Welcome, humble road-warriors of all statures. They say variety is the spice of life. And nowhere is that clearer than when examining the differences between RV classes!
Truly, there is a shape and size of RV for everybody. That’s what makes the international community of vehicular nomads so diverse! From van-ready dirtbags all the way up to hulking Class-A luxury riders, the world of RVing is as decorated with styles and subcultures as any other adventure-ready activity.
So let’s explore that! After all, it’s key that you know the differences between RV types and classes.
Maybe it will support your own buying decision. Maybe it will just prop up your camp-side RV-specific conversations with the varying graying snowbirds. Maybe it will just help you understand my RV-niche brand of puns!
All of these reasons are as valid as the rest. What matters though, is that you have an expert nerd of the RV space right here and ready to deliver the info you need. Let there be no more pondering-
This is the Class A-B-Cs of RVs. (That pun will land better in the outro.)
What’s the difference between RV class and RV type?
Oh, RV jargon. Such a pain to learn, but so much fun once you have! Admittedly, when you’re new to the game, the jargon can be overwhelming.
RV class refers to the broad category that a motorhome or trailer falls into. So, for example, those terms you’ve heard before, such as Class A, B, or C. This classification is based on the vehicle’s chassis, size, and features.
RV type, on the other hand, goes deeper than surface-level categorizations. It dives into specific designs and layouts within those classes. (Think fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers.)
While RV class gives you the general size and function, RV type helps you understand the exact layout and features. It’s less of a difference in categorization itself and more of a difference in the depth of categorization.
Either way, knowing both is crucial when choosing the perfect rig for your adventures!
What Are the Different Categories of RVs?
Oh, but we also have categories! This part is easy though because there are only two:
- Motorized
- Towables
That’s kinda self-explanatory, to be honest. However, each category does have its own unique benefits and challenges, so let’s go a little deeper.
Motorized
Motorized RVs are vehicles with their own engine. They’re also usually self-contained, i.e. housing their own internal electrical, plumbing, waste management, and cooking systems. However, that’s not a must for this categorization.
Motorized RVs range from the hulking behemoths of Class A motorhomes all the way down to humble camper vans. Basically, if you want the convenience of driving and camping in an all-in-one unit, this is the way to go. They are perfect for quick setup and easy mobility (with camper vans also being excellent for stealth camping).
Towables
Towable RVs are literally just that. This includes options like travel trailers and fifth wheels.
You need a separate vehicle to tow them. However, as a result, they offer great flexibility! You can literally park the trailer wherever and then use your vehicle to explore without disrupting your setup. Towables are usually more affordable and offer a wide range of sizes and layouts too.
The only downside is that you have to tow something…
What Are the Classifications of RVs?
Now that you’ve got a handle on the categories, let’s dive into the specific classifications of RVs!
Each classification has its own unique features, pros, and cons. Understanding these will help you find your perfect match. Here’s what we’ll cover down below:
- Class A RVs
- Class B RVs
- Class C RVs
- Fifth Wheels
- Travel Trailers
- Toy Haulers
- Pop-Ups
Each one is built for a different kind of traveler. So ready your pens and your pros and cons lists…
It’s about to get technical.
What Is a Class A RV?
Class A RVs are the kings of the road. Sometimes they’re benevolent in all their sheer opulence. At other times, they’re tyrants demanding more space and accommodations than any traveler deserves. But for better or worse, they are the undisputed royalty.
Built on a bus chassis, Class As offer unparalleled luxury and space. They are the go-to choice for full-time RVers or those planning extended trips. They’re also a popular pick with retirees with nothing but time and disposable income on their hands!
Inside the average Class A, you’ll find features a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, full kitchens, and even household fixtures like washers and dryers. The elevated driving position provides a fantastic view of the road ahead too. (Plus, really, who could possibly take you out except maybe a Mad Max-style monster truck.)
However, with all that space and luxury comes a hefty price tag. And this really means both in terms of purchase cost and ongoing expenses.
New models can set you back anywhere from $60,000 to over $500,000, and the fuel efficiency is notoriously poor too. Mileage varies, but you can expect around 6-8 miles per gallon. Finally, they aren’t big on maneuverability either, handling more like a space shuttle than a campground-intended home-on-wheels. There are smaller compact-category Class As around, but it would still be a stretch to call them “nimble”.
Personally, I don’t see the point. But then, I’m not over 65 and living off dividends and a 401(k)! If you got the cash to splash, then NOTHING is more luxurious than a contemporary Class A. Otherwise, if you go to the great outdoors to be with the great outdoors, let’s kick it down a notch.
What Is a Class B RV?
Class B RVs are Campervans (with a capital ‘C’!). They are built by RV manufacturers as the more “official” campervan of the RV world.
Technically, they’re different from a campervan with a lowercase ‘c’. A lowercase campervan is the result of a van model conversion—finding a vehicle designed as a cargo or passenger van and then either DIY converting it to a camper or contracting professional van builders.
All that said, for this article, we’re lumping ALL vans in with the Class B nomenclature. They might have a cool pop-out roof and be loaded on features. They might be a humble converted courier van. But if it’s a van for camping, then it’s a Class B RV.
