Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler, Class A, Motorized… These terms are thrown around like you should know exactly what they mean and how they work for you. Most who are new to the RV Life, don’t know all the difference. I’m going to break down the two main groups and go through each category. You’ll be a pro by the end of this and figure out what type of RV will be right for you.
When it comes to RVs, Recreational Vehicles, they can simply break down into two major groups. Towable and motorized. Probably the simplest explanation is this: Towable RVs do not have their own engine and require a vehicle to pull. Motorized RVs have their own engine built in to drive.
Towable RVs
Towable RVs can be a wide array of campers. These can also be split into two specific categories.
Bumper Pull:
Fifth Wheel:
- Fifth Wheel
- Toy Hauler
- Horse Trailer (not covering here).
Truck Bed Camper
Truck bed campers sit inside the bed of your truck. These campers can have a small kitchenette, a bed, and possibly a cassette toilet. Some Truck Bed Campers will also have slides, a raising roof, bunks or even a regular toilet with a black tank and full bathroom. While they can be quite small, they are actually quite expensive based on price per square foot. Unlike the typical travel trailer, there are more custom items built inside a truck camper. From the bed to the cabinets to the tiny kitchen, they all have to fit the space like a glove.
These campers are typically used by singles or couples. There might be the odd time that a family uses one, as you can get some with bunks.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $1,500 – $73,000
New: $13,000 – $93,000
Pop-Up Camper
Pop-Up Campers have been called the “gateway trailer”. So many have started with this RV as an introductory way of traveling. Which then opened up the door to wanting even more about of their rig, to switching into another size up. Pop-up campers have a lid/roof that raises up pulling the soft canvas sidewalls up with it. On both the nose and the back, there is a bed slide that pushes out – also with soft canvas sides. These campers can have air conditioning, mini kitchens, and even bathrooms. Some, even have a slide out on the non-camping side of the rig. They have come a long way from where they started.
Even more, this category, has added in an off-road type pop-up. These heavy-duty mini rigs can take you where you never thought! Towable by your off-road SUV, you can explore some of the most remote locations and still take your house with you.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $300 – $34,000
New: $9,000 – $67,000
Hybrid Camper
A little bit pop-up, a little bit regular trailer – that’s what makes this category a hybrid. Hybrid campers, give that fuller height and kitchen style of a regular trailer, but keeping it lightweight with the canvas bed spaces. With a bathroom with a door, a fuller sized fridge and more counter space and storage, it’s no wonder these hybrids are hot tickets – your minivan can pull some of these.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com (listed together with pop-up campers)
Used: $300 – $34,000
New: $9,000 – $67,000
Teardrop Camper
Teardrop campers can really only be categorized as CUTE (but oh so hardworking!)! These adorable tiny, hard-sided, campers are actually shaped like a tear drop (most of the time). The interior typically houses just a bed and some storage and are crawl-in size. They give you a sleeping spot on the go. Some teardrop campers can be slightly taller, but rarely able to stand upright in them. At the foot of the bed area, on the exterior is where you’ll find a hatch door. Inside the hatch, is a mini kitchen and some more storage. Some newer models, like NuCamp, have a full sized door, cabinets & kitchen inside, along with a bed.
These adorable campers can also be towed by almost any vehicle as they are so small and lightweight. They can come in very simple to extremely rugged for off road.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com (listed together with travel trailers)
Used: $9,000 – $48,000
New: $10,000 – $55,000
Travel Trailer
The classic travel trailer. From back in the day in the golds and oranges, with the wavy aluminum sides to the silver bullet classic Airstreams, travel trailers have been a staple since the dawn of RV travel. Ranging in sizes from 10ft to a whopping 38ft (ours), there is sure to be a layout and design that fits your needs. Fully loaded with full kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms/Murphy beds and even bunk rooms or two bedrooms, the travel trailer has it.
Keeping your overall height low, typically under 13ft, worrying about bridges and unkept tree-lined roads aren’t as much of a concern. However, getting into those tighter areas with narrow roads or turning space, a bumper pull may be a challenge.
