The array of choices facing the new RVer can seem daunting: Class A, B and C motor homes, truck campers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. But you need to remember that there is no “right” answer. By tailoring the selection process to your personal needs and understanding that it’s really a matter of trade-offs, you can select the RV that is right for you.

Start by thinking about how you plan to camp and what particular needs you have: How large is your family, will you take short excursions or long trips, spend a few days when camping or just make overnight stops? Your budget is obviously a major factor, both up front investment and operating expense. Then approach the process as a series of decision points. The first question should probably be: motorized or towed?

Class A Motorhome

Advantages of motor homes:

• Generally better for touring. Faster setting and breaking camp without hitching and unhitching, unless you have a “toad” (RV jargon for a smaller towed vehicle).
• Passengers have greater comfort and freedom to move around, use facilities and even lay down for a nap while on the road.
• Toad gets better gas mileage than a typical tow vehicle.
• It's easier to tow a boat or utility trailer.

Tradeoffs

• Need to break camp to go sight seeing unless you bring a toad. But a toad adds the expense of a second vehicle and makes maneuvering and backing more difficult.
• If you only RV a few weeks per year, you have an expensive asset sitting idle.

Class B Van Conversion

Advantages of trailers

• Generally better for “destination camping.” Unhitch the coach and use your tow vehicle to go shopping or sightseeing.
• Offer more living area for less expense, both up front cost and ongoing, including fuel and insurance.
• Tow vehicle can be used as an everyday driver or second vehicle when you are off the road.
• You can upgrade either the tow vehicle or the trailer without replacing your whole investment.
• If you have mechanical problems on the road, you can stay in your house on wheels while vehicle repairs are made.

Tradeoffs

• Driving is not as easy, especially maneuvering, parking and backing.
• Setting up and breaking camp take longer due to hitching.