With many types and styles of recreational vehicles (RV) on the market, a consumer may find choosing the right one confusing. RV sales in Texas continue to rise, and the choices a buyer has include motorhomes, fifth wheels and campers. Because the purchase is a large commitment, shoppers should consider a few factors before buying. Will the RV be used for short trips or months at a time? How many people will the RV need to accommodate? Will vacations be at campgrounds or in remote areas? With these factors in mind, a buyer can shop the RV sales in Texas with confidence.
There are three basic categories of RVs - motorhomes, travel trailers and truck campers. Motorhomes are living quarters and vehicle combined. Trailers must be towed with another vehicle, and truck campers sit on top of a truck bed and convert it to a living space.
Motorhomes
One advantage of a motorhome is that the passengers have mobility during the drive. They can use the bathroom, play games or rest. Many motorhomes have hitches allowing the family to bring along a car. Most of these campers have generators, so they will have electricity anywhere.
Motorhomes can be broken down into further categories—Class A, B and C.
Class A Motorhomes
The class A motorhome is a recreational vehicle built on a truck chassis. The driving compartment is completely integrated with the living area. Frequently, Class A motorhomes look like a bus.
Class B Motorhomes
The Class B motorhome is built from a standard passenger van. Most models have raised roofs. Otherwise, the living area is defined by the dimensions of the vehicle. Other terms for a Class B motorhome are camper van and conversion van.
Class C Motorhomes
The Class C motorhome is sometimes called a mini-motor home. This RV is built on a truck chassis, including the cab. Many Class C vehicles are approximately the size and shape of moving trucks. They are distinguished by an extended section over the cab for an extra bed.
Travel TrailersTrailers include pop-up campers and all others types of RVs that must be towed. Although there are many shapes and sizes of campers, only trailers and fifth wheels will provide practical living space for long trips.
Travel trailers are large campers hitched to the back of the tow vehicle, usually a large pick-up truck, although other types of vehicles may be used. With a trailer, the tow vehicle is available to drive once the trailer is parked. Many of the campers can be pulled with a medium-sized sports utility vehicle. Trailers offer many floor plans and a wide variety of amenities.
Fifth wheels have a goose neck that extends over the bed of the towing pick-up truck. The hitch is located in the center of the truck bed. Thus, fifth wheels can only be towed by a pick-up or flat-bed truck. With their weight positioned over the towing vehicle, fifth wheels are less likely than trailers to jackknife or fishtail.
The RV market offers numerous options and choices. A shopper can narrow the selections by renting several types before buying a camper. However, personal preference and budget will determine the final decision.
