The RV is a popular choice for those who love to travel and explore the great outdoors. There are many different types of RVs to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits.
In this guide, we will take a look at the different types of RVs available on the market, from trailers to coaches. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right RV for your needs.
>>Be sure to check out our glossary of RV terminology for any RV camper jargon that’s unfamiliar in the guide below.
What is an RV?
An RV, or recreational vehicle, also known as a camper, is a motorized vehicle or towed trailer that is used for camping. Most types of RVs and campers have many of the same amenities you’d find in a sticks and bricks home, such as a bed, kitchen area, a place to sit during the day, and use the toilet or shower.
Who Camps in an RV?
RV campers, also known as “RVers,” are typically people who enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new places, but don’t want to give up the amenities of home.
The size and type of camper will determine the number and quality of amenities you’ll find in your RV.
Since RVs come in all shapes and sizes, finding an RV to suit your needs in size, budget and camping style is doable but it’s no easy feat because there are so many options to choose from!
To help you narrow down your search, below is a list of the 13 most common types of RV available on to live in full-time or camp in on the occasional weekend to help you find the right camper type for you.
The 2 Main Different Types of RV Campers
There are several different types of RVs but they all can be camped under two main RV categories:
Drivable Campers & RVs
A drivable camper is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that includes living quarters built into the vehicle. Motorhomes are available in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and can be classified as Class A, B, or C and a few other RV types.
Depending on the size, drivable campers are a great option for solo travelers and larger families who want to enjoy the freedom of the open road without all the hassle and expense of towing an RV.
Towable Campers & RVs
A towable camper is a recreational vehicle that can be towed behind a car, truck or SUV. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small travel trailers to large fifth wheels.
Towable RVs offer a great way to travel with all the comforts of home, without the need to take your house with you for every errand or bring along a second vehicle to use as a daily driver.
Complete Guide to the Different Types of RVS
RVs have been around for over a century, and in that time, they’ve evolved significantly. Campers range in size from the tiniest types of RVs, like the towable tear drop trailer, to the largest of the drivable campers, the Class A motorhome.
Today’s RVs are packed with amenities and feature cutting-edge technology, and many of the same comforts you find in a sticks and bricks home. However, each type of RV is unique and offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
With so many different types of RVs on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your camping style.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of RVs available and what makes each unique:
Types of Drivable Campers and RV Motorhomes
Looking for the perfect motorhome for your next adventure? Check out our guide to the different types of drivable campers and find the one that’s right for you!
As you may already know, there are four types of motorhomes: Class A, B, and C and Skoolies.
We’re including Skoolies here as a separate type of motorhome than the traditional three. We decided to do this because, well, #skoolielife is a lifestyle all of it’s own and as such we feel it didn’t fit with the other classes of motorhomes.
Motorhomes offer many advantages over other types of vacation vehicles. They provide more space and privacy than tents or campers, and they’re easier to set up and take down. Plus, motorhomes come with all the amenities of home, like kitchens and bathrooms.
If you’re looking for a unique way to travel that allows you to see the country while still having all the comforts of home, a motorhome may be right for you.
The Class A Motorhome is the Largest Drivable RV
These large drivable RVs can also be referred to as motor coaches. Class As are the largest, and often some of the most expensive, of the drivable types of RVs. They might be what you could consider to be like a tour bus style motorhome.
For example, a custom-built Class A RV can cost 2 million dollars or more. However, more commonly, you will find a Class A motorhome that costs between $50,000 and $200,000 for the everyday traveler.
Class A motorhomes are built on a truck chassis and typically range in length from 25 to 45 feet, with either a gas or diesel engine (aka a diesel pusher). They have a raised profile, making them easy to spot on the open road. And while they may be intimidating to drive at first, once you get used to their size, they’re actually quite easy to maneuver.
Class A RV can tow a smaller vehicle behind it, so you don’t have to drive the RV for short trips. Another advantage is that most come with onboard generators making it easier to gain access to power when electrical hook-ups are unavailable.
These large motorhomes have most of the features and amenities that you would find in a regular home. The interior spaces of Class A motorhomes are usually more luxurious and made of higher end materials than other types of drivable campers.
The inside of Class A motorized RVs are like mini apartments on wheels. They come with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and comfortable bedrooms. Some even have washers and dryers onboard!
There’s a reason they call it the “luxury” class. Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive type of RV, and they come with all the bells and whistles. If you’re looking for an RV that has it all, a Class A is the way to go.
Class B Motorhome: The Smallest Drivable Camper
A class B camper van is the perfect way to travel in style and comfort. These vans built on a van chassis can offer the basic amenities of a home on wheels, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
Class B motorhomes are the center of #vanlife on social media and are a popular choice to live this RV lifestyle. Despite their small size, Class B motorhomes can be quite expensive.
Class B motorhomes, or camper vans, as they are sometimes called, are the smallest type of drivable RV. Due to their compact size, they are easier to drive and maneuver than other motorized homes. This makes Class Bs ideal for short road trips and full-time RV camping adventures for solo travelers and couples
Some camper vans have a wet bathroom where the toilet and sink are located within the shower area. Though, not all camper vans are self-contained and may require the owner to use a gym or pubic restroom to wash up.
