Tucked away in the back corner of the campground is a lovely little spot that overlooks the lake. You roll in at 3 pm, ready to set up your home away from home. As you get settled in—extending the awning, setting up your camping chairs, pulling the picnic table into just the right position—you realize you forgot to stop for firewood. No worries! You open the door on the back of your toy hauler and back the golf cart out. Just a quick trip to the camp store and you’re all set for an enjoyable evening around the campfire.
It doesn’t take you long to get everything just so, especially with all the comforts of home right inside your RV. After a relaxing snooze during the heat of the day, you and your family are ready to take a swim in the lake, go fishing, ride your bikes around the trails or just kick back on your “porch” and tell stories.
This picture doesn’t have to be a work of fiction. In fact, the minute you searched “RV for sale,” your journey to making this story become your reality began. Recreational vehicles have always been a popular way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and many people enjoy the RV lifestyle. In this guide, we will cover all the ins and outs of RVs. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge of how to find the right RV so you can be on your way to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the small comforts of home.
What Is Considered a Recreational Vehicle?
When you think of the phrase “recreational vehicle,” many different images may pop into your mind. There are various styles of recreational vehicles like the classic camper van, a trailer towed behind a vehicle or a big RV with all the bells and whistles. Interestingly, thelegal definition of a recreational vehicleactually varies from state to state.Recreational vehiclescan be defined in many different ways. For example,the State of Indiana defines an RVas “A vehicle with or without motive power equipped exclusively for living quarters for persons traveling upon the highways.” This definition does not include a truck camper (a structure installed in the bed of a truck) or a mobile home (a permanent living structure that is built on a trailer). The Indiana motor vehicle code also includes that vehicles must meet all of these stipulations in order to be considered an RV:
- Is designed and marketed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use
- Not permanently affixed to real property for use as a permanent dwelling
- Built on a single chassis and mounted on wheels
- Is certified by the manufacturer as complying with the American National Standards Institute A119.5 standard
Each state has its own rules and regulations about what is considered an RV, although they are often quite similar to each other.
What’s a Motorhome?
The terms “RV” and “motorhome” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. RV is a blanket term that can include any type of recreational vehicle, while motorhome refers to RVs that are self-propelled and contain their own motor. A towable RV would not be considered a “motorhome,” since the RV itself doesn’t contain an engine. In short, all motorhomes are RVs but not all RVs are motorhomes.
How Many Types of Rvs Are There? What Are Types of Rvs?
There are essentially two different types of RVs, although sometimes you’ll see articles about “7 types of campers” or “3 types of campers” etc. At the core, there are motorized and non-motorized RVs and each type has different styles or classes. Here at Jayco, we build both towable and motorized products, which each break down into a variety of product types.
Towable RVs
Designed to be pulled by a vehicle, commonly a pickup truck, these recreational vehicles can be an affordable and flexible entry point into the RV life. Many people choose towables due to the variety of options available and their personal preferences. Families who already have a truck may want the freedom of unhooking and having a vehicle to drive around.
- Travel Trailers
These RVs connect to a hitch on the bumper and can be pulled by a variety of vehicle types, as long as the tow vehicle capacity is not exceeded. Jayco travel trailers are just one of our popular RV options, with their flexibility and range of accessories. We have many different sizes—from ultra-lite to half ton to ¾ ton—so you can find the Jayco Trailer that matches your needs and wishes.
- Fifth Wheels
Ready for a luxurious RV experience? Fifth wheels are often chosen by RVers with larger families because of their spacious size, available amenities, and expansive storage room. The main difference between a fifth wheel and a travel trailer is the way that it connects to the towing vehicle. While a travel trailer connects via the bumper hitch, a fifth wheel connects to a horseshoe shaped hitch that is installed in the bed of your truck.
- Toy Haulers
A toy hauler is a travel trailer or fifth wheel that includes a versatile garage area in the rear. This allows you to easily bring your ‘toys’ along like your motorcycle, golf cart, four-wheelers, kayak, side-by-side, bicycles… The toy hauler is perfect for RV enthusiasts who have gear and gadgets to bring along.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are ranked in Classes A, B or C based on the type or style. Class A tends to have entryways through the cab and wide panoramic windshields. Class B resemble vans and are excellent for boondocking. Class C is recognizable by the extension over the cab area. These classes of RVs are all self-propelled and typically have many of the amenities that make RVing so enjoyable. With sleeping spaces for anywhere from two to eight people (or more, depending on the model), living room area(s), kitchenette and bathroom(s), these vehicles are great for couples, families and those looking for the motorhome experience. Different models will run on either gas or diesel, so be sure to check if you have a preference.
