailers do not have a front cab, allowing you to utilize every inch of your precious living space. They typically come with multiple slide outs too, giving your crew tons of room to kick back and relax! 5th wheels also make daily travel a breeze, as they can be detached from your tow vehicle once parked – just unhitch, hop in, and you’re off to your adventure! Some of the most popular 5th wheel RVs are made by Coachmen, Keystone, and Forest River, and generally range in size anywhere from 25-40 feet in length.
- Affordability: Great bang for your buck! Enjoy Class A amenties without the price
- Space: Exceptional amount of storage and living room – most models come with large “basements” for stowing bulky items
- Convenience: Tow vehicle doubles as a daily driver – no need to break down camp for quick trips
- Comfortability: Multiple slide outs and sleeping options provide comfort and privacy
- Safety: 5th wheel hitch distributes weight evenly – easier to drive than travel trailers
- Tow vehicle: Requires at least a ¾ ton pickup truck and a 5th wheel hitch for towing – the bigger the rig, the bigger your tow vehicle needs to be
- Size: Fewer choices available under 30 feet – can be difficult to travel through cities
- Accessibility while driving: No sandwich making or bathroom breaks on the road!
- Truck bed: You’ll lose access to the bed of your truck – no room for ATVs, bikes, etc.
- Hitching: Can take some practice to hitch and unhitch
Travel Trailers
No matter your needs or budget, there’s a travel trailer option for everyone. You’ll find travel trailers in a variety of layouts and sizes – from tiny teardrop campers with the bare necessities, to large classic campers with full sized amenities and slideouts. Travel trailers allow you to still enjoy an array of features without breaking the bank . Unlike a 5th wheel trailer, a travel trailer employs a hitch that gets secured directly to your rear bumper. Depending on the weight and size of the travel trailer, you can likely tow it with your current vehicle. Your tow vehicle can be unhitched as soon as you get to your campsite, freeing it up for scenic drives, quick trips to the store, or daily adventures.
These RVs are extremely versatile ranging from 10 feet to 30 feet or longer, and sleeping anywhere from 1 to 6 or more people. Specifics will vary from one model to another, but most models will come with a residential-style kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom or two for privacy. You’ll also find some creative features like convertible dinettes that double as beds, as well as built-in wall storage. Some of the most popular models are made by Airstream, Oliver Travel Trailers, Lance Campers, and Forest River.
- Tow vehicle: Can be pulled by your personal vehicle depending on tow capacity
- Budget-Friendly: Ample options to fit virtually any budget
- Variety: Many different floor plans to choose from
- Dry camping: Great for boondocking adventures – some even come with solar capabilities
- Safety: Driving passengers in your own vehicle is safer
- Set up & Break down: Can be a time-consuming process
- Driveability: Can be difficult to maneuver and park in tight spaces
- Storage: Most travel trailers have limited storage space available
- Stability: May sway on the road if weight is not properly distributed
- Tow Capacity: A rental truck or SUV may be necessary if your personal vehicle is unable to tow the trailer
Pop up Campers
If you’re in the market for something a little smaller and are looking to travel light, a pop-up camper will suit you well. It’s a cozy step up from traditional tent camping and is an excellent option for first time RV-ers looking to escape for a few nights. Pop-up campers are compact and low profile making them super easy to tow, even with a sedan. They come in models with hard or soft walls that fold down to a flat trailer when not in use. You’ll find basic features like fold down furniture, bedding, and electric, with some upgraded models featuring heat, a shower, and a toilet.
- Tow vehicle: Can be pulled by your personal vehicle depending on tow capacity
- Affordable: Typically the most affordable of all RV trailer options
- Closer to nature: Similar to tent camping but with the comfort and protection of an RV
- Compact and light: Easily fit into tighter camping spaces and light enough to take on various terrains
- Safety: Driving passengers in your own vehicle is safer
- Set up & break down: Can be a time-consuming process
- No bathroom: Typically no bathroom on board, and if there is one, it’s a chemical toilet found in a cabinet
- Storage: Most pop-up campers have limited storage space available
- Maintenance: The canvas sides are prone to mildew and mold, and must be completely dry before folding them up
- Sleeping space: Limited sleeping arrangements as there aren’t bunk beds or sleeper sofas
Toy Haulers
Want to bring your gear along for the adventure? Or maybe need a little extra space to let the kids play, dogs roam, or get some work done? A toy hauler is the perfect rig for your travels. Toy haulers provide space to store items like motorcycles, bikes, kayaks, snowboards, & more in the rear garage area — away from the interior living space. The back opens to serve as a ramp and on some models will convert to a porch. You’ll find toy hauler motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers available.
- Perfect for outdoor sports: Fit ATVs, motorcycles and other outdoor adventure vehicles inside with ease
- Storage: Ample storage space
- Variety: With such spacious floor plans they can carry large toys and other vehicles, or convert to a larger living space
- Secure transportation: Transport your vehicles and gear safer than an open truckbed and protected from the elements
- Safety: Driving passengers in your own vehicle is safer
- Affordability: One of the more expensive RV options
- Driveability: Can be difficult to maneuver and park in tight spaces
- Living space: If the majority of your toy hauler is storing vehicles and other large equipment, that means less room for living space
- Off-road capability: Their heavy frames and stronger suspensions and axel can handle off-road trips better than other towables
- Tow Capacity: Requires a heavy duty vehicle to tow
