The term “RV” is used to describe many distinct kinds of recreational vehicles. From class B motorhomes to trailers, from campervans to popups, RVs cover lots of ground and lots of road.
The Different Types or RVs
Per the Department of Motor Vehicles, the most common types of recreational vehicles include: Class A recreational vehicles (typically large motorhomes with bathroom facilities, living rooms, and bedrooms); Class B recreational vehicles (campervans with popup or raised roofs); and Class C recreational vehicles (trailers used for entertainment or sleeping that are towed by a separate car or truck). Class C aren’t always as self-sufficient as their Class A and B counterparts, but some of the newer ones do include water heaters, heating and A/C, portable toilets and internal showers.
The Price of Each
All types of RVs have their strengths and their weaknesses. It merely comes down to personal choice, financial situation, and what you want in a recreational vehicle. The first thing you should consider is cost: a deluxe Class A RV will be pricier than a Class B motorhome. Trailers, likewise, will even be cheaper. A popup trailer tends to cost around four thousand dollars, while luxury motorhomes run into the 100,000’s.
But actual cost of the vehicle isn’t the only cost you will accrue – you must also consider the price of maintenance and gas expenses.
According to Reserve America, a good rule of thumb to remember is that the bigger the RV, the more you’ll spend keeping it running. This is because the larger and more complex a vehicle, the more things can go wrong. A campervan, for example, will cost much less to maintain than a forty-five foot mansion on wheels. Gas can also be costly as well; most RVs get between 8 and 20 MPG, but in general the bigger your vehicle, the less gas efficient it will be. Motorhomes tend to have the least fuel efficiency while some popup trailers – because they are easy to tow – have the best.
Your Ability to Tow
Class A and Class B motorhomes drive themselves; thus, towing isn’t something you need to be worried about. But, if you’re in the market for a trailer, you must make sure you have a vehicle that is able to pull it. Not only must you have a trailer hitch, but your car must also have enough horsepower to get the trailer to its destination.
The Parking Situation
Another thing you should consider when deciding what type of RV to buy is your parking situation. The vast majority of home owners associations don’t allow long-term parking of recreational vehicles. Caravans, trailers, and popups may easily be stored inside your garage, but you’ll need to find alternative parking areas for your larger motorhomes. If you live somewhere without an HOA, parking isn’t likely to be an issue.
Parking isn’t just applicable when your RV isn’t in use; it’s also applicable when it is. Some campgrounds allow RVs in regardless of size at no price, but the majority charge you for the size of your vehicle. The bigger the RV, the more you’ll pay to park it.
The Cost of Insurance
Similar to the cost of maintenance, the size of your vehicle will often dictate the price of insurance: the larger the RV, the higher your premiums. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company, or shop around for cheaper rates, before deciding what type of vehicle to purchase.
The Things that Really Matter
While the above can help you weigh the pros and cons of various recreational vehicles, it really comes down to what you want to do with it. If you are simply looking to camp in comfort, a caravan, popup, or trailer will likely give you all you need. If you’re looking to drive across the country, a Class B motorhome may suffice. But, if you’re looking for a home on wheels, you may opt to choose a deluxe motorhome with all the amenities you’re seeking.
