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Posted on Dec 10th 2014
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When looking for a small ones, you do have a few choices:
Class B (van-size camper)
Class B-plus (slightly wider van-size camper)
Pop-top van
Truck Camper
Small Class C (preferably under 27 feet in length)
Small motorhomes have become the fastest growing segment of the RV industry and this trend is bound to continue.
Increasingly popular, lightweight RVs that are towed - such as small trailers and tent trailers provide the cheapest option of all. Some can even be towed behind a small fuel-efficient car and are possibly the most cost effective option of all.
The many advantages of driving a small motorhome can be broken into 2 categories: Cost Saving Advantages and Adventure Advantages.
The Cost Saving Advantages are:
Better fuel economy.
Can access narrow forest roads and other dirt roads leading to free dispersed camping areas.
Can “sneak-a-sleep” wherever overnight parking is allowed.
With a larger RV, many people leave the RV behind and drive a tow vehicle to explore the area. With a small RV, your home and food is always with you so you can save on restaurant meals.
If, while exploring, you find a great overnight spot, you can stay without having to backtrack to get your RV.
Since every storage area in an RV seems to get filled, the less storage space you have, the less "stuff" you bring or are tempted to buy on route.
Can be used as a primary or secondary vehicle when not traveling.
With the recent escalation in fuel prices, a small RV should hold its value better than a larger model.
The Adventure Advantages are as follows:
Easy to drive and park.
Allows you to explore what's down a narrow road without fearing that you may not be able to turn around.
If you find a great spot, your home is with you so you are free to spend as much time as you like.
You can be more spontaneous. Since all your gear is with you, if you find a wonderful hiking trail, camping area, or meet up with people, you can take advantage of opportunities without having to return to home base.
With less indoor space in a small motorhome, you're likely to spend more time outdoors which, after all, is the idea, isn't it?
Practicality - size does matter! With less storage, you'll end up making more practical decisions (and keeping your RV more tidy).
Here is a comparison of the pros and cons of the various types of small motorhomes:
Truck Camper
Pros:
Most trucks have higher clearance and perhaps even 4-wheel-drive and will allow access to rougher roads and more areas than any other small motorhome.
You may already own a truck and the financial outlay for the camper to add to it is much less than for a motorized RV.
If you already own a truck, additional savings include not having to insure or pay for annual license fees on another motor vehicle.
Some truck campers are made to fold down to a lower profile resulting in better fuel efficiency.
The camper can be removed from the truck and left set-up at a campsite while you take the truck for a drive. (From our experience this is usually just tricky enough that it’s not a feature you would take advantage of very often.)
When not traveling, you can remove the camper and have use of the truck as a primary or secondary vehicle.
You can upgrade to a newer truck, if you like, but still keep the camper and just transfer it to the new truck.
Cons:
When you are in the camper you don’t have access to the driver’s seat to drive away without going outdoors first...could be a safety and inclement weather issue.
A truck camper is higher than a class-B or class-C RV so getting in and out of the camper will mean climbing more steps.
Class B, B-plus, or Pop-top Van
Pros:
When not traveling, it can be a primary or secondary vehicle with seating for 4 to 6 people.
No wasted space - on most models the driver and passenger seats turn around to become part of your living space while camping.
Some B-plus models offer a slide-out for additional space
In an emergency, you can get to the drivers seat from within the camper very easily and drive away from trouble.
Most are built more aerodynamically so they get better gas mileage than either a truck with camper or a class-C.
Can be parked in any regular parking space that will accommodate a van or extended van.
Easily becomes a second vehicle when not traveling. Some models look more like a conversion van than an RV.
Cons:
Very compact space. Not much storage.
The ceiling height and the bed may not be suitable for tall people.
Sleeps fewer people than a Class C or truck camper.
The bed generally has to be taken down in order to seat more than two for dinner.
Usually more expensive to buy than a Class C.
Small Class C
Pros:
Most have a more spacious living area than either truck camper or class-B.
More space means more storage space.
Slide-outs for additional space are available on some models.
No wasted space - the driver and passenger seats become part of your living space when camping.
In an emergency, you can get to the drivers seat from within the camper very easily and drive away from trouble.
Cons:
Not very aerodynamic, so poor fuel economy.
Always looks like an RV and generally more bulky so, when not traveling, is not as suitable as a primary or secondary vehicle.
Buying A New or Used RV: If your looking for a new RV, start going to RV Shows, check the updates from RV dealers and visit our website for latest updates. Look at RV's based on how simple or complex your camping will be. Peruse the various brands and manufacturers for the floor plans and number of beds you will need. Order online brochures, or in some cases they can be downloaded. Some points for consideration are: What are you going to tow it with (if a trailer) or how big do you want it (Motorhome)? Diesel or Gas powered, Price range and how often you will be using it, some folks uses it full time (live in it and travel across America) and some camp out only a few times a year!
Depending on these criteria's try to make the best choice that suits you the most. Figure out what you need. If you want an RV that you drive, and the idea of an "all in one" vehicle suits you, then you can look at the biggest motorized RV's...New is going to be fresh and maybe "built to order" custom just for your tastes. It will have a warranty on the entire unit, for at least a year, though some brands provides 2 year warranties as well.
If you're not ready to buy, there are few affordable rental options available as well. A new RV can also be very expensive and will depreciate faster than most other vehicles would. Buying used RVs can be a choice as well, depending on your budget range. When you're ready to buy, look for the best used RV you can afford - especially if it is your first RV purchase. You'll find out, as you use it, what your likes and dislikes are. . Check the used RV adverts posted here to see for yourself. Always remember, a used RV will depreciate much more slowly than the new one.The type of RV you end up with may be determined as much by what is available in your price range based on your preferences. Any of the RV types described above can be an option for you.
Kelly Lynch says: 05-13-2015 00:51 AM
Great Article!