Which Type of RV is the Best for Long-Term Camping?

Whether an Extended Vacation or a Temporary housing, We Have an Option For You

After a lull during 2020, hotel rates are now at an all-time high, averaging $149.90 per person per night. 

So, if you’re looking at a long-term stay away from home, whether it’s due to emergency repairs or a much-needed break, an RV is a much cheaper option for extended vacations. It also offers better opportunities for making yourself at home, thanks to increased privacy.

The trick is choosing one that still gives family members ample space of their own.

The type of RV you pick for a stay spanning a month, or more, shares some characteristics with the RV you would choose if you planned to live on the road full-time.

Keep reading to find out more. 

Why Rent an RV for Long-Term Camping or Temporary Housing?

When your life’s turned upside down by a natural disaster or major home repair issue, you don’t want to add more uncertainties to your family’s situation. When you hire an RV, you can keep your daily routine as normal as possible by staying on your property or nearby.

It’s also easier to keep tabs on the progress of your home repairs from closer quarters instead of traveling from a hotel room every day. 

After the trauma associated with emergency home repairs, a flood, a hurricane, or a fire, your family will benefit from a little fun in the form of camping, too. When you’re using an RV as temporary accommodation, every weekend holds the potential for an exciting road trip, without having to pack a single thing. 

It’s entirely possible to enjoy an extended stay in an RV, provided you keep the following things in mind:

Size 

Be realistic when considering different RV sizes for your family. You must ensure there’s one bed for everyone, enough storage for their clothes, a large enough refrigerator, and space for homework or work.

If you’re parking the RV on your property, be sure to choose one that fits in your driveway and your yard. If you plan to travel around, consider your driving skills and the towing capabilities of your vehicle.

Amenities

It’s all fun and games roughing it for a day or two in the wilderness, but you need your creature comforts during an extended stay. Consider your family’s interests, and entertainment needs, when choosing these bells and whistles.

You must have an onboard bathroom in an RV used for long-term camping. Other common RV amenities include televisions, music centers, laundry facilities, and full kitchens.   

Your Experience

Larger motorhomes require advanced driving skills, so keep this in mind when choosing the right RVs for camping trips. You can also opt for a deliverable RV rental if you’re new to driving or towing an RV.

If you’re not used to the minor deprivations of camping, you should consider hiring one of the larger, more luxurious RVs, rather than a smaller, less well-equipped one. 

Which Type Of RV Suits Your Style And Budget?

There are two main types of RVs, namely towable RVs and drivable RVs, How do you choose between a Class A or Class C? Will a 5th Wheel or Travel Trailer fit your extended Vacation plans? There are several options to choose from plus 5 types suited to long-term stays. Keeping these basic considerations in mind, these are the RVs to consider for your extended camping experience.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are towable RVs available in every size under the sun. Some are so small they can barely accommodate two people lying down, while the largest varieties accommodate six people or more.

These larger ones include all the amenities of elegant motorhomes, but they’re much cheaper since you aren’t paying for an engine. You will need a powerful vehicle for traveling with RVs of this size.

You can unhitch your travel trailer at your campsite and use your vehicle as normal. The versatility of these RVs is their greatest benefit, but towing them efficiently takes some practice, and the smaller ones are only suited to very short stays.  

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Another towable type of RV, a fifth-wheel trailer is very large and luxurious, offering huge interiors, many mod cons, and all the luxuries of a large motorhome.

The front of the trailer juts out and attaches to a specialized tow hitch in the flatbed of a pickup truck. This offers extra storage or sleeping space inside the RV.

These trailers can accommodate up to eight people, and you can use your pickup truck as normal once you’ve parked the RV.

In most states, you aren’t allowed to travel in a towable RV, so unless you can transport everyone in your towing vehicle, you’ll need to take another car along when towing your fifth wheel. 

While they offer all the amenities of a motorhome, they aren’t as expensive. Many drivers find it difficult to maneuver these large trailers. 

Class A Motorhome

These are the motorhomes that come to mind when you think of the most popular RV brands, like Jayco and Forest River. They’re popular among A-list celebrities, too.

Class A motorhomes offer abundant opportunities to customize a luxurious camping experience for the whole family. Some are over 50 feet long, and they usually have a full-size bathroom, king or queen-size beds, separate bedrooms, a kitchen, entertainment centers, seating areas, and more. 

They’re a wonderful choice for long-term camping, but they’re expensive to own and maintain. If you want to enjoy luxurious temporary accommodation on wheels, they’re a fantastic option.

Class B Campervans

As they’re built on a standard van chassis, Class B campervans are easier to maneuver and drive than Class A motorhomes. They’re a little smaller and have fewer amenities, yet they feature more than enough luxuries to suit 2 people on a weekend adventure.

These campervans typically have a small wet bath, a queen-sized bed, a small kitchenette, and bunk beds. 

It’s easy to drive and park these smaller RVs, and they’re a lot cheaper, too.  

Class C Motorhome

Class C motorhomes occupy the middle ground between the above two types of motorhomes. They’re smaller than Class A motorhomes, built on a truck chassis, and seldom longer than 33 feet.

These motorhomes typically have an extra portion above the truck cab that works as extra storage space or a sleeping area. They’re a nice option for groups or families of 4 – 8 passengers; they drive as smooth as most minivans, and offer more space and luxury than a Class B camper van.

Unlike the Class A RVs, you won’t be looking for a second vehicle to get around town once you’ve set up camp. 

Find the RV That Meets Your Needs

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or looking for somewhere to stay for a month or more, renting an RV is the most cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of RVing. 

Browse our website rvngo.com and choose the best type of RV for your needs.