What Does the RV Class Mean

What Does the RV Class Mean

Posted on July 22, 2022

A Guide To Help You Find The Right RV For You

So, you're thinking of getting yourself an RV - nice!

You got drawn into the idea of being able to elevate your road trip experience by staying comfortable, saving money on accommodation and seeing far away places while still being at home? Not surprised, we love that too!

You might be a bit confused and maybe even scared not that you started looking at RVs, either for rent or to purchase. Classes? What are those? How do I choose? What's the difference between the RV classes? We've got you covered. This article should help you learn more about the RV classes out there and give you options from which you can choose.

Motorized Vs. Towable RVs

First, you should know the main difference between RVs out there - between motorized and towable RVs.

As the names already imply, the main difference between the two is how they're powered. Motorized RVs are self-powered, they have their own engine and chassis and don't depend on other vehicles. Towable RVs on the other hand, do depend on a second vehicle and are, well..towable.

When it comes to practical difference, it's all about availability. For example - you can't really access the inside of your towable RV while driving. If you need something from the inside, you have to stop, get out of your car and go for a search.

Also, when you decide to stop somewhere and camp for the night, you don't need to worry about unhitching. On the other hand - if you have a big motorized RV and you get to a small town, it's going to be a bit harder to drive around and explore it. It's all about preferences.

Since July 2011, Ontarians do not need an extra license for towing and RV. Before this decision, they were obligated to obtain an extra license for tow vehicles heavier than 4600 kg.  In each Canadian province, a standard driving license allows you to tow an RV.

Motorized RV Classes

When it comes to motorized RVs, it's all about convenience. You can drive AND live in it. The classes you probably heard of are all part of motorized vehicles. The biggest difference between them is the size, while the features are fairly similar.

Class A

This one is the biggest of them all - it's like a bus, a celebrity tour bus. They're built on a commercial truck chassis, a bus chassis, or a specially designed motor vehicle chassis, so their length is somewhere between 21 to 45 feet. They do need a lot of fuel, though and are not that cost-efficient when it comes to mileage.

Class A is usually loaded with cool amenities, that's why it's the most luxurious one. It can accommodate up to eight (or even 10!) people - they're very spacious and have a large living space. With class A, you get a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a bunch of storage, entertainment, etc. Basically - your house with wheels.

If a class A RV has air brakes, a special license is required.

Class B

This one is the smallest, it's more like a camper van. Built on a smaller vehicle chassis, class B is an awesome choice considering its efficiency - it needs a lot less gas than class A, it's easier to drive around and it has everything you need for camping!

It usually has a small kitchen and fridge, a heating unit and folding beds, and a bathroom - however, everything is small and compact. It accommodates up to four people and is about 17 to 23 feet long.

Class C

Class C is somewhere in between A and B, has a truck front and is built on a cabin chassis. It goes on gas, accommodates up to eight people and is about 20 to 31 feet long.

This class is equipped with most of the same features as the A one, but it's easier to drive around and you can tow your car behind it. It's great for both weekend getaways and longer trips. Plus, you save on fuel more than you would with a class A.

Towable RV Classes

As mentioned, these ones are towable and you need an extra vehicle to use them. Depending on the size of your RV, you will need either a powerful sedan, an SUV or a truck to be able to pull it.  

RV folding trailer

Known also as a pop-up camper, this trailer can be easily towed by a sedan or an SUV. Its key feature?

It doesn't jiggle-jiggle. It folds.

The sides fold down, which means easy storage and towing. They're very compact and come with a bed, sink, cooktop and a small dining area. Of course - bigger units have more amenities, like a toilet.

They're about 8 to 16 feet long and weigh somewhere between 700 and 4000 pounds. These are great if you don't mind fewer amenities, especially if you're all about that camping life. It's a bigger and more accommodating tent, let's say.

RV Travel Trailer

Travel trailers' sizes vary - they can go from 10 to 40 feet. These come with more amenities than the previous ones.  They connect to a standard hitch and can't really be pulled by a regular vehicle. They usually have all the living amenities, but that's not always the case.

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

These are the largest RVs available. The fifth-wheeler trailer is spacious and has a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. They're about 22 to 40 feet long and having the correct tow vehicle is crucial for this one.

They have an extension on the front which extends over the tow vehicle and ends with what looks like another wheel. Wheels like these attach to full-sized pickup trucks' cabs.

Which would fit you best?

If you're all about luxury and want your RV to feel like home - class A is your buddy.

If fuel economy and versatility are your main priorities - go for class B.

Class C is a great fit for bigger families.

If you're thinking about getting a towable RV, but want everything class A has for a lower price and you already have an SUV - go for a fifth-wheeler.

If you're not planning to go camping in the winter and love the feel and look of a tent, a foldable RV is your pick. If you can't decide between the two - then a travel trailer is for you. That one you can unhitch and store easily.

Takeaway

Choosing a perfect RV can be tough, that's why it might be a good idea to rent a few first and see how they suit you. With that experience and this guide, you're bound to make the perfect decision. When you do, check out our page - you might find exactly what you've been looking for there! Roulottes Desjardins offers both new and used towable RVs, plus offers regular maintenance and repairs!