RV Types Explained: The Pros and Cons of Every Type of RV

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What is the best type of RV to buy or rent for your family? After living in RVs for 9 years and touring thousands of RVs at shows and dealerships while running this website, I can tell you there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

There are several types of recreational vehicles to choose from, so you’ll need to consider a few key factors to figure out which one is the best fit for your family. Keep reading to learn about every RV type.

Travel Trailers

Truck with kayak on top, hitched to travel trailer
Travel Trailer RV

What Are They?

Travel trailers are towable RVs that range from small, lightweight units to large, spacious ones. They hook up to the hitch of your towing vehicle, making them a versatile option for a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs. They offer the convenience of being detachable, so you can set up camp and then use your vehicle independently.

PROS

  • Versatility: Travel trailers are available in many sizes and layouts, so there is a great option to suit every budget and families of all sizes.
  • Detachable: Since travel trailers must have a tow vehicle, campers always have a vehicle to drive while traveling. Once parked, you can unhitch their tow vehicle for local exploration.
  • Price: Of course, you can find a range of cost options for all types of RVs, but in general, travel trailers are more affordable than motorhomes of the same length and age, even after you factor in the costs of the tow vehicle.  The maintenance costs are also lower since they don’t have an engine.

CONS

  • May Require a Heavy-Duty Truck:  If you select a larger travel trailer, you will need a compatible tow vehicle. This is a significant expense, and trucks are sometimes inconvenient on day trips.  We have a large truck to tow our travel trailer, which is great for towing, but not ideal for exploring cities with narrow streets.
  • Not Connected while Driving: Since you are towing the trailer you won’t have access to the amenities of your RV when you are driving.  I am always a tad bit jealous when I hear fellow RVers who make lunch while moving.
  • Set-Up Time: Since the trailer needs to be unhitched from the tow vehicle, it typically takes more time to park and set up camp with a travel trailer compared to a motorhome.

Fifth Wheels

Fifth Wheel RV at RV park
Fifth Wheel RV

What are They?

Recognized by their unique hitch system that connects to the bed of a pickup truck, fifth wheels are large and offer ample living space. They often have split-level floor plans, providing a home-like feel. Because of their size and hitch requirement, they usually require a heavy-duty towing vehicle.

PROS

  • Layout:  Fifth wheels tend to have the most comfortable layout with large living spaces, seating facing a TV, and kitchens with extra counter space.  The bedrooms are typically in the front section with lower ceiling heights.  Longer fifth wheels often have bunkrooms, which are a great option if you are traveling with kids or want a private home office space.
  • Stable Towing: Fifth-wheel hitches provide better stability on the road. The hitch’s placement over the truck’s rear axle helps distribute weight more evenly, reducing sway and improving handling.

CONS

  • Requires a Big Truck:  Like travel trailers, fifth wheels require a tow vehicle for travel. Since most fifth wheels are large and heavy, they generally require a heavy-duty truck for towing.
  • Limits Use of Truck: Since the hitch sits in the bed of your truck, campers have limited space in the bed of their truck when towing a fifth wheel.
  • Setup Time: As with travel trailers, fifth wheels take longer to set up than motorhomes.
  • Low Ceiling Height in Neck: The front section of all fifth wheels will have a low ceiling height. My husband is very tall, and he has to bend over to walk around the front room of most fifth wheel RVs.

Pop Up Campers

Pop up camper parked under trees
Pop Up Camper

What are They?

Also known as tent trailers, these RVs are compact and lightweight, making them easy to tow. They feature a collapsible design that expands and pops up to provide sleeping space and sometimes basic amenities. Ideal for those looking for a step up from traditional tent camping with added protection and comfort.

PROS

  • Towability: Pop-up campers are lightweight, making them easy to tow even with smaller vehicles.
  • Storage: When not in use, they fold down into a compact size, making them easier to store in your garage, yard, or driveway.
  • Simplicity: The small interior of the pop up will ensure you fully embrace nature on your RV camping trip.
  • Affordability: They are one of the most affordable RV options, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

CONS

  • Amenities: These small RVs have limited features and amenities, and typically lack full bathrooms and kitchens. They simply offer a space to sleep, eat, and sometimes use the bathroom.
  • Weather Resistance: With less insulation, they provide minimal protection from heat, cold, and moisture.
  • Setup Effort: Setting up and taking down the camper requires manual effort, which can be time-consuming and physically draining.

