Have you thought about traveling but aren't sure which RV to get??
First, regardless if you get an RV you pull behind a vehicle or one that has an engine, they are all RVs. Some people call the tow-able ones campers, travel trailers, 5vers, TTs, bumper-pull, 5th wheel or RV. The ones with engines are also called motorhomes. Its all the same stuff with more or less the same basic parts where it counts. I'm going to give a little insight about each class of RV.
First though, I want to say that ALL RVs have a black tank for toilet water, grey tank for shower & sink water and a fresh water tank with clean water. The black and gray tanks are emptied out the same pipe via a Y connector. Each outlet pipe has a valve. Keep the valves closed unless emptying. Always empty the black tank first, then flush the hose with the "not as yucky" gray water. NEVER leave the black tank valve open continuously. Let's just say this, you will get a clog, you will probably get poop on you and it is not fun! All the liquid will flow out fine but the poop & paper will just pile up. We learned this lesson the hard way when we were newbs and it's the first tip I give to new RVers.
Okay now that the Most important Tip is out of the way, on to the other stuff...
There are different classes of RVs: A, B or C for ones with engines (motorhomes) and either 5th wheel/gooseneck or bumper-pull for tow-ables.
Class A is your big, bus style motorhomes. I recommend taking a class to learn how to maneuver and drive these big monsters before you drive off the lot with yours if you've never driven something that size before. These come with lots of amenities. Generators are pretty standard. Showers sometimes have a tub big enough for kids to sit in. The kitchen has an oven, microwave, double sink, fridge and several storage cabinets. Size of the kitchen really depends on layout. Coffee makers, toasters, instant pots, crockpots, etc can all be plugged into the wall outlets just like in a regular home. (Yes this has been asked) When using appliances though just be sure not to use more than one big energy sucker at a time. Class A's usually have a 50 amp power hook-up for electric which gives you the ability to use 2 high-usage appliances at the same time such as both A/Cs. It's really important to know how many amps each appliance uses and be sure to calculate in the lights, TV, phone chargers, etc to your total amp usage and do not exceed your supply. Using too much electricity can cause your cords to get hot and catch fire, we've melted 2 cords figuring it out. Microwaves, coffee pots, toasters, hair dryers, electric hot water heaters and A/Cs are high wattage appliances so be careful using 2 at the same time. You can find the wattage for each appliance either on the appliance or online by googling it. There are watt to amps conversion websites too.
Class B is a converted van. Some newer ones are coming with basic amenities like a shower, toilet, and kitchenette. For 1-2 people who don't mind cramped spaces, these might be fine. They are not too hard to drive and gas mileage is better than a class A.
Class C are the ones with the truck body and usually has an over-cab bunk or storage area. They usually come with similar amenities as the Class A but they are smaller in size, have a truck engine and frame instead of a bus. We prefer these for our family of 6 because the over-cab bunk makes better use of the space over the driver area. It's self-contained and easy to travel with. Some have the option to tow a car or trailer. Just be sure to tow properly and always check weight limits. These usually have lots of storage underneath and some have outdoor kitchens and big slides that give you extra room inside.
5th wheels and travel trailers that hook to the bumper are both very similar.
The big differences are: Ceiling height- 5th wheels have much higher ceilings and some even have regular style ceiling fans. Generator- Travel trailers do not come with them. Storage space- 5th wheels have lots of storage underneath and usually more kitchen space. Quality- 5th wheels are for the most part more durable for full-time living. Bathrooms- 5th wheels have more space in the bathrooms and some even have 2 bathrooms! Sleeping- 5th wheels can offer more sleeping options due to the higher ceilings, they can add lofts and. Lofts and Toyhaulers are popular with families because the garage bay can be converted to a nice kids bedroom with lots of space. Weight capacity- 5th wheels can usually carry more weight. Privacy for parents- 5th wheels have master bedrooms that are more private being upstairs in the front of the rig, usually has a private bathroom and a real door that can lock! Good for parents who still enjoy sexy time. Be sure to get a king pin tripod jack to help stabilize the rig and reduce movement as you walk around, have windy days or get your groove thang on.
