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Understanding RV Types

Learn about some of the different kinds of RVs on the road.

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RVs come in many shapes and sizes, but there are basically two types, motorized and towable. 

MOTORIZED

Motorhome (MH) – A motor vehicle built on a truck or bus chassis and designed to serve as self-contained living quarters for recreational travel.

There are three classes of motorhomes: Class A, Class B and Class C.

  • Class A

    Often resembling a bus, Class A motorhomes have a flat front end with large side windows. They may also be equipped with slideouts.

  • Class B

    Also known as a campervan, Class B motorhomes tend to look like conventional vans, usually with a raised roof. 

  • Class C

    This RV type combines a van cab front with an RV shell. Many models typically have over-the-cab sleeping areas. 

TOWABLE

  • 5th Wheel (FW)

    A trailer and hitch configuration connected to the tow truck directly above the rear axle by way of a special fifth wheel hitch. This causes several feet of the connected trailer to hang over the tow truck. 

  • Travel Trailer (TT)

    Also referred to as bumper pulls, these types of rigs have an A-frame and coupler and are attached to a ball mount on the tow vehicle. 

  • Hybrid Travel Trailer

    These expandable travel trailers come with fabric/mesh pop-outs on either or both ends.

  • Pop-up Trailer

    Sometimes called a tent trailer, popup trailers have tent walls that collapse when being towed towing.

  • Truck Camper

    What do you call a camper you can mount into the bed of a pickup truck? Now you know.

  • Toy Hauler

    There are motorized and towable types, but these sport utility RVs always include an enclosed space towards the rear for hauling gear, bikes, kayaks and more.


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