 Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. If
that doesn't really appeal to you, then camping in an RV is what you need. It is
the ultimate camping adventure.
RV's come in many sizes and shapes. They start with campers that fit in the
back of a pickup truck. These can have full kitchens, beds, a shower and toilet
in them.
Next there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically
a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. These can have a raised roof
for more head room. They also contain the same amenities as the truck
camper.
Next up is the Class C motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but
the similarity ends there. There is a sleeper extension over the cab and the
back end looks like any motorhome you are probably familiar with. Basically a
cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all the amenities
of home. A kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. You could live in a
Class C.
The next step up is the Class A motorhome. This is roomiest of all motorized
RVs. These motorhomes are like a mini one bedroom apartment. They are fully
self contained. From the queen sized bed to the dinette that seats four people
you find luxury. A refrigerator and stove are complimented by a microwave
oven. You might even have an ice maker capable of making over 20 pounds of
ice a day. Party ready!
If that weren't enough choices, there are still the trailers. First is the travel
trailer you can pull behind a larger sedan, SUV or pickup truck. Then the 5th wheel trailer
that hooks into the back of a pickup truck. Both of these trailers are equally as
luxuriant as the best motorhome. An advantage is they cost a lot less.
You can buy new or used. Whichever way you choose, you should do a lot of
research on the internet first. Learn all you can about RVing. There are RV
forums that you can find by doing a search in your favorite search engine.
When you decide that an RV might be for you, attend an RV show or two. There
are major RV shows at fairgrounds and stadiums where many dealers and
vendors are selling every type of RV there is. There are also local RV shows
usually put on by one or two dealers to show and sell some of their inventory.
If you really are not sure you would like to spend $40,000 or $250,000 on a
hobby you are not sure you would like, buy a used RV. You can get into RVing
in a 34 foot used Class A motorhome for under $20,000.
The older and larger the motorhome the less fuel efficient it will be. You may
get 5 to 7 miles per gallon on many older motorhomes. 7-9 mpg is realistic for
mid 1990's motorhomes and up to 12 miles a gallon on new ones.
Camping in an RV is a fun adventure awaiting you and your family.
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