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TYPES OF RVs
  • TYPES OF RVs
  • CLASS A RVs
WHAT CAN I TOW? HOW TO SPOT A WELL-BUILT RV BLOG

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF RVS

Traveling in an RV offers the freedom to explore with all the comforts of home. Whether you’re hitting the road for a quick weekend getaway with your partner or embarking on a cross-country adventure with the whole family, choosing the right RV is key to ensuring the most memorable experience. With My RV Selector, you’ll cut through the many types and sizes of RVs to find the one that best fits your lifestyle. Our personalized approach ensures you begin your journey with confidence—leaving guesswork and rookie mistakes behind.

DRIVABLE RVS: CLASS A, B AND C MOTORHOMES

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the epitome of RV luxury, offering expansive living areas, large kitchens and high-end finishes. Built on a commercial bus chassis, they are the top choice for those seeking ultimate comfort on the road. With both gas and diesel engine options, class a RVs provide the power and space to travel in style.

Opinion: “Class a motorhomes offer the ultimate RV experience, combining comfort and luxury on the road.”

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes, commonly known as camper vans, are perfect for those seeking a nimble, easy-to-drive RV that doesn’t compromise on amenities. These compact RVs fit into standard parking spaces, making them ideal for sightseeing and spontaneous road trips. Great for solo travelers or couples, they offer a versatile home on wheels.

Key Features:

  • Easy maneuverability and parking.
  • Efficient use of space, with options for sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities.
  • Great for urban adventures or off-the-beaten-path explorations.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes strike a balance between Class A and Class B RVs. Built on a truck or van chassis, they feature a distinctive over-cab sleeping area, making them perfect for families or groups. With a wide range of floorplans, Class C RVs offer a great mix of living space, storage and ease of handling.

Opinion: “Class C RVs strike the perfect balance between size and features, offering extra sleeping spaces without sacrificing driveability.”

TOWABLE RVS: TRAVEL TRAILERS, FIFTH WHEELS AND MORE

Travel Trailers: Versatility and Value
Travel trailers come in many shapes and sizes, from lightweight models towable by smaller vehicles to larger, luxurious units requiring robust towing vehicles. Travel trailers allow you to unhitch at your campsite, giving you the freedom to explore the surrounding area untethered.

Key Features:

  • Available in various sizes and layouts to fit different needs and budgets.
  • Separate towing vehicle offers flexibility for local explorations.
  • Some models include slide-outs for extra living space.

Fifth Wheels: Spacious and Stable
Fifth wheels provide more space and stability on the road, attaching to a hitch mounted in the bed of a truck. This offers a secure towing experience compared to other towable RVs. Fifth wheels are known for high ceilings, split-level designs and spacious layouts, making them popular for long-term RV living.

Opinion: “For those who prioritize space and comfort, fifth wheels are a standout choice, offering unmatched stability and roominess.”

POP-UP CAMPERS: COMPACT AND CONVENIENT

Pop-up campers, also known as folding campers, are compact and easy to store, making them an excellent option for beginners or those with limited storage space. They expand at the campsite, providing a cozy living space that includes beds, a kitchenette and sometimes even a bathroom.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and easy to tow with a variety of vehicles.
  • Quick setup at campsites with manual or automatic mechanisms.
  • Ideal for weekend getaways or short-term trips.

Opinion: “Pop-up campers offer a sweet taste of RV life without the commitment of a larger unit.”

Toy Haulers: Adventure and Functionality Combined

Toy haulers are designed for those who want to bring along outdoor toys like ATVs, motorcycles or kayaks. They feature a garage space in the rear, which can be converted into additional living or sleeping areas when not in use. Toy haulers are perfect for adventure enthusiasts who need both transport and accommodation in one package.

Fact: “Toy haulers are perfect for the adventurous spirit, combining storage space with living areas, so you can bring your toys along without compromising comfort.”

SPECIALTY RVS: TRUCK CAMPERS AND MORE

Truck Campers: The Ultimate in Versatility

Truck campers sit in the bed of a truck, offering a smart solution for those who want the mobility of a truck with the living quarters of an RV. They are highly versatile, allowing for off-road travel and access to remote camping spots that larger RVs can’t reach.

Key Features:

  • Flexibility for off-road and into remote locations.
  • Detachable for using the truck independently.
  • Minimal footprint, making them easy to store when not in use.

