The Ultimate Guide to RV Shopping

All the resources you need to find and purchase the perfect RV for your budget and lifestyle.

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RV Shopping by Roadpass University

Interested in buying an RV, but not sure where to begin? Roadpass University's RV Shopping course walks you through the whole process.

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What Type of RVer Are You?

RV manufacturers and parks design their rigs and services around different types of RVers. Take the quiz to see what type of RVer you are.

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Which RV Type Is Right for Me?

Find everything from pricing to floor plans for each RV type.

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RV Types Explained

RV stands for “recreational vehicle.” This includes motorhomes, trailers, and more—any camping unit on wheels. There are two main types of RVs: motorhomes and towables. Within these categories are more specific RV types.

Class A

Class A motorhomes are constructed on a chassis that has a bus-like shape. They can be the most expensive and luxurious of all RV types because the chassis can handle the added weight of expensive finishes and heavy appliances.

Class B

Class Bs are vans that have been converted into living spaces. They’re easy to drive and often fit into a regular parking space. Class B travelers rarely tow anything, opting to break camp when they need to relocate. If traveling light and fast is appealing, a Class B might be for you.

Class C

Class Cs are usually built on a medium-duty truck chassis and typically have an area above the front cab that serves as an extra bunk or storage space. Like Class As and Bs, they offer a more comfortable ride and serve as the middle ground between a larger motorhome and a van.

Travel Trailer

Conventional travel trailers are pulled from a mounted hitch located below the bumper on a truck. Trailers are extremely popular, so there are tons of brands and options.

Fifth Wheel

Fifth wheels are named for their hitch, which is located in the bed of the truck and bolted through the frame. Part of the trailer overhangs the truck bed. Fifth wheels can be much heavier and taller than a conventional travel trailer.

Truck Camper

Truck campers physically slide into the truck bed and ride on top of it. Like Class Bs, you can drive and park them pretty much anywhere and setup is relatively easy with retractable legs. Though compact, truck campers offer quite a bit of space—some models even have slide-outs to expand the interior space.

RV Purchasing Considerations

Before you dive into your RV purchase, make sure you ask yourself some serious questions and consider testing out the lifestyle with a rental.

Is Owning an RV Worth It?

5 Reasons to Rent a Camper Before Buying [Campendium]

6 Things I Learned from Renting an RV for the First Time [Roadtrippers]

Reasons Why You Should Own an RV

RV travel lets you hit the road when you want, where you want, without worrying about things like baggage fees, security lines, or pricey hotel stays. Plus, it’s a great way to bring your whole family along for the adventure, including your four-legged friends.