Understanding RV Sizes: Which RV Is Right for You?

Determining the size of RV that’s right for you is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make before purchase. Just like vehicles, RVs come in all shapes and sizes. They vary from compact, maneuverable campers to luxurious and deluxe motorhomes that can seemingly rival a five-star hotel. Understanding what the different sizes have to offer can help you make an informed decision based on your travel style, group size, and comfort preferences. I can’t stress enough how important it is to try before you buy; this is another article I wrote suggesting ways to learn your comfortability with limited space and learning what you need to thrive in an RV.

Throughout this article, I’ll break down the common RV sizes, explain the differences, and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your adventures and needs/wants.

1. Class A Motorhomes (Large RVs)

Size Range: 25 to 45 feet long (sometimes even larger), 12 to 14 feet high

Class A RVs are the largest and most luxurious (at face value) on the market. They are built on a bus chassis, making them sturdy/structurally sound, ideal for long trips, full-time living, and traveling with large groups. It’s very common for Class A RVs to have spacious interiors with multiple slide-outs, full kitchens, washers and dryers and more!

Pros:

• Maximum Comfort: These motorhomes are specifically designed for luxury with spacious living areas, lavish furnishings, and ample storage. Some models even have multiple bathrooms and full-size appliances–which may be one of the biggest perks! 

• On-the-Road Convenience: Class A motorhomes are self-driving, so you don’t need to tow a separate vehicle (though this is an option); just pull into a campground and be ready to go.

• Ideal for Full-Time RVing: Class A RVs make RVing convenient with full-time living setups/design, ultimately becoming a great option for people looking to live on the road.

Cons:

• Fuel Efficiency: Class A motorhomes tend to be less fuel-efficient due to their large size and powerful engines, thus making them more expensive to operate.

• Maneuverability: These RVs can be difficult to maneuver. Parking and getting around tight campgrounds or cities can be a big challenge even for folks with a lot of experience. 

• Cost: Class A motorhomes are typically the most expensive type of RV, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance.

• Towing: If you want to have the convenience to travel once your Class A is stationed, you will have to tow a vehicle behind the motorhome. Otherwise, you have to get everywhere in your Class A. This isn’t necessarily a con, but it is something that should be considered. 

• License: These often require a special license to drive.

2. Class B RVs (Camper Vans)

Size Range: 17 to 25 feet long, 8 to 10 feet high

2022 Mercedes Van Build by rain2shine ventures

Class B RVs, also known as “camper vans”, can be one of the smallest RV types. They are built on a van chassis, offering easy maneuverability in a compact space. Despite their size, many Class B RVs can come fully equipped with amenities including beds, kitchens, and bathrooms. It’s also common to buy the shell of a Class B and build it out based on your wants/needs. As a professional RV renovator, I’ve transformed Mercedes Sprinter Vans, Dodge Pro Masters and even an old GMC van. You’d be surprised what you can fit into a van! 

Pros:

• Easy to Drive and Park: Due to their smaller size, Class B camper vans are much easier to drive and park compared to larger RVs. They can be parked in regular parking spaces and they’re ideal for navigating cities and narrow roads. They also draw less attention which can add a lot of convenience when traveling. 

• Fuel Efficient: Camper vans are much more fuel-efficient than larger RVs, which can obviously save you a pretty penny on long trips.

• Great for Short Trips: Camper vans are great for couples or solo travelers that don’t require a ton of space whether it’s a weekend getaway or full-time traveling.  

Cons:

• Limited Space: The small size means limited living space and compact EVERYTHING–fridge, microwave, shower, etc. When it comes to camper vans, you have to get creative with the design and customize it to meet your needs and you have to learn to live pretty minimally in terms of having “stuff”.

• Not Ideal for Families: With space for one or two people, the Class B is not suitable for families or larger groups unless you’re okay with extremely tight quarters.

3. Class C RVs (Mid-Size RVs)

Size Range: 20 to 32 feet long, 10 to 12 feet high

The Class C is a great middle ground between the compact Class B (Camper Van) and the luxurious Class A. It is built on a truck or van chassis and typically stands out for having a sleeping area over the cab.  The Class C offers a good amount of living space while still being relatively easy to maneuver and drive.

Pros:

• Good Balance of Size and Comfort: Class C motorhomes are large enough to provide comfortable living spaces and amenities (kitchen, bathroom, storage), but they’re still compact enough for easier driving and parking.

• Variety of Layouts: Class C’s tend to offer many different floor plans, which in turn offers flexibility for families, couples, or groups of friends.

• Affordable Option: While they can sometimes be more expensive than camper vans, Class C RVs are almost always cheaper than the Class A.

Cons:

• Less Luxury Than Class A: Although they provide more space than a Class B, the Class C tends to not be as luxurious or spacious as Class A motorhomes.