Other Specialty RVs

From teardrop trailers to vintage campers, there’s a unique RV type for every camping enthusiast.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RV

Steps to Success:

  • Assess Your Needs: Consider your travel style, frequency and companions. Do you need extra sleeping spaces or is storage more important?
  • Set Your Budget: Establish a budget that includes both initial costs and ongoing maintenance or storage fees.
  • Match with My RV Selector: Use My RV Selector’s personalized service to filter options based on your criteria. Our tool guides you from start to finish, ensuring you find an RV tailored to your unique needs.

Test Drive or Tow: Experience the RV yourself before making your final decision. It’s a critical step in finding the perfect match.

Start Your RV Adventure with Confidence

With My RV Selector, you’re never alone in your RV journey. We guide you every step of the way—from understanding the different types of RVs to making your final choice. Ready to hit the road? Start with My RV Selector and find the perfect RV for your adventures

MyRVSelector is brought to you by Jayco.
Jayco offers a full lineup of family-friendly and durable RVs.

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WHAT CAN I TOW?

  1. Check the towing capacity of your tow vehicle by consulting with your automobile dealership.
  2. Then, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (or GVWR) of the unit you are looking to tow to make sure your tow vehicle can handle it.
  3. If you want to use a weight distribution hitch, look at the tongue weight and then work with a local dealer or hitch installation company to do the installation.
  4. Finally, always consult with your authorized automobile manufacturer or vehicle owner’s manual before making your final purchase.

HOW TO SPOT A WELL-BUILT RV

1. PEEK UNDERNEATH

A quality trailer will be built on an integrated A-frame. You can spot one of these frames easily. Simply look under the front of any trailer, pinpointing where the hitch meets the frame. The frame of a less superior trailer will be tack welded, while a quality RV will have a frame that intersects the hitch through the trailer to prevent buckling.

2. CHECK THE WHEEL WELL

Feel under the wheel well. A quality RV will use galvanized steel construction or high impact composite material in its wheel wells, helping prevent floor damage in the incident of a tire blowout.

3. SPOT THE SEAM

On some fifth wheels, you might notice a seam running vertically along the wall that overhangs the truck bed. This area is usually where the bedroom sits. When a unit is built on a less superior frame, manufacturers add the seam to compensate for future cracks that might appear.

4. TAKE IT FOR A SPIN

If you’re contemplating a motorhome purchase, make sure you go for a test drive. Some quality RV manufacturers have begun to introduce packages that improve the ride and handling of these coaches. You’ll even find these packages on some of today’s most affordable Class C models, so make sure you expect the most out of your ride.

5. POUND ON THE WALLS

We encourage you to pound on the walls of any laminated RV. If it sounds good and solid, you’ll know the lamination technique used was a high-quality process, known as vacuum bonding. Vacuum-bonded lamination is superior to the typical pinch roll process. In the vacuum-bonding process, nearly 145 tons of pressure are applied when materials are adhered together. In the pinch roll process, less pressure is exerted for a short period of time.

6. CHECK ON THE TOYS

If you’re considering a toy hauler purchase, peek under the cargo area. In a quality toy hauler, steel plates are welded to the frame; the D-rings used to secure your toys are fastened to these plates. Less superior RVs won’t have this feature, meaning your toy hauler can no longer safely secure the advertised capacity. When these plates are absent, it’s also a good indication that the garage floor isn’t state of the art construction.

7. FEEL INSIDE THE CABINETS

A quality RV will boast lumbercore cabinet stiles. These stiles create the skeleton for your cabinetry. Lumbercore stiles are made of real wood, not particle board. Pocket screws can usually be found in lumbercore construction. Peek inside the cabinet and see if you see these screws. If you spot staples, this is a sign of poor construction.

8. INSPECT THE TENT

Considering a pop-up or an expandable trailer? Some manufacturers skimp on the tent. Single-seam construction creates a less durable tent. Look for the double-stitched tents. And while you’re shopping for camping trailers also peek underneath the unit. If the lifter system is enclosed, this system will hold up to road debris better than one with exposed components. A quality lifter system should have a lifetime warranty, and on a good pop-up you should look for lifetime component warranties on other components, such as the roof, floor, walls and bed frames.

9. ASK ABOUT THE ROOF

It can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but the strength of an RV's roof is crucial. Not only is it directly exposed to the elements, like snowfall for example, but it's quality is a strong indicator of the unit's overall construction.