RV – Everything You Wanted to Know About Recreational Vehicles

RV – Everything You Wanted To Know About Recreational Vehicles

If your idea of a good time is having the freedom to hit the open road and go anywhere you want without giving up the creature comforts of home, an RV is for you.

Combining the best of both worlds, RV ownership opens up so many doors and presents you with opportunities for travel and adventure that you might not have had before.

So, what is an RV? RV stands for recreational vehicle and it refers to any vehicle that has some sort of living quarters attached, so you can drive along and take accommodation with you.

Within the realm of RVs include a range of options like motorhomes, campers, and travel trailers, although there is often debate about what fits into each category.

The RV is a way of life for many Americans and we’re going to explore further what they are (and aren’t) by answering all of the questions people have about these unique campers.

You’ll see what makes RVs such a popular choice for people of all backgrounds and how they can be used to attain the vacation of your dreams, no matter what that looks like.

Contents

What is an RV?

What is an RV?

An RV or recreational vehicle is a broad term used to describe a vehicle that can also be used as accommodation.

When people first think of an RV, they usually conjure up an image in their mind of an oversized motorhome, but these vehicles come in many shapes and sizes designed to suit your traveling group and where you plan ongoing.

There are three main categories of RVs including motorhomes, campers, and trailers, but within each of these, the lines are still somewhat blurry.

A motorhome combines the vehicle and the home and is fairly large in size, a camper or campervan is a smaller sized motorhome, and a trailer attaches to your vehicle and is driven along with you.

Although there is some discussion over what an RV is technically, the term is usually used to describe anything from a car carrying a travel trailer on the back to a full-sized motorhome with all of the latest mod-cons and features.

As long as it’s carrying some sort of accommodation or living quarters with it and you can take it on the road, you can probably class it as a recreational vehicle.

The History of RV Use

The History of RV Use

RVs have earned their place in American history already, but not many people realize just how far back they date.

According to the Smithsonian, the first RV was created in 1904 when it was built onto a vehicle that already existed and featured basic amenities like radio, icebox, and bunk beds to fit four adults.

From there, pop-up campers were born and basic automobiles with some accommodation features were designed, but it wasn’t until the 1930s when the first solid-body camper was created.

In the 1950s, the large motorhomes that resemble those on the road today were designed, although they were considered an absolute luxury only available to wealthy families who could afford them.

Mass-produced motorhomes and campervans became the norm in the 1960s and from there, prices came down to a more affordable level.

Today, there is no shortage of options available for RV owners with everything from basic soft top camper trailers to seriously impressive motorhomes, and plenty in between.

The Best Things About Using an RV

The Best Things About Using an RV

All you have to do is ask an RV owner what makes their portable home so special, and they’ll be able to rattle off many reasons.

If you’re still unsure about getting an RV for yourself and want to know what the big deal is, these are some of the benefits that this way of life offers.

  • Comfort: With your own accommodation that only you’ve slept in and used, you’ll have a much more comfortable trip. Not having to stay in a grimy hotel room or somewhere that feels unfamiliar is a huge benefit when you have your an RV.
  • Saves money: Living out of an RV is a cheaper way to vacation, and this is true whether you’re traveling alone or with a large family. You’ll only pay the site fees where you stay, or nothing if you’re boondocking, and be in charge of cooking meals and providing the entertainment for yourself.
  • More travel: Having a fully kitted-out RV that’s ready to leave at any time will mean you’re more likely to put it to good use. RV owners can travel whenever and wherever even if it’s just a weekend stay somewhere close by.
  • True freedom: Because you’re not booked into a hotel or have a flight to catch, you’ll experience true freedom with an RV. This type of vacation just feels different and it means you can really do whatever tickles your fancy.

Common RV Terms to Know

Common RV Terms to Know

Whether you’re ready to buy your first RV or want to hire one out and see what the fuss is all about, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for. These are some commonly used RV terms and what they mean so you can be in the know.