• Fuel Consumption: They are more fuel-efficient than Class A RVs, but they still consume more fuel than smaller RVs, ultimately making them less cost-effective than a Class B/camper van.

4. Travel Trailers (Towable RVs)

Size Range: 12 to 40 feet long, 6.5 to 7 feet high (unless it specifically states, “high ceilings” or “extra headspace”)

Travel trailers are the most popular type of towable RV, and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices. These RVs must be hitched to a vehicle (usually a truck or SUV) and towed behind it (bumper pull). Travel trailers can be as simple as a lightweight camper for a weekend getaway or as large and upscale for full-time living. 

Pros:

• Variety of Sizes: Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes; small teardrop trailers all the way to large, deluxe models with multiple bedrooms.

• No Need for a Special Driver’s License: Unlike the Class A that requires you to drive the RV, a travel trailer can be towed by your personal vehicle, giving you more flexibility.

• Affordable: Travel trailers generally cost less than all the other RV options. 

Cons:

• Requires a Tow Vehicle: You’ll need a vehicle with enough towing capacity to handle the weight of the trailer.

• Maneuverability: Towing a trailer requires skill and can be difficult in tight spaces or narrow roads.

• Ceiling height: Travel Trailers tend to have the lowest ceiling height of all RV types, even camper vans.

• Weight: Various RV types will offer “lite” or “ultralite” models, but it’s most common with travel trailers. While this can be a pro for some people, it’s something that should seriously be considered. Lite and ultralite can be code words to indicate that the cheapest and lightest materials were used to construct it. 

5. Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Size Range: 20 to 40+ feet long, 12-13 feet high

This is a towable RV that requires a special hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. Your hitch options include a gooseneck hitch, a 2-way pivot, and many others. These RVs tend to be larger, taller and offer more living space than traditional travel trailers. Additionally, the hitches required for fifth wheels provide more stability, ultimately making them easier to tow, especially at high speeds or in windy conditions.

Pros:

• Spacious and Comfortable: These have more square footage than other towable RVs, with higher ceilings and multiple slide-outs.

• Better Towing Stability: Fifth-wheel trailers tend to be more stable and easier to tow than regular travel trailers because of the required hitches.

• Ideal for Extended Stays: Fifth Wheels are designed for full-time living or long vacations, with full-sized kitchens, bathrooms, and multiple bedrooms. They’re also a great alternative to massive Class A RVs.

Cons:

• Requires a Pickup Truck: You’ll need a truck with a special hitch installed to tow the RV, so this may not be suitable if you don’t already own a compatible vehicle and have to buy a vehicle in addition to the fifth wheel.

• Large Size: The large size of fifth-wheel trailers can be challenging to maneuver and find suitable parking for, especially in smaller campgrounds. However, they are still more secure than towing a travel trailer.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right RV Size for Your Needs

The best RV size for you depends on your travel style, budget, preferred layout, maneuverability and how much space you need. Whether you’re looking for a large, luxurious motorhome or a compact camper for weekend trips, there is always an RV size that fits your needs. While I’ve touched on the most common types of RVs, there are even more to consider such as, teardrop campers, pop-up campers, toy haulers and truck campers. 

The best advice I can offer is to visit an RV dealer or RV show to see the different types of RVs and their varying layouts.  However, I do NOT recommend buying an RV from a dealer.  As an RV Renovator and a professional in this industry, I know firsthand the pitfalls of dealerships and RV manufacturers.  I also know that newer doesn’t mean better.  

Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what a used and beautifully renovated RV has to offer (which is obviously my preference).  I’ve never been happier than I have been living in my own renovated 2003 Holiday Rambler 5th wheel for the last 4 years.  The freedom and cost of living ($500/month) is just a stepping stone of what RV life has to offer.  Having renovated and worked with many clients on over a dozen RVs (also in the last 4 years), I can tell you that having a fully custom RV is not only affordable but a great option.  While most custom RVs made by the manufacturer will cost $500,000 - $2,000,000+, I have renovated new and used campers for my clients ranging from $45,000-175,000 depending on the extent of the renovation requested by the client.  I don’t know about you but I’d say that’s a pretty good deal at a fraction of the cost when done by the manufacturers.  

No matter what you buy, you will find aspects of the RV that just don’t function ideally for you and your lifestyle so why not look for a used camper in good condition but needing updates and have it customized by a professional RV Renovator like me?!

Nonetheless, take your time determining the best size for you. Think about how many people will be traveling with you, how often you’ll be on the road/the distances you’ll likely go, and what amenities are a must-have. With the right size RV, you’re setting yourself for an adventure that will be comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable!

Oh! Don't forget to check out rain2shine's Camping & Travel Journal to document all your travel!! And/or, visit our Amazon Storefront for the best RV decor, tools and materials!

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