How do you choose which RV to buy? This buying an RV guide has tips for buying a hybrid camper, RV trailer, or motorhome. Let us help you decide which is the better RV for your lifestyle.
I always like to set the scene. While Papa Joe and I have been RV’ing for over 80 years between the 2 of us, we are in no way an expert on every type of RV. We have utilized a couple of expert resources for this buying an RV guide. Links to those resources are included at the end of this post.
There is another piece that requires transparency. Normally, all photos in my posts have been taken by a member of the TravelAcrossTheWorld family. Not so for this post. I have used Google Images for some sections in this post.
Defining your basic RV categories for this buying an RV guide.
Like the decision to choose which RV to buy wasn’t difficult enough. There a lot of categories to sort through.
We have broken down each category into basic pros and cons that are designed to help you choose which RV to buy. Click the bullet to navigate directly to an RV category you are interested in or read through this full post.
You won’t be sorry!
- Hybrid Campers
- Toy Hauler, otherwise known as Sports Utility RV
- Travel Trailer
- Fifth-Wheel Campers
- Camper Vans, otherwise known as Class B Motorhomes
- Motorhome, Class A, C, and Super-C
There are pros and cons to each type of camper.
Choosing which RV to buy. Let’s start with buying a hybrid camper.
Are you considering buying a hybrid camper? They are probably the easiest category, to begin with.
Hybrid Campers include pop tops, expandable travel trailers, teardrops, and much more. Here are a few examples of campers in this category. If you are considering buying an RV trailer, this may be a great option for you.
Pros of Hybrid Campers.
The pros are mostly fairly logical. As you can see from the picture above, there are several configurations of campers that fit into this category. Everything from a simple teardrop to fully expandable units is typical. For the most part, hybrid campers are easy to assemble.
They are also easy to get into camping spots. Many are able to get into places larger trailers can’t. For example, some hybrid campers are made for off-road use. Hybrid campers tend to be lightweight which means less rugged tow vehicles can be used.
The best pro considerations for hybrid campers? They are an easy starter camper, allowing first-time RV’ers to break into the RV market. Hybrid campers tend to be relatively inexpensive, but of course, there are exceptions to that rule. Buying a hybrid camper may be the answer for you if you are looking for space to sleep, and want to be out playing during the day.
If you are considering choosing a Hybrid Camper, you will appreciate how easy they are to detach from your tow vehicle, set up, and get on with your camping adventures. Buying a hybrid camper may be a good option for you.
What are the cons of buying a hybrid camper?
You may consider hybrid campers expensive for the size. A general rule of thumb for buying a hybrid camper, is the less complicate the unit is, the less expensive it is likely to be. A simple pop-top is frequently the least expensive, and the more sophisticated collapsible units are usually more expensive.
If you are looking for an RV for a family, buying a hybrid camper may not be the right choice for you. There is not much space for a large family. Many hybrid campers will accommodate sleeping quarters for 4-8 people, but that doesn’t leave much room for anything else.
Some floor plans for hybrid campers will include toilet and shower facilities, but not all. If this is important, be sure to shop floor plans to find the best combination of towing weight, size, and amenities for you.
Is buying a hybrid camper the right choice for you? Maybe. Consider all the pros and cons when choosing which RV to buy, regardless of the RV category.
Toy Hauler and Sport Utility RVs.
Whether you call this category sport utility RV or toy hauler, there is a lot to consider. First, what is a toy hauler? In the most common configuration, the rear end drops down, forming a ramp for access into a “garage” area where motorized toys can be safely stored; the living quarters are separated by a wall.
The pros of toy haulers are probably self-explanatory. When buying an RV trailer, many people consider what amenities they can carry with them. From enjoying motorcycles, golf carts, 4×4 off-road vehicles, go-cart, or bicycles at your destination, the toy hauler can handle it all.
Another pro for buying an RV toy hauler trailer is the enhanced versatility in the garage area. Often, the garage area will open into dining space, additional sleeping quarters, or even an open air patio.
