RV types—there are so many different types of RVs, it can leave your head spinning. From the various RV “classes” to different trailer names and model numbers, it can get confusing fast!

This guide will help teach you about the different types of RVs, and some pros and cons associated with each class and style. 

Drivable RVs – “motorhomes”

There are three main classes of drivable RVs, often called motorhomes. Motorhome classes are, in general size order, A, C, and B. 

Benefits of all motorhomes

✓ No tow vehicle required

Motorhomes are all-in-one RVs. They don’t require an expensive tow vehicle to pull them, so you can simply get in the RV and head out. This makes for much simpler campsite arrival and departure experiences. 

✓ Passengers Can Ride in the Motorhome

It’s illegal and dangerous for passengers to ride in towable RVs. But motorhomes are designed for passengers to ride in safely. 

Most motorhomes have seatbelts built into the couches, chairs, and dinette seating areas. This makes it a safer ride for human passengers and pets. 

✓ Travel Convenience

When you’re traveling in a motorhome and need to pull over to cook or use the restroom, you don’t need to get out of your RV to do it. Or, your passenger can grab a snack while you’re driving (although this isn’t generally recommended for safety reasons.)

✓ Temperature Regulation

If you’re traveling on a very hot or cold day, the interior of your motorhome will remain at a comfortable temperature all day. When you reach the campsite, there is no need to wait for a freezing cold or sweltering hot trailer to cool down or warm up.

✓ Towing capacity

You can tow a vehicle behind motorhomes for easier exploring once you are at the campsite. Most motorhomes can tow small cars, with diesel RVs being able to pull the most weight. 

Types of motorhomes

Class A RVs

Class A motorhomes are the largest drivable RVs on the road. These motorhomes resemble a bus and range from 29 to 45 feet long. 

Class A RVs come in diesel and gas options, with the diesel versions having more luxury amenities and the ability to handle more weight. 

Benefits of Class A Motorhomes

✓ Spacious Interior

Class A motorhomes can have slideouts and a lot of interior space. Depending on the model, these RVs can sleep up to 8 people. Often, they come with many home-like amenities such as washer/dryer hookups, an oven, and even dishwashers in some models.

✓ All-In-One

Class A RVs have all the comforts of home in one self-contained vehicle. There is no need for a tow vehicle; you can simply pack up and go. 

✓ Panoramic Views 

These motorhomes have a comfortable driving experience, setting the driver up high with a panoramic view of the road. While they take some getting used to, the driving experience of a Class A RV is unlike any other. 

Drawbacks of Class A RVs

✘ No Off-Road Camping at Remote Locations 

Boondocking, or off-grid camping, is very popular among RVers but can be difficult for those in large Class A RVs. These RVs generally are very large, making them difficult to maneuver in remote locations. 

✘ Difficult To Drive in Cities and Neighborhoods

Because of the sheer size of these RVs, it can be difficult and frightening to drive in busy cities or on residential streets. Unless you’re a seasoned bus driver, it can be a white-knuckle experience!

✘ Less Easy to Store

Unless you have a huge garage, storing your Class A RV will likely require paying for a storage space. This is inconvenient and can be expensive, depending on where you live. 

✘ Less Privacy

Class A RVs typically have an open layout, and bunks are usually located in the hallway next to the master bedroom. If you require a quiet office space or a private sleeping area for your kids, consider a trailer, which can provide more separation between rooms.

✘ Terrible Gas Mileage

Due to their massive weight (around 35,000 pounds on average), Class A RVs are real gas (or diesel) guzzlers, averaging only 7 to 13 miles per gallon.

Class C RVs

The next biggest drivable RV is the Class C RV. You can spot a Class C by whether it has an area above the cockpit cab. Class C RVs come in various sizes and lengths and can also feature slideouts for additional room. These motorhomes can sleep up to 8 people.

These motorhomes come in diesel and gas options. There also are “Super C” RVs. Super C’s are typically much larger and more luxurious with a semi-truck or heavy-duty truck cab and engine.

Benefits of Class C RVs

✓ Easier to Drive 

Driving a Class C RV feels similar to driving a truck, van, or SUV: you step down into the cockpit to drive. This is a more comfortable driving experience for those who haven’t driven anything large. 

