The summer is upon us and camping and RV season is in full swing. As you plan your next outdoor vacation, you may be looking for used RV equipment to take with you to your favorite campground. However, if you are new to the RV game, you might need some help in learning the different options available to you. Therefore, Equipment Anywhere has put together an informative list of the various types of RVs and some of the benefits of each in order to assist you in making and informed decision on which type of used RV equipment to purchase.
First, let’s start with motorized RVs. The Class A diesel motorhome or diesel pusher is put together on a custom-designed motor vehicle chassis. It has a large diesel engine located in the back of the coach that provides more power than the gas version. Having the engine located in the rear also provides for a quiet and smooth ride, and the diesel engine actually pushes the RV down the road hence the diesel pusher name. If you are looking for a luxury RV then this should be at the top of your list, and it is a great option for long, cross-country trips. They provide the best used RV equipment for the full-time traveler as their diesel engine is more durable and longer lasting than the gas version, although this also makes this type more expensive as well.
Second, the Class A gas motorhome offers many of the same luxuries and comforts as the diesel version. You will often find high-end appliances and electronics, master bathrooms, and nice furniture in this type of RV, making it another solid choice for the full-time or long-term traveler. Most have full-length or multiple slideouts for added space and many storage compartments for personal belongings for extended travel. Both the gas and diesel versions of the Class A motorhome are 30 to 40 feet in length with large windows and windshield allowing for a lot of natural light.
Third, a smaller type of motorhome that also comes in either a gas or diesel version and is typically constructed on a truck chassis is the Class C. They are another quality option for used RV equipment and their engines are built by well-known manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes. Class C RVs have a compartment built over the cab that provides an extra bed or more storage space. They offer many of the same features as the Class A, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and slideouts, only smaller. The smaller truck chassis also makes the Class C motorhome more maneuverable than the larger motorhomes and allows it to fit into smaller camping spaces that the larger ones may not fit. There are a variety of floorplans available, and this type of RV is good for anyone who enjoys exploring and camping, especially couples and families.
Fourth, Class B motorhomes, also known as B-vans or camper vans, provide a literal home on the road for travelers who enjoy adventure. They can also be diesel or gas and are normally built on a van chassis. This type of RV is even smaller making it very agile, and it drives like a standard automobile. This maneuverability allows it to go from camping to the big city easily, and some come with off-road equipment allowing the traveler to explore more remote locations. Although camper vans usually measure around 20 to 25 feet in length, they pack a lot into the compact size. Manufacturers equip these motorhomes with all necessary amenities ranging from swiveling toilets and fold-away sinks to convertible seats and beds, and they are perfect for individual travelers and couples.
Fifth, we will transition from motorized RVs to towable RVs starting with the fifth wheel camper. This is the largest type of towable trailer and is towed by a large pick-up truck with a fifth wheel hitch found in the bed of the truck. Due to the hitch, the front section of the RV is raised and often functions as a bedroom or living room. If you are looking for used RV equipment that is spacious, fifth wheels provide the room you are searching for with their extended length and slideouts, with some floor plans containing six of them. They are an excellent choice for big families or those traveling in large groups. Many travelers will detach their fifth wheel RV and leave it at the campsite and use their towing vehicle to travel around the area, but do not forget that you will need a towing vehicle that can handle the weight of such a large RV.
Sixth, Toy Haulers, sometimes known as sport utility RVs, are built with plenty of room to store all kinds of outdoor equipment such as four wheelers, kayaks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, golf carts, and dirt bikes. They are designed with a large garage or cargo area and special heavy-duty doors that convert to ramps for loading and hauling equipment. They can actually be motorized as well, but most toy loaders are fifth wheel RVs. They are ideal for travelers who want to take their “toys” with them and play hard wherever they go.
Seventh, travel trailers, or conventional trailers as they are sometimes referred, are a very popular type of RV that are towed by a bumper or frame hitch that extends from the front. If trying to locate used RV equipment that is best suited for you, the travel trailer has something to offer everyone and is a very popular type of RV as it not only has many floor plans and styles to choose from but also ranges in size from about 4,000 to 10,000 pounds. Travel trailers also often have multiple slideouts that increase the living space, and they are easier to detach and setup than fifth wheel RVs. Because they allow the versatility to detach your personal vehicle to travel around as well as a complete living space, they are a favorite RV for many travelers.
Eighth, tiny trailers, or teardrop trailers as they are often called due to their distinct shape, are best suited for weekend travelers who just require the basic amenities. The simplest designs are literally just a bedroom on wheels, while some larger models can contain a bed, kitchen and dining area, and bathroom. Similar to the Class B motorhome, the teardrop trailer emphasizes functionality as it packs in swivel toilets, folding sinks, and convertible beds to best utilize the small space. These types of RVs are usually less than 4,000 pounds, and they are gaining popularity among tiny trailer enthusiasts who appreciate the vintage design and often decorate their trailers with retro materials. Manufacturers such as Liberty Outdoors and nuCamp have promoted the tiny trailer movement, and there are even festivals such as Tearstock where enthusiasts congregate to show off their tiny trailers.
Last, the pop-up camper is an RV that many people who spent their childhood camping are very familiar with. If looking for family-friendly and affordable used RV equipment, the pop-up camper is both. It has a hard base with sides that pop up and extend to provide sleeping space. It is the perfect option for young families who want to go on camping adventures together but do not want to sleep on the ground in tents as their affordability makes them very attractive to this group of RV buyers. In addition to providing more comfort than tent camping, they also come available with a variety of options and are typically able to be towed with the family vehicle as they are very lightweight.
In conclusion, there are many types of used RV equipment available today, ranging from large motorized RVs such as the Class A motorhome all the way down to small towable RVs like the teardrop trailer and pop-up camper. Knowing the differences between the various types of RVs can help you make an informed decision on which one to purchase to suit your family and fit your lifestyle. We hope that we have helped provide the information that you need, and please visit the RV section of Equipment Anywhere to check our availability if you are ready to take the next step toward adventure.