Built on van chassis, they’re compact yet surprisingly well-equipped. A more sizeable unit with a clever, modular design can still fit the bedroom-bathroom-kitchen trifecta.
Class B motorhomes are perfect for solo travelers or couples who prioritize mobility and simplicity over space and luxury. Driving a Class B motorhome is more or less like driving a regular van. This makes them great for navigating urban areas as well as fairly competent (depending on your clearance and the weather) for sketchier unsealed roads.
The price is right too! While new and modern Class B motorhomes might set you back anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000, secondhand models are infinitely cheaper. You might be able to score a good deal for less than $15,000 or even $10,000.
Plus, they offer fuel efficiency. Typically, you’re looking at gas mileage in ranges of 18-25 miles per gallon. It’s hard to get much better than this in the world of RVs.
The downside is simply the limited space. Storage and living arrangements require creativity. Couples will need high-level communication and even higher levels of patience.
In that sense, they’re not the best for long-long-term living either. After 6 months in my Class B motorhome, 12 months hard max, I’m ready for some inside time.
But, what can I say? I love them! I might be biased as a Class B-boy myself, but for me, nothing beats that sweet spot of maneuverability, affordability, and nature-based simplicity. But, if neither the king nor the serf is doing it for you, we do have the in-between option…
What Is a Class C RV?
Ahhh, the happy medium. Class C motorhomes are the Goldilocks of the RV world. They’re just right for many travelers, sitting in that sweet spot between Class As’ luxury and Class Bs’ everything else.
Built on a truck or van chassis, Class C motorhomes have that quintessential RV look and style. That means the distinctive over-cab sleeping area that maximizes space without increasing length.
This design choice cements the Class C motorhome as a popular choice for families or small groups. You just can’t beat that finely balanced serving of space, comfort, and drivability. Inside most Class C motorhomes, you’ll find many (but not all) of the amenities of a Class A, but in a more compact and affordable package.
The prices are variable. With demand increasing for Class B motorhomes, there’s actually an overlap in the price ranges for Bs and Cs. However, higher-end Class C motorhomes definitely overtake Class Bs, exceeding $150,00 or even $200,000.
The fuel efficiency is also very in the middle. A rough metric of mileage is around 10-15 miles per gallon. They’re, of course, hella inconvenient for everyday driving too, so you wouldn’t want to use one as your at-home vehicle. But really, if you want that sweet spot between the Class A and B lifestyle, the C has you Covered with a capital C!
What Is a Fifth Wheel?
Alright, we’re moving onto towables now. Fifth wheels are a favorite among ready road-warriors who want ample living space without a motorized RV.
These towable RVs hitch into the bed of a pickup truck. Overall, the design philosophy of fifth wheels is to provide a more stable and controlled towing experience. Their split-level design often features a raised front area (usually the master bedroom), with the rest of the interior dedicated to a spacious living area. The end result is that they kinda feel like a small apartment on wheels!
That spaciousness is easily one of the biggest advantages of a fifth wheel. Most fifth wheel models also have multiple slide-outs that significantly expand the interior’s roominess once set up. They are excellent for families and full-timers who need the space.
The downside is that you’ll need a fairly rugged pickup to tow them. And increased stability or not, driving down anything other than a straight highway while lugging something this huge is a pain in the proverbial apartment-sized posterior.
On the other hand, once you’re set up, you can take off and explore in your heavy-duty 4X4 pickup truck! So the payoff is clear. It’s a high-maintenance lifestyle, but it’s the absolute merger of comfort and adventure.
What Is a Travel Trailer?
Travel trailers are the most versatile of the towable RVs. They kind of look like shrunken-head versions of fifth wheels. However, there are a few specific differences other than their size and reduced internal space that separate the pair.
The biggest difference is in the towing experience. Unlike fifth wheels, travel trailers are towed using your vehicle’s rear ball hitch. The setup is both more straightforward as well as more widely compatible with vehicles other than pickup trucks. Lightweight models are even able to be towed by a typical family-friendly mid-sized SUV!
BUT (and this is a biggie), due to this hitch location, it’s a less stable towing experience. While these smaller travel trailers are better for turning and tight maneuvers, they can feel sketchy and catch sway when driving at high speeds or in strong winds.
Other than that, travel trailers tend to be cheaper than fifth wheels. In particular, there are some real budget-friendly models! And while there are a lot of variables at play here, generally you’ll get better mileage on the lighter-weight tows.
If the versatility of dropping your home off at camp before the adventures appealed to you but not so much the excess of fifth wheels (I’m thinking price, pickups, and apartment-sized towing), a travel trailer is a worthy contender as a towable RV alternative.
What Is a Toy Hauler?
Toy haulers are a specialized type of towable RV for specialized adventurers. They’re tailor-made for any RVer who likes to bring their toys along on the road trip. Specifically, this can be things like motorbikes, ATVs, or even just a metric crapton of fishing gear (for all the bonafide anglers out there).
