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rv:intro [2017/06/24 21:08]
frater_secessus [Retail campers] 		rv:intro [2024/04/14 12:55]
frater_secessus old revision restored (2023/06/24 14:24)
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-====== RVs and campers ======+> Words of Wisdom:  "The best van is the one that is //best for you//."
  
-===== Retail RVs =====+====== Overview of Vehicle Options ======
  
 +After determining that [[lifestyle:why|you might want or need to live in a vehicle]], one of your first major considerations is "what kind of van should I get?" Sometimes the answer isn't a van at all, but some other platform that meets your needs better, or something you already have available.
  
-  * Class A - these are the large, expensive RVs that [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|look like tour buses]]. +**This page is a starting point for finding the right vehicle for you.**
-  * Class B - these are mini RVs [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|built into a passenger van chassis]]. +
-  * Class C - these are usually [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1#tbs=imgo:1&tbm=isch&q=class+c+rv|cutaway vans with large living spaces and overcab sleeping areas]]+
  
 +==== Video overviews ====
  
-===== DIY RVs =====+Additional videos can be found on the pages for each vehicle type in the [[#vehicles|Vehicles section]].
  
-  * campervans built out of [[rv:cargo_van|cargo vans]] are the most common kind of camper [[rv:build|build]]. +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhQNSZrHE|Bob Wells' overview]] 
-===== Retail campers =====+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8d3OKl0k4E|Robert Witham's overview]] (and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huO9nelVmTs|conclusion]]) 
 +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o|Carolyn's RV Life groundwork]]
  
-  * [[rv:travel trailer|travel trailers]] are the most common kind of RV in the US.  Examples include bumper hitch trailers, [[https://duckduckgo.com/?q=5th+wheel+travel+trailers&iax=1&ia=images|5th wheel trailers]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=teardrop%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|teardrops]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=canned%20ham%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|canned hams]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=fiberglass%20egg%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|fiberglass eggs]]. 
-  * slide-in [[rv:truck camper|truck campers]] ([[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=slide-in%20truck%20camper&tbs=imgo:1|examples]]) 
  
-===== DIY campers ===== 
  
-  * cargo trailers +                                                                                                                                                 
-  * camper shells+====== Vehicles ======
  
 +Visit the pages for each vehicle type for additional information and resources.
  
-===== passenger vehicles =====+----
  
-  * cars +===== Vans =====
-  * minivans +
-  * SUVs+
  
-===== repurposed vehicles =====+Vans are the most common choice for those who want to build their own mobile living quarters. For most people, they are a good balance of pros and cons. Professionally converted vans are also available.
  
-  * box trucks +See also **[[rv:cargo_van:comparo|Van Comparisons]]** and **[[rv:van_issues|Model-specific weak points]]**.
-  * step vans +
-  * ambulances +
-  * school buses +
-  * shuttle buses+
  
 +Common van models:
 +  * [[rv:ford_e-series|Ford E-series]]
 +  * [[rv:ford_transit|Ford Transit]]
 +  * [[rv:nv|Nissan NV2500/3500]]
 +  * [[rv:ram_promaster|Ram Promaster]]
 +  * [[rv:sprinter|Sprinter]]
  
