Table of Contents

Words of Wisdom: “The best van is the one that is best for you.”

Brief overview of different RVs

One of the first decisions a potential 'dweller thinks about is “what kind of van?” Sometimes the answer isn't a van at all, but some other platform that meets one's needs better, or is what one already has at hand.

The chart below attempts to give a rough overview of the pro/con of the main types of camper.

overviews

types of RV

RV Pro Con Youtube discussion
cargo van
The most common vehicle for “vandwelling”.
ease of modification,
stealth,
mounting solar,
passthrough
aesthetics, living space, used work vans can be beat up Robert Witham #6
Carolyn's RV Life #3
conversion van
A passenger van upfitted with A/V equipment, decor, and a raised roof ("tv top").
stealth,
raised roof,
already own?,
passthrough
ease of modification, living space, mounting solar, disposing of seats Robert Witham #6
minivan stealth
insurance,
already own?,
passthrough
living space Robert Witham #5
travel trailer
The most common kind of RV in the US. Examples include bumper hitch trailers, 5th wheel trailers, teardrops, canned hams, fiberglass eggs.
space,
built-in amenities
build quality,
passthrough,
mounting solar
Robert Witham #7
Carolyn's RV Life #2
cargo trailer
boxy trailer that can be converted to a living space.
space,
ease of modification,
mounting solar
passthrough Robert Witham #8
Bob Wells
Carolyn's RV Life #2
truck w/slide-in camper 4wd can go anywhere
ground clearance
handling,
low overhangs,
passthrough,
mounting solar,
expensive
Robert Witham #4
Carolyn's RV Life #2
Mortons on the Move w/Gary Conley
truck w/camper shell inexpensive,
mounting solar
living space,
passthrough
Robert Witham #4
car stealth,
MPG,
insurance,
already own?
living space,
mounting solar
Robert Witham #2
Living in a car by choice or necessity - rwitham
SUV stealth,
light towing,
already own?
insurance
living space Robert Witham #3
box truck living space,
square shape easy to modify,
mounting solar,
passthrough, can hang things underneath
MPG, insurance,
parts, serviceability, gwvr may require stopping at weigh stations, very tall for interior height as floor is above rear wheels.
Robert Witham #9
school bus living space, easy to find MPG,
parking,
parts,
insurance, serviceability, disposing of seats
Robert Witham #10
ambulance coolness, built-in cabinetry biohazards, excessive idling hours, leaks around specialty lighting
insurance
step van space, standing height, straight walls, easy engine access often recycled for aluminum bodies, MPG, geared for local deliveries,
insurance, road noise
shuttle bus standing height, living space MPG, geared for local driving, excessive idling hours,
insurance, disposing of seats
Class A motorhome
large, expensive RVs that look like tour buses.
living space,
built-in amenities,
passthrough
parking,
expensive,
build quality,
low overhangs,
very low MPG
Robert Witham #13
Carolyn's RV Life #1
Class B motorhome
mini RVs built into a passenger van chassis.
build quality,
built-in amenities,
passthrough, ,
relatively good MPG
parking,
expensive
Robert Witham #11
Carolyn's RV Life #3
Class C motorhome
- Cutaway vans with large living spaces and overcab sleeping areas
living space,
built-in amenities,
relatively inexpensive
passthrough
parking,
low overhangs,
build quality,
very low MPG
Robert Witham #12
Carolyn's RV Life #1