RV Buying Guide

Use our RV Buying Guide to find your fit

Whether you’re buying your very first RV or you’re trading in your RV for something different, choosing your recreational vehicle can be just as exciting as the adventures you’ll take once you have the keys. Though buying an RV is exciting, it can also feel a little overwhelming. We’ve put together our RV Buying Guide to help keep things easy. So if you’re starting out on your quest for your dream RV, let us help with this RV shopping guide that’s packed with tips.

What Does RV Stand for?

RV stands for recreational vehicle. Today, this term encompasses all types of vehicles including motorized models and ones that you tow behind another vehicle. RVs come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. You can visit our RV Glossary to familiarize yourself with other RVing terms.

Which RV is Right for Me?

RVs are sophisticated vehicles that can bring the comforts of home to any destination. But, they’re also much more than that. At their core, RVs are the key to your journey, they’re the way you and your family can embark on road trips, vacations, full-time RV living, and everything in between.

So while you’re exploring RVs for sale, consider the type of travel you’ll be doing, your driving preferences, and any other features you may want from an RV. It’s best to make a list of these things, along with any requirements you have for your RV. This will help you choose the RV that’s the best fit for your travels, needs, family, and budget.

New or Used?

Now that you’ve prepared your list of RV requirements, it’s time to consider whether you’d prefer one that’s new or used. For RVers in search of the latest features and technologies, new is often the way to go. For those looking to purchase a unit at a lower price point, used RVs for sale are often a good starting point. Many new and used recreational vehicles feature the most sought-after designs and features. At Lazydays, we offer a wide variety of both new and pre-owned RVs, making it easy to explore all of your options.

Types of Campers and RVs

Now that you’ve taken your camping needs, budget, and travel plans into consideration, it’s time to keep these factors in mind while you explore the variety of RVs available. There are several types of RVs, and each type brings specific benefits.

Class A

MOTORIZED

The largest and roomiest of all the RVs, Class A motorhomes are motorized vehicles that offer all of the luxuries of a stationary home.

Available in varying sizes and floor plans, Class A motorhomes are known for their homelike features and often elegant amenities. Class As are diesel or gas and provide nearly everything you can find in a modern home. Common features include a large kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, onboard washer and dryer, fireplace, complete bedroom suites, multiple bathrooms, and ample storage. The Class A motorhome is ideal for full-time living, family vacations, tailgating, weekend excursions, and more.

CLASS B

MOTORIZED

Class B is a popular motorhome type that is often referred to as a campervan or conversion van.

Smaller than other motorhome types, Class Bs are easy to maneuver and still offer considerable features. These homes on wheels typically look like normal vans but once inside, it’s apparent how unique Class Bs can be. Class Bs generally fit two to four people and feature a galley kitchen, sleeping space, convertible dining, and a bathroom setup. Oftentimes, the roof on a Class B is raised and the floor is dropped providing additional headroom. These are just some of the innovations manufacturers use on the Class B RV to provide all the luxuries of home in a smaller package.

CLASS C

MOTORIZED

Class Cs offer similar features to their larger motorhome counterparts, but on a smaller scale.

Often built on a truck chassis, Class C RVs provide many comparable features to Class As. This includes large kitchens, dining areas, sleeping spaces, a full bathroom, and storage throughout. Class C motorhomes often include an over-cab interior area that is classic to this RV type’s profile. Typically, this is an additional sleeping area or space for entertainment systems. Class Cs are available in gas or diesel.

FIFTH WHEEL

TOWABLE

Fifth wheels are a popular type of towable RV that locks into a truck bed for smooth towing and expanded living areas.

The weight distribution of the towing RV is easy to manage with a fifth wheel, as the towable’s design lends to smooth sailing. Common features include a kitchen, washer and dryer, multiple sleeping areas, a large bathroom, and even loft space. The 5th wheel camper’s extension over the truck bed usually houses a bedroom accessed via a small set of stairs inside. Available in a variety of sizes and with slide outs, a fifth wheel can offer all the accommodations of a motorhome with a separate, detachable tow vehicle for exploring.

TRAVEL TRAILER

TOWABLE

Convenient for long-term travel as well as short trips, a travel trailer is easy to tow with an SUV or truck.

This towable RV features all the amenities of home including sleeping space, complete bathrooms, a large kitchen space, and family-focused areas. With optional slide outs, travel trailers can provide even more interior space when in a camping setup. Travel trailers can retain much of their initial value along with offering more streamlined maintenance.

TOY HAULER

MOTORIZED TOWABLE

Toy hauler RVs are the perfect solution for RVing adventures that combine camping with outdoor excursions.

Garage-style storage is the signature feature of toy hauler RVs. These towables are typically available as fifth wheels or travel trailers with traditional amenities of these RV types and additional features. Toy haulers have space for storing outdoor equipment such as ATVs, mountain bikes, and even motorcycles. Often, the garage-style storage area features a ramped door and convertible features for storage or sleeping space utilization depending on the need.

POP-UP

TOWABLE

Pop-up campers are some of the lightest RVs available, with fold-up walls and ceilings that are expanded at the campsite.

The smaller size of pop-ups makes them easy for most trucks, SUVs, and even cars to tow. Small, compact, and lightweight, the pop-up camper usually features canvas sides that expand up to reveal comfortable sleeping, cooking, and lounging areas, and some even include showers and commodes. When closed, its low height—normally measuring just four feet—provides a clear line of sight out the rear of the tow vehicle, and its length is conducive to garages and other areas you would normally park a car.

Should I Choose Gas or Diesel for My Motorhome?

When choosing your motorhome’s fuel type, it’s important to consider your travel needs. Gas and diesel both offer their own benefits that make them great for RVing. Gas motorhomes can be lower priced than their diesel counterparts. But, diesel motorhomes are known to hold some of the best resale values.

Once you’re on the road, depending on where you’re driving, you’ll likely notice some differences between gas and diesel. Though gas is often lower priced than diesel, motorhomes that run on diesel fuel can be surprisingly fuel efficient. Typically, diesel engines have more torque that makes them ideal for climbing mountains or facing other driving conditions.

Both fuel types are loved by RVers as they each have their own benefits. Contact our experts for assistance choosing the RV that’s your best fit!