Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About RV Types

If you’re looking to buy an RV, you have a lot of choices to make. Beyond what you want out of the RV or where you’ll take it, you’ll need to narrow down which RV is the right choice for you and those you adventure with. Whether you’re a family of four, a solo traveler, or like to hit the road with your friends, there’s a different type of RV for everyone and every travel situation.

Let’s break down the types of motorhomes out there and what you should know in this brief guide to the types of RVs out there.

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Motorhomes

Motorhomes are the bread and butter of the RV industry. They’re the biggest, baddest and most expensive on the market, next to toterhomes. Motorhomes offer four classes: A, B, B+, and C. Each has its pros and cons for RVers.

Read more on each motorhome class with these guides:

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Toterhomes

Toterhomes are motorhomes that are some of the most expensive in the world. These can cost upwards of half a million dollars and are homes on wheels. These are fully loaded from top to bottom and cab some of the most luxurious rides on and off the road.

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Diesel Pushers

Diesel pushers are also technically motorhomes, with the engine in the rear offering some of the biggest RVs on the market with much more horsepower. Like toterhomes, they’re expensive and made for those looking to live life on the road. Diesel pushers were designed for RVers looking to hit the road for long, punishing road trips.

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Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are the go-to RV for those looking to get started RVing. They range in size from small to large, offer a variety of amenities and are towed giving potential RVers an easier way to hit the road on a budget. Travel trailers are one of the most popular RV options available.

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Expandable Travel Trailers

Expandable travel trailers are a hybrid between the traditional travel trailer and pop up campers. These travel trailers range in size and luxuries, but they offer pop-ups that give you more room once parked. These trailers are often bought with the intention to settle down for months at a time.

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5th Wheel RVs

5th wheel RVs, like travel trailers, offer the same size and features as most other RVs on the market. They’re often wider and use a fifth wheel for towing which allows them to carry more weight and be easier to control on the road. 5th wheel RVs are a step up from travel trailers if you're not ready to buy a motorhome just yet.

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Toy Haulers

Toy haulers are the best of both worlds for adventurous RVers. They’re often fifth wheel RVs or travel trailers that feature storage for everything from motorcycles to ATVs to jet skis and more. This allows you to bring your toys on any RV trip, no matter what you love to enjoy the best.

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Campers

Campers are often one of the best ways to get started RVing. Whether it’s a truck camper, pop up camper or something between, these offer the basic idea of what RVing is like, along with towing which can make or break the RV experience. Campers are a great way to enjoy RVing without the price tag of higher end rigs.

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Vans

Campervans were once more popular than they are today. Brands like Winnebago pioneered the camper or conversion van. These vans convert once parked to offer living space, toilets and other functionality for RVers. Vans are a great way to get some of the space you need on and off the road without buying a motorhome or larger trailer.

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Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are one of the more creative ways to RV without living the RV lifestyle with many luxuries once parked. They can offer shelter and storage but often not much more. The can be towed by everything from motorcycles to cars and can be completely customized. Teardrop trailers are one of the most popular options for RVers who like it a bit rough during travels.

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Horse Trailers

Horse trailers are a combination between the travel trailer and horse storage on the road. They offer room for humans and horses. Horse trailers have grown in popularity in the last few years, offering luxury accommodations for people and horses alike. Horse trailers are growing in popularity in North America and beyond.

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Ice Fishing RVs

Ice fishing RVs were custom-built RVs, salvaging what was saved and salvaged from old travel trailers. They feature a hole that is uncovered over ice to allow for fishing, along with everything you’d expect in a motorhome, fifth wheel or travel trailer. Ice fishing RVs aren't as popular as they used to be but they're unique.

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Park Models

Park model RVs aren’t that mobile like other RV types, but they can be. They’re more portable home than a travel trailer, but they offer the same luxuries a motorhome or trailer would have for travelers. Park models can be towed, making them an anomaly stuck between trailer parks and RV resorts across the nation.

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Airstream

Airstream is one of the most recognized RV brands in the world. Featured in TV, movies, and more, they specialize in the silver bullet of the trailer world. They have a cult following among fans, with RVers restoring the iconic Airstreams across the world. Airstreams are one of the longest lasting RV brands and last decades with the proper care and maintenance.

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Winnebago

Winnebago, another iconic RV band, pioneered the concept of motorhomes in the modern era. Like Airstream, Winnebago has been around constantly evolving as the market demands it. Winnebago became synonymous with the term motorhome, although nowadays they’ve ventured into everything from fifth wheels to travel trailer models.