A camper van’s small size means that there isn’t a lot of storage space. Many areas have to serve multiple purposes. For example, Class Bs may have a dinette that converts into a bed instead of having a separate sleeping space.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, a class B camper van is the perfect way to travel in style and comfort for short trips or one or two RVers at a time.
Skoolie: The Bus Converted to a Home on Wheels
A skoolie is a school bus that has been converted into a tiny home on wheels. The skoolie movement is growing in popularity as more people realize the benefits of living in a smaller space. Skoolies are more affordable than traditional homes, they’re easier to maintain, and they offer a unique lifestyle that allows for a great deal of freedom and flexibility.
If you’re considering making the switch to a skoolie, here are a few things you should know. First, skoolies are not for everyone. If you enjoy your privacy and personal space, you may find living in such close quarters with other people to be challenging. Second, skoolies require some level of DIY skills.
These are great projects but often require a significant amount of time, energy, and financial investment to complete. If you’re not handy with tools or willing to learn, you may want to hire someone to help with the conversion process.
Class C Motorhome: “The Mid-Sized Drivable RV”
A Class C motorhome is a great option for RVers who want the comforts of home while on the road. Class C motorhomes are typically easier to drive than larger RVs, and offer more storage and amenities than a smaller RV.
These “midrange” types of RVs are often considered smaller versions of Class As. These motorhomes often have many of the amenities found in the more common Class As.
While not typically not as luxurious as Class As, Class Cs are also able to sleep up to about 10 people comfortably. Class C RVs typically have space above the cab for a sleeping area or additional storage above the cab.
Most Class Cs are capable of towing a daily driving vehicle but many Class C owners choose to drive a separate vehicle on travel days.
You may have heard of Super Cs, which are a subclass of Class C motorhomes. Super Cs are typically larger, more expensive and luxurious than a standard Class C RV.
If you’re considering purchasing or renting a class C motorhome, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, decide what size RV you need. Class C motorhomes come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. You’ll also need to consider what type of amenities you want in your RV. Do you need a full kitchen? A washer and dryer? Or just a basic bathroom?
Once you’ve decided on the size and amenities you want, it’s time to start shopping around. Compare prices and features of different class C motorhomes to find the perfect one for your needs.
Types of Towable Campers and RV Trailers
There are several types of towable campers to choose from when selecting a camper for your next camping adventure.
The three most popular types of towable campers are travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-ups. Since these are not drivable, you’ll need a separate tow vehicle to tow these types of RVs around.
There are a few things to consider before you buy a towable RV, such as the type of vehicle you will be using to tow it, the weight of the RV and whether you need any special equipment to hook it up. But once you have all that sorted out, all you need to do is hit the open road and start exploring!
These types of RVs come in a variety of sizes and floor plans, from tiny teardrop travel trailers to large fifth wheels.
There are many different types of towable RVs to choose from. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you.
There are a few things to consider before you buy a towable RV, such as the type of vehicle you will be using to tow it, the weight of the RV and whether you need any special equipment to hook it up. But once you have all that sorted out, all you need to do is hit the open road and start exploring!
Teardrop Trailers (aka Tiny Trailers)
Known by their distinctive teardrop shape, these are the smallest type of towable trailer. Most often used only by solo travelers or couples for short camping trips.
Teardrop trailers typically weigh less than four-thousand pounds so most half-ton trucks can tow this type of camper.
Some larger teardrop trailers are self-contained. Though, many only have space enough for a bed and maybe an outdoor kitchen area at the back of the trailer.
Pop-up Trailer (aka Pop-Out)
Pop-ups are the smallest type of towable camper and can be towed by most vehicles. Pop-up trailers are usually self-contained, with a small living space, wet bathroom and small kitchen.
Folding camping trailers are a step above the traditional tent, providing more comfort and protection from the elements. They are a popular kind of RV for small families who only camp occasionally due to their light tow weight and affordable price.
Most pop-up trailers have a hard bottom and soft sides that pop out. This type of camper performs best in temperate climates.
For camping in less desirable weather, a hard top pop-up camper may be a better choice. As you may have guessed, hard top pop-up campers are named as such because they have a hard top that provides more durability than soft pop-up trailers when camping.
Truck Campers
Truck campers attach to the bed of a truck and with the sleeping area typically over the cab of the truck. Truck campers are more easily driven around town as they have a smaller footprint. They are also great for off-roading and camping off-grid as they fit in many more places than larger RVs.
A truck camper is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that can be attached to the bed of a pickup truck. Truck campers are not as common as other types of RVs, but they offer a unique set of benefits for those who enjoy camping and spending time outdoors. Truck campers can be used for both short-term and long-term camping trips, and they provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel.
