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rv:intro [2018/03/05 09:33]
frater_secessus 		rv:intro [2024/04/14 12:55]
frater_secessus old revision restored (2023/06/24 14:24)
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-====== brief overview of different RVs ======+> Words of Wisdom:  "The best van is the one that is //best for you//."
  
-What are they best and worst suited for?+====== Overview of Vehicle Options ======
  
-===== overviews =====+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. 
 + 
 +**This page is a starting point for finding the right vehicle for you.** 
 + 
 +==== Video overviews ==== 
 + 
 +Additional videos can be found on the pages for each vehicle type in the [[#vehicles|Vehicles section]].
  
   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhQNSZrHE|Bob Wells' overview]]   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhQNSZrHE|Bob Wells' overview]]
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   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o|Carolyn's RV Life groundwork]]   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o|Carolyn's RV Life groundwork]]
  
-===== types of RV ===== 
  
  
-^RV^Best for^Worst for^Youtube discussion^ +                                                                                                                                                 
-|[[rv:cargo_van|cargo van]]|ease of modification, \\ stealth, \\ mounting solar, \\ passthrough |aesthetics|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wUsjwAxue0|Robert Witham #6]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FG4Sg_IavM|Carolyn's RV Life #3]]| +====== Vehicles ====== 
-|conversion van|stealth, \\ raised roof, \\ already own?, \\ [[rv:passthrough|passthrough]]|ease of modification, \\ mounting solar|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wUsjwAxue0|Robert Witham #6]]| + 
-|minivan|stealth \\ insurance, \\ already own?, \\ passthrough|living space|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxMi7fFVoAk|Robert Witham #5]]| +Visit the pages for each vehicle type for additional information and resources. 
-|travel trailer|space, \\ built-in amenities|build quality, \\ passthrough, \\ mounting solar|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvyXQHb-j5o|Robert Witham #7]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]| + 
-|cargo trailer|space, \\ ease of modification, \\ mounting solar|\\ passthrough, |[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNuek8BIR6E|Robert Witham #8]] \\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UhkIBUhM-k|Bob Wells]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]| +---- 
-|truck w/slide-in camper|4wd can go anywhere \\ ground clearance|handling, \\ low overhangs, \\ passthrough, \\ mounting solar, \\ expensive|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td7wreFggWU|Robert Witham #4]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]| + 
-|truck w/camper shell|inexpensive, \\ mounting solar|living space, \\ passthrough|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td7wreFggWU|Robert Witham #4]]| +===== Vans ===== 
-|car|stealth, \\ MPG, \\ insurance, \\ already own?|living space, \\ mounting solar|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_o0snhETC0|Robert Witham #2]]| + 
-|SUV|stealth, \\ light towing, \\ already own?|living space|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrJrPBnpQto|Robert Witham #3]]| +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 truck|living space \\ square shape easy to modify, \\ mounting solar, \\ passthrough|MPG, insurance, \\ parts, serviceability|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv0Wi_kLWLI|Robert Witham #9]]| + 
-|school bus|living space, \\ mounting solar, \\ passthrough|MPG, \\ parking, \\ parts, serviceability|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30nbdPLxZAg|Robert Witham #10]]| +See also **[[rv:cargo_van:comparo|Van Comparisons]]** and **[[rv:van_issues|Model-specific weak points]]**. 
-|[[rv:class_a|Class A motorhome]]\\ large, expensive RVs that [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|look like tour buses]].|living space, \\ built-in amenities, \\ passthrough|parking, \\ expensive, \\ build quality, \\ low overhangs, , \\ very low MPG|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EJy7CkfF2E|Robert Witham #13]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o&t=689s|Carolyn's RV Life #1]]| + 
-|[[rv:class_b|Class B motorhome]]\\ mini RVs [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|built into a passenger van chassis]].|build quality, \\ built-in amenities, \\ passthrough, , \\ relatively good MPG|parking, \\ expensive|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGFJl6mSCIs|Robert Witham #11]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FG4Sg_IavM|Carolyn's RV Life #3]]| +Common van models: 
-|[[rv:class_c|Class C motorhome]]|living space, \\ built-in amenities, \\ relatively inexpensive\\ passthrough|parking, \\ low overhangs, \\ build quality, \\ very low MPG|[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWEPdRb68Sc|Robert Witham #12]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o&t=689s|Carolyn's RV Life #1]]|+  * [[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                                                                                                                                          
  
-====== RVs and campers ======+----
  
-===== Retail RVs ===== 
  
 +===== Smaller vehicles =====
  
-  * Class A  +----
-  * Class B - these are  +
-  * 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]]+
  
 +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.
  
-===== DIY RVs =====+  * **Pro:** stealth, insurance, already own?, passthrough 
 +  * **Con:** living space 
  
-  * campervans built out of [[rv:cargo_van|cargo vans]] are the most common kind of camper [[rv:build|build]]. +Common van models:
-===== Retail campers =====+
  
-  * [[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]]. +  * [[rv:astro|Chevy Astro / GMC Safari]] 
-  * slide-in [[rv:truck camper|truck campers]] ([[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=slide-in%20truck%20camper&tbs=imgo:1|examples]])+  * [[rv:express|Chevy Express / GMC Savanna]]
  
-===== DIY campers =====+----
  
-  * [[rv:cargo trailer|cargo trailers]] are boxy trailers that can be converted to a living space. +**[[RV:car|Cars]]**
-  * [[rv:camper shells|camper shells]] cover the bed of a truck.+
  
 +  * **Pro:** stealth (with sufficiently tinted windows), MPG, insurance, already own?
 +  * **Con:** low living space, limited solar options
  
-===== passenger vehicles =====+----
  
-  * cars +{{ https://i.redd.it/oapc7pm4ro671.jpg?150}} 
-  * minivans +**[[RV:pickup|Pickup trucks]]**
-  * SUVs+
  
-===== repurposed vehicles =====+  * **Pro:** 4wd can go anywhere, ground clearance, built for towing 
 +  * **Con:** handling, low overhangs, passthrough, mounting solar, expensive
  
-  * box trucks +----
-  * step vans +
-  * ambulances +
-  * school buses +
-  * shuttle buses+
  
 +====== 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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