Truck Stop Unlimited - All About Trucks & Trailers

Types of RVs

A recreational vehicle is equipment that is intended to be used as both a vehicle and temporary travel accomodations. RV is an abbreviation for Recreational Vehicle. RVs are generally categorized as one of seven types of recreational vehicles. Categories of RVs such as Motorhomes also have subsequent categorization such as Class A, Class B & Class C.

There are two types of RVs, which are based on if the recreational vehicle is towed or driven/motorized. Motorized RVs include large motorhomes and smaller truck campers. Towable RVs include pop up tent trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and other hybrids which are towed behind a vehicle such as a car, pickup truck, van or SUV.

Travel Trailer
Travel trailers are larger, heavier, fully enclosed recreational vehicles towed from the hitch or bumper of another vehicle. Because of their heavy weight, the max tow capacity of the vehicle must be carefully considered when selecting a travel trailer to purchase. Typically a large vehicle will be needed to tow a travel trailer. With their larger size, travel trailers provide a wide variety of different options including floorplans and amentities to suit almost any need and desire. Sleeping accomodations up to ten, although individual floorplans will vary. Travel trailer prices usually range between $10,000 to $75,000.

Hybrid Trailer
A hybrid trailer is essentially a small travel trailer that also has folding ends or side. Taking the best of the travel trailer and pop up camper trailers, manufacturers have combined the two to provide the benefits of both. With expanded sleeping and living space, Hybrid trailers can often sleep eight people comfortably. Costs typically range between $10,000 to $20,000.

Fifth Wheel
A Fifth Wheel is a type of travel trailer which has a special hitch which is set within the truck bed. Because of this configuration, fifth wheel trailers frequently have mulitple living/sleeping space levels while providing the convenience of a travel trailer. Fifth wheel travel trailers typically cost between $20,000 and $100,000.

Truck Campers
Truck campers are typically the least expensive and simplest recreational vehicle. The camper is slid into the pickup truck bed and permanently fixed by tie downs. Most truck campers provide very limited living and sleeping accomodations although larger ones can sleep up to six individuals. A used truck camper can cost as low as $5000 while a new truck camper from a top quality manufacturer can cost up to $30,000.

Motorhomes
The grand daddy of RVs, the motorhome for sale combines living and driving in one vehicle. Motorhomes are categorized based on three types -

Class A Motorhomes
Also called a Motorcoach, Class A Motorhomes are the largest recreational vehicle. These motorhomes are built upon a truck chassis, bus chassis or a specially designed motorhome chassis. Typical length ranges from 25 to 45 feet. Cost: $50,000 to $1 million plus.

Class B Motorhomes
A motorhome built on a van chassis with an attached cab. Typical length is 20 to 25 feet. Cost: $40,000 to $75,000.

Class C Motorhomes
A motorhome built on a truck chassis with an attached cab. Typical length is 15 to 35 feet. Cost: $50,000 to $150,000.