Thanks for “checking out” the Changing Gears family checklists, budgets and forms! Our online RV checklists are provided to you free of charge.
Other Changing Gears Checklists
- RV PDI Inspection Checklist
- Arrival & Setup Checklist – Motorhome
- Arrival & Setup Checklist – Towables
- Departure Checklist – Motorhome
- Departure Checklist – Towables
- RV Must-Have Accessories List
- New to RVing? – Getting Started
- Road Test Checklist – Motorhome
- Road Test Checklist – Towables
- RV Camping Gear List
- RV Types Pros & Cons Chart
- RV Basic Lifestyle Budget
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Class A Motorhome
PROS
- Easy to drive on major highways and Interstates.
- Spacious, open floor plans suitable for large families and full-timers.
- Elevated driver position provides a good view of the road ahead.
- Driving and living compartments are connected. No need to get out of the RV during stops. Living area accessible even while moving.
- Most cargo storage space of all RV types.
- Self-contained facilities (propane, water) make for easy dry camping.
- Does not need to be deployed to be used or accessed.
- Can tow vehicle behind or support a carrying platform on hitch receiver.
- Residential-style layout and furnishings.
CONS
- Most expensive of all RV types.
- The RV Consumer Group rates Class A’s as having more structural problems and safety issues in crashes.
- Larger models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Driving compartment being part of the living space does not appeal to some people, feeling like they are always in a vehicle.
- Most are too large to drive around town; alternate local transportation required.
- Elevated driver position and width of the vehicle make it difficult to judge clearance on the right side.
- Top clearance can be a problem under low branches and structures.
- Problem compounded if carrying items on roof, such as canoes.
- Requires large storage area when not in use.
- Poor fuel efficiency. Figure 6-10 mpg for gas models, 8-14 mpg for diesel.
Class B Motorhome
PROS
- Least expensive motorized RV to own and operate.
- Quite fuel efficient! Average 10-15 mpg, with some models achieving up to 25 mpg!
- Easy to drive on highway and around town. This RV is constructed from a van, so it is just as easy to drive.
- Driving and living compartments are connected. No need to get out of the RV during stops. Living area accessible even while moving.
- It can be used as local transportation.
- Can tow a small trailer or support a carrying platform on hitch receiver.
- Can be used as a second family car when not traveling.
- Requires no special storage when not in use. Fits in standard driveway and lower models may fit in the garage.
- Can reach less accessible camping sites that are too tight for large RV’s.
CONS
- Limited space, practical only for short trips.
- Accommodates a small number of travelers.
- Very little visual or acoustic privacy.
- Expensive purchase price; the most expensive per square foot of any RV.
- Few full-sized appliances. Expect smaller refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, etc.
- Cannot tow a second “toad” vehicle. You have to pack up camp any time you want to drive away!
Class C Motorhome
PROS
- Easy to drive on major highways and Interstates.
- Spacious, open floor plans suitable for medium-size families and seasonal travelers.
- Elevated driver position provides a good view of the road ahead.
- Driving and living compartments are connected. No need to get out of the RV during stops. Living area accessible even while moving.
- A fair amount of cargo storage and lots of room for adventure gear and equipment.
- Self-contained facilities (propane, water) make for easy dry camping.
- Does not need to be deployed to be used or accessed (with the exception of slide-outs).
- Better crash-worthiness compared to a Class A.
- The “Goldilocks” choice – can do just about everything!
CONS
- Huge range of quality; some Class C’s aren’t worth buying!
- Most Class C’s have limited payload. It’s easy to overload them! (Super C’s are an exception).
- Larger models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Driving compartment being part of the living space does not appeal to some people, feeling like they are always in a vehicle.
- Despite what the manufactures may say, most cannot reasonably tow a second vehicle. You will likely need a large diesel-powered Class C or Super C if you want a “toad.”
- Top clearance can be a problem under low branches and structures. Problem compounded if carrying items on roof, such as kayaks.
- Requires large storage area when not in use.
- Poor fuel efficiency. Figure 8-12 mpg for gas models, 10-16 mpg for diesel.
5th Wheel Trailer
PROS
- Easier and safer to tow than travel trailers, but requires more caution and skill than motor homes.
- Easier to back up than travel trailers.
- Spacious, open floor plans suitable for fulltimers.
- Provides more interior space per length foot than motor homes because it does not contain driving and engine compartments.
- Most storage space of all trailer type RV’s.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
CONS
- Requires a truck with fifth wheel hitch in bed.
- Large trailers require large tow vehicles!.
- Driving and living compartments are separate. Living area inaccessible while moving.
- Generally cannot tow vehicle behind trailer.
- Larger models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
- On tall models top clearance can be a problem under low branches and structures. Problem compounded if carrying items on roof such as canoes.
- Most models require large storage area when not in use.
