User Tools

Site Tools


rv:intro

This is an old revision of the document!


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

RVProConYoutube discussion
cargo van
The most common vehicle for “vandwelling”.
ease of modification,
stealth,
mounting solar,
passthrough
aestheticsRobert 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,
mounting solar, disposing of seats
Robert Witham #6
minivanstealth
insurance,
already own?,
passthrough
living spaceRobert 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 camper4wd can go anywhere
ground clearance
handling,
low overhangs,
passthrough,
mounting solar,
expensive
Robert Witham #4
Carolyn's RV Life #2
truck w/camper shellinexpensive,
mounting solar
living space,
passthrough
Robert Witham #4
carstealth,
MPG,
insurance,
already own?
living space,
mounting solar
Robert Witham #2
SUVstealth,
light towing,
already own?
insurance
living spaceRobert Witham #3
box truckliving space
square shape easy to modify,
mounting solar,
passthrough
MPG, insurance,
parts, serviceability
Robert Witham #9
school busstanding height, living space,
mounting solar,
passthrough
MPG,
parking,
parts,
insurance, serviceability, disposing of seats
Robert Witham #10
ambulancecoolness, built-in cabinetrybiohazards, excessive idling hours, leaks around specialty lighting
insurance
step vanspace, standing height, straight walls, easy engine accessoften recycled for aluminum bodies, MPG, geared for local deliveries,
insurance, road noise
shuttle busstanding height, living spaceMPG, 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
rv/intro.1520268407.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)