What’s Your RV Style?
It’s the big debate of all RVers, whether you’re a young couple starting out, a family of 8, or a happily retired duo – what kind of RV do you need?
Actually, what kind of RV do you want?
There are many different types and classes to consider, we’re going to go through a starter guide to help you figure out what type of RVer you are and therefore, what kind of unit you should look for.
First, ask yourself the following:
How often will I use my RV?
Figuring out just how often you plan on using your RV is step 1. Consider vacation time and how often you’ll be able to go out, and where you want to go: are you planning on being on the road or are you a park and stay type? Will you be skipping the Canadian winter? Once you’ve got your availability and opportunities, you can look at the nitty gritty of destinations and RV sizes.
What is my destination?
Take into consideration the where. Boondocking, mountain biking, across the border, as well as driving time. Distance and trip duration will affect what you pack and how much, and therefore the weight and towing requirements of your unit. Will you have access to full hook-ups, are you going to need to bring along enough water to last for a week or can you get by with only a few gallons? And, most importantly, what can you afford per night at your chosen location(s)?
No Bull Tip! If you have a specific location in mind, check out what the campsites are like. Lot size, hook-ups, nearby grocery stores. This can help you answer the next two questions a lot easier!
What amenities do I want?
This is all about comfort. Do you need wifi, camp showers, a playground? Do you have everything you need to stay occupied even if it rains and you can’t hit the trails? Nowadays RVs have enough bells and whistles that it’s hard to distinguish between a cabin and a Coachmen. Determine a checklist of your absolute Wants and Needs for comfort (and what you’re okay without). For example: are you okay with a 6-gal water heater if you have a 12 cu-ft fridge?
How much space do I need?
And how many people do you need to fit? Having a kid who fits in a pack-n-play is a lot different than a soon-to-drink-legally teen. There are numerous options: bunk beds, hide-a-beds, convertible dinettes, bunk rooms – the combos are endless. Figure out the max number of people you’ll have traveling before finalizing the type of RV you want; Example a) a tent camper probably won’t fit the whole family of 5 if your three sons are starting to hit growth spurts (or if you’re bringing pets along).
No Bull Tip! When in doubt, our lovely sales team will happily answer any questions and give recommendations for your RVing style.
Your Perfect Match
Depending on your answers to those questions, we’ve boiled it down to five general types:
The Weekender: You spend Monday to Friday on the grind, shuttling to work or school, soccer practice or errands. You live for the weekends (particularly the long ones) when you get to hit the road and visit your favorite campground (usually not too far away) for some relaxation and fresh air.
Your match: Travel Trailer or Tent Camper
The Scenic Route: The road is your destination and driving is half the fun. You plan on spending your time going from one stop to the next and it’s for weeks, not days. You plan to see as much as you can on each tank of gas and don’t mind packing up every few days if it keeps you moving.
Your match: Fifth Wheel, Class B or C Motorhome
The Snowbird: Empty nesters who avoid the cold, you chase Helios like a sunflower. Winterization is avoided and you haven’t owned a pair of mitts in years. If you want flexibility and comfort to keep the sun in your face, your goal is comfort and practical space that can take you south.
Your match: Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Class A, B, or C Motorhome
The Residential: Live, work, play. Whether it’s traveling for work or skipping the average daily grind, you want the space and freedom to call an RV home long term, maybe with some space for heavy gear like ATVs or bikes (or older kids).
Your match: Toy Hauler, Fifth Wheel, Class A Motorhome
The Nomadic: You plan to live full time on the road and don’t need a lot to do it. This lifestyle is popular with solo travelers and couples who are taking the opportunity to get outdoors and experience more than their own backyard. All without the unnecessary space and hassle.
Your match: Class B Motorhome
Stay tuned for deep dives on each RV type in the future!