✓ Can Go Almost Anywhere 

Because of their smaller size, Class C RVs are easier to maneuver than Class A RVs. You can take them to more remote locations than you could access with a larger motorhome. 

Drawbacks of Class C RVs

✘ Smaller Living Space 

Class C RVs are smaller, and the cockpit is separated from the living space, so there’s less room inside for day-to-day living.

✘ Fewer Residential Features 

Since Class C RVs are smaller, there aren’t always the same residential features in a Class A RV, like washer and dryer hookups or a residential-sized shower.

✘ May Not Be Able to Tow a Car

Many Class C RVs can tow a small car, but not all can. It all depends on the engine type and the size of the vehicle being towed.

✘ Prone to Leaking 

Class C RVs are notorious for leaking in the cabover area and having hidden water damage. Because of all the curves and seams in the cabover portion, leaks can happen without notice, causing significant damage over time.

Class B RVs

Last on our drivable list are Class B RVs. Class Bs are small motorhomes typically built on a van chassis. 

These motorhomes are small, nimble, and have a lot packed into a tiny space. Typically best for single people or couples, these RVs have many benefits and drawbacks.

There is a growing class of RVs referred to as “B-Plus.” While smaller than a Class C and sometimes built on a van chassis, they are generally more of a Class C than a Class B.

Benefits of Class B RVs

✓ Can Go Anywhere

Class B RVs can go a lot more places than other RVs. They fit into regular-sized parking spots, can be driven on tight curves and scenic drives, and can typically get into many of the more remote wild campsites. 

✓ Store at Home

Aside from the high roof, these RVs aren’t much bigger than a regular vehicle. This means they can be stored at your home, ready to go at a moment’s notice. Because they are legally classified as an RV, some HOAs still restrict Class Bs from parking in driveways.

✓ Fully Self-Contained

Class B RVs have everything you’d expect from a motorhome: a kitchen, bathroom, fresh and waste water holding tanks, propane, and more. 

✓ Professionally Built

Class B RVs are built by RV manufacturers, making them more efficient and easier to use than DIY campervans. There is no need to do any conversion yourself. 

✓ Easiest to Drive

Driving a Class B RV feels like driving a van or truck. There’s no doubt that these are the easiest of all drivable RVs to maneuver.

Drawbacks of Class B RVs

✘ Most Expensive

These RVs are the most expensive per square foot, with many easily going well over $100,000 when new.

✘ Little Storage Capacity

Since these RVs are the smallest motorhomes on the road, there is very little storage space both inside and outside. Every square inch is being used for the features and amenities you’d come to expect from motorhomes, leaving little space to spare for personal belongings.

✘ Not Comfortable for More Than Two People

Class B RVs are best suited for solo travelers and campers or couples. For extended use, travelers with pets may also want to look for an option with more space.

Towable RVs – “trailers”

Towable RVs consist of several different types of trailers. There are fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, pop-ups, teardrops, and more. 

Benefits of Towable RVs vs. Motorhomes

✓ Much Cheaper Than Motorhomes

Towable RVs are the cheapest of all the RV types. You can purchase a new travel trailer for under $10,000, which is much more easily accessible for new RVers. You can buy a used camper for as little as $2,000!

✓ Separate Vehicle Required

Depending on how you look at it, having a truck or SUV to pull your trailer can be a benefit or a drawback. The nice thing is having a vehicle you can use for exploring, taking day trips, or running errands while leaving your RV behind at a campground instead of having to break camp and drag your motorhome along. 

✓ Less Maintenance

With a towable RV, your engine and your RV are separate. This can save a lot of hassle if your engine needs repairing. Or, if you need or want to get a new truck, you still have the same RV! Since there is no engine, you have much less maintenance with a towable RV. 

✓ Feels More Like a House

Travel trailers and fifth wheels don’t have a cab area, making them feel much more residential than motorhomes. There are even multiple bedrooms and rooms in some larger fifth wheels!

