How do I Choose an RV? Your Guide to Different RV Styles

So, what is an RV and how do I choose the right one to buy? They are recreational vehicles that are known by many as a "home on wheels." Whether it's your first time RVing or you're in the planning stages of purchasing an RV, the sheer amount of information there is to learn can get overwhelming very quickly.

You'll find facts and figures on everything from pop-up campers and travel trailers to fifth wheels and all the different classes of motorhomes. Then of course, there's all the various RV manufacturers to choose from that include popular favorites like Airstream, Jayco, Coachmen, and Fleetwood. 

Your Guide to Different Types of RVs

To help make some sense out of the confusion, we've created this cheat sheet to highlight some of the different types of RVs from smallest to largest.  

Pop-up Camper

These folding camping trailers include an area that ‘pops out' for additional living space. This type of expanded living area was more common before the technology of slide-out rooms became popular and more readily available. Popular manufacturers include Fleetwood, Jayco, and Forest River.

Class B

This class of motorhome refers to a conversion van style. Popular manufacturers include Roadtrek, Winnebago, and Leisure Travel Vans.

Class C

These larger versions of the Class B allow for more space and roomier living areas. Popular manufacturers include Lazy Daze, Thor Motor Coach, and Nexus.

Travel Trailer

A travel trailer is towed behind an automobile and equipped for use as a dwelling during travel. They range in size and can contain several rooms with all the furnishing of home. Popular manufacturers include Airstream, Keystone, Crossroads, and Coachman.

5^th Wheel

This travel trailer is designed to be affixed and towed by a pickup that's equipped with a special hitch in the truck bed. More popular with full-time RVers, a 5^th wheel can come with or without slide-outs. Popular manufacturers include Jayco, Keystone, and Dutchmen.

Class A

The largest and most luxurious of all the types of motorhomes. Popular models include Prevost, Country Coach, and Monaco Coach.

If you're just starting to dabble in the world of RVing, a pop-up, Class B or Class C might be perfect for your holidays and weekend getaways. A travel trailer or 5th wheel may be a better choice if you're a winter snowbird who is typically on the road for 5-7 months out of the year. And, for any full-timers out there, a larger travel trailer, 5^th wheel or, the granddaddy of them all, the Class A, would be the best way to go.

With so many types of RVs available, there is definitely one out there to suit your needs. We hope this helpful guide helps clear up any confusion and makes your choice a little easier.  

Rent Before Buying

You can rent RVs and see what you features you like and want in your purchase. Here are a few companies that have RV rental opportunities:

• RVShare
• Outdoorsy
• Cruise America

When you're ready, test out your rental or purchase with a road trip to one of our incredible RV resorts.