That is a huge question and one of the ones we struggled with before making our choice. Let me list the main options in quick succession.
- Class A motorhome
- Class B camper
- Class C camper
- Travel trailers
- 5th wheel trailers
- pop up trailers
- Conversion buses/skoolies
- Slide-in campers
Let’s break these down type by type
Class A: AKA the BIG ONES. These types of RVs look like buses, drive like buses, drink fuel like water, but have the most options for slide-outs (extra living space when parked) and total amenities. However, passenger seating while moving is typically an afterthought so you’ll certainly need a chaser vehicle if traveling with a family. Quality can be iffy too as manufacturers try to crank them out fast and cheap. Buy a used one, as someone else has likely fixed the worst problems.
Class B: AKA ” Van by the river” The little cousin to the Class A and Class C. These are the size of a 15-passenger van and have limited space for storage and amenities. If you plan to stay in moderate climates and spend most of your time out of doors then say hello to the Class B. Some of these will have a pop-up roof for extra headroom, but will also limit the ability to keep the inside comfortable.
Class C: Like a Class A, but built on a truck frame. Imagine a slide-in camper, but permanently affixed and loaded to the nines! These have more room than a Class B, some slide-out options, and are a little easier to maneuver than the big A’s. Just like with the A’s and B’s, buy used. The manufacturing of these has been subpar for many years so be prepared for leaks, pluming and electrical issues, and poor fit and finish.
Travel trailers: From the basic teardrop, to the iconic silver twinky these run the gamut. The main benefit of a travel trailer is pure flexibility. Some are very light and can be towed by vans or a multi-passenger truck. The towing hitch doesn’t take up any room on the hauling vehicle so there is more storage space up there. However once you start getting big, it may be time to consider a 5th wheel.
5th wheel trailers: BIG trailers needing a BIG towing vehicle and a specialized towing setup. All the amenities of a Class A without the attached motor. Some of these, and their travel trailer cousins, have a ‘toy hauler’ option that has the back 1/3rd the of the RV dedicated as a ‘garage’ for ATV’s, motorcycles, or open floor plan offices and living areas. The bed of the hauling vehicle is taken up with the towing hardware of a 5th wheel, which hitches up much like a cargo truck’s trailer. Tows much easier though so there’s that.
Pop-up trailers: These are little more than tents on wheels. Light and easy to tow, but more geared for a weekend away than for long-term habitation. Some can be kitted out with showers and toilets, but the size of the blackwater (poop) tanks and freshwater tanks are tiny. More comfortable than sleeping on the ground, but less useful than a solid class C or small Travel Trailer.
Conversion Buses/Skoolies: The ultimate DIY solution. Buy a retired school or transit bus, gut it, and put in whatever you want! In terms of handling and space, consider it a Class A with no slide-outs. As far as amenities, the sky is the limit. A lot of people like to DIY these from the ground up, but there are some companies out there, like The Rolling Donkey who’s doing our bus!
Slide-ins: Basic campers that will slide onto the back of pickup trucks. Basic amenities, comfortable sleeping. Some models have limited slide-outs for additional living space, but overall they’re pretty cramped.
At the end of the day, you need to ask yourself and your family what your expectations are. Are you going to be living aboard, or are you just going to be using it for a few days to a week? Are you going to be traveling a lot, do you plan on taking your rig with you everywhere or are you going to want more flexibility? Answering these questions is a good first step to figuring out what kind of RV is right for you.