Add in the potential ability to carry extra fresh water and fuel, and a toy hauler may be an attractive option when choosing an RV type.
Toy Haulers are perfect for the outdoor sports enthusiast who wants to take all of their toys on the road with them. With that being said, they may not be perfect if you require indoor amenities when buying an RV trailer.
What are the cons of toy haulers?
Normally, the interior of most toy haulers is configured so 1/4 to 1/3 (or more) of the interior space is dedicated to the garage area. Because of that, toy haulers traditionally have less living space than a traditional travel trailer or 5th wheel.
Toy haulers are expensive. That’s all there is to it. Compared to a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome without a garage, you can add a minimum of $10K to the price for toy hauler amenities. The price may be prohibitive for most folks buying an RV trailer.
Remember the “pro” of having extra fuel and water on board? In addition to the construction required to haul a small vehicle inside your RV, hauling fuel, and water add a lot of weight. The result, is most toy haulers are heavier than travel trailers or 5th wheels. If you have a heavy-duty tow vehicle for your toy hauler, great. If not, you may be looking at the cost of a beefier truck in addition to the cost of your toy hauler.
When choosing an RV camper, it is important to consider all the pros and cons. We don’t want you to end up enjoying your beautiful RV for a year, storing it for 3 years, then selling it.
Now, I need to add a caveat to this section. Papa Joe and I have considered toy haulers often. We have always come to the following conclusion. It makes more sense for us to buy a small trailer for our toys and pull it behind the motorhome. This gives the extra living space inside the RV while allowing us the luxury of our toys.
Are you using this buying an RV guide to consider purchasing a travel trailer?
I consider travel trailers to be the most versatile category. If you are trying to choose which RV to buy in 2020, a travel trailer may be the answer for you.
There are a lot of pros with travel trailers. They are generally lightweight and easy to pull. Construction technology improves each year, making them lighter and lighter. The result of this is some travel trailers may be pulled with a mid-size vehicle, including the family car, minivan, and SUV.
They are good starter trailers with lots of space. Sizes generally range from 12 feet to 35 feet long and offer floor plans with (or without) bunk beds, multiple slide-out areas, and both indoor and outdoor kitchen space. Most have residential-style plumbing, which can be a huge benefit when setting up and tearing down.
Travel trailers are generally inexpensive. You may be able to find a new unit for less than $10K. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. If a new unit is not in the stars for you, a barely-used unit may be available.
Similar to researching a new car before purchasing it, use an RV research site such as RVchex to research your used unit’s history. I do not recommend a particular site, rather, provide an example of the type of research you would be wise to you when choosing which RV to buy.
What are the cons of buying a travel trailer?
Honestly, I’m not certain why we moved from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel several years ago. If memory serves me right, it was to gain the additional space in the 5th wheel. We also found our ride going down the road was more comfortable towing the 5th wheel. My kidneys were happy when we moved to the 5th Wheel.
Travel trailers may not be the option if you have a large family or need substantial sleeping space. While some units may sleep up to 10, sleeping space for up to 6 is more common.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual to verify the tow weight. For older vehicles, small SUVs, and light-duty trucks, a travel trailer may exceed your vehicle’s tow capacity.
Hopefully, you are using this buying an RV guide to choose which RV to buy. A travel trailer may be the answer if you are looking for a lesser-expensive mid-size RV that is easy to pull.
Buying a 5th Wheel RV.
I loved our 5th wheel Avalanche. If it weren’t for the fact that our 2002 truck is on its last legs, we would still have the 5th wheel. But our truck is groaning and refusing to pull anything heavier than my lard-butt, so we made the transition.
What are the pros of a 5th wheel RV? I consider the 5th wheel option to be the best of the bunch. 5th wheel RVs include all the amenities of home. With lengths ranging from 21 feet to 40 feet, you can find literally every floor plan imaginable. One of our favorite features is the abundance of windows many floor plans offer. You can even get a fireplace and washer/dryer if you want!