Within this category there are two types of builds for travel trailers. These are commonly known as: Stick & Tin and Laminate. To really simplify the differences, I’m going to keep this super light. Stick & Tin trailers have a wavy-look aluminum siding down the side main walls of the trailer and use wood for their framing. Laminate trailers are smooth down both sides of the trailer and typically use aluminum for their framing (both types are also used in Fifth Wheels too).
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $1,200 – $198,000
New: $15,000 – $211,000
Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
Have your cake and eat it too! Ok, so switch cake for your toys, like atvs, dirt bikes, golf carts etc. Toy haulers are meant to bring your toys with you in a shared towing space. Travel trailer toy haulers typically share one space, no separate garage. These trailers can have a full bed, bathroom and kitchen. Then share the living room space with the garage.
One big bonus, aside from bringing your toys along, is the happy jack system so many of these toy haulers have. This system offers two queen sized beds that are motorized to lower from the ceiling. Easily put away when not in use. Toy haulers can come with an auxiliary gas tank to store fuel for the onboard toy. Toy haulers also have the highest cargo capacity in any category we will come across – as they are rated to carry along those heavy toys (sometimes a small vehicle)
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $6,500 – $65,000
New: $18,000 – $110,000
Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth Wheel Trailers – the most used by families in the Full Time RV Community. With its high ceilings, ease of towing, massive storage bays and onboard optional generator, fifth wheels are a top choice. Layouts can range from small and compact to quite large and heavy. Equipped for couples with front living, rear living, front kitchens, massive bathrooms and offices. Or set up for families with bunk rooms and lots dual bathrooms.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $1,900 – $239,000
New: $30,000 – $337,000
Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler
Toy Hauler Fifth Wheels are
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $5,000 – $190,000
New: $50,000 – $220,000
Towable Pros
Travel Trailers – Probably the largest Pro for this category is size. You can get something in just about every category and not even need a truck. These RVs offer just as much as the fifth wheels do, just in a smaller space. With a travel trailer, there’s no need to worry about your height just about anywhere you go (you still need to be aware). There’s something for every size of family.
These types of trailers are also the most budget friendly compared to the other categories, as most, again, you can buy for what tow vehicle you have now and still get into the RV market.
Fifth Wheels – Well known for their ease of towing, even the largest of the toy haulers. Changing your pivot point to over the bed of the truck, allows for 90 degree turning in most situations. With their tall ceilings, tons of pass through storage, and amazing options for layouts, there is sure to be one that is perfect for your family.
Towable Cons
Travel Trailers – The most well-known con is while driving. Trailer Sway. It can be downright fatal if you don’t take it seriously. Please make sure that you are using all the safety attachments (anti-sway, weight distribution) and that you aren’t towing over what your tow vehicle can handle.
The other con, for some, is the interior height. For anyone over 6ft, being in a travel trailer can feel quite small. While most ceilings can be about 6ft-7ft interior height, some can be just barely 6ft and in those teardrops, you’re just squeaking in on length for sleeping.
Fifth Wheels – Size and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Fifth wheels not only require a truck, no exceptions, but they also come with the need for typically a heavier rating of a truck. While there are some fifth wheels made to be towed by a half-ton truck (F-150/1500), most require a much larger truck, especially those toy haulers.
The other con would be their overall height. Coming in over the 13ft, all routes you take, must be checked to make sure you don’t have low bridge or wires. Even untrimmed trees along streets can damage your roof or items up there (think your solar panels and covers). For any RV owner, it’s imperative that you know your height – to the highest point on your RV. Keep that on your dash so you always have a visual.
Within both categories, there are many layouts with slides, that when, they aren’t able to come out or fail, you won’t have full access to your rig, only partial, if any. For some, this is a deal breaker as they like to have full access for quick stops or truck stop stay overs (slides aren’t supposed to go out). Some models don’t have slides or have well-placed slides where you can still get to your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom (all or some).
