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TIP:
If you are new to this then
rent one for a short vacation to a regional
destination to explore if an RV is for you.
It's an adventure!
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Types Of Recreational Vehicles
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.
Towable Trailers
The term towable trailers is often used to refer to recreational vehicles which are towed. This includes
Folding Camping Trailers, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, Hybrid Trailers & Toy Haulers. All
of these recreational vehichles are towed by another separate vehicle versus the RV Motorhome which is a vehicle and RV in one.
One of the most important benefits of a towable trailer RV is that they may be attached and removed from the vehicle whenever needed.
Folding Camping Trailer
Camper trailer recreational vehicles are often referred to by a variety of different names, but they are all the same.
These RVs are commonly also called Camper Trailers, Tent Trailers & Pop Up Camping Trailers. As described by their name, the recreational
vehicle is a towable trailer that folds in and pop ups. The trailer frame is collapsed while being towed and then is expanded
once your destination is reached. The siding of the pop up camper is a collapsable meshing material versus a hard side, which provides
for an open air environment within the RV. Folding campers are lightweight and can be towed by many different types of vehicles including
pickup trucks, conversion vans and cars. Priced typically between $5000 and $20,000 pop up campers are one of the cheapest recreational
vehicles available.
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.
Toy Hauler
A toy hauler is a travel trailer that has a section devoted to hauling your favorite toys - usually ATVs,
Jet Skis, Bikes and other recreation equipment. Built with a ramp, loading and loading the travel trailer
is easy with a toy hauler. Toy haulers typically cost between $25,000 to $75,000.
Motorized RV
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 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.
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