Before You Buy A New Or Used RV...

Trailer vs. Motorhome
Basically, the 2 main types of RVs are:  trailers and motorhomes.

Do you like the idea of not towing a trailer? Do you like being able to move about and keep everyone comfortable for the long haul?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you'll probably like a motorhome. Motorhomes are great, but their cost is dramatically higher. 

On the other hand, trailers are quite a bit cheaper, and the only running gear to maintain are tires and wheel bearings.  Sure it takes a bit of skill to master maneuvering in reverse, but it’s not that hard.

Now... maybe you're leaning more toward a travel trailer at this point. Or maybe you're thinking a motorhome would be the best option for you. The only way to know for sure is to ask yourself these questions:

1. How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
With prices starting as low as $2,000 to 3,000 for a bare bones Teardrop trailer, and going all the way up to many millions of dollars for a top-of-the-line motor coach, your choice of RV is really only limited by your pocketbook. 

This is one industry where there is truly something to fit every financial level.


2. Where Are You Planning To Go?
Do you plan on being a highway cruiser? Or is the backwoods wilderness your destination?  The luxury of a large Class A motorhome is well-suited for long distance driving and high class resorts.  But when it comes to driving on abandoned logging roads and exploring that great fishing lake way back in the boonies, chances are you’ll be making expensive repairs.  A motorhome's bulky size and weight just isn’t suited for off-pavement conditions.


3. How Many People Will Be Sleeping On Board?
Will you be traveling with a family of 8? Or is it just you and your spouse?  Many RVs are designed for large families, with bunk house sleeping accommodations and even multiple dinettes for mealtime. 

Large comfortable motor homes, while able to manage 4-6 people at a time, are generally more popular with couples who occasionally bring the kids or grandkids along.  Beyond the queen-sized bed in the rear, they are limited to a fold-out sofa and collapsible dinette for extra sleeping quarters.

Finally, you'll want to explore the pro's and con's of each style of RV...

Types & Styles Of RVs
There are so many different styles of RVs to consider, so let's take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of each.
[Click on each type to view examples.]

Teardrop
Probably the least expensive, with small and cozy (tight) accommodations for 1-2 people maximum.  Very lightweight and able to be towed by almost any vehicle.  Better than a tent, because it offers improved protection from the elements and requires no setup.

Tent Trailer
Small towing package that -- when set up -- provides comfortable sleeping for the whole family.  Complete with kitchen inside. The main disadvantage is that it takes a reasonable amount of time to construct.  Not something you want to do in the rain, or on a nightly basis while traveling.  Ideally suited for a week at a campground where there are other activities to enjoy.

Folding Hard Side Trailer
Again... small towing package, but can be set up in less than a minute.  Able to handle 2-4 people, this rig can work quite well for frequent traveling as it folds up quickly.

Travel Trailer
Anywhere from 12‘-40’ in length, they can manage any number of people.  A small fiberglass bubble that can fit two, or a long two bedroom ranch house on wheels with all the amenities you could think of to keep a family of eight happily occupied.  Be aware, long travel trailers don’t handle all that well on the highway.

Fifth Wheel Trailer
Smaller 5th wheel trailers can be pulled by half ton trucks. Larger ones will require at least a 1-ton dually to handle the weight.  The one characteristic common to all fifth wheel trailers is how well they tow.  With the pivot point being over the rear axle, you will be stable on the road no matter how large a rig you choose.  Very popular with full timers because of the interior space, combined with their easy towing.  Basement storage can be a nice bonus.

Class B Motorhome
With the basic cargo van as its foundation, a Class B motor home can manage 1or 2 people in relative comfort.  Great for driving because of  its manageable size.  Some are very complete in providing the comforts of life.  These can be a useful 2nd family car, and still be ready to hit the road in comfort. 

Class C Mini-Home
Also has a cargo van front end. These motorhomes can handle a family in style.  There's easy access to the driver's seat.  And the over-the-cab area provides a large sleeping area.  Ranges in length from about 21’ to over 30’, some will have a rear bedroom with a queen-sized bed. Combined with the collapsing dinette, you'll have sleeping space for at least 6. 

Class A Motorhome
These usually range from 25' to 40’ and they're great for travelers.  Whether it's being used for full time RVing, or as a vacation vessel, comfort is the key word.  The view from the cockpit is incomparable -- seated up high, you will see over the traffic easily, and all across the countryside too.  Ranging in price from $100,000 and up, you pay for this level of comfort.  As with all in the motorhome class of recreational vehicles, you have a drivetrain that must be maintained and used on a regular basis in order to keep it in good running condition. 

Luxury Motor Coach
This is the top of the heap. If you can afford one of these, you have truly arrived.  With prices exceeding $1,000,000, this level of luxury is limited to the elite.  High fashion and stylish living comes with the territory.  This isn’t the kind of rig you’ll use to pull into a Corp. of Engineers Rustic Campground.  


With all these choices, you certainly have a lot to consider.  Picking the right RV for your family is an important financial decision that will require you to spend a lot of time comparing the different manufacturers, sizes, and styles.  Choose wisely. And enjoy. There’s an RV to fit everyone's situation.  Have fun finding the right one for you!

Thanks to Bullyan's RV for the photos.