Buying a new RV is exciting, but knowing how to pick the right one can also be stressful. You have to stay within your budget, but you also want one that’s the appropriate size and has all the needed features for you and your family. This makes the process quite a bit more difficult, but if you have a little knowledge about what each type of trailer is best suited for, you might get a better idea of how to make a decision. At Trailer Source, we put together this brief guide to walk you through the process, beginning with assessing your own needs, and then talking about each individual type of RV and how to fit one to your budget. So once you’re ready to come check out these models in person, visit us at one of our dealerships. We have several locations throughout Colorado, in the areas of Wheat Ridge, Erie, Colorado Springs, and Littleton, CO.
What Kind of Camping Will You Do?
The first step in picking an RV is deciding what sort of camping you will be doing. Some families prefer short camping trips that don’t span more than a weekend or so, while others like to spend days, weeks, or even the entire summer at the campground. Generally speaking, the more time you plan to spend in your RV, the larger model you should use. This is because you need more features, more living space, and better equipped kitchens and living areas if you’re going to camp comfortably for several months. However, if you have a smaller family and only plan on staying out for a couple days, it might almost seem unnecessary to buy a full-sized fifth wheel or motorhome for such a brief vacation.
Difference Between RV Types
After deciding on the type of camping you like doing, you’re now ready to start thinking about individual models. Each of these have their own advantages for particular preferences. When thinking about them, consider the size of your family, what you want from your RV, and how long you intend to use it.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers tend to have more variety than any other design out there. They come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, ranging from simple teardrop designs to wider, more fully-furnished models. This gives them an edge over most other models if you have a smaller family and group of friends, as you can comfortably sleep anywhere from four to around twelve campers, depending on the model. Along with such a convenient selection, you’ll also appreciate how easily these things can be towed. You don’t have to worry about the tough learning curve involved in hauling a fifth wheel, and you also don’t have to buy a huge tow vehicle just to get these from your home to the campsite.
Fifth Wheels
For those who are looking for a trailer that truly makes you feel at home while camping, a fifth wheel is an obvious choice. These RVs typically feature residential appliances, master bedrooms with queen or even king sized mattresses, and all the furniture you need for a relaxing evening. They have a unique towing setup where the front extends forward to fit above the bed of your pickup, so you can place the hitch closer to the cab, which allows for better control while towing. If you feel that a travel trailer is too small or doesn’t have enough amenities to keep you comfortable over the course of a long vacation, you’d be much better suited off with a new fifth wheel.
Toy Haulers
Unlike travel trailers and fifth wheels, a toy hauler is designed specifically for those with a sportier lifestyle. Complete with all the furnishings you need for comfortable living, toy haulers also come equipped with extra cargo space and a ramp door that allow you to carry dirt bikes, ATVs, or any other small powersports equipment. It’s probably the best RV out there for dual purpose camping, as you can utilize the extra space either for storage or an extra living room.
Motorhomes
Finally, if you want to cut the tow vehicle out of the picture altogether, you’ll want to consider purchasing a motorhome. These tend to be more expensive than RV trailers, but since they come with their own integrated engine, they sure cut out a lot of the hassle and extra expense involved with travel trailers and fifth wheels. There are three different types of motorhomes, which all roughly correlate with the different sizes of trailers. The Class B, the smallest type of motorhome, is around the same size as a camper, while most Class C motorhomes carry similar amounts of living space and amenities as you’ll find in most travel trailers. For the largest size, the Class A’s, there are many options, ranging from models that are around the same size as a fifth wheel, and even some that get much larger. Ultimately, your choice between these types of motorhomes depends on the same criteria you would use for selecting a trailer.
Budget
After careful consideration about how you like to camp, what you need from your RV, and what each type of RV has to offer, it’s time to think about the budget. While we don’t want you to cut yourself short when purchasing a recreational vehicle, you still need to try setting a limit to help you narrow down your choices. Maybe you’ll say you’re willing to spend whatever it takes to get the biggest, most feature-rich RV out there, in which case, you’ll have no problems finding a trailer or motorhome at one of our Colorado dealerships. However, if you do need to set a limit, make sure to have a number in your head before walking into a dealership. Try to be flexible, as some models that are perfect for your needs might be slightly more expensive than you’re initially willing to pay. But overall, the idea is to set a price range to narrow down your selection, which will help prevent you from spending too much more than you originally intended.
Picking an RV might sound difficult, but after thinking carefully about each model and doing some research, it should be a lot easier to find the style that’s right for your needs. Here at Trailer Source, we’d love to help you find your next RV, so come on into one of our Colorado dealerships to view our giant inventory. We serve customers from Denver, as well as the entire state of Colorado, so don’t hesitate to visit us from anywhere in the state!
