If you’re new to the whole RV lifestyle, you’ll soon discover that RV resorts have a unique vocabulary. You may want to brush up on your terminology so that you don’t confuse your mobile home with a motor home, or your Class A with your Class B.

RV Basement: Sounds like a rec room under your RV, doesn’t it? It actually means the living room in your RV is built above the chassis, allowing for extra storage space under the floor. Many of these are designed so that the storage space is accessed from either side for easy access. These units are taller than most and the driver needs to be aware of the height limitations when driving.

Electrical: This term denotes that both electricity and water are available at the RV park.

Extended Stay Site: Some parks only allow campers to remain for short periods of time, in the case of an extended stay site, individuals can remain for up to an entire season at a time.

Federal Parks: These are RV parks run by the National Forest Service, NFS, or the National Park Service, NPS. If you’re looking to save some money, often times these facilities offer work programs in exchange for a reduced rate.

Fifth Wheel: Instead of being towed behind a truck with a standard hitch, fifth wheel trailers have a hitch that sits directly over the rear axle of the truck, right on the truck bed. They vary in length from 18-40 feet and can only be towed by a pickup truck.

Full Hookup: These park offer all of the common trailer hookup amenities including electricity, sewer and water.

Mobile Homes and Motor Homes: These terms are often confused, but describe two very different types of homes.

A mobile home is not a recreational vehicle and is not allowed in Arizona RV Parks. It can be towed to a trailer park or retirement community and set up usually on blocks. It is not meant for touring or moving on a regular basis.

A motor home is a motorized recreational vehicle that can be driven as opposed to being towed. It comes complete with a fresh water tank, and holding tank for waste water.

RV Classes:

Class A Motor Homes: These are shaped similar to a bus, and are powered by gasoline or diesel. They may range anywhere from 22 to 40 feet in length. The bedrooms are usually located to the rear of the unit and the main living area closer to the driver seat.

Class B Motor Homes: These units are similar to a standard van with a raised roof. They generally have a couch that converts to a bed, a small toilet and an icebox.

Class C Motor Homes: From the front, these look like a van, but the double bed is found above the cab. They are available in lengths from 20 feet up to about 36 feet.

Slideout: These are very common in newer RV’s and are very handy when it comes to creating additional living space. You park your trailer, extend the slide out and presto, your kitchen, living room or bedroom instantly widens by a few feet.

The RV lifestyle continues to increase in popularity, with motor homes offering all the amenities of home and then some. The fun of an RV is that you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, from rustic pop-ups that are perfect for a weekend getaway to full-sized motorcoaches that will take you across the country in extreme style and comfort. Whether you are looking for a way to camp more comfortably with the family or a whole new travel lifestyle, there is the perfect RV waiting for you. However, before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few basics to learn about RV travel.

Types of RV’s
The first choice is the type of RV that you want to travel in. Beginners might do well to select a more modest variety to test the waters of the RV lifestyle. Dealers like Ameri-Camp offer the perfect solution in fifth-wheels and travel trailers that offer plenty of creature comforts without breaking the budget. A fifth-wheel RV is designed to be towed behind a vehicle through a fifth-wheel hitch. This model offers a bi-level floor plan that provides plenty of space for a retired couple or a family to live comfortably for a number of days or even weeks. Travel trailers are towed by a bumper hitch and can be used with a van, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck. The advantage to a travel trailer is that you can unhitch your vehicle and leave your trailer in one spot as you tour the countryside during the day.

Class C motorhomes, built onto a truck chassis, are often referred to as mini-motorhomes. These RV’s can offer the same amenities as larger vehicles, but in a compact space and for a smaller price. Bus style motorhomes are the granddaddy of them all, with many modern conveniences and luxuries and plenty of space to spare. These are perfect for the retired couple who has the cash and wants to enjoy the RV experience full time. You can find these coaches in a wide price range, depending on how luxurious and loaded you want to go.

RV Destinations
The sky is the limit in RV travel, whether you want a mountain retreat or a beach destination. You can find RV camps in national parks, near major tourist attractions and just outside of large cities. Nearly all will come with basic hookups and a bath house, while some of the nicer parks will also include cable access and Internet connections. You can find parks that include playgrounds, swimming pools, general stores and game rooms. Of course, the most enticing attraction to most RV areas is the beautiful surroundings that will provide the opportunity to hike, boat, bird watch or just sit back and enjoy the view.

There are so many things to enjoy about the RV lifestyle; the greatest challenge may be to choose between the many wonderful destinations and activities available. Select a vehicle that will best suit your needs, find a destination that you want to visit and get ready to enjoy your RV!

A recreational vehicle is equipment that is intended to be used as both a vehicle and temporary travel accomodations. RV is an abbreviation for Recreational Vehicle. RVs are generally categorized as one of seven types of recreational vehicles for sale. Categories of RVs such as Motorhomes also have subsequent categorization such as Class A, Class B & Class C.