Drivable RVs
Drivable or motorized campers are your two in one. With your motor and camper in one shell, a separate vehicle isn’t required. These RVs are only in four categories, however within each one, they can be either gas fuel or diesel fuel.
Motorized RVs:
Class A
Class A motorhomes, these are the life goals of what seem to be every retiree. At least that is what most think. There are actually a fair amount of young couples and families who travel by Class A these days. This category is well-known for it’s flat front and panoramic views from the front seat. Coming in both gas and diesel models, from entry to complete luxury, the variety – and pricing – is quite all over for Class A motorhomes.
Standard interior finishes with a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. A Class A can also be outfitted with bunks, a motorized queen bed over the captains chairs, ensuite laundry, residential appliances and sometimes even a dishwasher. With unparalleled storage below the living area, these models are well equipped to take just about anything with you.
Toy Hauler models are also possible with Class A motorhomes, most known with the brand Outlaw by Thor. These toy haulers have a garage for your toys, much like the travel trailer version, along with auxiliary fuel tank and drop down bunks. These also tend to come with the back door converting into a patio.
While you do not need a tow vehicle to pull a Class A, many choose to tow a vehicle behind. This allows the flexibility of adventuring away, without needing to bring your whole RV – even just to get groceries or go site-seeing.
Class A motorhomes, are 100% the most expensive you can get, should you have the budget. But they’re out there. Check out the Newell Coaches – essentially, they are a Yacht on wheels.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $4,000 – $2,275,000
New: $87,000 – $6,000,000
Class B
Class B Motorhome, also known as Vanlife. These are motorhomes custom built INSIDE of a van. They can range from having just some bedding and storage to mini kitchenettes and even bathrooms with holding tanks. Some of the larger Class B’s will even have a slide! VanLife has come a long way. They also come with a higher price tag per square foot, as they are custom made to fit the van framing.
Class B motorhomes are convenient in their size, staying smaller and in-size for most bridges and even fit in some parking garages. Making this mode of motorized campers quite accessible.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $6,000 – $284,,000
New: $58,000 – $325,000
Class C
This category of motorhome is likely the most well known. With their classic over-cab bunk, they can be spotted from a mile away. These motorhomes offer a lot of similarities to the Class A, just in a more compact space and typically in more affordable finishes and options. Models can range from super small with a double bed, bunks over cab, wet bath and kitchenette, to massive 30+ft bunkhouse models with two bathrooms and a full kitchen.
Class C motorhomes also come in a variety of subcategories. There are the smaller Class C’s that are more like a super-sized Class B, the classic model and the Super C, as photographed above. The Super C model is quickly becoming more popular and gaining more high-end finishes like some fancier Class A RVs. This model is built on a transport truck frame instead of a larger truck frame. They are all diesel models and off one extra special feature – a super sized panoramic window from the over-cab bunk. They’re spectacular!
The Class C motorhomes, are, on average, shorter than a Class A but taller than most Class B. Making them fit right in the middle on height. They can also tow another vehicle – with a larger tow capacity than a Class A, they are able to tow just about anything you need. There are even a small handful of Toy Hauler Class C models, while not overly popular, they do exist.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $7,000 – $579,000
New: $72,000 – $832,000
Overland
Overland motorhomes are the ultimate off-road vehicle AND home in one! With their extremely rugged exterior, tires and on-board storage for all the things, they are able to take you, and your home, just about anywhere you can drive four wheels into. Built on the inside, a lot like a Class B, every single one of these off-road machines are very unique. Many coming with wet baths, kitchenettes, and a bed, they are capable of having some of the extra perks like a full kitchen or full bath as well.
Within this Overland category, there are a few options. One category focuses on flat bed trucks for placing the overland camper on. From fixed hard-wall campers to drop on pop up campers, much like the truck bed campers above (meant for flat beds only), there are options. There are also custom built overlanders which resemble an army truck.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: Unknown
New: Variable
Schoolie
Schoolie motorhomes are completely personalized and one of a kind. Each motorhome is made from a school bus, mini school bus, motor coach bus or army bus. They are gutted down to the frame and custom made from plumbing, wiring, cabinets, to the exterior paint and windows. Because no two are alike, we don’t really know what is inside them. However, from those I’ve seen, they will have kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and even sometimes, a second floor!