Now, with all that in mind, the cost of your 5th wheel RV goes up when you add amenities, length, and special features such as auto-leveling.
As with the travel trailer, construction technology improves every year, to the point that some 5th wheel RVs may be towable with a 1/2 ton truck. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual to verify the tow weight, for older vehicles or light-duty trucks, a 5th wheel may exceed your vehicle’s tow capacity.
What are the cons of buying a 5th Wheel RV?
The cons probably seem pretty obvious from the pros. Every pro, for every category, could be a con if that feature doesn’t fit your needs. In this instance, you may need a bigger vehicle to tow your 5th wheel.
The 5th wheel RVs require a special hitch to be bolted in your truck’s bed, meaning you now have permanent holes in that truck bed. There is also limited use for that hitch if you don’t keep your 5th wheel, so now the hitch becomes a piece of equipment you can’t use.
Because of the weight difference in moving from a travel trailer to 5th wheel RV, your truck may get lower fuel mileage than before, adding to your cost of ownership and cost per use. There are a lot of items to consider in this buying an RV guide. I’m trying to keep it simple for you.
Here is the one that took us by surprise. Your pivot point for backing, towing, and general maneuvering is different than other tow-behind RVs. Literally, that pivot point is now right behind the driver’s seat, not 8 feet behind them. It was painful watching Papa Joe back our new 5th wheel RV up the driveway the first time. He got it figured out, but it was a painful learning curve.
Using this buying an RV guide should help you decide which RV to buy. If you want help considering which features should be in your dream RV, check out our things to consider when making your next RV purchase post.
Are you looking for tips for buying a Class B motorhome?
I have a few tips for buying a Class B motorhome for you.
Many people just call these camper vans, and boy are they popular. Ranging from 16 to 22 feet, they are nimble, easy to drive, and are able to get you to places other RV units often can’t reach.
For example. You can’t take a 22-foot travel trailer or 5th Wheel down Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. You just can’t, it’s prohibited. Papa Joe had difficulty driving down my narrow street to pick me up with his travel trailer while we were dating. None of these problems with a camper van.
Owners report they are easy to park and maneuver, even in difficult traffic situations. Many units come standard with bathroom, sleeping, dining, and kitchen features. You just have to be flexible in how those are all configured in this compact space.
Some even come equipped with features like the ability to raise the roof or drop floors lower to achieve extra headroom. Nifty, huh.
Basically, you can get yourself into one of these sweet numbers without towing a vehicle behind you and still have all the comforts of home.
So is it possible for the camper van to have cons?
Of course, it is. There is limited space. I mean, look at this thing. Realistically, to fit a driver and passenger seat, dining table, cook surface, bed, and restroom facilities, a lot of flexibility is required. If you are the slightest bit claustrophobic a Class B may not be for you. How is that for a tip for buying a Class B motorhome?
One of the features I find to be most prohibitive is the cost. For that 16 foot to 22-foot flexible space, you can count on dropping at least $60,000 greenbacks. No lie.
Is a Class B motorhome or camper van right for you? Only you can decide. They are a very popular category of RV, and certainly an alternative to buying an RV trailer.
How about tips for buying a Class A, C, and Super-C Motorhome?
Are you ready to drive a house? I mean a real house on wheels. Motorhomes are the top-of-the-line category for RVs. They are priced and outfitted accordingly. Here are a few tips for buying a motorhome for you.
For some, the thought of owning one of these beauties is a life goal. It was one of mine. And where better to spend that dream than on the beach.
So, when I had the opportunity to camp on the beach in Port Aransas Texas, all that went through my head was the lyrics to Panic at the Disco’s song, Hey Look Ma I Made It. The lyric goes like this – If it’s a dream, don’t wake me.
I have to be honest, I hear that same song when I’m camping in the mountains too. Life is good.
