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Folding
Camping Trailer
Many RVers started out with folding camping trailers. They are
inexpensive (from a few thousand to 6 or 8 thousand US dollars
new) and easy to tow behind most family sedans. Because of their
low profile and low wind resistance, they are also less
expensive to tow in fuel costs. The top half of the unit nests
in the bottom half until elevated into camping position. The
ends unfold to create sleeping areas. The end result is a very
small but comfortable shelter to protect the campers from the
elements.
Conventional
Travel Trailer
It is said that the travel trailer is what started the RV
industry. Made famous by the Airstream® in the 1930s, travel
trailers are economical and can be towed by a properly equipped
larger family sedan. One of the advantages of trailers is the
absence of an engine, transmission and other power train
components. Some disadvantages include that they are more prone
to highway mishaps than motorized units and it is not only
unsafe but unlawful for passengers to be riding in the unit
while moving. And, because most sedans were not designed to tow
other vehicles, using them in this way significantly
increases maintenance costs (especially with automatic
transmissions). A new travel trailer typically sells for as
little as $15,000 to over $60,000.
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'Fifth Wheel'
Travel Trailer
The 'fifth wheel' is a specialized trailer designed to be towed
coupled to a special 'fifth wheel' hitch mounded in the bed of a
heavy duty pickup truck (usually mounted over the rear axle of
the truck providing better stability and center of garvity).
This is very similar to the configuration of '18 wheelers'. This
method allows towing of a heavier trailer and with greater
safety. Backing into tight spots is also easier than with a
conventional trailer. Fifth wheel trailers can be every bit as
luxurious as class A motorhomes. Typical costs range from$25,000
to over $100,000.
Toy Hauler
Trailer
ATVs, motorcycles, jet skis, etc., that we like to referred to
as 'toys', have to be trans-ported to the user's destination. If
an overnight stay is not in the plans, one could carry one or
two (depending on size, of course) in the back of a pickup
truck. The 'toy hauler' combines the living quarters of the RV
with a garage-like storage area in the rear to carry these
'toys', safely and conveniently. There is even a ramp to allow
easy loading and unloading. Our diagram (above) shows a
conventional 'toy hauler' trailer. Fifth wheel trailers
con-figured as 'toy haulers' have become very popular. There are
even motorized 'top haulers'. A new 'toy hauler' costs about the
same as that type of vehicle would cost without the storage
area.
Notes &
Opinions by Bob Masters |
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Class A
Motorhomes
The class A frequently looks like a box on wheels although some
top-of-the-line models are looking more like customized motor
coaches. These are self-contained units with bathroom, kitchen,
sitting and dining areas plus one or two bedrooms. Because of
the large size of these vehicles, many folks tows a small car
behind (fondly referred to as a 'toad'). A new class A motorhome
can cost from $50,000 to over $500,000. Typically, these are
special bodies mounted on a truck chasis. With out the 'toad'
hanging on in the rear, a class A rig is easier to park in
back-in sites at RV parks. Many prefer to look for parks with
'pull-through' sites enabling them to avoid unhooking their
'toads'.
Class B Van
Campers
Of the motorized types of RVs. the van camper is the most
economical to purchase and operate. Primarily a family van with
a raised roof, the class B can be customized with the most
luxurious of appointments. The current trend has made some class
B rigs more expensive than like-sized class C rigs but because
of the cost of fitting the desired appointments into the
confined space. This is a giant leap from the Volkswagen
Westphalia camper van days. One can still economize by using
the family van, seats removed or folded down, as a sleeper. |
Class C Mini-Motorhomes
Lately the most popular of the motorized RVs, class C units
offer the convenience of a class A but in smaller space and
lower cost. Cost, however, is more a reflection of the
appointments in the unit rather than the size or class of the
unit. Class C mini-motorhomes are characterized by the front
protruding area extending over the cab. This space is usually
used as a sleeping area in lieu of a bedroom. Class C units vary
wildly in price, — from $50,000 to $150,000. Interior
appointments can significantly increase the costs.
Customized
Motor Coach
Customized motor coaches became an industry when
entertainers had to stop depending upon railroads and had to use
busses to carry them and their equipment from site to site. The
step into customizing these busses was a natural one and
used Greyhound Bus Line coaches (usually MCI or GMC) became the
vehicles of choice. The sophistication level, and cost, quickly
increased. These vehicles are the giant RVs of the highway
frequently reaching 45 feet in length (maximum permitted by law
in most states). New, a customized MCI, Prevost or Van Hool,
etc., can cost well over 1.5 million US dollars; used they
can be had for as little as $200 thousand (requiring an
additional 'fix-up' investment of $50 thousand or so.
Notes & Opinions by Bob Masters |