  • Class A/B/C: Class A, Class B, and Class C are used to distinguish the size of a motorhome. Class A is built on a commercial-sized chassis and is the largest, a Class B RV is like a campervan, and Class C is a combination between the two and can fit up to eight people.
  • Sleeping capacity/berth: The number of adults that can sleep comfortably in the RV. The setup of beds could be anything from a double to a set of bunk beds, with more space not always meaning more sleeping capacity.
  • Wet/dry bath: A wet bath is a room with a combined toilet and shower, with every part being waterproof. A dry bath is a separate shower in the bathroom just like you’d have a home.
  • Towing capacity: This is your vehicle’s towing capacity and how much weight it can carry. You can find this in the manual and it should be used as a guide to finding the right trailer to suit your car.
  • Tow hitch: A metal part on the front of the camper trailer that connects to the vehicle towing it. The two-hitch connects to the receiver hitch on the vehicle and they need to be compatible.
  • Cassette toilet: These are self-contained toilets that feature a compartment to store the waste that can be emptied at a waste or dump station.
  • Black water tank: This is where the dirty water from the toilet goes and it’s stored somewhere on the RV. When it’s full, you take the RV to the waste station and empty it using an outlet.
  • Grey water tank: The tank that holds used water from things like sinks and showers, and it sometimes drains into the black water tank as well.
  • Fresh water tank: Where the freshwater you’ll be using onboard is stored.
  • Leveling jack: This is used when you park on uneven ground as it can help to level out each wheel of the RV so that everything is even.

Where to Buy an RV

Where to Buy an RV

Once you’ve tested the RV lifestyle and know for sure that you’re ready to invest in one of your own, you’ll need to find a good deal.

Thankfully, there’s no shortage of RVs out there to buy in all types of conditions, so as long as you’re committed to the search, you’ll come out on top.

You can purchase brand new RVs direct from manufacturers or car dealers, just as you would a regular car.

There are benefits to buying a new RV like all of the parts being in excellent condition and knowing that you’re the only owner, however, they’re expensive to buy and will lose a lot of value as soon as you drive it off the lot.

If you don’t mind the secondhand route, you can usually score a great deal on an RV that’s already been loved, with people selling them at online marketplaces like through Facebook or even through car dealers.

Before jumping in, make sure it’s checked by a mechanic, looked over thoroughly, and test-driven more than once, otherwise, you could be purchasing a very expensive lemon.

Another bonus to buying a used RV is that everything is already there, and it’s usually ready for action.

The previous owner has probably sorted out any potential issues, made adjustments so the RV is more user-friendly, and generally improved on it, all of which you can benefit from.

Ongoing Costs of Owning an RV

Ongoing Costs of Owning an RV

The financial aspect of RV ownership isn’t often talked about as much, but if you’re planning on making this huge investment, it should be.

There are lots of costs to consider with an RV that comes long after you’ve purchased it, so keep these in mind when you’re budgeting for yours.

  • Insurance: Just like your car, you’ll have to pay ongoing costs for an insurance premium to cover your beloved RV so if the worst happens, you’ll be protected financially.
  • Campsite fees: Staying at most campsites and grounds will incur a fee and this will depend on their facilities, the season, and what’s available in terms of hook-ups and amenities.
  • Utilities and electricity: Regular use of things like coin-operated laundromats, electricity and internet connections, and waste station fees can all add up and should be calculated into your vacation budget during the planning stages.
  • Fuel: When you’re on the move so much, you’ll be spending a lot of cash on filling up the tank, so keep this in mind. You might also want some backup and fuel for a generator, which adds even more to the total. Propane gas is also commonly used for stoves, hot water systems, and refrigerators in RVs so there’s a further cost.
  • Vehicle maintenance: As with any other type of vehicle, your RV will sometimes need repairs or to have a part replaced. Factor this in as there’s a lot of unknowns that can happen when you’re living on the road.

The RV Way of Life

There’s so much to love about RV living, whether you plan on retiring and making one your permanent home or investing in one for regular vacations.

Once you see all that’s possible with this type of vehicle, you’ll be dying for a chance to get your own, so have fun exploring the wealth of options out there to enjoy.

Related Questions

RVs or recreational vehicles are one of the most popular ways to travel the country, and they’re used by everyone from single travelers, families, and elderly couples who want to explore their surroundings.

If you’re new to RV ownership and still have questions on what it’s all about, we’ve got answers to some commonly asked ones that fellow newcomers have.

What’s the Difference Between a Caravan and a Campervan?

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CARAVAN AND A CAMPERVAN?

A caravan is a single entity accommodation that can be towed behind a suitable vehicle, whereas a campervan is a vehicle that has the accommodation or living quarters built into it.

To determine which is best for you, you’ll have to weigh up how much size you need, where you plan on traveling, and what features are important for your travel plans.

Is It Illegal to Sleep in a Campervan on the Road?

There are some states and districts in the United States that don’t allow passengers to sleep in their vehicles unless parked at a designated campsite.

Before pulling up for the night on the side of the road, make sure you’ve checked the local regulations and laws that dictate what’s allowed when planning to sleep in your campervan.

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