Travel Trailer
PROS
- Spacious, open floor plans suitable for a variety of uses, including snowbirding.
- Provides more interior space per length foot than motor homes because it does not contain driving and engine compartments.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
- Lower profile allows easier entry than a fifth wheel trailer.
- Lower profile allows roof storage of items such as canoes, with less concern for top clearance.
- Can be towed with a variety of vehicles fitted with a standard ball hitch and rated for the trailer weight.
CONS
- Least stable on the road of all RV types. Requires the most skill to tow and back up.
- Large trailers require large trucks.
- Less storage than fifth wheel trailers because it lacks a raised section.
- Driving and living compartments are separate. Living area inaccessible while moving.
- Generally cannot tow vehicle behind trailer.
- Larger models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Larger models require large storage area when not in use.
Toy Hauler
PROS
- Easy to haul ATVs, golf carts, dirt bikes, skis, snowboards, and all other adventure gear!
- Lots of headroom, sometimes wide-body.
- Spacious, open floor plans suitable for full-time RVers and snowbirds.
- When designed as a fifth wheel, it provides more interior space per length foot than motor homes because it does not contain driving and engine compartments.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
CONS
- Heavy! Due to heavy-duty construction.
- Large trailers require large tow vehicles!
- Park carefully to access your gear from the rear.
- Extra height reduces fuel efficiency.
- Driving and living compartments are separate. Living area inaccessible while moving.
- Generally cannot tow vehicle behind trailer.
- Larger models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- On tall models, top clearance can be a problem under low branches and structures.
Most models require large storage area when not in use.
Truck Camper
PROS
- One of the least expensive RV’s.
- Mounts in the bed of most full size trucks with minimal modifications.
- Easy to drive on highway and around town. This RV is attached to the bed of a truck, so it is just as easy to drive.
- Truck doubles as local transportation.
- Can tow a small trailer or support a carrying platform on hitch.
- Truck can be used as a family or work vehicle when not traveling.
- Requires no special storage when not in use. Fits in standard driveway or back yard.
- Can reach less accessible camping sites that are too tight for large RV’s. When attached to an off-road truck, it can reach camping sites that no other RV’s can.
CONS
- Road handling can be an issue when mounted on a truck with light suspension.
- Limited space practical only for short trips.
- Driving and living compartments are separate. Living area inaccessible while moving.
Expandable Camper
PROS
- One of the least expensive RV’s.
- Very light weight. Can be towed behind light vehicles such as small trucks, SUV’s, vans, and large sedans.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
- No concern for top clearance because trailer folds lower than the tow vehicle.
- Requires no special storage when not in use. Fits in standard driveway or back yard.
- Can reach less accessible camping sites that are too tight for large RV’s.
CONS
- Limited space practical only for very short trips.
- Living area is closed up during transportation and is inaccessible even during rest stops.
- Non-existent or limited insulation makes this type uncomfortable in cold weather.
Teardrop Trailer
PROS
- Can be towed by almost any vehicle! Weigh ranges from 600 to 2,000 lbs.
- Low-profile has minimal impact on fuel efficiency.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
- Lower profile allows easier entry than any other camper.
- Can normally be stored in a garage or under a carport.
- Lower profile allows roof storage of items such as canoes, with less concern for top clearance.
- Can be towed with a variety of vehicles fitted with a standard ball hitch and rated for the trailer weight.
CONS
- Usually, no bathroom. Only the largest teardrops have a bathroom or shower facilities.
- Smallest of all the RV and camper types. Not a great space for a rainy day!
- Limited to tents and awnings for living area expansion. No slide-outs.
- Less storage than other types of campers.
- Kitchen and living compartments are separate. No luck if you’ve got the munchies!
Fiberglass RV
PROS
- Lightweight!
- Easy to clean, inside and out.
- Holds their resale value.
- Waterproof, seamless exterior.
- Aerodynamic, good for fuel efficiency.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
- Lower profile allows easier entry than any other camper.
- Can normally be stored in a garage or under a carport.
CONS
- Limited interior lounge and storage space
- Small refrigerators, cramped bathrooms
- Limited to tents and awnings for living area expansion. No slide-outs.
- Less storage than other types of campers.
- You gotta keep the inside clean – people always want to look inside!
Expedition Trailer
PROS
- Carry all your gear out of your tow vehicle!
- Set up base camp in a matter of minutes.
- Typically, very high construction quality.
- Trailer protects gear from animals, high water, theft and the elements.
- Will likely with a custom a builder to develop your dream.
- Great pick for vehicles that can’t tow heavy campers.
- Easy titling and registration.
- Most badass camper within 50 miles.
CONS
- Can become extremely expensive!
- No living or sleeping space.
- Great for boondocking, not developed campgrounds.
- Limited showering and bathroom facilities.
- Resale value depends on finding the right buyer.