There are two types of RVs, which are based on if the recreational vehicle is towed or driven/motorized. Motorized RVs include large motorhomes and smaller truck campers. Towable RVs include pop up tent trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and other hybrids which are towed behind a vehicle such as a car, pickup truck, van or SUV.

Towable Trailers: The term towable trailers is often used to refer to recreational vehicles which are towed. This includes Folding Camping Trailers, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, Hybrid Trailers & Toy Haulers. All of these recreational vehichles are towed by another separate vehicle versus the RV Motorhome which is a vehicle and RV in one. One of the most important benefits of a towable trailer RV is that they may be attached and removed from the vehicle whenever needed.

Folding Camping Trailer: Camper trailer recreational vehicles are often referred to by a variety of different names, but they are all the same. These RVs are commonly also called Camper Trailers, Tent Trailers & Pop Up Camping Trailers. As described by their name, the recreational vehicle is a towable trailer that folds in and pop ups. The trailer frame is collapsed while being towed and then is expanded once your destination is reached. The siding of the pop up camper is a collapsable meshing material versus a hard side, which provides for an open air environment within the RV. Folding campers are lightweight and can be towed by many different types of vehicles including pickup trucks, conversion vans and cars. Priced typically between $5000 and $20,000 pop up campers are one of the cheapest recreational vehicles available.

Travel Trailer: Travel trailers are larger, heavier, fully enclosed recreational vehicles towed from the hitch or bumper of another vehicle. Because of their heavy weight, the max tow capacity of the vehicle must be carefully considered when selecting a travel trailer to purchase. Typically a large vehicle will be needed to tow a travel trailer. With their larger size, travel trailers provide a wide variety of different options including floorplans and amentities to suit almost any need and desire. Sleeping accomodations up to ten, although individual floorplans will vary. Travel trailer prices usually range between $10,000 to $75,000.

Toy Hauler: A toy hauler is a travel trailer that has a section devoted to hauling your favorite toys - usually ATVs, Jet Skis, Bikes and other recreation equipment. Built with a ramp, loading and loading the travel trailer is easy with a toy hauler. Toy haulers typically cost between $25,000 to $75,000.

Motorhomes: The grand daddy of RVs, the motorhome combines living and driving in one vehicle. Motorhomes are categorized based on three types -

Class A Motorhomes: Also called a Motorcoach, Class A Motorhomes are the largest recreational vehicle. These motorhomes are built upon a truck chassis, bus chassis or a specially designed motorhome chassis. Typical length ranges from 25 to 45 feet.

Class B Motorhomes: A motorhome built on a van chassis with an attached cab. Typical length is 20 to 25 feet.

Class C Motorhomes: A motorhome built on a truck chassis with an attached cab. Typical length is 15 to 35 feet.

In many ways, a RV is much more like a moving house than it is a big car. If you are considering the investment in one, there is much you should probably know. If you are just renting, the same is true.

1. Save Your Brakes – Unlike a car, stopping an RV requires a lot of friction in the breaks. This is particularly true with sudden stops. While your brake pads are built for the extra weight, take care to down shift to slow your speed.

2. RV Rush Hour Driving – You may be tempted to keep trucking along even if you are a big city during rush hour.Highly advise against this. Frustrated drivers can be vicious. You will also put a lot of wear and tear on your RV.

3. Bad RV Campgrounds – Most parks and campgrounds are excellent places to spend the night if they are designated for motor homes. That being said, there are some that are home to lowlifes. Don’t hesitate to leave these. The fee you pay isn’t worth it.

4. RV Travel Trailers – RV Travel Trailers are essentially a motorhome without the engine. They have all the amenities of an RV, but are towed behind your truck. Prices range from $6,000 to $80,000 depending on what you want.

5. Spare Tire Problems – Every RV should have a mounted spare tire. Check it before you go on trips. If it is exposed to the sun, it can over inflate and crack as it heats up and cools off.

6. RV Storage and Insurance – At some point, you will need to store your RV. If you are doing it at a third party location, make sure to look into your insurance. Will it cover theft from a storage facility?

7. Rest Stop Sleeping – For some reason, rest stops tend to attract strange people. If possible, try to avoid sleeping at them. If nothing else, you will not get much rest.

8. Class C Motorhome Prices – Class C motorhomes are often bigger than Class B, but are a bit rougher. They usually have the bed over cab approach and are built on truck chassis. Prices range from $40,000 to $80,000.

9. Class A Motorhome Prices – Class A motorhomes are the top of the market luxury vehicles. That being said, you are going to pay for the luxury. Minimum prices start around $100,000 and go up to whatever you can spend.

10. Overheating RV Brakes – Take care not to ride your breaks. If you overheat them, they can fail. Avoid rush hour traffic if possible. If you are stuck in it, consider pulling over till it thins out.

At the end of the day, a motorhome is definitely a great way to get out and experience the world. It offers freedom on a moments notice and enough money to fill up the gas tank. If you get a chance, give it a go at least once.