It may seem confusing, but there are major differences between an
RV, toy hauler, and travel trailer. The distinction blurs when comparing modern toy haulers with travel trailers, but there are still specific differences. To settle the confusion, let’s take a look at what sets each type of camper apart from its cousins.
RV is a Generic Term
RV, or recreational vehicle, is a generic term that refers to any type of camp vehicle. Travel trailers,
RV toy haulers, and motorhomes all fall into this group. Whether there is a motor is not a major consideration for the RV designation, and travel trailers require insurance whether they are self-propelled or not. That said, motorized campers are generally called RVs, while camper trailers are not.
Motorhomes
A motorhome is a camper with a cab and engine. This type of RV is a single unit that includes living space as well as the ability to be driven from one location to another. Where a travel trailer may be towed by a passenger vehicle, a motorhome is more likely to be towing a passenger vehicle. A motorhome can also be a toy hauler, but not a travel trailer.
Tow-Behind Travel Trailers
Teardrop trailers are among the group of campers recognized as travel trailers, but they are not the only ones. Ultralight travel trailers can be pulled behind the family car, but larger ones will require a truck or large SUV. Towable trailers are the smallest type of RV and are typically suitable for smaller groups or those with fewer space requirements. Towable trailers may not include amenities like a kitchen or shower, but many do.
5th Wheel Travel Trailers
Fifth-wheel trailers have a special type of hitch that connects behind a truck with the matching hitch installed. This type of travel trailer tends to be larger than a tow-behind trailer, with an interior that is more reminiscent of a motorhome rather than a camper trailer. A 5th wheel is like a motorhome without the engine and cab, and generally includes all of the amenities of a home on wheels.
Toy Haulers
The term “toy hauler” describes
a special type of recreational vehicle. This type of camper includes a storage area in the rear of the unit that is typically accessible from inside or by way of a ramp on the rear of the vehicle. Most toy haulers tend to be 5th-wheels, but a lot of motorhomes have toy hauler spaces as well. Modern toy haulers may include pull-down or fold-out furnishing that allows converting the storage space to living or other recreational usages. Toy haulers are usually among the longest types of RV, owing to the additional storage space.
In a nutshell, an RV is any type of vehicle with a living space, whether it is motor-driven or not. Travel trailers are any type of living unit that is towed behind another vehicle, and toy haulers describe an RV with a special garage compartment for storing equipment, and may or may not be self-propelled.