Types of Towable Camper Trailers

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers, sometimes called bumper-pulls, are campers that hook up to the hitch on the frame of a tow vehicle. Travel trailers come in various sizes and weights and can be pulled by anything from a mid-size SUV to a large pickup truck. 

Depending on size and model, these RVs can sleep up to 8 people or more. Travel trailers are great entry-level RVs, and many budget options are available. 

Benefits of Travel Trailers

✓ Budget Friendly

Travel trailers (including pop-ups, teardrops, hybrids, etc.) are the most budget-friendly campers. Travel trailers can be purchased new for under $10,000

✓ Towability

Many travel trailers can be towed with a mid-sized truck or SUV, while pop-up campers and teardrop trailers can even be towed with a car. This makes travel trailers even more attractive, knowing you don’t have to purchase an expensive tow vehicle.

✓ Easy To Fit In Campsites

Small travel trailers can go just about anywhere a tent can go! This makes them an excellent option for camping at state parks and smaller campgrounds.

✓ Can Be Stored At Home

Travel trailers (especially the smaller ones) are easy to store at home. Small travel trailers like pop-ups and teardrops can often be stored in a residential garage.

Drawbacks of Travel Trailers

✘ Cramped

The smaller the RV, the more cramped it will feel. Some small travel trailers (like teardrops) don’t have standing room, a bathroom, or a kitchen. The ceiling height is also typically lower than in most houses, making them feel cramped even with plenty of square footage.

✘ Less Stability when Towing

When towing a larger travel trailer, there is more opportunity for sway and an uncomfortable or unstable towing experience. Fifth wheels are much more stable to tow if you’re looking for a larger trailer. You can buy trailer and tow vehicle products, like sway bars and weight distribution hitches, to make the towing experience more comfortable and safe. 

✘ Subpar Insulation

Because travel trailers are designed to be as lightweight as possible, they often are manufactured with minimal insulation, making them less likely to be suited to cold weather or extreme heat. 

Fifth-Wheels

Fifth-wheel RVs also are called “5th-wheels” or “fivers.” These trailers are attached to a truck via a hitch in the truck bed. They are the largest towable RVs and have the most stable towing experience because of the hitch location. 

Fifth-wheels can range up to more than 45 feet long and have all the amenities of a home. Some even have separate bedrooms and offices!

Benefits of Fifth-Wheel RVs

✓ More Stable Towing Experience

Fifth-wheels are the most stable of all large towable RVs for towing. This is because of where they attach to the truck. The weight is distributed evenly, and many types of hitches and products make the ride even better. 

✓ Greater Variety of Floorplans

Fifth-wheels have the best variety of floorplans and customization options of any RV on the road today. You can choose to have a front kitchen, middle kitchen, or rear kitchen. They also have front-living, rear-living, and mid-living models, plus bunk house, mid-bunk, and corner bunks. The options may seem endless when you’re shopping for one!

✓ Lots of Luxury Feature Options

Fifth-wheels are enormous, and because of their size, they can have many awesome features and luxury amenities such as residential refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, electric fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens.

✓ Great for Families

Fifth-wheels are the best RVs for large families. Because of the residential style of these camping trailers, large families can RV part-time or full-time with ease and privacy for each family member. 

✓ Interior and Exterior Storage Capacity

Fifth wheels are a popular choice for full-time RVers because they have the most storage of any type of RV. From pass-through storage under the RV to plenty of cabinets, drawers, closets, and dressers on the interior, these RVs can carry everything you need to bring with you.

✓ Higher Ceiling

Because part of the RV is located over the truck bed, to have a uniform height along the top, the rest of the camper has an exceptionally high ceiling, which makes them feel very spacious inside.

✓ Feels Like a House

Because of the size and floorplan options for fifth-wheel RVs, they genuinely feel like a home on wheels. Each room is clearly separated from the next, and the bedrooms have walls and doors and are usually located on opposite sides of the RV. 

Drawbacks of Fifth Wheel RVs

✘ Typically Require an Expensive Truck

Fifth-wheels are large and heavy. This means you need a truck capable of towing them safely. The bigger the RV, the bigger the truck, and the bigger the truck, the more expensive it is! Sometimes, your truck might be as expensive as your fifth wheel, which can be prohibitive for some campers. 

