Recreational Vehicle Types
Buying an Airstream, Monaco, Beaver, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler, Jayco, or HitchHiker RV? Well, you’re not alone and despite high fuel prices, Class A motorhomes are the only category seeing a decline in sales. Motorhome shipments to dealers in 2006 fell 11.9%, but Class B and Class C motorhomes are showing slight increases. Travel trailers continue to lead the way with dealer sales up 15% for the year, so “bears” may find little solace in the RV industry. It’s still working pretty well, thanks.
Consumer surveys addressing “RV use” are surprising, with two-thirds of RV owners planning to use their RVs more rather than less, and 37% responding that the cost of fuel would not affect how they would use their RVs. your recreational vehicles. However, this figure seems high as surveys also show that 45% of motorhomes would simply travel shorter distances and 52% responded that they would simply stay in one area longer with their motorhomes. It all boils down to rv’ers using their coaches and rigs because they not only love the lifestyle but also feel that rv’ing brings their families closer.
With so many RV options and options available, a back to the basics of RV types can serve as a timely reminder for the experienced rv’er and is the starting point for the novice rv’er who just wants to learn. plus. The following is a concise summary of the main pros and cons for all the different types of RVs. Choosing between RV and travel trailer is sometimes the most daunting decision and unfortunately statistics will be of little help to you because RV sales and travel trailer sales are about the same at 45% each. one, and the remaining 10% goes to folding trailers. Regardless, the following should provide a starting point in your quest to choose the right type of RV for your specific needs.
MOTORHOMES
A CLASS Box or bus-style RV on a full-size truck-like chassis
Pros:
Motorized, autonomous, it gives a feeling of “freedom”. Motorhomes are the best option for those who move a lot.
Cons
Emotion overrides logic with Class A buyers either they buy the wrong type (the Class A) or they buy too much. Remember that dazzling, brilliant, and skilled salespeople sell these beauties.
CLASS B Van Camper (Do you remember them from the 60s and 70s?)
professionals
The camper van is still quite popular. Economical and easy to operate. It will go almost anywhere. It appeals to many, especially older people who don’t want to mess with anything big. Van camper also scores very highly when it comes to RV safety issues.
Cons
Small and limited living and storage space, as well as fresh water, LP gas holding and storage tanks.
C-CLASS Cutaway Van Chassis (Different Chassis Sizes Available)
professionals
Inexpensive to drive, great for family use, relatively easy to maneuver and park.
Cons
Driving area restricted to driving (unlike Class A), you can easily get overweight with slides or if they are too long
TRAILERS
FIFTH WHEELS Trailer hitch located on the bed of the truck
professionals
RV that looks more like a home, better for extended stays, relatively easy to tow.
Cons
Not for you if you don’t like towing or backing up a towed vehicle.
TRAVEL TRAILERS self explanatory. #1 RV SELLING
professionals
Go from small to large floor plans, unlimited, versatile and flexible in use. Most households have a vehicle that can tow at least a small travel trailer.
Cons
It must be carefully researched and investigated. Many manufacturers today use cheap materials and poor workmanship.
At first, RVs may seem inexpensive, but inferior materials and craftsmanship will cost you money in the long run.
SPORT UTILITY TRAILER (toy transporter) The hottest RV innovation if the last few years with manufacturers sometimes unable
to meet consumer demand
professionals
Take your toys and your family with you
Cons
Shaft location is key to safety. Hitch weight is heavier when empty, may be too heavy. Make sure the flooring in the cargo area secures your contents.
FOLD They are also known as pop up windows, tent trailers and A Frame trailers.
professionals
Great for young families or anyone with their first rv’ing experience. Helps you get off the ground (compared to a tent) Have basic RV accessories; stove, refrigerator, oven, water, and sometimes more.
Cons
The tent canvas is high maintenance. If ignored, it can get moldy and crumble.
TELESCOPIC TRAILER Hard side, go up to use, go down to ride
professionals
Low profile while towing. Safe and economical to tow. A very viable RV alternative
Cons
Rising costs have kept sales low.
TRUCK TRUCK Mounts in truck bed
professionals
Great option if you already have a truck. It still has the ability to tow boats, horse trailers, etc.
Cons
Most truck campers are unstable when assembled. Prone to causing the vehicle to sway.
Note: Truck manufacturers limit the height of the payload to the top of the truck cab.