Purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV) is an exciting move, but it can also confront you with a dizzying array of questions and decisions. What type of RV you should get depends on your budget, desire for specific amenities, and intended usage. Here are a few basic types of RV for your consideration.
Class A
The Class RV is the monster of the motorhome world -- a full-scale living, dining and home entertainment experience with a price tag to match (you can easily pay $500,000 for a new one). Spaciousness and luxury define the Class A experience. Gas milage and handling are predictably a challenge, and you won't be able to camp off-road easily. But in return you get all the comforts of home, including central AC and heating, and all the room you could possibly need or want.
The Class A RV doesn't bring that much more to the table than the Class B RV in terms of basic functionality. But if you have a big family and/or lots of pets, or you plan on living full-time out of your RV, then it's s sensible choice.
Class B
The Class B RV is probably the most flexible and economical choice for families who leave their home for periodic adventures to local sites or even criss-crossing the U.S. It's basically a van built out for serious camping use, built on popular van chassis by leading automakers. This means it provides a nicely car-like ride for folks who feel uncomfortable behind the wheel of larger vehicles. But the Class B also gives you:
New Class B RVs can run from $60,000 and up, but but you can often find a used Class B RV for sale from a private owner or one of your local Class B RV dealers.
Class C
The class C RV is a kind of compromise between the other two classes. It's basically a "Class B on steroids" in the sense that it's built on a conventional vehicle chassis but boasts a somewhat larger living space, including cab-over storage. You can squeeze multiple campers into this vehicle, making it a good value for both short and long trips. Compared to the Class B, however, the Class C suffers somewhat in terms in MPG and ease of storage due to its extra bulk.
Towable RVs
Towable RVs come in all shapes and sizes. If you already own a vehicle with a hefty towing capacity, you can simply hitch this type of RV to it and head for the hills (or wherever you like to go). Many of these trailers come with basic amenities such as electrical connections, kitchen sink and microwave, convertible couch/bed, and marine toilet. You can also get campers that sit in the bed of your truck.
Towable RVs pose their own set of additional complications. You must calculate towing weights and balances carefully to risk straining your tow vehicle's transmission, and a trailer's extra axle is one more thing to maintain and repair. You may get less-than-impressive gas mileage compared to a Class B RV designed and build and carry a camping load. You may also have trouble steering and parking with a trailer hitched to your vehicle.
If you only go camping once in a great while, you can simply throw a sleeping bag into the back of your truck or van and "rough it." But if you're willing to invest in an honest-to-goodness RV for greater comfort and functionality, and you don't need lots of interior room, a Class B RV is probably your most flexible bet, especially since it can double as a daily driver. Check out some local RV lots, like Fretz RV, and make your own comparisons!
Share28 January 2015
Have you been overlooking the chipped paint on your car? Maybe you have ignored the rust that is forming on the quarter panels. Allowing these auto body problems to persist will lead to rust which is devastating to a car. Once rust begins to form, it can be difficult to put a stop to. Working with an auto body shop to repair any scratches or dents in your car can preserve its appearance and keep the car in solid condition. I have provided a few instances in which an auto body problem was ignored and what happened to the car after a few months had passed. Use these examples to help you learn when to take your car in for work.