Which RV is Right for Me?

Whether you’re buying your first RV or you’re an inveterate RV camper, choosing your next RV can be an exciting and intense experience. In fact, choosing an RV can be just as exciting as the adventures you’re planning to take in your RV—though all that excitement can come a with little trepidation, too. There are so many RV body styles, makes, and models to choose from, it can be hard to wrap your head around all of the options available nowadays.

However, RVs Northwest is here to help! We’ve compiled this helpful guide so you can figure out which RV is right for you in 2022!

Preliminary considerations when choosing an RV

Before you come to RV’s Northwest to find your next RV or travel trailer, think about the type of travel you like to do, your driving preferences, and other features you might want. Write down a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and ideas and questions to ask, and bring it to your dealer. Here are a few considerations you should think about before coming in:

New or Used?

One of the major considerations to make when searching for an RV is whether to buy a used camper or a new camper. If you’re looking for the latest tech features and nicer accouterments, a new RV is probably for you. However, if you just want a reliable model to get you from A to B for a decent price, a used RV for sale can be a great choice. Really, it depends on your needs as a vacationer – and of course, the friendly folks at RV’s Northwest are always here to help you choose!

Gas or Diesel Fuel?

Another consideration to make when purchasing a motorhome is whether to use gasoline or diesel fuel. Gas motorhomes can be lower-priced than diesel, but diesel models can hold better resale value. In addition, though gasoline fuel tends to be cheaper than diesel, you can often get better fuel economy with diesel, as well as more torque for climbing mountains or other conditions. Both gasoline and diesel are loved by RVers for their various benefits, so you really can’t go wrong whichever you choose.

Types of Campers and RVs

Next on your list when considering an RV is to choose a body type. There are many types of campers and RVs, and new ones come onto the market semi-regularly. Here are the most common RVs and campers, roughly in size order from biggest to smallest.

Class A

Class A RVs are the largest and roomiest of all motorhomes, and offer pretty much all the comforts of your stationary home. They’re available in various sizes and floor plans, and have elegant amenities, which can include a large kitchen with full-size refrigerator, onboard washer and dryer, complete bedroom suites, multiple bathrooms, storage, and even a fireplace! Class A motorhomes are ideal for full-time RV living, family vacations, and more.

Class B

Also called a camper van or conversion van, Class B motorhomes are widely popular with families, weekend vacationers, and more. They’re smaller than other motorhome types, so they’re much easier to maneuver, while still offering considerable features. These homes often look like normal vans, but once inside it’s obvious how luxurious and unique Class Bs can be. A Class B motorhome generally fit between two and four people and feature a galley kitchen, sleeping area, convertible dining room, and a bathroom. The roof of a Class B is usually raised and the floor dropped for additional headroom, and many Class Bs come with multiple other innovations, making these some of the most interesting RVs on the market.

Class C

Where Class B motorhomes are often built on a van chassis, Class Cs are generally built on truck bases. They provide many of the same features and amenities of Class A motorhomes, but on a smaller scale, including a large kitchen and dining area, full bathroom, comfortable sleeping spaces, and storage throughout. Many Class C RVs also include an over-cab interior area known variously as a loft or overhead cabin.

Fifth Wheel

The largest type of towable RV, fifth wheels are an incredible choice if you have a vehicle that can handle the extra weight. This towable’s design leads to an easy drive, and typical amenities include a kitchen, washer/dryer, multiple sleeping areas, a large bathroom, and even loft space. The extension over the truck’s bed usually houses a large master bedroom accessible by a short flight of stairs for extra privacy. These RVs are available in a variety of sizes and with slide outs, which means you can get all the accommodations of a motorhome with a separate vehicle for exploring the area.

Travel Trailer

A travel trailer is easy to tow with an SUV or truck, and it’s great for pretty much any trip, no matter the length. These towable RVs offer plenty of amenities, including sleeping space, complete bathrooms, large kitchens, and family areas. The ones that feature slide-outs offer even more interior space when camping. Plus, travel trailers hold their value well, and are easier to maintain than many other body types.

Toy Hauler

If you want to combine camping with daily excursions in your toys like ATVs or jet skis, a toy hauler is the perfect choice. A signature feature of toy haulers is their garage-style storage, which can carry ATVs, mountain bikes, or even motorcycles, while still providing the comforts of home. You can usually find a toy hauler in either a fifth wheel or travel trailer format, as well as convertible features depending on the need.

Pop-Up Camper

For a minimalist RV experience, you can’t improve over the pop-up camper. These are some of the lightest RVs on the market, with fold-up walls and ceilings that you expand at the campsite. Because these are much smaller, most trucks, SUVs, and even cars can tow them easily, meaning they’re great starter RVs for people with smaller budgets. Amenities include comfortable sleeping, cooking, and lounging areas, and some even feature showers and toilets. And these campers are easier than just about any other RV type to store wherever you need them, off-season.

Find Your Next Camper for Sale in the Spokane Valley

Whichever RV style you’re looking for near Spokane Valley or Couer d’Alene, you can find it at RVs Northwest! We’ve got a huge selection of RVs from brands like Forest River, Northwood, Outdoors RV, and more, and our prices and financing options simply can’t be beat. Give us a call, come by our dealership, or start shopping online today!