RV Camping Becoming More Popular for Leisure Travel

Camping for most people used to mean pitching a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. Then, glamping was introduced and RVs became more popular as well.

It didn’t take long for travelers to realize that camping in an RV is what they wanted. After all, it’s the ultimate camping adventure.

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Different Types of RVs

RVs come in many sizes and shapes. They start as simple as campers that fit over the bed of a pickup truck. Yet these campers can even have full kitchens, beds, shower and toilet in them.

Next, you can move up to van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle.

These can have a raised roof for more head room to enable campers to stand up inside. They also contain the same amenities as the truck camper.

Next up is the Class C motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but the similarity ends there. Inside, you’ll find a sleeper extension over the cab and the back end looks like any motorhome you are probably most familiar with.

You can envision it as a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all the amenities of home; a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. In fact, many people live full-time in a Class C.

The next step up is the Class A motorhome. This is roomiest of all motorized RVs and ones you often find musicians use for touring.

These motorhomes are are fully self contained and like a mini one bedroom apartment on wheels.

From the queen sized RV mattress to the dinette that seats four or more people, you often find luxury inside and out. A refrigerator and stove are typically complimented by a microwave oven.

You might even have an ice maker capable and outdoor kitchen with a TV. Party ready!

RV Travel Trailers

If that weren’t enough choices, there are still travel trailers to consider.

First, you have the travel trailer you can pull behind a larger SUV or pickup truck. Then, you can get even more grand with the 5th wheel trailer that hooks into the back of a pickup truck equipped to haul it.

Both of these trailers can be just as luxurious as the best motorhome on the road.

The advantage? They cost a lot less.

While making your decision, you should consider looking at both new and used. Whichever way you choose, you should do a lot of research first.

RV Camping Rentals

Trying renting an RV to get a real feel for how it will work for you and your family.

Learn all you can about RVing. There are RV forums that you can find by doing a search in your favorite search engine or find one of hundreds of groups on Facebook geared towards RV life.

RV and Camping Show

When you decide that an RV might be for you, try attending an RV show or two.

There are major RV shows at fairgrounds and stadiums across the nation where many dealers and vendors are selling every type of RV available. You can also find local RV shows usually put on by one or two dealers to show and sell some of their inventory at discounted prices.

Is RV camping expensive?

If you’re indecisive on spending $40,000 or $250,000 on a hobby you’re still not sure you would like, buy a used RV. You can often get into RVing with a 34 foot used Class A motorhome for under $10,000.

Be sure to note, the older and larger the motorhome, the less fuel efficient it will be. You may get 5 to 7 miles per gallon on many older motorhomes. 7-9 mpg is realistic for mid 1990’s motorhomes and up to 12-14 miles a gallon on newer models.

Another important note: if you’re going to be pulling the travel trailer, be sure your vehicle has the proper towing capability.