Not sure what you want to do in the next holiday break? Have you run out of new ways to have fun?
Why don’t you try RVing for a change? Skip the long transits, and uncomfortable, congested nights inside the airplane, and go on a road trip!
RVs are fully capable of supporting a large family, and you will be able to enjoy all the blessings of nature while you eat and sleep inside a luxurious caravan. Sounds so much better than flying in an airtight container!
Now that we have your attention, let’s learn what this RVing really is. Trust us. You won’t be disappointed.
What is an RV?
RV stands for ‘recreational vehicle’, meaning the vehicle you can rent for a week or fortnight for a trip or a vacation. In fact, the more people you have on board, the more fun it is.
An RV is capable of accommodating around six to eight people, and it comes with a toilet, kitchen, sleeping mattresses, and everything you need to have the best trip of your life!
Other names for RV are caravans, truck campers, fifth-wheel trailers, campervans, and motorhomes. Now, do you get the picture?
It comes with water heaters, air conditioning, televisions, and even expandable canopies and slide-outs! We can feel you getting excited. So let’s not waste any more time, and dive into the amazing world of Rving!
Different Types of RVs
You will be surprised how many types of RVs exist in the market. But to save your time, we have gathered the most popular types of RVs that people love to buy or rent on their vacations.
Travel Trailer
A travel trailer is an actual luxurious home with wheels. It sounds even better than a train or a plane. This RV probably made road trips more popular.
Now it may be small or big, depending on what your needs are. The big one has additional features that will make your road trip as comfortable as it can get.
A travel trailer can be towed with any type of vehicle – an SUV or a van that can take on its weight. You can either hire a professional to drive for you or practice a few times before driving it to your desired destination.
On the downside, it is difficult to drive in reverse. Additionally, you have to make sure the trailers are in level. Attaching and detaching the tow vehicle may be complex as well.
However, it is surprisingly affordable despite all the facilities it provides. Also, the towing vehicle can be removed from the trailers if you need to run emergency errands.
Fifth Wheel Trailer
A fifth-wheel trailer includes all the facilities of a travel trailer, but it is comparatively easier to tow than the former. It is also stronger and easier to maneuver.
However, you can’t use any type of vehicle with this trailer. It has to be a truck with a flat or open bed. Moreover, since in some places it is illegal for people to ride in towed vehicles, you can only travel with a few people.
On the bright side, it offers more storage space and amenities. However, quick errands can’t be made with such a big motor vehicle.
Motorhome
A motorhome looks like a bus, and it doesn’t need to be towed by another car. So no matter how many people you have onboard, they will be comfortable.
Now this RV has three classes. Let’s get a brief understanding of their features.
Class A
Class A motorhome is the most expensive and the biggest RV known to our current knowledge. The driveline can be fixed to puller or pusher configuration, and it is powered by gasoline or diesel.
This RV is known to possess the best of the best features, including basement storage, home entertainment system, laundry machine with a drier, bath and shower, and ice makers.
On the downside, it is seriously dangerous to travel through narrow roads due to its enormous size. Some people tow a small vehicle with it so that they can run small errands.
We need to tell you that unless you are willing to spend a huge sum of money for your vacation, don’t invest in this. It is quite costly to purchase, rent, maintain, insure, register and repair this giant monster.
Class B
Class B motorhome is sometimes known as ‘campervan’. It is considerably smaller than Class A motorhome, but it is also powered either by gasoline or diesel.
The best advantage of being small is that it is super easy to maneuver. If you need to run errands, you can take it with you. Although it can only accommodate two people, it is reasonably priced, both for rent and purchase.
If you are the economical type, and you just want a romantic getaway on the roads, this is the RV for you. Despite its lower price, it includes all the features available for comfortable accommodation.
Cargo capacity is low, and there is no home theatre or laundry system included. But fuel, maintenance, insurance, registration, and repair is reasonably priced.
Class C
If you want to take your family on a vacation, but at a reasonable budget, Class C motorhome is suitable for you. Inside this beautiful RV are couches and tables that can be converted to beds.
There is plenty of room for storage, and there are doors on the sides for convenient access. Although more expensive than a Class B motorhome, Class Cs are the best for family vacations.
It is also larger in size than Class Bs. Hence, maneuvering may take some practice.
Useful Tips for RVing
Now that we have a good deal of knowledge about the different types of RVs, we should get down to the useful tips! RVing for the first time is not a piece of cake.
It takes courage, analytical skills, and ofcourse some mechanical know-how.
Organize the Tools
You never know what can happen on the road, and if you are a beginner at RVing, you need to be prepared. Learn everything you can about your RV from your RV dealer. Get to know about how to fix issues and faults before you get started on the lovely adventure.
Ideally, you should have a toolbox containing gloves, safety goggles, flashlights, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, sockets, power system suited for your RV, pry bar, wire brush, 12-volt test light, hammer, and tire gauge.
You can also add to your list water filter, pressure regulator, wire brushes, rubber gaskets, zip ties, rope, surge protectors, and sewer kits. Other than all these, you also need to pack up some general items, such as clothing, food, toiletries, and other essentials.
Things You Need to Inspect Beforehand
Before you head out on your big vacation, make sure to check a few things on the RV so that it doesn’t break down in the middle of the road. You should check if the oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer are topped up.
Additionally, check the generator, the wheels, the fire extinguisher, the water pump, the safety chains for towing, the air conditioner, and the sockets for electronics. Make sure to inspect the battery as well. Check this out for the best RV Deep Cycle batteries.
To Sum Up
Buying or renting an RV for your next vacation is like starting to play a new video game. You need to play it a few times to get the entire picture, and eventually, you will be able to master it.
If new things excite you, try RVing! It is so much fun if you are driving by yourself, provided you have earned the license and aptitude.
This article only focuses on the core essential facts so that you are not lost. Besides, the entire point of riding an RV is to have fun. So, don’t forget that.
