Do you know the differences between RVs and trailers?
Who doesn't love a good road trip? And now that summer is approaching, people are going to be traveling and camping more often. While cars are one great way of getting around, RVs and trailers are another very useful and fun way to travel. While they do have some similarities, RVs and trailers are two different things. Let's break each of these down and compare them!
If you didn't know, RV is an abbreviation for Recreational Vehicle. For something to be an RV, it must be mobile. This means it must be able to move on its own or be towed by another vehicle. It must also include a living space. RV is actually a term that encompasses many variations within it. RVs include travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, truck campers, and pop-up campers. These categories are further broken down.
For the purposes of this article, we will specifically be examining the difference between motorhomes and travel trailers, as motorhomes are typically what we think of when we think of RVs.
Motorhomes
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Motorhomes come in different classes. These are Class A, Class B, and Class C. Motorhomes are generally somewhere between 25 and 45 feet and fit between 4 to 12 adults. You will typically find living amenities in motorhomes in the same space you will find the cockpit. This means the living accommodations can easily be used by passengers while the car is in motion. Motorhomes are best suited for those who plan on taking many trips or living in them for an extended period of time.
Class A
These are the height of luxury when it comes to motorhomes. Class A motorhomes look like traditional buses and have vertical windshields. Because they are the most luxurious type of motorhome; they are also the most expensive. This also means they are very comfortable. One thing to consider, however, is that these types of motorhomes do not have off-roading capabilities.
Class B
This class of motorhomes is for midsize camper vans. Class B motorhomes are also easier to drive due to their smaller size, making the driving experience more similar to that of driving a car. These types of vehicles are also much easier to park than Class A motorhomes. The downside to these types of motorhomes is they are not as accommodating. While they often contain essentials, such as beds and kitchens, they may not have bathrooms and lounge areas the Class A variety would contain.
Class C
Class C motorhomes are a cheaper and smaller version of Class A. Think of it as a compromise between the Class A and Class B varieties. These are on a standard truck frame and offer extra space above the roof. These vehicles are easier to drive and contain space for your amenities. They also utilize slide-outs to expand the indoor space. This type of motorhome can be less smooth to drive, and may even require a toad (a car you tow behind you).
Trailers
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As we mentioned, trailers are actually a type of RV. Travel trailers do not have their own motor and are pulled by another vehicle. They can park the trailer at a site, and continue to use the towing vehicle. Like motorhomes, travel trailers have a wide range of price, size, and amenity options. The smallest type of travel trailer can be attached to the bed of a truck. The range for trailer size is typically between 10 and 40 feet. Keep in mind, you will also need to account for the length of the towing vehicle. This type of RV can usually fit somewhere between 2 to 12 adults. They do, however, tend to be much less expensive than motorhomes. If you enjoy camping, but don't go very often, a trailer is probably the most practical choice for you.
There are many different types of RVs out there, and different options will suit different people. When shopping for one of these vehicles, focus on what your priorities are. You can weigh out your options based on criteria such as price, luxury, and ease of driving.
Are you taking an RV trip this summer? Let us know in the comments!