Our friends at Red White & Bethune have a fully renovated coach bus. The beauty of their “Blue Betty” is they have been able to modify it several times to fit their needs during each season of their travel, without the need to sell and purchase and start all over again.
Schoolies work like all the other motorized RVs, they can tow a vehicle as well. They do vary in height, be sure to keep track of yours should you get a schoolie. Overall, this one is the most customizable and the most work upfront. But a totally tailored and personalized finished product.
Prices for these campers, currently listed on RVTrader.com
Used: $25,000 (only one listed)
New: None
Drivable Pros
Drivable Motorhomes are so convenient. All in one, hop behind the wheel and go. Access to your whole house while traveling (hello road coffee and sandwiches!). You also have access to the bathroom too. This means less stops. Making these campers perfect for those who like to go fast and go far, with few stops. These motor homes also have fantastic under cabin storage all around the vehicle, giving them best in class storage.
Being an all in one vehicle, it also means purchasing a tow vehicle isn’t required. However, so purchase or bring a tow behind vehicle for once you’re parked. This also gives you the opportunity to save fuel driving a smaller vehicle around for touring and groceries and such. It also allows you to get into smaller spaces and drive more comfortably within the cities in a regular sized vehicle vs the whole motorhome or the towing vehicle (dually/large truck).
One big perk of all motorized RVs, you have almost-full access to the RV at all times. Even with slides, the rig is accessible from front to back. You can get to bathrooms, your bed, the kitchen. Maybe not all the cupboards in the kitchen, but you can get to the fridge, sink and stove. Making these RVs completely road-side accessible.
Drivable Cons
Price. Price is one of the biggest cons of the motorized RV category. While they do include both tow vehicle and camper, they are typically more expensive as you still need a vehicle for your every day life, if you don’t live in this full time. Or if you do, you still need a second vehicle to get around.
Without the second vehicle, the next con comes up – requiring packing your whole house just to get groceries or gas. If you don’t have a towed vehicle, a simple run to the store can mean packing up everything into “move mode” to head out. With a smaller Class B, it’s not such a big deal, as it’s small and everything is likely already moveable.
Motorized RVs, being an all in one as a perk, is also it’s con. If something breaks down in the engine, your whole home needs to go in for service and you’re “homeless”. Factoring in housing costs into your emergency budget is a must for this category. These engines are also more expensive to repair than a gas or diesel truck or car.
Summary – What Type of RV Works For You?
I can’t tell you which will work best for you. Summarizing the categories and breaking them down so you can see how each one might work, or not work, for your family. You’ll need to ask yourselves a few questions to help narrow down how you plan to travel and what you. need from your house on wheels:
- How are you going to travel? Full time, part time, some times.
- How are you going to travel? Short trips, a few weeks, a few months.
- Where do you plan to visit? National Parks, Cities, Countryside, etc
- Where do you plan to stay? National Parks, State Parks, Boondocking (off grid), RV Resorts, etc
- How many are traveling with you?
- What is your driving preferences or skills?
Really take a little while and decide how you plan to travel. Even look at renting out a few different types of RVs to see what feels better. I think a word from the wise once said “you’ll never find perfect RV the first time”. I believe that’s pretty fair. Once you’re in it and going, you’ll always find something you wish was different.
That said, you will ALWAYS find something you wish was different. So either it’s something you can change and make it work, or it’s something you can live with and love the rest of it. Or, it’s something you can’t and need to swap for something else.
What do you think? What is the right RV for you? You know I always love to know what you think and chat in the comments, let me know below!
If you’re looking for part one of this 4-part series, you can find it here: Part 1: New vs Used RV
If you’re looking for the whole series, you can find them in the kick-off post: 4-Part Series: RV Beginners
Till next time,
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