Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. If that doesn’t really appeal to you, then RV camping is what you need. It’s the ultimate camping adventure.
Recreational vehicles come in many shapes and sizes. They start with RVs that fit in the back of a pickup truck. These may have full kitchens, beds, a shower, and a toilet.
Next, there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes which are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. These may have a raised roof for more headroom. They also contain the same amenities as the camper van.
Next up is the C-Class motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but the similarity ends there. There’s a sleeping extension above the cab, and the back looks like any RV you’re probably familiar with. Basically a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The C-Class has all the comforts of home. A kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. You could live in a C-Class.
The next step up is the Class A motorhome. This is the most spacious of all motorized recreational vehicles. These motorhomes are like a one bedroom mini apartment. They are totally autonomous. From the queen-size bed to the dining room that seats four, you’ll find luxury. A refrigerator and stove are complemented by a microwave. You might even have an ice maker capable of producing over 20 pounds of ice a day. party ready!
If that wasn’t enough, there are still the trailers. First up is the travel trailer that you can pull behind a larger sedan or SUV. Then the fifth wheel trailer that hooks up to the back of a pickup truck. Both trailers are as luxurious as the best motor home. One advantage is that they cost much less.
You can buy new or used. Whichever way you choose, you need to do a lot of research on the internet first. Learn all you can about RVing. There are VR forums that you can find by doing a search on your favorite search engine.
When you decide that an RV might be for you, attend an RV show or two. There are major RV shows at fairgrounds and stadiums where many dealers and sellers sell every type of RV out there. There are also local RV shows that often host one or two dealers to display and sell some of their inventory.
If you’re really not sure whether you’d like to spend $40,000 or $250,000 on a hobby you’re not sure you’d like, buy a used RV. You can start RVing in a used 34-foot Class A motorhome for less than $10,000.
The older and larger the motorhome, the less fuel efficient it will be. You can get 5-7 mpg on many older RVs. 7-9 mpg is realistic for mid 1990’s RVs and up to 12 mpg on newer ones.
Camping in an RV is a fun adventure waiting for you and your family.
