People looking at
campers for sale are sometimes uncertain of the different types of recreational vehicles available. RVs, motorhomes, fifth wheels. Some terms, including “RV,” are used to describe all types of mobile living facilities to complicate things even more. We put together this post to explain the differences between common types of campers.
Interchangeable Words
Some words can be used to describe a range of
campers for sale, including the words Camper, Recreational Vehicle, and RV. Similarly, a trailer can be used to refer to fifth wheels or hitch vehicles without self-propulsion.
What is an RV?
Many times, people looking at campers for sale will say “RV” in reference to motorized campers. Recreational Vehicle is actually a broad term that is applied to any vehicle which is used for recreational purposes and is either self-propelled OR towed behind another vehicle. Motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers all meet that definition.
Motorhomes
When speaking specifically about a camper with its own motor, the clearest term is to use is motorhome. It conveys that the unit needs to provide living quarters and be self-propelled. Motorhomes can range in size from van-length to more than 40 feet and may contain special amenities, slideouts, pop-ups or other ways to increase your living space while parked. Class A, B, and C motorhomes are the
legal distinctions for vehicles of this type.
Fifth Wheels
A fifth wheel can include everything you can get in a motorhome except the motor and cockpit. A fifth wheel is a
type of trailer that connects to a special horizontal hitch. Fifth wheels can be leveled and disconnected from the drive vehicle, and come in models ranging from comfortable for a couple to mobile bunkhouses meant for a group.
Trailers
Trailers typically connect directly to a ball hitch mounted on the bumper or other rear location of vehicles. One of the most popular aspects of a travel trailer is that it provides a home away from home that can be towed behind a large passenger car or family SUV. Like the fifth wheel, a trailer can be leveled and used as a base camp, plus you can use your family vehicle for excursions.
Large or small, motorized or as a trailer, the variety of recreational vehicles shows how they have developed to fit many different lifestyles. With so many options to choose from, it might be easier to speak to someone at Nohr’s RV Center and let us help match you to your next RV.
