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There are numerous different classes of recreational vehicles to suit different lifestyles. Many use them for vacations, while others live in their RVs when they retire, and some use them to work remotely.
We’ll explain the different models and the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you decide what works for you, whatever your needs are. Let’s dive in.
What Are Considered Recreational Vehicles?
Recreational vehicles, also called RVs, are vehicles meant for recreational use. If you plan to buy an RV, it’s essential to research the different classes to see what size and style suits your needs and budget, while planning ahead is crucial if you’re preparing for RV living.
Many owners, especially those who like to go dry camping or boondocking, typically add solar generators with EcoFlow’s Rigid Solar Panels and EcoFlow’s Flexible Solar Panels to keep their appliances running no matter where they are.
Class A RVs: The Biggest on the Road
(Image by neufal54 from Pixabay)
Size
The Class A RV is a colossal vehicle measuring 26-45 ft (7.9-13.7m) long and can sleep up to ten people.
Weight
These are the heaviest of all RVs, weighing around 33,000-40,000lbs (15,000-18,100kg) or more.
Average Price Range
The Class A is also typically the most expensive, costing $100,000 – $270,000 or up to $2 million for luxury models.
Details
Some Class A RVs are simple units with bed(s), a kitchen, a dining area, and a bathroom, while others have separate bedrooms, king-size beds, washers and dryers, and slide-outs to extend your living space. You can tow a car with a Class A; some models even have a built-in sports car garage.
These RVs are equipped with full-sized cabs for the driver, with easy passenger movement even while in motion. The main downsides are that they’re generally much more expensive, have lower fuel efficiency, and have limited maneuverability. Some campgrounds and RV parks are unable to accommodate these larger vehicles entirely.
Class B RVs: Compact Camper Vans
Size
The Class B RV models are usually about 17-23ft (5.2-7m) long and sleep up to 6 people.
Weight
Class B is relatively light, between 6,000 and 11,000 lbs (2720-5000kg).
Average Price Range
A typical Class B RV will cost between $100,000 and $250,000, although they can range from $70,000 to $400,000.
Details
The vehicles are much more compact than their larger counterparts, built on a standard van-sized chassis. Class B models can hold basic beds with storage, while some have bathrooms, dining areas, and room to sleep six individuals.
Space would be quite limited to sleep this many since only a few come with slide-outs, although they may come with awnings to create an outdoor living space. The benefits to these RVs are better fuel efficiency, the ability to park anywhere large enough for a traditional car, and some have four-wheel-drive to make boondocking much easier.
Class C RVs: Mid-Size Models With Beds Over-The-Cab
Size
Class Cs are typically 25-35ft (7.6-10.7m) long and sleep 4-8 people, depending on the model.
Weight
Most vehicles weigh between 10,000-12,000lbs (4500-5400kg).
Average Price Range
A Class C typically ranges from $120,000 to $160,000, although they can start as low as $95,000 and go up to $400,000 for luxury models.
Details
Class C RVs are a mid-size option with more space than your Class B but more affordable and maneuverable than a Class A. They’re built on a truck chassis and are easy to spot with their overhanging roof over the cab area.
This area makes a perfect sleeping space, allowing more room within the vehicle for the dining area, bathroom, kitchen, larger appliances, and additional beds. These can also tow a regular-sized car, especially the Super C, with its extra-large engine that can even tow a truck and handle rougher terrain.
Popup Camper: Most Compact and Affordable
Size
Most pop-up campers are about 7ft (2.1m) long and wide and fold down to about 4’6” (1.4m) when closed, sleeping from 4-8 people.
Weight
These lightweight models weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 lbs (635-1800kg) and can carry about 1,100 lbs (500kg) inside.
Average Price Range
Popups are the most affordable option, starting at around $7,000, although you can find more luxury models for up to $25,000.
Details
These are one of the most budget-friendly RV options since they have no engine or cab. They pack down into compact sizes, making them more accessible for the average car to tow. A robust set-up like EcoFlow Solar Panels and EcoFlow Solar Generator will help keep your devices powered even in the most remote environments.
Despite their cost-effectiveness and size, they can expand into a space to sleep up to 8 people and typically come with kitchens and bathrooms. Some even come with slideouts to give you more space, but Popup Campers are generally less durable than other, more expensive models.
Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers: The Tow-Behind Models
Size
Fifth wheels are 30-40ft (9-12m) long and sleep between 4-10 people. Travel trailers vary from 12-40ft (3.6-12m) long and sleep 2-8 people.
Weight
Fifth wheels are heavier, weighing 5,000-12,000 lbs (2270-5440kg), while travel trailers vary from 1,200-9,000lbs (544-4,080kg).
Average Price Range
The price varies with the size and luxuries, but expect to pay $50,000 – $200,000, with luxury models going as high as $350,000.
Details
Both these RVs are designed to be towed behind a vehicle, with travel trailers towed using a regular tow hitch on a truck or an SUV. Towing a fifth wheel requires a special fifth-wheel hitch mounted inside a truck bed. Both can range in amenities from basic beds, storage, kitchen, and bathroom to luxury models with king-size beds, washers, and dryers. Both the fifth wheel and travel trailer may even come with slide-outs to extend your space even further.
Truck Camper: Best Off-Road Option
(Image Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay)
Size
Truck campers vary from 6-18ft (1.8-5.4m) and typically sleep 2-6 people.
Weight
The weight of a truck camper varies from 1,000 to 4,000 lbs (450-1810kg).
Average Price Range
These vehicles range from as low as $10,000 to as much as $95,000.
Details
A truck camper can slide into any pickup truck bed, making your living space more mobile and allowing you to go anywhere a truck can. This is the best option for those who enjoy driving a 4×4 or go boondocking. Truck campers have a bed(s), kitchen, bathroom, and dining space. You can also pop it off and stand it up on its supports to use your truck for running into town or exploring, giving you some extra versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Various recreational vehicle (RV) models are ideal for camping. These include small pop-ups or truck campers to camper vans (Class B), truck-sized Class C models with the bed over the cab, or luxurious Class A homes on wheels.
Class A RVs are the largest and often look more like a bus than a car. They typically have the most space inside, sleep the most people, and come with optional luxury add-ons. Some fifth wheels, to be towed behind a truck with a special hitch, can be almost as large.
Final Thoughts
Now, you have an idea of the different classes of RVs, their sizes, amenities, and price ranges. You should be able to find the right one to suit your needs. Don’t forget to plan your power needs according to your lifestyle and the appliances you want to run. Using one of EcoFlow’s Power Kits will make that easy and convenient for you. Now, start planning your next adventure.