- Class A Motorhomes
Jayco Class A RVs offer all the bells and whistles (like the extended view on the windshield). You can usually recognize a Class A by a flat front end. With Jayco Class A motorhomes, you’ll have all the conveniences that matter most to seasoned travelers. When you go big with theJayco Embark, you’ll be ready for an incredible driving experience with JRide® Premium, our finest ride and handling package.
- Class C Motorhomes
You can spot a Class C RV by the cab-over bunk area that is often used for storage or sleeping quarters and the cab entry point. These mid-sized RVs are easy to maneuver in tight places, and offer many of the same amenities of the Class A motorhomes in a slightly smaller space. TheGreyhawk Class C Motorhomeis a great example of this type of RV. The 2022 model includes a new graphics package, Wi-Fi antenna and upgraded smart TV for your viewing pleasure. This roomy Class C includes added safety features and is built using all Jayco’s proprietary construction methods so you can be sure that your precious cargo is safe and your RV is reliable. Motorhomes in this category average between 8 and 14 mpg. In theClass C Melbourne, which has a diesel engine, you may average 12-20 mpg.
- Class B Motorhomes
As the smallest size motorhome, Class B combines the ease of driving a van with the conveniences of a motorhome. In theClass B Terrain,you’ll find an easy-to-drive camper van with sleek interior styling and a lithium battery package that allows you to go without electricity for days. Our Jayco camper vans offer everything that adventurers need to get off the grid or just get away for the weekend.
What Is the Largest RV Size?
For towables, the largest models are usually fifth wheels or toy haulers. For motorhomes, Class A RVs give a more open panoramic view and are generally the largest options on the market, although there are some exceptions. You can browse theJayco floorplansto explore our largest, smallest and mid-sized options to find the fit that’s right for you.
What To Know Before Buying an RV
An RV is a fairly sizable investment and there are some important considerations that you should make before making the purchase. Here are some questions to help you figure out the right fit for you:
- How do you plan on using your RV?
It’s important to think about where you’re going to go with your RV. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of dry camping or boondocking (having no access to water, sewer, or electrical connections), you may want to consider an RV with solar or generator capabilities. Are you looking to get away as a couple or do you need space for all your grandkids to join you? The answer to these questions will help you determine which RV is right for you.
- What features are important to you?
Think about factors like the places you will be adventuring in and the accessories that make your RV time more comfortable. This information will help you decide which features you really need and which ones are just “nice-to-have.”
- How often will you use your RV?
When you’re not using your RV, you’ll need an appropriate place to store it. If you’ll be using your RV infrequently, you’ll want to get a model that will be easy to store and quick to get on the road when you want it. If you want to spend a lot of time on the road, it’s important to find an RV with a warranty that covers full-time living, since not all units are warrantied for this use.
- What is your comfort level with driving a larger vehicle?
If you decide on a motorhome or a larger fifth wheel or toy hauler, you’ll need to understand how that willaffect your driving experience. Some people prefer smaller motorhomes or towables that are easier to maneuver. If you choose to drive a motorhome, our JRide, JRide Plus and JRide Premium enhancements make the Jayco driving experience excellent, no matter the RV size. Your personal preference and comfort level with your RV is the most important thing to consider.
- How much weight can your towing vehicle handle?
Your vehicle must be able to handle the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer you want to tow. This weight rating includes the maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded for travel, including the weight of the vehicle body, fluids, cargo and optional equipment and accessories. You’ll need to know the towing capacity of your vehicle in order to make sure that it will work with the trailer you want to purchase. If you don’t know what the towing capacity is, contact your local auto dealer with your tow vehicle’s VIN.
Another great resource to help you select the right RV is the JaycoDefinitive RV Buyer's Guide. This guide will help you prepare to find the perfect RV for your traveling needs.
What Is the Most Reliable RV Brand?
There are many RV brands out there, and it can be difficult to figure out which is the most reliable. Here are some questions that can help you figure out where to shop:
How long have they been in business?
Here at Jayco, we take pride in making thebest recreational vehiclefor your lifestyle. We’ve been dedicated to making it safe and easy for families to enjoy the great outdoors together since 1968, building motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheels in Middlebury, Indiana. Our reputation is built on the quality products that we’ve been producing for decades and backed by our industry leading2+3 year warranty, rather than other manufacturers’ 12 month warranties.
