An alternative to "tow behind" trailers are what is known as a 5th wheel. Advantages of these RV's is that you gain more room and tow easier than a conventional trailer. The 5th wheel is actually where the hitch is attached. A special receiver hitch is installed in the bed of a larger pickup truck and this is where the trailer attaches. Several feet of the unit actually overhang in and above the bed of the truck. The trailer pivots here instead of on a hitch behind the towing vehicle. This is usually the sleeping area or bed in the trailer. This allows for a longer trailer length and easier towing and maneuverability. The truck must be rated to support the tongue weight of the 5th wheel as well as the towing weight.
The next group of RV's are the motor homes. The three categories are class A, class B, and class C. There are distinct differences between each. Class A motor homes are those that look sort of like buses. Fully self contained, they are true homes on wheels and can reach a length of 40' or more. We own a 34" 2004 Dolphin LX motor home with a gas engine and purchased used. These large motor homes have all the conveniences of a regular home, only smaller. We have a queen size bed, stand up shower in the bathroom, full kitchen with stove, microwave/convection oven, four door refrigerator/freezer, tile floor and Corian countertops. Also included is satellite TV, cruise control, a back up camera. We have two "slideouts", one in the bedroom, one in the living area. These are mechanized sections which will expand out a couple of feet either manually or electrically to provide more room once you have found a place to camp. These are also found on the larger trailers. Class B motor homes are the type van that got started in the 70's. You know, the van that you could open from a double side door and had a bed in the back, a couple of swivel chairs (removable), a little sink and maybe a tiny refrigerator and camp stove. Today these are a bit fancier, but still have the limited space, so not too much can be crammed in there. Typically, these are not made to be lived in for any length of time and certainly are not self contained beyond having a small holding tank for fresh water and limited toilet facilities. However, many have roofs that extend so that you can stand up in them. Gas mileage is better on these and their popularity really increased during the gas shortages of the 70's. In between the class A and class B motor homes are the class C motor homes and are larger, with a "cabover" feature. This allows the living area (typically the bed) to extend over the cab of the RV. These are self contained and can be parked anywhere without the need for external hookups for short periods of time like the class A motor homes. Often referred to as mini motor homes, they also gained in popularity in the 70's. Added benefits of class C motor homes are gas mileage and crash worthiness. They are just safer for the driver and passenger in the event of a crash. Again, these are also true homes on wheels with all the amenities and comforts of home. Sizes vary and what you may want will depend on the size of your pocketbook. Actually, that applies to all RV's, doesn't it?
A brief mention here about pop up campers. They are manufactured to be light weight towable tents ranging in weight from 1500 to 4,000 pounds. When situated in a campground they can be opened up into a tent type of affair on wheels. Some come with toilet facilities and kitchens. This is a happy medium between tent camping and larger RV camping. You have the feel of camping in a tent while having more creature comforts of larger RVS. They can also be towed by smaller vehicles such as mid size cars and SUV's.
Lastly, there are "slide-in" campers. These are self contained campers that slide onto the bed of a pickup truck and also come in various sizes.
The next group of RV's are the motor homes. The three categories are class A, class B, and class C. There are distinct differences between each. Class A motor homes are those that look sort of like buses. Fully self contained, they are true homes on wheels and can reach a length of 40' or more. We own a 34" 2004 Dolphin LX motor home with a gas engine and purchased used. These large motor homes have all the conveniences of a regular home, only smaller. We have a queen size bed, stand up shower in the bathroom, full kitchen with stove, microwave/convection oven, four door refrigerator/freezer, tile floor and Corian countertops. Also included is satellite TV, cruise control, a back up camera. We have two "slideouts", one in the bedroom, one in the living area. These are mechanized sections which will expand out a couple of feet either manually or electrically to provide more room once you have found a place to camp. These are also found on the larger trailers. Class B motor homes are the type van that got started in the 70's. You know, the van that you could open from a double side door and had a bed in the back, a couple of swivel chairs (removable), a little sink and maybe a tiny refrigerator and camp stove. Today these are a bit fancier, but still have the limited space, so not too much can be crammed in there. Typically, these are not made to be lived in for any length of time and certainly are not self contained beyond having a small holding tank for fresh water and limited toilet facilities. However, many have roofs that extend so that you can stand up in them. Gas mileage is better on these and their popularity really increased during the gas shortages of the 70's. In between the class A and class B motor homes are the class C motor homes and are larger, with a "cabover" feature. This allows the living area (typically the bed) to extend over the cab of the RV. These are self contained and can be parked anywhere without the need for external hookups for short periods of time like the class A motor homes. Often referred to as mini motor homes, they also gained in popularity in the 70's. Added benefits of class C motor homes are gas mileage and crash worthiness. They are just safer for the driver and passenger in the event of a crash. Again, these are also true homes on wheels with all the amenities and comforts of home. Sizes vary and what you may want will depend on the size of your pocketbook. Actually, that applies to all RV's, doesn't it?
A brief mention here about pop up campers. They are manufactured to be light weight towable tents ranging in weight from 1500 to 4,000 pounds. When situated in a campground they can be opened up into a tent type of affair on wheels. Some come with toilet facilities and kitchens. This is a happy medium between tent camping and larger RV camping. You have the feel of camping in a tent while having more creature comforts of larger RVS. They can also be towed by smaller vehicles such as mid size cars and SUV's.
Lastly, there are "slide-in" campers. These are self contained campers that slide onto the bed of a pickup truck and also come in various sizes.
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