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Motorhomes for Seattle Travelers
For many, the idea of owning their own vacation home on wheels is a distant dream: it’d be nice, but who can afford it? At Kirkland RV, we believe in making those dreams a reality. An RV that fits your budget and needs may be much more feasible than you ever thought possible, and with the help of our experienced RV specialists, you can be on the road in your vacation home on wheels in no time. Take a look at our selection of “preloved” RVs for yourself, and find the RV that is the perfect fit for you and your family.
Class A Motorhomes
The motorcoach luxury liner of the RV world, Class A motorhomes are gasoline burning behemoths that can be expanded into a comfortable living space anywhere you can find utility hookups for your RV. They range in length from 24-37 feet on average, and Class A’s usually have at least one slide-out section to expand your living space when you are parked up for a while.
Roughing it out in the wilds without RV hookups? Class As often come equipped with electric generators to run amenities like hot water heaters and air conditioners even when there are no electrical hookups available. Due to their large size, some RV owners even install rooftop solar panels for going off the grid for extended periods of time.
A Class A RV is definitely a significant investment in the RV lifestyle, but they do make exceptional vehicles for part-time or full-time RV living. Larger families looking to travel with their own accommodations on destination vacations or retired couples looking to spend their Golden Years on the go will find the Class A to be the best option. They are ideal for sleeping large groups comfortably short term and smaller groups for extended periods of time.
Class A Diesel Pushers
Looking for a larger RV that burns diesel instead of gasoline for better fuel economy? Consider investing in a Class A Diesel Pusher RV. These 24-37 foot motor coaches include the luxury amenities of a standard Class A RV, but they are propelled by a powerful and fuel-efficient diesel engine.
The advantage to a diesel pusher over a gasoline engine Class A RV is filling up at truck stop fuel pumps; a far easier proposition than filling up at most gas stations in 30+ foot motor coach. Diesel engines also tend to be more fuel efficient, so you are also saving money and using less fuel on your travels, particularly when you are driving long distances on a regular basis.
One potential drawback to a diesel RV is maintenance and repair services: you can only take your RV to shops that work on big diesel motors. That limits you to truck stop mechanics and auto shops as your go-to source for repairs and maintenance. Given how many tractor trailers that cruise the highways across the United States, this is a fairly minor concern.
Class B Motorhomes
Commonly referred to as campervans, these versatile RVs are built on a standard utility truck or van chassis and come in gasoline or diesel burning varieties. Some Class B RVs are barely larger than the average work van, while others can be slightly more luxurious in their interior dimensions. They are typically best for sleeping one or two individuals for short-term excursions, and as a general rule don’t make particularly good mobile dwellings for retirees. Most come with the usual RV features like hot water, a toilet, sink, showers, a fridge, and heating and air conditioning.
Cargo space is also at a premium for Class B RVs, and they aren’t designed to sleep large families for extended stays. What’s great about a Class B RV is its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. These smaller RVs drive and handle like a van, and can even be driven on short errands as needed. Eliminating the need for a second vehicle while on a road trip is definitely a major selling point for many RV adventurers, and if your needs are simple, the Class B can be an excellent choice for road trips to your favorite destinations.
Class C Motorhomes
By far the most popular RV type, Class C RVs are an economical option that provides the best value for the money. With accommodations and interior space comparable to a Class A RV, Class C RVs are built on panel truck or van chassis with a powerful gasoline or diesel motor that provides superior fuel economy to a Class A motorcoach. Floor plans frequently include master bedroom suites, showers, toilets, and even slide outs like Class A models to expand your living space once you are stopped for the night. Built-in generators are also common for many Class C models, allowing you to stop for the night even without utility hookups now and then.
Class Cs also have the added benefit of additional sleeping space over the cab for up to two more people, providing the most sleeping space of any RV. These RVs are great for families taking weekend or week-long trips to the lake or the beach, and they are also great for driving to major amusement parks and staying in the large RV lots nearby. Retired couples often choose a Class C if their needs for living space are more limited, especially if they don’t want to drive a Class A and they are perfectly comfortable in a more maneuverable Class C.
Fifth Wheel RVs
This towable RV has a few advantages over the typical self-propelled RV and ordinary travel trailer RVs. Rather than connecting to a standard trailer hitch, a fifth wheel RV connects to your towing vehicle (usually a pickup truck) via a gooseneck that extends over the bed of the truck. This connects to a mounting bracket that centers the towing apparatus over the truck bed, providing better leverage when maneuvering your fifth wheel and adding additional living space that would not be available in a standard travel trailer.
The primary drawback of a fifth wheel is passenger space: it is unlawful for any person to ride in a towed vehicle, so everyone will need to fit into the towing truck’s cab when you are on the move. For larger families, this may be a deal breaker if they need room for more than 4 people to ride, and a separate vehicle for travel may be necessary on long trips. The chief benefit of a fifth wheel trailer is it can provide as much living space as a Class C or Class A RV, especially if you purchase a model with slide-outs for expanded living space.
If you own a large pickup capable of towing a fifth wheel, these are a sound investment for larger families who want to spend extended periods of time at the lake house or on the beach at an RV park. Many retirees also choose a 5th wheel for their primary residence, particularly if they don’t travel more than a couple times a year to keep ahead of the cold weather.
Seattle Travel Trailers
These range in size from pop-up campers to fully furnished living spaces with utility hookups like self-propelled RVs. Using a standard trailer connection, travel trailer RVs can be towed behind any vehicle that has a tow hitch and the horsepower necessary to pull its weight. It’s illegal for anyone to ride in a towed vehicle, so everyone will need to fit comfortably in your towing vehicle for the drive. If you pack luggage and other gear and supplies in the trailer though, there is generally plenty of room for everyone in your vehicle for the duration of the road trip.
The Kirkland RV Difference
Why choose Kirkland RV to help you find your home away from home? We’ve been the premier RV sales and service provider in the greater Seattle area for over 35 years. Our reputation is built upon a foundation of trust, and we take great pride in offering the best clean and dependable “pre-loved” recreational vehicles. We can help you find the right RV for your budget and needs that will provide you with years of memorable travel excursions. Our knowledgeable service team of technicians and RV repair specialists are also ready to help you keep your RV in top condition and on the road safely with minimal downtime. The Kirkland RV Family stands ready to be your guide to the world of RV life adventures. Contact us or visit our dealership today and start your journey to living life on the open road.
