What is an RV: Recreational Vehicle Types, Classes and Prices
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Recreational vehicles are becoming all the rage, with millions of Americans already taking RV holidays every single year. That said, choosing the best one is not easy, so it’s important to start by answering the question: what is an RV?
In this article, we’ll go over the definition of an RV, the different types, and everything you need to know about owning one of these amazing vehicles.
What is a Recreational Vehicle?
What is a recreational vehicle? Simply put, an RV is a vehicle that is equipped with living spaces and amenities like a bed, a bathroom, and other features commonly found in a home.
RVs can either be driven or towed by another vehicle, plus they can vary greatly in size. It’s possible to see super compact camper vans built on truck chassis, in-between towed trailers that have a good amount of space, and spacious class A motorhomes that resemble small buses.
Types of RV
Now that we know what’s an RV, let’s take a closer look at the types of recreational vehicles out there.
Motorhomes
As the name suggests, motorhomes are RVs that come equipped with an engine. They come in different sizes and shapes, so they’re usually grouped by class.
What are the different classes of RVs? Here’s a quick breakdown.
- Class A: Largest and most luxurious motorhomes built on bus chassis.
- Class B: Smallest and easiest to maneuver, is built on a truck chassis.
- Class C: Mid-sized RVs built on truck chassis that also have an overhead compartment.
Towable RVs
Towable RVs, also known as campers or trailers, do not have an independent engine. These are attached to another vehicle, but keep in mind that driving with a hitched RV requires a learning curve.
Towable RVs are usually categorized into two different groups:
- Travel Trailers: Towable RVs that can be attached to medium-size vehicles like SUVs.
- Fifth Wheel Trailers: Larger towable RVs that are hitched to the bed of a pickup truck, but often bring more features.
Advantages of Owning an RV
Now that we have a better understanding of what recreational vehicles are, let’s take a look at the benefits of owning an RV.
- Convenience and Comfort: RVs come with comfortable living spaces, proper beds, and other convenient features that improve comfort.
- Maximum Flexibility: It doesn’t matter where you want to go, as long as there are roads connecting you to it, you can go in your motorhome. The rest is up to you.
- Family-Friendly: Are you a large household? Do you have young children? Will your furry family members be making the trip? You’ll be happy to know that RVs are as family-friendly as it gets.
How to Get the Best Recreational Vehicle
Now that you have an idea of what is a standard recreational vehicle, it’s important to understand that not all dealerships are the same. To get the best RV advice, you need to choose a knowledgeable dealer with a long track record and a great reputation.
To Wrap Up
Understanding the many types of recreational vehicles, the different classes, and the inherent benefits of owning a motorhome can help you choose the right RV for your family.
RVs offer sleeping areas, living spaces, and supreme storage space, plus they give you the option to cook. That said, there are many additional features you should consider before choosing the best motorhome or towable RV for your family.
If you’re not sure where to start or if you’re looking into the right things, the motorhome and trailer experts at Kirkland RV are here to help. Contact us today!
