“RV” is a nickname for a whole family of vehicles that combine transportation and temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, and travel. Some offer a simple place to sleep and eat, while others are luxurious homes on wheels. They fall into two general categories: towable (folding campers, truck campers, travel trailers, and fifth wheels) and motorized (Class A, B, and C motorhomes).
Folding travel trailers. A lightweight device with folding sides for towing a typical family vehicle or even some compact cars. Once installed, it contains a kitchen, dining room, bedroom and often a toilet for eight people.
Trucks. A camping unit that loads onto the chassis of a pickup truck. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are widely available. Accommodates two to six people.
Travel trailers. Designed to be towed by a car, van, or pickup truck, trailers have a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, and living quarters, electrical and plumbing systems, and modern appliances from refrigerators and stoves to microwaves and even washers/dryers. As with all towable units, they can be detached from the tow vehicle for easy local movement to and from the campsite.
Fifth wheels. Designed to be towed by pickups with a special hitch, they have a separate bedroom or living area on the second floor. Some of them have panoramic windows and several sliding doors.
Class A motorhomes. The living unit was built entirely on a specially designed vehicle chassis. As with all motorized vans, the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom are conveniently accessible from the driver’s seat. And the living systems typically include electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, and propane; a full range of appliances and entertainment features are available.
Class B motorhomes. A Class B motorhome, more commonly referred to as a “camper van,” is a panel-type truck to which an RV manufacturer adds sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and/or toilets. Most have electricity and water hookups, fresh water storage, and an overhead extension for additional space.
Class C motorhomes. Built on the frame of an automotive van with a cab section attached, the RV manufacturer completes the body section containing the living area behind and above the cab. This design provides more sleeping space than other types, as the area above the cab can accommodate a double or queen-size bed. The Class C motorhomes offer the same living systems and many of the amenities as the Type As.
The perfect tow truck . Closely related to RVs, but sold by car dealers rather than RV dealers, are conversion vehicles: vans, trucks, and SUVs equipped with upgraded windows, carpets, seats, and entertainment systems for added comfort and convenience.