Recreational Vehicles 101

I was going to post about our RV. However, many people are not aware of the differences in RVs. I thought I would begin by giving a basic overview about RVs in general. Later I will post about our RV and camping.

Our RV, like the one above, is a travel trailer which is self-contained housing unit that is towed by cars or trucks, using a hitch. They can be unhooked and left at a campground or storage facility. Many have slide outs which are opened once they are set up.

Class A RVs are the luxurious motor homes, usually 30-40+ feet long. These motor homes are capable of pulling trailers, cars and boats.

Class B RVs are van conversions, with varying amenities.

Class C RVs are distinctive in that they are cab over on a truck chassis. They look like a truck camper, but it is one unit.

5th wheel trailers are also self-contained, pulled by a truck using a distinctive hitch.

Pop-up campers are lightweight and built to expand at the campsite. The hard top pops up, the canvas sides pop out, the stairs come down and you are set.

Toy haulers, in travel trailers or 5th wheels are RVs that have a garage for motorcycles, ATVs, even cars.

If you have a truck, you are 1/2 way to owning an RV. Truck campers fit right over the bed and cab. Some are hard shell campers and some are pop-up or a hybrid.

Park Models are really just small mobile homes. They are not meant to be hauled around, but stay on a site you lease or own. Some models have porches and upstairs lofts. IMHO, you are not camping if you own this.