Is this you? If so, my tips for buying a motorhome will be helpful, so let’s dive in.
The pros of buying a motorhome.
I have clumped the Class A, Class C, and Super-C motorhomes, and gas and diesel-powered units altogether. The basic pros and cons will stay the same with a few small differences that I will note.
The pros of buying a motorhome include the most obvious one. This is a home on wheels. As people move toward working from home and other more flexible work environments, living full-time in one of these units has become incredibly popular. Ranging from 21 feet to 40 feet long, some of these units have more square footage than many homes.
And that includes all the amenities of home. Consider the potential for a full-size shower, residential refrigerator, 50-inch television, and sectional-shaped couches, and these units become home indeed.
To those features, add those features that used to be considered upgrades, are now considered standard. Such as solar panels and generators for boondocking. Auto-levelers, fireplaces, convection microwaves and ovens, king-size beds, the list goes on and on.
So does the price tag.
Here is a basic rule of thumb. You can expect to spend anywhere from $60,000 to $500,000 for a motorhome. Class C tends to be the least expensive, the cost goes up for Class A. Gasoline-powered is less expensive than diesel. Add at least $10K to the price of your motorhome for a diesel engine. What about those tips for buying a motorhome?
Here are a few examples of Class A motorhomes.
And here are a couple of examples of Class C motorhomes.
What are the cons of buying a motorhome?
After reading through the rest of this post, the cons likely aren’t difficult to imagine. Tips for buying a motorhome have to spell out the cons, so here we go.
If you don’t want to pick up your home every time you need to go everywhere, a motorhome may not be an option for you. It’s kind of like being a snail. Home always goes with you, unless you go through the expense and work to haul a vehicle behind you.
Motorhomes are expensive. I mean holy cow. Papa Joe and I are very close to purchasing a Class A motorhome, and it will cost more than our house. If our house weren’t paid off, we couldn’t even consider it.
While we are talking about expenses, let’s consider fuel mileage. Our Class C has a sweet spot. We get a whopping 7 miles to the gallon when towing our car. Woohoo! That appears to be average, based on conversations with other campers. Considering that our aged truck at home gets similar fuel mileage, that’s not a shock to us, but it may be to you.
Where do you store this bugger at? We are able to store ours at home. To be able to bring our Class A home, we need to make our driveway longer. Do you pay to store your unit somewhere? These are too tall to fit into most garages. Storage has to be a factor when you are deciding which RV to buy.
Last, of the cons, I promise. Because of how long many motorhomes are, it may be more difficult to access some campsites. One tip for buying a motorhome, if you have a favorite campsite, make sure your new home on wheels will fit before buying it.
Are you ready to choose which RV to buy?
Have I made choosing an RV to buy more difficult or easier? This buying an RV guide is meant to give you a lot to think about, from buying a hybrid camper to buying an RV trailer, to buying a motorhome. And everything in between.
Here is the skinny. I started my camping lifetime decades ago in my grandparent’s truck camper and eventually moved to a motorhome. Papa Joe started with a pop-top camper with his kids and moved to a travel trailer. Together, we made the move from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel RV, to a Class C Motorhome, and eventually a Class A Motorhome. We have first-hand experience with almost every category of RV.
Despite that, we know our opinions are not the same as everyone else’s. We have tried to provide a pleasant blend of facts and personal commentary, allowing you to make decisions using this buying an RV guide. Here is one last TravelAcrossTheWorld RV resource to help you make your RV decision.
One last disclaimer.
While we have been RVing for many years, we do not proclaim to be experts in absolutely all categories of RVs, or current configurations and features of each category. The following resources were used in writing this buying an RV guide. We want to help you decide which is the right RV for your lifestyle.
- Camping World – Compare RV Types. A further caveat is required here, we are an affiliate of Camping World and we may be compensated for any purchase you make through our website. For further information please visit our Privacy Notice.
- Go RVing – Compare RVs
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