Truck campers are becoming increasingly popular as a way to travel and camp. They offer many of the same amenities as an RV, but at a fraction of the cost. Truck campers are also much easier to maneuver and store than an RV.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a truck camper. First, you need to make sure that the camper will fit your truck. Second, you need to decide what type of camper you want. There are two main types of truck campers: hard-sided and pop-up. Hard-sided campers are more expensive, but they offer more protection from the elements. Pop-up campers are less expensive, but they can be more difficult to set up and take down.
When shopping for a truck camper, it is important to compare prices and features.
Travel Trailers (aka Bumper Pull RVs)
Travel trailers are one of the most popular types of RVs on the market. Travel trailers attach to a tow vehicle by a bumper hitch or a frame hitch.
Travel trailers are the most popular type of towable camper. They come in a variety of sizes and can be towed by most SUVs and trucks
Travel trailers offer floor plans with bunkhouses, outside kitchens, and four-season weather packages. They tend to be more affordable than some of the larger types of towable RVs.
Travel trailers are lighter and considered to be easier to unhook and set-up than fifth wheels. They typically weigh between four- and ten-thousand pounds and are safely pull by many mid-sized SUVs, vans, and half-ton trucks.
Always be sure to check your vehicles tow capacity against your RVs specifications before towing any RV.
However, travel trailers can be harder to manage on the road and may be more likely to encounter sway, especially in high winds.
To reduce accident risk while driving, be sure to use the proper hitch and that the weight is properly distributed throughout the trailer. That being said, most travel trailer owners never experience serious sway issues.
Travel trailers are the most popular type of towable RV. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs.
Hybrid Trailers and Expandable Travel Trailers
This RV is a less common types of rvs. Hybrid trailers are considered to be a blend between the pop-up trailer and travel trailer. These RVs have a hard-bodied middle like traditional travel trailers, but also have soft exterior extensions for sleeping like pop-up trailers.
Park Model Trailers
This is another atypical trailer. These are like a cross between a standard residential single wide trailer and a travel trailer. These towable RVs look more like a mobile home but have a hitch attached to their frame making them simpler to transport from place to place. Park Model RVs are a great option for full-time living in parks or campgrounds for prolonged periods of time.
Fifth Wheels
After travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers are the second most common type of towable RV. Fifth wheels are are the largest and most luxurious type of towable RV. Fifth-wheels must be towed by a truck with a special type tow hitch for towable RVs.
Fifth wheel trailers are typically heavier and larger in size than a travel trailer. They require a specific type of hitch that attaches to the truck bed of your tow vehicle. Many believe that fifth wheel campers are more stable and safer to tow than travel trailers.
Fifth wheels They offer plenty of space and all the amenities of a home, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require a heavy-duty truck for towing.
Toy Hauler: Campers to Haul Your Toys
These RVs are most often fifth wheels but can be travel trailers or motorhomes as well. The main distinguishing feature of a toy haulers is that it has an area at the back of the RV that can store “toys” such as a motorcycle or golf cart.
A toy hauler is a great way to transport your toys while on the road. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be towed by most vehicles. Toy haulers have many features that make them ideal for traveling with kids, including plenty of storage space, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and a kitchen area.
If you’re looking for a toy hauler that will fit your family’s needs, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide what size toy hauler you need. Toy haulers come in a range of sizes from small trailers that can be towed by SUVs to large fifth-wheel trailers that require a heavy-duty truck. Second, consider what features you need. Toy haulers typically have plenty of storage space for bikes, kayaks, and other gear, as well as comfortable sleeping accommodations and a kitchen area.
Campers for Ice Fishing: Fish Houses
The last RV type in this list is another uncommon type of towable RV. A fish house will typically have “walls” that reach the ground and a small cutout in the floor that allows RVers to ice fish directly from within their camper.
Fish house owners will tow their camper onto ice-covered water, open a hole in the floor, and cut a hole in the ice. While staying in the RV, they are able to fish from the hole they have cut. The fish house protects fishermen and their families from the elements while fishing.
Given the commercial purpose of this camper type, you won’t often find them at your everyday campground. This camper is more common in places, such as Alaska and parts of Canada, where ice fishing occurs.
Bonus Types of Campers & RVs
Here we will list the usual lesser known types of RVs built DIY style or available to purchase. Comment below with any types of vintage RVs to add to this list.
Vintage Types of RV Campers
The vintage RV is a type of recreational vehicle that is becoming increasingly popular among RV campers and travelers. These types of RVs are usually older camper models that have been restored to their resemble their original condition. Many people enjoy the retro style and design of these vehicles, as well as the fact that they often come equipped with modern amenities.
Which Type of RV Camper is Right for You?
There are many different types of RVs to suit any need or budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious motorhome or a simple pop-up camper, you’ll find that that there are many RVs to choose from.
To figure out what type of RV is right for you, you need to consider what your needs and preferences are.
For example, if you are looking for a camper that is easy to set up and take down, then a pop-up camper might be a good option for you. If you need a lot of storage space, then a fifth wheel camper might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out which type of RV camper is right for you is to think about what your needs and preferences are and then find a camper that meets those needs.
What types of RVs have you camped in? Let us know which is your favorite below!