Essentially, a toy hauler is a towable RV with a dedicated garage space built into its rear. So many fifth wheels can also be toy haulers, but not all toy haulers are fifth wheels. Whatever the type of towable is, it needs the garage space to be a toy hauler.
Usually, this “garage” is at the rear of the RV, complete with an entrance and ramp for easy unloading. Meanwhile, the rest of the RV is typically designed as a comfortable living space.
While prices and gas mileage vary a lot (because many types of towables can also be toy haulers), the other advantages are clear. You get to bring your toys with you!
Admittedly, you will need a POWERFUL vehicle to tow an RV that is, in turn, housing another vehicle. And this is also going to affect the towing experience rather significantly. But, if you ever had fun messing about with Matryoshka dolls, you might see the appeal…
It’s RVception!
What Is a Pop-Up?
Pop-up campers are the most compact and affordable RVs. A lot of the time, you can score a pop-up trailer for even cheaper than a Class B RV. If you’re comfortable towing something, they’re another great entry point for newbie RVers.
These lightweight towable campers collapse down for easy towing and storage. Often, their packed down size is half or less of their total real estate when set up!
Once at camp, a pop-up expands to provide a surprisingly roomy living space. They typically feature soft sides made of canvas, which keeps them lightweight and easy to tow. As for amenities, they often have the basics, with the best models of pop-up campers even including a bathroom, but will lack the more robust features of class Cs or high-end Bs
Learning curves with towing aside, pop-ups might be the absolute best place for beginners to start RVing. They’re cheap. They aren’t hard to store back home. And unlike motorized RVs, you get to keep your regular everyday vehicle!
However, one word of warning, do consider where you’ll be traveling vs. the pop-up you buy. Canvas sides are less insulated and also a real hazard in extreme weather. I wouldn’t go buying a pop-up if snowy winter wanderings are your jam.
What Type of RV Should I Purchase?
Choosing the right RV comes down to your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Are you looking for something compact for weekend getaways? Do you need a more spacious rig for long-term living? Are you more a fan of the versatility of towing or the ease of parking up?
These are the questions we must ask.
Another crucial consideration is how much you’re willing to spend. And by this, I mean on the RV itself as well as on ongoing costs like fuel, maintenance, and campsite fees. (Remember that bigger rigs also carry higher camping costs at a lot of places.)
What I would recommend if you’re completely uninitiated is to first try renting RVs. There are lots of ways to go about this, including “sharing economy” platforms (think Airbnb for RVs).
Renting lets you test out the features, sizes, and styles that work for you without the long-term commitment. After all, experimentation is the key to success!
What Is the Difference between Class A, B and C RVs?
“A” is for Awesome. “B” is for Budget. And “C” is for Cut Right Down the Middle! If that doesn’t jog your memory, try this:
- Class A RVs are large, luxurious motorhomes with ample space and amenities. Imagine a house-bus.
- Class B RVs are compact, easy to drive and park, and house everything out the back of the vehicle rather than over the cab. Imagine a camper van!
- Class C RVs are the middle ground. They offer more space than Class Bs but easier handling than Class As. If you’re struggling to remember, try to imagine Walter White Cooking in his Class C motorhome.
Which Is better: A Class B or C RV?
There is no definitive answer to that. It’s all down to preference and needs.
Class B RVs are perfect for solo travelers or couples. If you value mobility, easy parking, and better fuel efficiency, Class Bs are the way to go!
Class C RVs, conversely, offer more living space and amenities. Families (or couples who prefer some distance between each other’s farts) will find they offer the perfect balance of comfort and accessibility. In that sense, the C also stands for Comfort!
Is a Fifth Wheel or a Travel Trailer Better?
Much like Class Bs vs. Cs, there is just no definitive answer. Instead, consider your towing vehicle and living needs on the road.
Fifth wheels provide more stability when towing as well as more living space. However, they require a pickup truck for towing as they hitch onto the bed.
Travel trailers are much more versatile! They’re able to be towed by all kinds of vehicles. But they are usually smaller as well as less stable when towing.
Conclusion
Righto! And that was your Class A-B-Cs of RVs. (See – I told you that joke would land better later on!)
By now, you should have a pretty firm idea of the differences between RV classes and types. Heck, bookmark this page and come back anytime! I’ll still be waiting here with all this wildly useful content.
Really though, despite all the differences, it still always comes down to your preferences and needs. I, for one, am a classic Class B RV traveler. I like the mobility and flexibility of smaller rigs, both for skinnier unsealed off-roads and navigating busier cities and towns.
That isn’t everyone’s style though. Some families much prefer a larger Class A or C. Some folks prefer to drop their trailer home off at camp and then hit the off-roads in their 4X4. There really isn’t any single best way to RV.
But that’s what makes the hobby so fun! Variety is the spice of life, and us RVers are spoilt for choice.
Experiment. Practice. Have fun! If you haven’t bought a motorhome yet (or maybe feel like just mucking about and finding out), consider a rental of something new and exciting for your next adventure.
Just don’t stay in your lane. Get crazy and have some fun. Find the valiant steed that matches your freak. After all…
Would life really be that fun if we spent it coloring inside the lines? Hit the road, maverick. 😉