✘ Lower gas mileage

Your gas mileage and fuel efficiency depend heavily on your towing vehicle, but in general, the bigger your RV, the more you’ll be paying for gas.

✘ Hard to Fit in Some Campsites

You won’t be able to fit large fifth wheels into all campsites. National Park campgrounds usually have a length limit between 25 to 35 feet, which excludes many fifth wheels (and many motorhomes). 

✘ Learning Curve to Tow

Towing these behemoths takes some time, practice, and learning. 

✘ May Require Storage Elsewhere

Unless you have a huge RV garage or plenty of land, you must store your fifth-wheel at a storage facility. This can be expensive and a hassle. 

Toy Haulers

Toy Haulers are towable RVs that can be either a travel trailer or a fifth-wheel, although fifth-wheel toy haulers are the most common. They are called toy haulers because they have a “garage” in the back where you can bring “toys” like ATVs, OHVs, motorcycles, Jetskis, etc.

Benefits of Toy Haulers

✓ Toy haulers have the same benefits as towable trailers, with the added benefit of the space in the garage.

✓ Many RVers travel with toy haulers and don’t even use the garage for “toys.” Instead, they convert the garage into a mobile office, an extra bedroom, or a hangout spot. This is awesome for those who work from the road because many toy hauler garages can function like an outdoor patio. Talk about an office with a view!

Drawbacks of Toy Haulers

✘ Toy haulers have many of the same drawbacks as other large fifth wheels. Typically, these campers are very heavy due to the toy-hauling capability, even if they are travel trailers. So, they require a heavy-duty truck such as a Ford F-350 or Dodge Ram 3500 to pull them. 

✘ These trailers can also smell from gasoline permeating from the garage area if you bring gas-powered toys with you.

✘ There are fewer floorplan options in toy haulers than in other towable trailers. The living area is usually combined with the kitchen and dining area, and the interior is typically less luxurious and decorated in colors like black and gray, which RV manufacturers believe are more likely to appeal to male RV owners.

Pop-Up Campers

Pop-up campers are sometimes called tent campers. The top part of the camper looks much like a large tent, with walls made from fabric. The top part folds into a short rectangular base for towing.

Pop-ups are great for weekend campers, people new to RVing, or those who just want to upgrade from sleeping on the ground.

Benefits of Pop-Up Campers

✓ Affordable

These campers are the most affordable when it comes to travel trailers. You can snag a great deal on a used pop-up and hit the campsite for around $2,000 or even less!

✓ Can Be Towed with Smaller Vehicles

Pop-ups don’t weigh much, so they can be towed with a mid-sized SUV. Some pop-ups may even be able to be towed by some cars. 

✓ Perfect for Glamping

These campers are the perfect upgrade for tent campers who still want to enjoy a real bed. They can also be charming after a makeover.

✓ Easy to Store

Pop-up campers are easily stored in your driveway, garage, or backyard. 

Disadvantages of Pop-Up Campers

✘ Very Small

Pop-up campers are tiny. They typically have a small sitting area, a bit of a kitchenette, and one or two small beds. And since the top has to be packed into the base, there isn’t room for much storage, either.

✘ Temperature Regulation

Since the walls are made of fabric, keeping a pop-up camper temperature regulated is hard. Many pop-ups come with air conditioning and heating, but holding the temperature isn’t easy, so these campers aren’t great for freezing or sweltering weather conditions.

✘ Weather-Dependent

Pop-up campers aren’t ideal for use in inclement weather. They are more durable than tents, but you would want to avoid sitting in one during a hailstorm.

✘ Lack of Amenities

You won’t find a full-size refrigerator or anything in a pop-up camper. Everything has to be packed down to half the size it was before. There typically aren’t standard RV amenities in pop-up campers.

✘ No Bathroom

Most pop-up campers don’t have a bathroom. Some do, but there is not much privacy other than a curtain. This can be a problem for some campers who prefer to be self-contained.

Other RV Types

Here are some other types of RVs that don’t easily fit into the motorhome or towable categories. 

