RV Types and Classes
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
- Truck Camper
- Pop Up Tent trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Fifth Wheel
Class A
Class A refers to motor homes
built on another manufactures motorized
chassis and resemble busses, in that the
cab or driving compartment is part of the
coach. They are self propelled by a
gasoline or diesel engine which is located
in the normal up-front position or at the
rear in the pusher type drives.
This type of motor home offers more living
space per foot of length than the other classes
because the driving area is part of the "coach"
and can be used for extra seating and space
when stationary.
One major drawback to owning a large motor
home is that a secondary means of
transportation (car, etc.) must often be towed
behind it, allowing for trips to the store,
etc.
Class B
Class B refers to campervan
conversions of factory van body and
chassis. These usually have a raised roof
to allow for standing room and some may
have wider body section added. There is
even a version with a small slide out
section to increase the room when
parked.
These units are best suited for couples or
singles and for relatively short duration
camping trips, due to thewier limited space.
The compact interiors can include toilet and
shower facilities, cooking and reproduction
appliances, and furnaces and air conditioners
for creature comforts.
A Class B campervan is almost as
maneuverable as the family car and can fit in a
regular sized parking space. Some people also
use them for a second day to day vehicle when
needed.
Class C
Class C refers to a motor home
coach built on another manufactures
chassis where the driving compartment or
cab is part of the original chassis. There
is usually a cab over bed and there may be
a separate bedroom at the rear of the
coach, depending on the length and layout
of the interior.
Class C motor homes are fully self-contained
in that they have all the amenities needed
on-board.
Truck Campers
Truck campers are designed to be carried in
the cargo bed of a pickup type truck.
Due to the weight of these units, a heavy
duty truck is needed in most cases. The slide
in truck camper comes in various sizes and
floor plans, with the larger ones being
self-contained.
The truck can be used as a daily driver
during the week and then the camper is loaded
on for weekend outings.
Pop-Up Tent Trailers
Pop-Up tent trailers are collapsible, canvas
sided, lightweight and affordable. Many can be
towed with the family car and represent a good
entry level RV. Many people graduate from a
tent and sleeping bags to the conveniences of a
pop-up.
These units have a central core with a roof
that raises up and beds that pull out on either
end creating a surprising amount of interior
space.
Travel Trailers
Travel Trailers are the conventional trailer
that we all know. These unit come in sizes from
the tiniest 12 foot ultra-light to the heavy
duty 35 foot models and the even more robust
park model "travel trailer". They are equipped
with the bare essentials in the small versions
to luxurious, fully appointed "condominium" on
wheels. These larger units, especially the ones
with slide out rooms are very spacious and
suitable for full time living.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are so named
because of the location and uniqueness of
the hitching point. The tow vehicle
carries the hitch weight over the rear
driving axles and this configuration
greatly increases the maneuverability and
stability of the trailer. Along with the
travel trailer class and the Class A motor
home, the larger units afford a great deal
of living space and a full range of
amenities.
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