In 2022, international travel is still very difficult. While much of the world has reopened, testing requirements, vaccine requirements, and quarantine requirements make it a hassle to travel abroad to many of the destinations that Americans love.
That’s why so many are turning to RV travel and domestic camping, as a way to get away, without needing to hop on a plane. Traveling across the US is easy. And it can be quite comfortable if you have an RV.
Are you looking to purchase your own, to see all that America has to offer? Need help with RV comparison, because you aren’t sure how to choose an RV to meet your needs?
There are many different types of RVs, and there is something available for nearly any budget. Keep reading our RV buying guide below to see how you can prepare for your upcoming season of RV travel.
Motorhomes
Those looking to go all out with their RV purchase often look at motorhomes. These are the RVs you can drive, so no towing vehicle is necessary.
Class A motorhomes are the largest, built on the same chassis that busses use. They are essentially a complete house on wheels, often having one or two small bedrooms and a full kitchen and living area. There are going to be your most expensive option.
Class C motorhomes are those that are built on a truck chassis. They are much smaller and can accommodate a solo traveler or couple, but would be hard to also fit children along in these compact campers.
Class B motorhomes are the smallest, built on a van chassis. Usually, these are converted utility vans, though some manufacturers produce them specifically for camping.
Motorhomes simplify the camping process by only needing to have one vehicle to worry about. But those traveling for longer periods of time often like to tow a car along with them, to make it easier to go into town or explore after parking their RV.
Travel Trailers And Fifth Wheels
If you’re okay with towing, then you’ll likely choose a travel trailer or fifth wheel. These can be had at any size, often ranging from 20 feet long to 40 feet long. These can offer the maximum amount of space since there’s no need to add sets and an engine for driving.
Travel trailers are towed like normal, while fifth wheels are towed by installing a hitch in the bed of the truck. When camping, you can leave a fifth wheel connected to the truck, or you can set it on the ground, freeing your truck up to go explore.
Small Campers
There are countless different types of small campers available today. The smallest and lightest are popup campers. These feature a hard bottom and a soft canvas top that folds down during travel.
These are more rustic than typical RVs, but far more glamorous than a tent on the ground.
Small, hard-sided trailers are available in a range of shapes, from teardrops to A-frames. They usually feature a bed and some storage compartments. But in general, they aren’t meant for hanging out inside.
RV Comparison
So which type of RV do you need? It depends on how much you have to spend, how many people will be camping, and what your preferred camping style is.
If there will be more than two people, you’ll likely want a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or class A motorhome. This will ensure everyone has enough space when sleeping and enjoying downtime.
Solo travelers can make do with class B or C motorhomes, or smaller trailers.
But it also depends on how you will use the RV. Are you just going on short camping trips, from two to seven nights? Or will you be living in the RV for periods of time?
If the latter, you’ll want the largest RV you can afford. Having as much space as possible makes the camping process much more enjoyable, allowing you to go out for longer periods of time without getting annoyed at everything.
RV Accessories And Tools For Easy RV Living
RV camping is fun, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Whether you buy a brand new, state-of-the-art RV, or a used one from 10 years ago, you’re going to need a few tools and accessories to make the process of driving, setting up, and using your RV easier.
Here are just a few of those items to get before your first trip.
Outdoor Table And Sink
Larger RVs will have decent kitchen and cooking areas inside. But oftentimes, it’s not enough space.
Bring along a simple folding table with a sink to add cooking space. You can run a hose from your camper to the sink to get running water. This is also great for preparing your fresh fish.
RV Jack
Smaller RVs and trailers have manual jacks for setting the trailer evenly on the ground. But even with a lightweight popup trailer, manually cranking a jack is annoying and tiresome.
When it comes to a full-sized travel trailer, make sure to pick an electric jack. Electric jacks for campers save so much time and energy. They can lift the biggest RVs in seconds, not minutes.
And all you need to do is push a button. They are especially helpful when you are on an unlevel campsite and need to jack it up as high as possible. And if you hop around from campsite to campsite, you’re going to rely on this jack constantly.
Surge Protector
Connecting your RV to power a supply at a campground can be a bit scary. You never really know what’s going to happen. To prevent any incidents that could cause damage to your RV, invest in a quality surge protector.
Portable Ice Maker
This item just adds a bit of convenience to your travels. Your freezer is likely too small to make or store ice. But portable ice makers are small, countertop devices that take up very little space.
They can produce ice in just six minutes and will ensure you have cold beverages during those long summer travels.
Gear Up And Get Out
Hopefully, our RV comparison guide above has helped clarify what type of RV would be best for your needs. If you need more help, consider renting a few different types of RVs to see which style you like best.
Renting is much cheaper than buying the wrong RV.
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