Mar
24
Written by:
Kristin
3/24/2011 9:57 AM
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between Types A, B, and C motor homes? Or what a fifth wheel is? How about a hybrid trailer or an SURV?
Today we'll focus on towable RVs. Towables are perfect for those who already have a vehicle capable of pulling an RV. They come in a large variety of sizes, weights, and floorplans, making them very versatile for whatever type of camping you enjoy. You can find trailers and fifth wheels up to 40' long with as many as 5 slide-outs or truck campers as small as 8' long, which will fit on the bed of your truck and allow you to travel nearly any where you want.
Travel Trailer
Conventional travel trailers offer a wide range of floor plans, sizes and conveniences. They include all of comforts of home - including kitchens, bathrooms, storage, entertainment, sleeping areas. Some even have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and outside kitchens. More and more manufacturers are focusing on designing lighter weight trailers to improve fuel efficiency and allow smaller SUVs and cross-overs to be able to tow them. All tow-vehicles must be properly outfitted with the correct tow equipment, and it is very important to ensure that the loaded RV does not exceed the tow capacity of the vehicle.
Size: 12-35 ft
Costs: From $8,000 to $65,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 10
Available travel trailer brands at A & S RV Center:
Trail Runner
North Country
Caliber
Shadow Cruiser
Fun Finder
View Finder
Cougar
Mini-Lite
Ultra-Lite
Windjammer
Signature
Fifth Wheel
Fifth Wheels are built with a raised section in front that sets over the bed of a pick-up truck, attaching with a fifth wheel hitch. These RVs have two level floor plans and up to 5 slide-outs. Most models have large amounts of inside and outside storage, high ceilings, and spacious floorplans. Some unique features available include lofts with extra sleeping room, front living rooms, two bedrooms and bathrooms, and king size beds.
Size: 21-40 ft
Costs: From $13,000 to $100,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 6
Available fifth wheel brands at A & S RV Center:
Cougar
Mountaineer
Montana
Big Sky
SURV/Toy Hauler
Toy Haulers or SURVs - sport utility RVs - are available as travel trailers, fifth wheels, or even motor homes. The back of the RV drops down, creating a ramp allowing you to load motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, or other toys into a garage area where they can be tied down and safely transported with you. Toy Haulers are also great even if you don't have "toys" - the garages can be used for many other purposes. Some have electric beds that drop down from the ceiling, providing extra sleeping room. Others have TVs, desks, and chairs, giving you a second living or working area. Screens are also available for the back end, so you can use the garage as a screened porch.
Size: 19-39 ft
Costs: From $21,000 to $58,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 8
Toy Hauler models available at A & S RV Center:
Raptor
Fun Finder Xtra
Canyon Star Motor Home (one floor plan)
Expandable/Hybrid
The hybrid trailer is a cross between a traditional travel trailer and a tent camper, with canvas ends that fold out for more sleeping room. Hybrids still include all of the comforts of a travel trailer - kitchens, bathroom, heat, a/c, even slide-outs, depending on the model - but they are typically lighter and less expensive than traditional travel trailers.
Size: 19-30 ft
Costs: From $9,000 to $18,000
Sleeps: Up to 8
The Shadow Cruiser trailer line and the Rockwood Roo at A & S RV Center have hybrid/expandable floor plans.
Truck Camper
Truck campers are designed to fit into the bed of a pick-up truck. They can be easily loaded and unloaded, so truck campers are great for people who want to take their truck and explore. In addition, because the truck camper sits in bed of the truck, it is still possible to tow boats or other trailers. Truck campers usually have bathrooms, kitchens, storage, and sleeping room for 2 - 6. Some have slide-outs, generators, solar panels, entertainment centers, and much more.
Size: 8-20 ft
Costs: From $4,000 to $40,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 6
A & S RV Center carries the Lance brand of truck campers.
Folding Camping Trailers
Folding camping trailers, also known as pop-ups and tent trailers, are the smallest and lightest type of towable. Pop-ups can be easily towed by many common family vehicles and can often be stored at your home or even in your garage.
Size: 8 - 24 ft
Costs: from $5,000 to $13,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 8
For more information on the different RV types, visit the Go-Rving website.