 +----
  
 +A **[[RV:cargo van|Cargo van]]** is the most common "van dwelling" choice.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** ease of modification, stealth, mounting solar, passthrough
 +  * **Con:** aesthetics, living space, used work vans can be beat up
 +
 +----
 +
 +A **[[RV:passenger van|Passenger van]]** or **conversion van** is upfitted with A/V equipment, decor, and a [[rv:high_roof|raised roof]].
 +
 +  * **Pro:** stealth, raised roof, already own?, [[rv:passthrough|passthrough]]
 +  * **Con:** ease of modification, living space, mounting solar, disposing of seats 
 +
 +----
 +
 +===== Commercial Trucks =====
 +
 +Trucks offer significantly more room than vans, and are generally built on a heavy-duty chassis that will last much longer. However, they use more fuel, usually cost more to purchase and repair, and may be less comfortable to drive.
 +
 +----
 +
 +**[[RV:skoolie|Skoolies]]** and other **buses** offer lots of space and windows. Buses are often cheap to buy but may be expensive to convert and operate.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** living space, easy to find   
 +  * **Con:** MPG, parking, parts, insurance, serviceability, disposing of seats                                    
 +
 +----
 +
 +**[[RV:box truck|Box trucks]]** provide a large cubic space for an easy build.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** Large living space, square shape easy to modify, easy solar mounting, passthrough (on some vehicles), space under truck to hang things
 +  * **Con:** Low MPG, insurance may be difficult to obtain, may be difficult to find repair shops, GWVR may require stopping at weigh stations in some jurisdictions, floor is above rear wheel (no wheel wells) so more difficulty getting in and out
 +
 +----
 +
 +**[[RV:step van|Step vans]]** provide a large cubic space for an easy build, with easier access than other trucks.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** flat surfaces for easy build and solar mount, large living area, entrance steps and low floor height for easy ingress and egress, nondescript for stealth camping, easy engine access
 +  * **Con:** commercial vehicles often see very hard use, not ideal for regular highway driving (geared for local deliveries), may be difficult to find parking due to size, frequently have high miles, road noise
 +
 +----
 +
 +**[[RV:ambulance|Ambulances]]** can be a good compromise between a van and truck in terms of size and building platform.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** coolness, built-in storage and electrical systems
 +  * **Con:** potential biohazards, may have excessive idling hours, leaks around specialty lighting, insurance
 +
 +----
 +
 +
 +===== Motorhomes =====
 +
 +Motorhomes are purpose-built for recreation and living, but are expensive and often have low build quality. They are generally grouped into three classes:
 +
 +----
 +
 +The **[[RV:Class A|Class A motorhome]]** is a large, expensive RV that [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|looks like a tour bus]].
 +
 +  * **Pro:** large comfortable living space, slide-outs for additional space, many built-in features and amenities, professionally designed and installed systems
 +  * **Con:** parking, expensive, build quality sometimes lacking, very tall overall height, high fuel usage
 +
 +----
 +
 +{{ http://rv-camping.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ClassB.jpg?200}}
 +The **[[RV:Class B|Class B motorhome]]** is a mini RV [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|built into a passenger van chassis]]. 
 +
 +  * **Pro:** build quality, built-in amenities, passthrough, relatively good MPG 
 +  * **Con:** parking, expensive
 +
 +----
 +
 +{{ https://www.rvezy.com/sites/default/files/styles/rv_photo_slider/public/rv-photos/not%20yet%20assigned/class_c_side.jpg?200}}
 +The **[[RV:Class C|Class C motorhome]]** is a [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1#tbs=imgo:1&tbm=isch&q=class+c+rv|Cutaway vans with large living spaces and overcab sleeping areas]]
 +
 +  * **Pro:** living space, built-in amenities, relatively inexpensive, passthrough
 +  * **Con:** parking, low overhangs, build quality, very low MPG                                                                                         
 +
 +----
 +
 +===== Trailers =====
 +
 +----
 +
 +{{ http://cdn.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/CapitolReef-051-500x166.jpg?200}}
 +
 +The **[[RV:travel trailer|Travel trailer]]** is the most common kind of RV in the US.  Examples include bumper hitch trailers, [[https://duckduckgo.com/?q=5th+wheel+travel+trailers&iax=1&ia=images|5th wheel trailers]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=teardrop%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|teardrops]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=canned%20ham%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|canned hams]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=fiberglass%20egg%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|fiberglass eggs]].
 +
 +  * **Pro:** space, built-in amenities                                                                                
 +  * **Con:** build quality, passthrough, mounting solar
 +
 +----
 +
 +{{ https://distillery-trailercentral.s3.amazonaws.com/sYZ8Mc/4SN5KZ/2015_Sharp_SHARP_7X16_Cargo__Enclosed_Trailer_T1rdLu.jpg?200}}
 +
 +A **[[rv:travel_trailer#cargo_trailers|Cargo trailer]]** is a boxy trailer that can be converted to a living space.  
 +
 +  * **Pro:** space, ease of modification, mounting solar
 +  * **Con:** passthrough                                                                                                                                          
 +
 +----
 +
 +
 +===== Smaller vehicles =====
 +
 +----
 +
 +A **[[RV:minivan|minivan]]** or **SUV** is a step above living in your car, but gives enough space for sleeping comfortably if the seats are folded down or removed.
 +
 +  * **Pro:** stealth, insurance, already own?, passthrough
 +  * **Con:** living space 
 +
 +Common van models:
 +
 +  * [[rv:astro|Chevy Astro / GMC Safari]]
 +  * [[rv:express|Chevy Express / GMC Savanna]]
 +
 +----
 +
 +**[[RV:car|Cars]]**
 +
 +  * **Pro:** stealth (with sufficiently tinted windows), MPG, insurance, already own?
 +  * **Con:** low living space, limited solar options
 +
 +----
 +
 +{{ https://i.redd.it/oapc7pm4ro671.jpg?150}}
 +**[[RV:pickup|Pickup trucks]]**
 +
 +  * **Pro:** 4wd can go anywhere, ground clearance, built for towing
 +  * **Con:** handling, low overhangs, passthrough, mounting solar, expensive
 +
 +----
 +
 +====== Making Your Purchase ======
 +
 +After you've decided what kind of vehicle is right for your needs, what next?
 +
 +    * [[RV:finding|How to find]] your desired van or RV for sale somewhere
 +    * How to [[RV:assessment|assess a van or RV]] you have found.  Is it a good one?
 +    * [[RV:purchasing|Purchasing the van or RV]]
  
rv/intro.txt · Last modified: 2024/04/14 12:56 by frater_secessus

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