What safety features are included?
Our attention to detail is what sets us apart when manufacturing our RVs. We take extra steps in our research and production because we are passionate about keeping you safe, fulfilling the promise of our quality name brand.
Once you’re on the road in your new motorhome, you can travel worry-free with Jayco’s Customer First Coach Net program, yours at no cost during your first year of owning your motorhome. If you’ve purchased a new Jayco Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel, you’ll be connected with the Tredit Advantage Program, the largest digitally connected service network of over 45,000 roadside assistance service vehicles.
Do they have a large network of dealers and service centers?
Our Jayco dealers are the glue in our family bond. With great advice, excellent products and prompt service, the Jayco network of dealers is your greatest asset during the buying process and throughout your RV journey. It doesn't matter if you’re a veteran RVer or brand new to the RV life—our dealers are eager to help you.
Do they back their products with any warranties?
We stand behind our products with a2+3 year warrantythat is longer and offers much more coverage than any other manufacturer. It comes directly from us, because we believe in the work we do and consider Jayco RV owners a part of our family. With another golden age for the RVing community dawning, we are excited to welcome you as a new member of our family.
How Much Is a Motorhome?
Recreational vehicle pricedepends heavily on the make, model, and features of the RV. Other factors that influence prices are current market conditions, the availability of raw materials for manufacturing and the supply and demand for RVs. These variables mean that the pricing of motorhomes and RVs can fluctuate. Generally speaking, the larger RVs with more amenities will be more expensive than smaller RVs. Class A, C and B motorhomes are typically priced much higher than fifth wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. For the most up to date information on pricing, visit theJayco websiteor yourlocal Jayco dealer.
Why Are RVs So Expensive?
Many RVs are not prohibitively expensive. After all, travel trailers can be an affordable entry point to the RV lifestyle. However, for the models that cost more, one axiom that tends to hold true is that you get what you pay for.
Manufacturing a vehicle that is also essentially a living space takes a lot of resources. RVs use many raw materials, and a significant amount of labor goes into shaping them into the fun and comfortable vehicles you get to enjoy. Every Jayco RV is built on a custom frame, designed and sized specifically to best support each unit. Our premium accessories and add-ons make your RV luxurious and enjoyable.
There’s also a lot of research and development that goes into making your RV safe. For example, we’ve developed the technology for our motorhomes like the JRide® Ride and Handling Package that is an exclusive blend of precise handling and stability technology to make your ride smooth and safe. These are just a few of the special touches that go into making Jayco RVs worth every penny.
What Is the Best RV for the Money?
The best RV for your hard-earned money is the one that fits your lifestyle and will last a lifetime. Some RVers choose to purchase used RVs, which will typically cost 20% to 30% less than a brand new one. However, used RVs may need repairs or be an older model without the accessories (or capability to add accessories) that you want. It’s also important to note that finding service for a used RV may be more difficult, and the warranty may not transfer to you as the new owner.
Is Owning an RV Worth It?
For many people, yes. It depends on your specific circ*mstances and the enjoyment you get out of the RV lifestyle. For some, RVs save them significant money on flights and hotels, while allowing them to cook their own meals and not spend on eating out while on a vacation. However, there is more to owning an RV than just the money that makes it worthwhile!
For over 50 years, Jayco has been providing the keys to freedom. Our RVs are designed and built for adventure, so you and your family can make memories together on your own terms. We can’t tell you for sure if owning an RV is worth it—you’ll have to hit the road and discover a million reasons why your Jayco RV is a life-changing purchase.
Find your Freedom with Jayco
Ouraward-winning RVsgive you the freedom to explore. From the slopes of Mount Rainier in Washington to the Everglades in the southern reach of Florida, there are so many places to discover or to kick back and relax in nature for a weekend or two. With Jayco’s innovative safety features, like the JaySMART™ Safety Marker and Reverse Travel lighting system, you can travel with confidence knowing that your RV is extra safe for whatever route you choose. Travel on your own terms with Jayco Motorhomes and Towable RVs.
If you’re ready to find your freedom,select a Jayco dealernear you. Interested in the RV lifestyle? Check outour handy guideto learn the basics and read advice on getting started. Already an avid RVer? Download the Jayco Wingmate™ app (available on theApple App StoreorGoogle Play) for resources likemaintenance checklists, how-to tutorials, trip and packing checklists, campsite considerations, an extensive glossary of RV terms and more. We’ll see you on the open road!
