The joys of RVing: recreation vehicles open up new horizons

Travel America, May-June, 2005 by Nancy Baren Miller

Type A Motorhome--Built on a bus chassis, these fiberglass beauties (up to 40 feet long) are the largest and most luxurious of all RVs. They provide homelike appearances, containing (as either standard or optional) such features as basement storage, washer/dryers, satellite dishes, VCRs, back-up cameras, hydraulic leveling, security systems, and flat-screen TVs. Almost every motorhome has at least one slideout with some having three or four. Popular with full-timers and retirees, they range in price from $76,275 to $1,350,000, with an average retail value of $143,834. Diesel pusher motorhomes are more expensive than those fueled by gasoline.

Type B Motorhome--More commonly called van campers, they're panel-type trucks with sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Most have electric and water hook-ups and fresh water storage. Because they utilize the space within the existing van body, they're narrower than other RVs. Most are equipped with a raised roof; some have dropped floors that provide stand-up room. They can function as a second family car, and many can be garaged. Models are available from $41,000 to $72,660, with an average retail value of $64,050.

Type C Motorhome--Built on a van chassis, mini-motorhomes have one

distinguishing characteristic--a cabover that provides additional sleeping and storage space. Since they run 20 to 32 feet in length, the roominess and features of the larger Class As are scaled down. But because they're not as long, mini-motorhomes are easier to drive and park. Those familiar with vans will find the driver's area the same. Many have slideouts. Type C vehicles range in price from $48,450 to $98,910, with an average retail value of $63,463.

For more on RV travel, contact the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, P.O. Box 2999, Reston, Virginia 20195-0999; www.rvia.org. Another excellent source is Go RVing, (888) Go RVing; www.GoRVing.com.

RELATED ARTICLE: RV tips: rent before you buy.

IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING BUYING AN RV, you may want to rent one before making an actual purchase. This will allow you the opportunity to try several types of RVs to find out which suits your needs.

Where to rent: More than 460 national rental outlets offer late-model RVs in a range of styles and sizes. Cruise America, based in Mesa, Arizona, is the nation's largest rental company with more than 148 centers throughout the United States and Canada. Call (800) 327-7799 or visit

www.cruiseamerica.com.

Another national chain is El Monte RV, located in Santa Fe Springs, California, with 50 outlets nationwide. You can browse their site at

www.ElMenteRV.com or call (888) 337-2203.

Many local RV dealers carry rental fleets, and a growing number of campground operators offer on-site rentals. To find these, check out the Yellow Pages under "Recreation Vehicles--Renting and Leasing" or visit www.RVRA.org for an online directory of more than 340 rental companies.

Costs of renting: Rental rates vary by season, region, and unit size. Motorhomes, the most common rental model, typically go for $90 to $200 a day. Folding camping trailers and travel trailers run $28 to $85. Most rentals have a mileage rate. However, package deals of three to seven days often include mileage and reduce the per-day rate.