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What Kind of RV is Right for You?

Aug. 23 2018 Lifestyle By Kira Sideroff

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So you are thinking about purchasing an RV... Whether its your first buy, or you're downsizing, or you're growing your family and will need something larger, it can be overwhelming to walk into an RV showroom and see the dozens (if not hundreds) of options staring back at you. "Should we get bunks?" "Is my vehicle big enough to haul that?" "Will our two side-by-sides fit in there?"

If you aren't quite sure where to begin, here are some tips to help you determine which type of RV might be best for you and your family:

Toyhauler

  • Geared towards family fun: bring along your ATVs, bikes, sea-doos, golf carts, or even strollers and wagons!
  • Less hassle: you don't have to worry about bringing a second vehicle to tow a separate trailer
  • Perfect for entertaining: the extra square footage and universal layout of the "garage" makes an awesome entertaining area
  • Additional sleep space: toyhaulers usually feature a loft bed, plus additional bunks in the back which is perfect for large families
  • Go off the grid: with built-in generators, fueling machines, and a large water tank, toyhaulers are very self-sufficient units built to sustain on longer trips

Fifth Wheel

  • Spacious: fifth wheels are taller in height than other models and typically have more slides!
  • Adaptable to your lifestyle: fifth wheels make great home-on-wheels for both full-time living OR weekend camping 
  • Requires a truck: you will need to have a truck to tow a fifth wheel, and will need to install a hitch
  • Easier, smoother towing: the weight of the unit is more balanced between the vehicle's axles (compared to a travel trailer); can be easier to park for this reason, too
  • Lose out on space in your truck box: you will lose nearly the entire box of the truck to the fifth wheel hitch, so ATV's or other large toys will require a separate vehicle to tow (unless you have a toyhauler fifth wheel!)

Travel Trailer

  • Half-ton towable: many trailer models can be towed with half-ton trucks and even SUVs
  • Family-inclined: typical floor plans include bunks or bunk houses in the back, so your kids will have lots of sleep space!
  • Additional space in your truck box: if you do have a truck, the box of your truck is still vacant, so you can fill with bicycles, coolers, dirtbikes, and more without problem
  • Lots of smaller floor plan options: shorter length isn't always a bad thing! With a smaller floor plan, parking, storing (over winter), and fitting into campsites is generally easier
  • Less stairs: with less stairs than fifth wheels, travel trailers are more accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, etc.

Motorhome

  • No towing or hook-ups: don't hassle with hook-ups, towing, sway from the wind, and other issues you have with tow units
  • Cross-country units: designed for cross-country or long distance travel, as well as full-time living (retirement, working remotely, etc.) as all models include a built-in generator
  • Budget-dependent: can be more expensive than a lot of travel trailers, but they don't require the purchase of a large vehicle like a truck to tow 
  • Still able to haul toys: if you have a boat that you'd like to pull behind your motorhome, no problem! (especially helpful in provinces like British Columbia)
  • Easier to park: shorter in length than most towables and with no hitch to worry about, parking is a breeze!

Tent Trailers and Expandable/Hybrid Trailers

  • Smallest floor plans: if parking and winter storage space is an issue for you, a tent trailer may be the way to go; they can easily be parked in a driveway
  • Ultra light: can be towed by virtually any kind of vehicle, including some cars and smaller SUVs
  • Budget-friendly: they are a great first RV purchase for couples, young families, or those looking to down-size
  • Great for outdoor camping: if you don't plan to spend a lot of indoor time other than sleeping, why would you need a massive fifth wheel?
  • NOT bear proof: keep in mind that these units are not fully bear proof, due to their tent-like netting where the beds fold out
  • Not very rain-friendly: Tent trailers and rainy camping trips aren't a great pair, as the trailer will need to be unpacked to dry when you are home

If you're still not sure which style of RV is best for you, come in to McGoverns RV & Marine today and one of our Sales team members can assist you in making a decision! Alternatively, do a little more online digging by checking out these pro's and con's lists from other blogs:

http://hobsonhomestead.com/rv-adventure/fifth-wheel-or-travel-trailer/ 

https://camperreport.com/travel-trailer-vs-5th-wheel-23-things-consider-buying/

https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/motorhome-or-trailer.htm