Buying Your First RV
Motorized vehicles include motorhomes and van campers, both of which are self-contained units built on a truck or van chassis with living, sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities accessible from the driver’s seat without leaving the vehicle. Motorhomes are divided into type A, B, and C classifications.
For some RVers just starting out and not certain how much time they’ll spend camping, the type B motorhome, a van camper, or van conversion, might be the answer. Easy to drive and park with good gas mileage, these self-contained compact vehicles work well for travelers on the go who don’t mind the sometimes cramped sleeping and living quarters. Raised roofs or lowered floor sections allow passengers to stand upright, at least in the center of the vehicle, while galleys, fresh water hookups, sitting and dining areas that convert to beds, sometimes even toilets and showers, make these vehicles surprisingly livable.
Familiar, convenient and affordable, the class C motorhome packs a lot of living in a compact space. Also called mini-motorhomes, the units are built on a truck or van chassis, and usually range in length from 19 to 31 feet long. Widebody designs up to 102 inches across and diesel engine options are available, as well as low-profile models that can be telescoped for travel and storage to under eight feet high. Mini-motorhomes contain all the livability of larger motorhomes but take up less parking and campground space.
Class A motorhomes refers to full-size motorhomes like our 36-foot Itasca Sunflyer. Bus-type vehicles also fall into this category, which appeals to full-time RVers and those who go on extended trips.
