What is an RV?

Before we talk about the types of Recreation Vehicles (RVs) we should discuss what an RV is. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) describes an RV as a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping.

RVs come in many different types, sizes and price ranges. Some are very basic starting around $5,000 and provide basic sleeping arrangements and cooking facilities. On the other end of the spectrum there are luxury land yachts on wheels costing more than $1,000,000.

RVs are categorized in two groups, towable and motorized.

Towable RVs:
Towable RV's are towed behind a vehicle, and then disconnected and set up when you arrive at your destination. This allows you the benefit of using the tow vehicle to make a trip to the store, or go sight-seeing while you are camping. Towable RVs include folding camping trailers (pop-ups), truck campers, travel trailers, hybrid trailers, sport utility trailers (toy haulers) and 5th wheel trailers. In the majority of cases towable RV's are less expensive than motorized RV's simply because there is no engine or vehicle chassis. Towable RV's come in a variety of sizes, floorplans and price ranges. It is extremely important that you have a properly sized and equipped truck (or tow vehicle) to safely handle the size and weight trailer you are towing.

For more information on specific types of towable RV's click on a link below::
What is a pop-up?
What is a travel trailer?
What is a hybrid trailer?
What is a Sport Utility Trailer (SUT) or toy hauler?
What is a fifth wheel trailer?

Motorized RV's:
There are three classifications for motorized RVs, Type A, B, and C. Type A motorhomes are built on a special vehicle chassis and powered by either a gasoline or diesel engine. They are the type that look simila to a bus. Type B motorhomes are conversion vans that have been modified and equipped with all of the amenities found in other RV's, in a compact size. Type C motorhome are built on a cut-away van chassis and are the type you see with secton extending out over the vehicle cab. Motorized RV's can range anywhere from 21 to 45 feet in length and are available in a variety of floorplans and price ranges.

For more information on specific types of motorized RV's click on a link below:
What is a Type A motorhome?
What is a Type B motorhome?
What is a Type C motorhome?

Another type of RV is the Recreational Park Trailer (RPT). RPTs are basically designed to be used as temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, or seasonal use. In most cases these seasonal cottages are taken to a vacation spot, set up and left there on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. This may be in an RV park, resort area, or a tranquil location in the mountains, or at the coast, usually within a few hours drive from the owner’s residence.

For more information on Recreational Park Trailers click on the link below:
What is a Recreational Park Trailer?

Understanding more about each type of RV can help you decide which type is right for you and your family.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
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