The joys of RV life: recreational vehicles open up new horizons - Statistical Data Included

Travel America, May-June, 2002 by Robert Meyers

Class A motorhome--Built on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis, the conventional motorhome (21 to 40 feet) is the largest and most luxurious type. It has kitchen, dining, bathroom, and sleeping (for up to 10 people) facilities conveniently accessible to the driver's area from inside. The living unit generally includes electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, and propane gas.

These days it's not unusual to find a washer/dryer, satellite dish, back-up camera, or a hot tub. Increasingly popular is the slideout; at the touch of button, the slideout moves a portion of the RV's exterior outward as much as 3 1/2 feet to enlarge the living, dining, sleeping, or kitchen area. Price range: $50,000 to $500,000; average cost $117,500.

Type B motorhome--Commonly known as the van camper, this type is a full-size cargo van to which the RV manufacturer has added a raised roof (for head room) and sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. The Type B is the most economical and maneuverable of the motorized RVs. Price range: $35,000 to $65,000; average cost $56,520.

Type C motorhome--A compact version of the conventional motorhome, the mini-motorhome (20 to 28 feet) is built on a van frame with an attached cab section. It usually provides a sleeping bunk atop the cab in addition to a bedroom in the back. When not in use, this overhead compartment can be used for storage. Some models come with slide-outs. Price range: $45,000 to $75,000; average cost $56,770.

Van conversions--These are typically manufactured by an automaker, then modified for added comfort by a company specializing in customized vehicles. They seat seven to 12, sleep up to four, and are popular for towing travel trailers and folding camping trailers. Price range: $22,000 to $48,000; average cost $32,795.

Types of towables include:

Travel trailer--Ranging from 12 to 35 feet in length, it sleeps up to eight people and is towed by means of a bumper or frame hitch. The unit can be detached at your destination, freeing up the towing vehicle for short trips and running errands. Lightweight trailers (less than 26 feet) can be towed by most six-cylinder family cars, and some even offer a slideout. Price range: $8,000 to $63,000 (without tow vehicle); average cost $14,700 (less for a lightweight).

Fifth-wheel travel trailer--This unit can be equipped the same as the conventional travel trailer but is constructed with a raised forward section that allows a bi-level floor plan, with the "master bedroom" over the truck bed. The trailer (21 to 40 feet) is designed to be towed by a pickup truck equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch located in the truck bed. Price range: $12,800 to $97,000 (without tow vehicle); average cost $23,790.

Folding camping trailer--Sleeping up to eight people, the fold-down unit is mounted on wheels and connected with collapsible sidewalls. Once at the campground, it becomes a free-standing unit, so the family is free to take off in the car. Screened windows and the feeling of sleeping under canvas appeal to the traditional camper. Even small cars can tow a fold-out, and the low price appeals to first-time RVers. Amenities include stoves, refrigerators and showers; some models even have slideouts. Price range: $3,600 to $11,600 (without tow vehicle); average cost $5,230.