Truck Campers

Truck camper at RV park
Truck Camper

What Are They?

Truck campers are RVs that slide into the bed of a pickup truck, transforming it into a cozy, compact mobile home. Perfect for adventurers who want the freedom to go anywhere their truck can take them, truck campers offer a bed, kitchenette, and sometimes a bathroom in a tight space.

PROS

  • Compactness: Truck campers are compact enough to fit in standard parking spaces and handle off-road terrain with ease.
  • No towing: They eliminate the need for towing, as they use the truck as their base.

CONS

  • Space: The living area is small and offers limited amenities compared to other RV types.
  • Truck Requirement: A compatible pickup truck is required to carry the camper.
  • Accessibility: Access often involves climbing steps that sit high off the ground, which may be difficult for some campers.

Class B RVs or Vans

Class B van at RV park
Class B Motorhome

What are They?

Often referred to as camper vans, these are the smallest and most maneuverable of motorized RVs. Built on a van chassis, they include basic living necessities such as a bed, kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom. Ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for simplicity and ease of driving.

PROS

  • Simplicity: If your goal is to have a quiet vacation in nature, a small Class B or a van is the best type of RV to buy.  Having less space means you will feel more inclined to spend all of your time outdoors.
  • Easy to Drive and Park:  Driving a Class B is just driving a large van.  You will not have to worry about lane sizes and road conditions, which means you can take the scenic route while other RVers are stuck on the interstate. Class B drivers will also have more options for where to park and camp.

CONS

  • Space: Class Bs have limited space inside. The bed won’t be in a separate room so there is no door you can shut for privacy.  Bathroom space is also very limited (or non-existent) so you may need to use public bathhouses.
  • Park Limitations: Some higher-end RV parks and campgrounds limit the types of RVs that are allowed and may not allow actual vans that aren’t classified as RVs.
  • Price: Even though Class B vans are small, they aren’t necessarily cheap. Many new Class B vans will run you upwards of $100,000.

Class A Motorhomes

Class A RV at RV Park
Class A RV

What are They?

The largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs, Class A motorhomes are like rolling homes, with full-size amenities such as spacious living areas, full kitchens, and bathrooms, and often additional features like entertainment systems and slide-outs for extra space. They require a larger investment and are best for long-term travelers seeking maximum comfort.

PROS:

  • Luxury: Class A motorhomes usually feature full kitchens, bathrooms, and residential-style furnishings, providing a luxury experience.
  • Space: They offer ample living space and storage, making them perfect for families or long-term travelers..
  • No Tow Vehicle Required:  Since Class A motorhomes are self-contained, you don’t need to own a special type of car. You can simply buy the RV and hit the road.

CONS:

  • Price: A Class A motorhome (especially a diesel pusher that will allow you to drive through hilly terrain without difficulty) is the most expensive type of RV.  Maintenance is also going to be more expensive than a fifth wheel or travel trailer.
  • Layout: After visiting several neighbors’ RVs, I strongly prefer the layouts of fifth wheels and travel trailers.  The layout of Class A RVs tends to include a galley-style kitchen with limited counter space. Many also have couches that don’t directly face your TV. 
  • Intimidation Factor:  If you are a nervous driver, a Class A is the most intimidating to learn how to handle. This con certainly does not apply to everyone, but inexperienced drivers will need to practice before hitting the road.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C RV at decorated lakefront campsite.
Class C RV

What are They?

These motorized RVs are built on a truck chassis with an over-cab sleeping or storage area, making them easily recognizable. They offer a balance between the larger Class A and smaller Class B, providing more space and amenities while still being relatively easy to drive. Suitable for families or those wanting a bit more comfort on the road.

PROS AND CONS

Class C motorhomes generally have similar pros and cons to either Class B or Class A RVs. Smaller Class C RVs have similar features to Class B vans, while big Super C RVs are very similar to Class A motorcoaches.


Choosing the right RV type depends on your travel style, family needs, and budget. If you’re unsure which RV is the best fit, consider visiting an RV show or dealership to tour a variety of models. This hands-on experience will help you understand the features and layouts of each type.

Still not ready to commit? Renting an RV is a great way to try different types and see what works best for you before making a purchase.

Happy Camping!


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