Types of Motor Homes

Travel with an RV

Motor homes, or recreational vehicles (RVs), are portable homes that are driven or towed. These RVs are designed as free-standing living quarters for a camp site. RV selection is determined by accommodations, space, size and budget. Newer RVs include options to enhance comfort for a home on wheels.

Significance

Motor homes are useful for outdoor or travel enthusiasts to quickly set up a camp site with comfortable amenities for sleeping, cooking and toilet. RVs also present alternative lodging for remote areas, larger families or extended stays.

Class A

Class A motor homes are the largest and most luxurious among recreational vehicles. According to Your RV Lifestyle, class A RVs measure between 26 and 45 feet long. Class A RVs are designed with the motor pushing the vehicle (i.e., rear engine) or pulling the vehicle (i.e., front motor). These RVs have a specialty chassis which facilitates moving the large vehicle on the road. Extensions built into the chassis can slide out when parked, to provide more internal living and sleeping space. Class A RVs are equipped with larger kitchens and separate living, dining, sleeping and bath areas. Generally, this RV uses electronic levelers and has separate electrical, heating, water and propane systems, with multiple television units and a washer and dryer in newer models to complete the "home on wheels." Class A RVs require an addition to the standard class C driver's license.

Class B

Class B motor homes are considered camper vans or van conversions because they are built using a van chassis. Class B motor homes are shorter, between 17 and 19 feet long. Basic facilities are included to make camping or overnight travel easier, such as a small kitchen, toilet and convertible beds. Class B RVs are taller than a truck or SUV so that campers can stand up inside the living area. These RVs usually have electrical and water connections that can be hooked up at a camp ground or RV park. Since the RV has limited interior space, set up usually involves securing the vehicle with levelers and creating an outdoor barbecue and seating area.

Class C

Class C motor homes are also called "cab-over" motor homes because they are built on a regular automotive chassis (such as a truck). Class C RVs are comparable to class B RVs in that their lengths can range between 22 and 35 feet. Class C RVs are considered scaled-down versions of class A RVs because slide-outs can be included to extend the interior space and the RV has is own heating, water and electrical systems. Amenities include a larger kitchenette and separate living, dining and sleeping areas (beds can be built into a raised area above the driver).

Towables

Towables or trailers are not motorized and must be hitched to a truck or SUV. Towable motor homes vary in size and portability, from large fifth-wheel trailers to expandable tent (pop-up) trailers. Towables require a license plate and motor vehicle registration. Towables provide the flexibility of setting up a campsite with a vehicle available for short trips.

References

• Your RV Lifestyle: An Easy Guide to Motorhome Types
• Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association: RV Types

Resources

• Camping Earth: Motorized RVs