Bumper pulled trailers are ok if it's what you can afford or if you don't have a truck. You will just have to get a generator if you plan to camp without electric hook-ups and be sure to opt for the better quality trailers with good stabilizer jacks.
OK some last general tips, regardless of which RV type you choose::
*Be aware of your weight limits. Weigh stations will weigh your whole rig.
*Know the laws in your state and the states you plan to visit. Speed limits are sometimes different for RVs.
*ALL Passengers MUST be buckled in seat belts or child safety seats. NO exceptions. The laws in a car are the same as in an RV.
- Always secure loose items during travel. If you wouldn't want an item being thrown at your face then secure it, because it will become a projectile in an accident.
*Be respectful & aware of your surroundings:: Don't leave trash behind. Don't go under low clearance bridges. Don't feed wildlife. In FLORIDA... Do Not swim in water you can't see clearly in because alligators are everywhere and they will attack. There are lots of clear water springs to enjoy.
*PET Owner Responsibilities: DO pick up your dog's poop. DO keep your dog on a leash at ALL times No matter how friendly it is, some people are terrified of all dogs. Not all dogs are dog-friendly and if your dog runs up to one of them there may be blood and injuries that result, leashes keep dogs safe! Don't leave your pet locked up in the RV without the climate control appliances on ( heat or A/C ). Do give your dog something to do while left alone. Never let your cat freely roam outside your RV. Never tie up your dog or pen up your dog outside and leave it alone. Coyotes, bears, bobcats and even eagles will attack if given the opportunity. Or your pet could get loose and run off.
*Keep your black tank valve shut until the tank is almost full. Poop pyramids and clogs are not fun.
PLEASE for the LOVE of all things Pizza... DO Not ask what type of toilet paper to use... Use whatever type you prefer! To prevent clogs... keep your valves shut until tank is 3/4 full, add a toilet bowl full of water with Every use (2 bowl fulls if you poop). If you add enough water, it does NOT matter what brand or softness level your toilet paper is! Seriously! If it makes you feel better, you can add some of the RV tank chemicals or a little ivory soap.
To clean your black tank.... On moving day go ahead and dump your tanks before you leave. Stop by a gas station, get a bag of ice and pour the whole bag of ice down your toilet and a whole cup full of dish soap and as you drive the ice and soap will break up any stuck on gunk in your black tank. The soapy water will also help keep anything new from sticking to the sides and you should never have to deal with a clogged tank if you do this super easy step.
*Say Hi to your neighbors even if you are only there for the weekend. What's the point of going to a campground if you don't meet new friends and have fun?!
*Do NOT Ever, Ever park overnight in a Semi-truck parking lot such as rest areas, truck stops or gas stations with designated big truck parking. You are NOT a semi-truck. You have plenty of campgrounds to choose from across the country. Plan ahead and get to one well before you get too tired to drive. By taking up a parking space for a truck driver, you are being inconsiderate & rude. They can't park in campgrounds and they must Legally stop driving at certain times to sleep or they will be FIRED!!
Do ALL RVers & truck drivers a favor and don't be a jerk. Besides some of these places it's illegal for RVs to park and you could end up with a ticket.
*Another etiquette rule for overnight parking is DO NOT for any reason park in a parking lot and set-up like you are in a campground!! Just Don't Do it! Get a few hours of sleep and then get your rear-end up and get back on your journey. Parking lots are for emergency stops to rest. Be sure to go inside and ask permission from the manager before you park or you could end up being towed. Many stores are prohibiting overnight parking because too many people are abusing the privilege.
Respect* Courtesy* ConsiderationEducationIntegrity*Huge Sense of Humor... For a great experience & a great Life, These are all super important to remember.
Have Fun in your RV and do as much learning as you can about your RV. You can find just about any answers online.
If you have any other tips and tricks for choosing the right RV, feel free to comment below.
We're leaving the RV life behind soon to get back to roots and build a homestead.