Chet Brock posted on July 01, 2009 16:47
Conventional Travel Trailer
Trailer Travel trailers can be towed by certain cars, SUVs, vans and pickups. (New lightweight travel trailers have recently been introduced that are light enough to be towed by six-cylinder vehicles.) Travel trailers attach to the towing vehicle with a bumper or frame hitch. They also can be detached for convenient local travel to and from the campsite.
Size: 12 to 35 feet.
Cost: Prices range from $9,500 to $63,000, with an average retail value of $14,700.
Typical Features:
- Sleeps up to eight people (depending on model)
- Provides sleeping, dining, bathroom and kitchen facilities along with electric and water systems. Many include push-button slideout sections for greater living space.
Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer
Designed for towing by pickups equipped with a special hitch, these bi-level units provide terrific living space. As with all towables, the fifth-wheel travel trailer can be detached at your destination, freeing up the towing vehicle for local travel.
Size: 21 to 40 feet.
Cost: Prices range from $12,800 to $97,000, with an average retail value of $23,790.
Typical Features:
- Sleeps up to eight people (depending on model)
- Provides sleeping, dining, bathroom and kitchen facilities along with electric and water systems. Many include one or more push-button slideout sections.
- Offers a second level living or sleeping area over the truck bed, which allows for even greater space on the main floor. Many have large picture windows at the rear for panoramic views.
Class A Motorhome
The Class A motorhome is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis. Properly loaded it provides a very smooth and stable ride. Any experienced driver can take the wheel. No special license is required for all but the very largest models, which may require a test to operate in some states. Many RVers tow an automobile to use for short side trips once they've reached their destination.
Size: 21 to 45 feet.
Cost: Prices range from $50,000 to $500,000, with an average retail value of $117,500.
Typical Features
- Sleeps up to six people (depending on model)
- Available with every conceivable luxury, including state-of-the-art appliances and entertainment systems and push-button slideout sections. Many also include basement storage, a satellite dish, a back-up camera, hydraulic leveling and a security system
Class C Motorhome
The type C motorhome, also called the mini-motorhome, provides the conveniences of a type A motorhome in a scaled-down version and at a lower price. The type C is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab-over section for added sleeping room, which makes it especially popular with families.
Size: 20 to 32 feet
Cost: Prices range from $45,000 to $75,000, with an average retail value of $56,770.
Typical Features:
- Sleeps up to 8 people (depending upon model).
- Equipped with full sleeping, dining, kitchen and bathroom facilities. Many have a slideout section.
- Many provide a sleeping bunk atop the cab in addition to a bedroom in the back. When not in use, this overhead compartment can be used as a storage area.
Tent Trailers, Pop/Up Trailers
This lightweight unit can be towed by many SUVs and, in some cases, by family cars. (Check with your auto dealer for specific towing capacity.) When unhitched, smaller units can be maneuvered by hand into tight spots. Its compact size and collapsible sides allow for quick setup at your destination as well as easy storage between uses. This inexpensive unit has proven to be the ideal RV for many first-timers.
Size: 15 to 23 feet (when opened) 8 to 15 feet (when closed)
Cost: Prices range from $3,600 to $11,600. The average retail value of a folding camping trailer is $5,230.
Typical Features:
- Sleeps up to eight people (depending on model)
- Combines the experience of open-air tent camping with the comforts, conveniences, and weather protection found in other RVs
- Provides sleeping, dining, bathroom (toilet and shower) and kitchen (stove and refrigerator) facilities. Some include a slideout section that creates additional floor space in the center of the unit.
For a safe towing system, make sure you have the proper hitch, tire inflation and anti-sway devices. And for the best trailer/tow vehicle match, consider these factors:
- engine horsepower
- transmission and axle capacity
- cooling equipment
- suspension
- springs and shocks
- power brakes
- power steering