RVs come
in a wide range of styles, including both motorized and towable
types. Motorized RVs, or motorhomes, are made in three basic
styles roughly based on size.
 Class
A motorhomes, which are built on a specialized bus-like chassis,
are the largest. They offer tremendous amounts of space, making
them ideal for larger families or for extended trips. Class
B motorhomes, which are built on a van chassis, are the smallest
style of motorhome and are unbeatable for negotiating small,
winding roads leading to remote vacation spots. Many function
as a second car between camping forays. Between these two extremes
are the mid-sized Class C motorhomes, which generally combine
the basic chassis and cab of a van with a larger RV body.
Among non-motorized, towable RVs, travel trailers range in size
from ultra-compact 10-foot models to ultra-luxurious units of
30 feet or more in length. Many incorporate slide-out sections
that dramatically enhance the interior living area without increasing
the overall length of the trailer. Once the trailer is parked
at the campground, you simply flip a switch and the slide expands
to its full width.
Trailers greater than about 34 feet in length are seldom moved
more than once, and are commonly called park models. Often seen
in a semi-residential setting, park models bridge the gap between
travel trailers and manufactured housing.
Those who relish the open-air adventure of traditional tent
camping, but who still appreciate homey comfort and conveniences,
will find that fold-down or tent trailers fit the bill. These
trailers offer many advantages – the concept of a trailer
that folds down for towing reduces wind resistance, minimizes
the combined length of the trailer/tow vehicle combination,
and provides the brightest and most natural of RV environments.
And, they’re generally light enough that they can be towed
behind most cars and mini-vans.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the fifth wheel trailer
is named for the saddle-and-pin type of hitch it uses. Unlike
a traditional trailer hitch, which sits below the rear bumper,
a fifth wheel unit mounts in the bed of a pickup truck, and
looks somewhat like the hitch used on tractor trailers. This
arrangement maximizes the towing capacity of the truck while
providing improved road handling characteristics. Fifth wheels
offer tremendous amounts of space for their size, particularly
those with multiple slide-outs.
Pickup owners also have the option of going with a truck camper.
These compact units slide directly into the truck bed, and are
secured with a special tie-down kit. The major advantage of
this type of RV is that it can go wherever the truck can, so
they’re popular with anglers, hunters and RVers who really
like to get away from it all.
A Word About Pricing and Specifications
All specifications in this guide are checked
for accuracy at the time of publication, but are subject to
change without notice. For the most up-to-date information,
visit your local RV dealer.
Unless noted otherwise, prices shown are the manufacturer’s
suggested retail price in Canadian dollars. Prices do not
include taxes, financing charges or additional costs for optional
equipment, freight or dealer preparation.
...
(Read the complete RV Buyer's Guide in the magazine)
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