Slide-In Campers

Slide-in campers also are known as truck campers or backpack campers. These campers slide into your truck bed. Everything you need is right there in the bed of your truck. There are pop-up truck campers and regular truck campers.

Benefits of Truck Campers

✓ Can Go Anywhere

These campers are fantastic because you can take them anywhere you would take your truck. Pop-up truck campers are very popular with off-road enthusiasts. 

✓ Can Have All RV Amenities

Some of the more expensive truck campers will blow your mind. Truck campers can come with as many as three slide-outs and have all the amenities of an RV, including a bathroom, shower, sleeping area, kitchen, dinette, bedroom, washer and dryer, and more!

Disadvantages of Slide-In Campers

✘ Expensive for the Size

Truck campers can be very expensive. Some newer models with slideouts and all the standard RV amenities can cost as much as $80,000! 

✘ Requires a Large Truck

Truck campers can be heavy, and when traveling with a truck camper, you want to think about your truck’s payload capacity vs. towing capacity. Fitting everything you need into a truck camper adds a lot of weight, so most require a heavy-duty pickup truck to carry.

Park Model RVs

Park model RVs are sometimes known as destination trailers. These RVs are meant to be towed to a destination or RV park, set up, and left long-term. These towable RVs aren’t meant to be on the road a lot. As a result, they have much more residential styling and features.

Benefits of Park Model RVs

✓ Like a Tiny Home

Park models are much more like small mobile homes than RVs. These RVs are very comfortable for full-time living or to set up on a vacation property, but you can still move them (or pay to have them moved) anytime you need to. 

Drawbacks of Park Model RVs

✘ Not Designed for Frequent Travel

Park model RVs are taller and less aerodynamic than motorhomes or fifth wheels and have amenities and construction that make them impractical for frequent relocation.

Fish House RVs

A “fish house” or “ice house RV” is a towable RV meant to be towed onto a frozen lake for ice fishing. These RVs are incredibly insulated and have many features and amenities that would appeal to ice anglers. These include holes in the floor to access ice beneath to fish from inside your camper!

They are only commonly seen in Canada and northern U.S. states, but their beautiful wood interiors and cold weather features might make them an intriguing option for full-time living.

Benefits of Fish House RVs

✓ Built to Withstand Arctic Climates

These RVs are not only insulated–they’re super insulated. They’re built to withstand arctic temperatures because they’re made to sit on top of a frozen lake.

Drawbacks of Fish House RVs

✘ Hard to Find

Few fish houses are in production compared with other types of RVs, so they can be hard to find. They’re costly to buy new, and finding them used is challenging.

Horse Trailer Campers

Horse trailer campers are towable RVs, with a portion of the trailer serving as a camper, with typical camper features and amenities. 

Benefits of Horse Trailers

✓ The main appeal of a horse trailer camper is implied in the name: the ability to bring along your horses. The living area of a horse trailer camper has all the standard amenities of regular RVs, and many have luxury amenities and features. 

Drawbacks of Horse Trailers

✘ Like most large travel trailers and fifth wheels, you’ll need a large truck to tow a horse trailer camper. But other than that, this is an excellent choice if you are into horse camping.

Not RVs, But Other Types of Homes on Wheels Worth a Look

Conversion Vans

Conversion vans, also called camper vans, are similar to Class B RVs but are built in a do-it-yourself style. While not classified as recreational vehicles, these campervans can have similar amenities. The work of converting a van into a campervan can be done by the owner or hired out, as there are hundreds of van conversion companies all over the United States and beyond.

Benefits of DIY Conversion Vans

✓ May Be Affordable Than a Class B RV

Van conversions can be more affordable if a used van is purchased and the conversion is done on a budget. Otherwise, campervans can be just as expensive as an RV. 

✓ Ability to Customize

When converting a van to a campervan, you can design the layout around your needs and lifestyle and incorporate your style into the look and feel. You can get creative with high-quality materials and beautiful fixtures.

Drawbacks of Conversion Vans

✘ Require Significant Modification

Significant modification is required to turn a regular van into a campervan. If you have the skills to do it, completing it could take a lot of money and time. If you have to hire a company to do it for you, be prepared to pay a lot more money.

