How to Choose the Best RV for Your Family

RV camping becomes more popular every year. Campsites are inexpensive. RVs are more like a home on wheels than a camper. They offer advantages over tent camping and they are cheaper than staying in a motel or hotel. Most of the RV nightmares you hear about are due to having the wrong sized RV for your needs.

Class A RVs

The class A RV is a complete package of automobile and camper. It is comparable to driving an apartment. Everything you need is in the class A RV. The passenger area and driver area are usually separated by a step, similar to a coach bus. These large homes are sometimes called motorcoaches.

Advantages of class A RVs:

Passengers can ride inside the RV while it is traveling. This allows for easy access to bathrooms and TV.

It is easy to stop at rest stops or in parking lots to take a break from driving. Once parked, the driver can relax, or get a snack from the fridge.

Most class A RVs have many amenities such as fireplaces, bump-out rooms, full size tubs and showers, and a washer and dryer.

The large interiors are suitable for larger families.

Disadvantages of class A RVs:

Class A RVs are expensive. Starting prices for this class of RV are around $100,000.

They are difficult to drive--parking is particularly tricky.

If you want to use a smaller vehicle to run errands while at a campground, you will need to tow a car.

Class A RVs get terrible gas mileage. Expect to average about 7 miles per gallon.

They depreciate in value quickly, just like a new car.

Class C RVs

The class C RV is significantly smaller than a class A. This type of RV looks like a camper attached to a truck chassis. The class C has similar advantages and disadvantages as the class A, but being smaller it gets better gas mileage and it is easier to drive. This type of RV is roomy on the inside, and most can hold a family of 4 very comfortably.

Advantages of class C RVs:

Passengers can ride in the RV.

It is easier to drive than a class A due to the smaller size.

Interior space is extended when parked through the use of slide-out rooms.

They are more affordable than a class A.

Disadvantages of class C RVs:

The smaller size may not fit larger families.

Class C RVs depreciate quickly.

You may have to tow a vehicle.

Too expensive for many middle income families.

Travel trailers

The travel trailer or tow behind trailer is another option for RV enthusiasts who want to camp in style. It is important to make sure that your tow vehicle can handle the weight of the travel trailer. Before purchasing a trailer, check the owner's manual of your vehicle to make sure that it can handle the weight.

Travel trailers come in many sizes. The very smallest are teardrop campers and A-frame campers. Both of these are great for individuals or couples without kids. The teardrop camper will have a bed in the interior. The kitchen is outdoors, tucked away in a folding compartment when not in use. A-frame campers are slightly larger with everything you need located inside the camper.

Larger travel trailers can house up to 10 people. They have slide-out rooms. One of the biggest advantages that travel trailers have over class A and C RVs is that they hold their value longer.

Advantages of travel trailers:

Affordable. A new travel trailer can be purchased for about $30,000.

They hold their value because there are no motorized parts.

There is no need to tow a car. Just park the travel trailer at the campground, and you have your car to use.

A large travel trailer can hold 10 or more people.

Disadvantages of travel trailers

Passengers cannot ride in the trailer while traveling.

You need a vehicle that is capable of towing the travel trailer safely. A sedan can only pull the smallest trailers, such as teardrops. Towing large trailers may require a diesel truck or SUV.

They can be difficult to tow. The trailer must be properly loaded to prevent issues with swaying.

Choosing the best RV for your budget and family size will give you maximum enjoyment. Take the time to educate yourself before making a purchase. If possible, rent one to see if RV camping is really something you want to do.

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