Words by Jessica Rider
The current choice of RVs may seem overwhelming. For those who travel primarily on weekends with a few longer trips in between, determining models, interior layouts, designs and styles can get confusing.
When my husband and I started searching for an RV, we narrowed our choices by the tow vehicle we own and budget, which landed us with a 27’ travel trailer. After many trips, we needed to upgrade our tow vehicle that also allowed us to upgrade our RV. This resulted in choosing from a plethora of model options and it took some time to create a short-list of the necessary features we wanted.
Every list we made (and there were a few) included the benefits of each type of RV and how they could enhance our camping experiences. Listed below are some of the criteria on a variety of classes of models that we considered and how they best suited our RV preferences.
RJA1988
Class A: Not Just For Your Grandparents Anymore
At first, we thought this class was for baby boomers who take longer trips cross country. However, there are many benefits for weekend campers as well.
Lots of Storage
- Typically, the underbelly of a Class A model consists of basement storage, meaning you can keep the kid’s toys, bikes, chairs and anything else concealed in one large area and not in the RV’s interior during travel.
Spacious Living Area
- Class A’s have the ideal space for when travelling with kids, a few areas to relax for adults and plenty of living space when at an RV park, making them a viable option.
More Power and a Smoother Ride
- A Class A offers more power while travelling the backcountry areas of Canada and can also provide a smoother ride than a tow vehicle and trailer.
Get In and Go
- If you’re on the road every weekend (or even every other weekend) a Class A allows you to keep many essential items and gear in its designated storage space. just stock the fridge or pantry with some groceries, get in and head out.
PNW Production
Class B: The Hip New Ride
Class Bs and van conversions are all the rage with younger RVers. They are perfect if you drive almost anywhere and do some exploring beyond the RV park. While they tout many contemporary features to boondock in comfort, there are other great benefits as well.
Expand Your Travel Experiences
- Ranging between 6 to 9 m (20 to 30 ft) in length, class Bs allow driving around town as simple as driving a large pickup with many creature comforts. This provides more confidence behind the wheel in a short period of time, resulting in travelling further to new destinations.
All-in-One Design
- Due to a class B's smaller chassis over a class A or C, there’s no need for a smaller vehicle if you want to see local attractions or even run a few errands. Just unplug and go.
Upgrade-Friendly
- Despite their smaller size, class B’s come loaded with comfortable features, thoughtful options, and can be upgraded with aftermarket systems, gear, and storage solutions to provide more convenience on the road.
Fifth Wheel: For Just a little More Room
There are many reasons to choose a fifth wheel but some of the deal-breakers are the added space and function. Typically, they come in larger sizes with slideouts to maximize the living area, provide ample storage, and many comforts of home. Some other benefits include:
Maneuverability
- If you have ever seen someone back a fifth wheel into a campsite, it can be interesting. Since part of the trailer is rigged in the bed of a tow vehicle, there is an increased turning radius that allows easier maneuverability into smaller campsites.
All the Accessories
- Extra features that can be added to a fifth wheel (or even travel trailer) are left up to your imagination and preferences. Fifth wheels offer the space and capabilities to add all the fancy features you want for your camping lifestyle.
The Convenience of Having a Daily Driver
- If you own a motorhome, it’s just practical to have a toad in tow to see local attractions, run errands, etc. With a fifth wheel (or travel trailer), your tow vehicle is the daily driver at a destination. They also offer added space during travel for bikes - even a motorcycle - to get around while on the road.
Winnebago Industries
Travel Trailers
Although travel trailers are a great option for first-timers, they are used by countless seasoned enthusiasts due to their easy towing capabilities, variety of features, overall function and many other advantages such as:
Affordability and Ease of Use
- In many cases travel trailers are budget-friendly, widely available, and easy to maintain and/or repair.
A Variety of Options
- Many RV manufacturers design and build travel trailers. With more than 38 brands on the market to choose from, you’re sure to find something ideal for the type of camping you want to do.
Lightweight
- Although it depends on the trailer, length and overall design, many manufacturers offer a lightweight model (approximately 1,300 kg (3000 lbs)) or less, which means you can tow by SUVs or light trucks.
Of course, these features and benefits of each class of RV just scratch the surface of what to consider in an RV this buying season. By creating a comprehensive list with some additional criteria, you’ll find a model that’s right for you and your family, providing the opportunity to enjoy time on the road for both weekend getaways and longer trips.
Happy Camping!