✘ May Not Be Allowed at RV Parks

Some RV parks will turn away any self-converted traveling vehicle. This includes DIY campervans, converted cargo trailers, skoolies, and tiny houses. If you live in one full-time, you might wake up to a view of a parking lot more often than a peaceful view.

✘ Small

Like Class B motorhomes, conversion vans can feel cramped when living in them for an extended period, especially if you travel with a partner or pets.

Converted Cargo Trailers

Converted cargo trailers are simply ones converted into a home on wheels, similar to a travel trailer.

Benefits of Converted Cargo Trailers

✓ May Be Purchased Affordably

Cargo trailers are relatively inexpensive to buy. The supplies will cost a lot, but the trailer itself is affordable. 

✓ Perfect for the DIYer

DIYers who love having projects might be elated to take on a cargo camper build. These are totally customizable, and the sky is the limit. 

Drawbacks of Converted Cargo Trailers

✘ Need to Be Modified

Cargo trailer conversions require significant amounts of both construction knowledge and trailer modification. If you want to add plumbing or holding tanks, you will have to make many modifications to the structure of the trailer.

✘ May Not Be Allowed at Some RV Parks

Similar to other self-built traveling campers, some RV parks will turn these rigs away.

Skoolies

A Skoolie is a converted school or shuttle bus. Skoolies come in many ranges and sizes, each completely custom and different.

Benefits of Skoolies

✓ Affordable to Purchase

Used school buses, shuttle buses, and public transport buses are easy to locate and relatively affordable, especially compared with a similar-sized motorhome.

✓ Sturdy Construction

School buses, in particular, are built to much different standards than RVs. Since they are made to transport children, they are designed to be much safer in an accident.

Drawbacks of Skoolies

✘ Requires Significant Modification to Build

To convert a skoolie, you need a lot of time, significant construction knowledge or a willingness to learn, and a lot of expensive tools and materials.

✘ May Not Be Allowed at Some RV Parks

As mentioned earlier, self-built campers and skoolies are often turned away at some RV parks and campgrounds because some people view them as “unsightly.”

Tiny Houses on Wheels

Tiny houses often are built on trailers, which makes them mobile. Like park-model RVs, tiny houses aren’t built or meant for frequent travel or relocation. But some use them for this purpose anyway.

Benefits of Tiny Houses on Wheels

✓ Completely customizable

The main benefit of tiny houses is that they can be completely customized in terms of layout, size, and building materials. They often are constructed more like a house, making them sturdier than an RV and more able to withstand extreme climates. They also can have the same quality and luxury as a beautiful, modern home.

Drawbacks of Tiny Houses on Wheels

✘ Not Ideal for Travel

Tiny homes on wheels aren’t ideal for travel. Relocating them occasionally isn’t too difficult, but their weight, size, and build aren’t conducive to the rigors of frequent travel.

✘ Can Be Difficult to Find Places to Park Legally

Unless you own land, and sometimes even if you do, finding legal spots for tiny homes is challenging. Most jurisdictions have building rules and regulations requiring residential buildings to be a certain number of square feet, and tiny houses seldom fit those requirements. 

Tiny house owners get around building codes by putting wheels on their homes so they can be considered a “vehicle.” But then they run into county laws and city ordinances that prevent people from living in vehicles parked on land or RV parks that won’t allow self-built vehicles.

✘ Significant Work to Build or Expensive to Buy

A tiny house is built from the ground up. This takes a significant amount of time, money, and effort. And, they’re even more expensive to buy new. In some parts of the U.S., a full-sized home or cabin can be purchased or built for roughly the same as it would cost to build a tiny home on wheels.

Different RV Types for Different Lifestyles

There are many options to choose from if you’re looking for a home on wheels to travel with or live in, and each is suited to different lifestyles and preferences.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to RVing, whether you’re doing it full-time, part-time, or occasionally for camping.

To further narrow your search, look into the RV types and styles that interest you the most. Visit local RV dealerships and tour lots of new and used units. Include even the ones you think you would never want because being inside an RV is a lot different than looking at pictures. Rent an RV for a weekend trip and get the feel of what it would be like. But most importantly of all, do your research!