RV Classes Explained
If you have visited a trailer dealer’s website, or talked to anyone about RVs, chances are you have heard someone reference a Class A or Class C RV. Hearing someone else talk about RV classes can be very confusing if you are new to the RV world, and trying to keep Class A, B, and C separate from each other requires a little bit of knowledge and understanding. But, as with almost anything, a little bit of understanding and clarification can make all the difference.
RV Categories
The first thing to understand about RV classes starts with the RV category, and there are two main RV categories: towable and motor coaches. As the names imply, a towable RV is any type of trailer, and the category of motor coach is anything that is self powered.
The differences between the two types are obvious, yes, but there are some critical differences worth noting. For one, regardless of how comfortable and luxurious your towable RV is, you are unable to use and enjoy those amenities until you have pulled off the road and parked. With a motor coach, you are able to enjoy some of those amenities while driving.
RV Classes
There are three main RV classes for motor coaches: Class A, B, and C. And for towable trailers, there are a few common classes: fifth wheel trailers, travel trailers, pop-up trailers, and toy hauler trailers.
Class A RV
Of all the motor coaches out there, these are the large bus-like motor homes. Truly, a coach or bus, these often reach lengths of up to 45 feet, sometimes longer, and are capable of sleeping up to ten people. If you are hoping for spacious luxury, class A is about as good as it gets.
Class B RV
Ironically, this class of RV is considered to be one of the smallest RV classes (not Class C), because the majority of the RVs in this category are campervans/sleeper cans. They are small enough that you get decent gas mileage, you won’t have a hard time parking in a parking lot, and you can pretty much go down most dirt roads with one of these RVs.
Class C RV
Unlike the Class B camper vans, the Class C motor coaches are built on a truck chassis, so they are a little larger. Think of these more like a U-Haul truck rather than a bus. They are priced much lower than Class A motor coaches, and get much better fuel mileage. They come in a range of sizes, with many being able to sleep a large family.
Fifth Wheel Trailer
In the camp trailer world, the fifth wheel trailer is king. These trailers are often much taller, more spacious, and more luxurious than other trailers. Due to their size and weight, they require a specific hitch type and can only be pulled by heavier duty trucks. Of all the trailers, they are often considered the safest and easiest to tow.
Travel Trailer
The majority of camp trailers you see fall into the category of travel trailer. They come in a range of sizes - anywhere from 12 feet all the way up to 35 feet in length. Some will sleep just 2 people while some can sleep 8 or more. If you are trying to find a great camp trailer, chances are you will find your perfect model in this category of trailer.
Pop-Up Trailer
These trailers are very lightweight and compact. With sides made of canvas, the trailer needs to be unfolded before you can use it. While this design may confuse some, it is an amazing trailer if you don’t have a heavy duty tow vehicle, or if you want to be able to park your trailer in your garage at home.
Toy Hauler Trailer
This style of camp trailer is relatively new to the camping world and is built to feature a large ramp door at the rear of the trailer. On the inside, furniture such as bunk beds or tables can be moved, making parts of the trailer interior open enough to haul dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, or snowmobiles in the trailer.
Conclusion
Keep in mind, too, that there is no right or perfect RV out there. The increasing variety of options exist for the various individual needs of campers. Does the perfect RV exist for you? Quite possibly, yes!
Now that you know the difference between the various RV categories and classes, you will have an easier time understanding RV lingo as well as identifying specifically what your RV needs are. Happy camping!