Best RV Brands

To figure out the best type of RV for you, first think about the trips you want to go on. Consider how much room you need and what luxuries you wish to include, such as televisions, recliners and couches.

For instance, those who want a lot of interior space and full amenities should look into a Class A motorhome. It has the most interior space and storage of any RV on the market, and you can outfit it with deluxe furniture and appliances.

If you plan to take an RV on short trips and don’t need a full kitchen setup, a camping trailer is better. It's smaller, lighter and less expensive.

Once you know what type of model you’re looking for, narrow it down based on which brands you trust. Read reviews and look for any reports or lawsuits against the company. Chat with the RV brand's sales staff to learn about any features unique to its brand, in addition to pricing for specific models and upgrades.

Standard RV features

As you compare motorhomes, you may wonder what exactly comes standard in a trailer or motorhome. Though the finer points of these features will vary among models, each RV will have a version of the following rooms:

• Bedroom: Bedroom areas usually have either a double or queen bed. Depending on the size of the RV, it may have more than one bedroom space and multiple closets for storage.
• Bathroom: Almost all RVs have a bathroom or “lavatory” area. This area includes a toilet and sometimes a sink or shower.
• Kitchen: An RV has a kitchen with a sink and a range for cooking. It also has a microwave. Next to the kitchen, you’ll usually find a table and chairs in a small dining area.
• Living room: The rest of the RV is a sort of living room. Couches, chairs, recliners, a television, a stereo and more may be available to use in this area.

Safety features

An RV needs to be safe. Read up on your RV’s construction and safety features before you make your purchase.

• Chassis construction: Your RV’s chassis consists of a combination of aluminum, steel, fiberglass and wood. Ask your RV dealership or check online to read about the safety features built into the chassis.
• Reinforced roof: You’ll want an RV with a reinforced roof if you might end up camping in rough weather. A reinforced roof will protect your interior from falling branches, snow, rain, hail or anything else that could fall on your RV.
• Handling: See if your RV has high-quality handling features for trips over rough terrain. A good system of shocks can mean the difference between a bumpy trip and a smooth one.

Additional features and upgrades

Here are a few additions to make your RV comfortable inside and outside.

• Bed upgrades: Though many RVs come with a standard double or queen-size bed, the sleeping space can usually accommodate a larger bed. King-size beds are common upgrades for RV bedrooms.
• Connection upgrades: Most RVs come with a TV, but you may need a satellite dish or internet access to watch regular programming. Your optopns for connections may vary depending on whether or not you're in an RV park or campground.
• Solar panels: Solar power is becoming more popular with RVers. Installing solar panels on the roof of your RV (or taking portable solar panels with you) can help power all your accessories. With a solar battery, you can store energy for future use.
• Grill mount: A grill mount attaches to a foldable arm that extends from the RV so you can mount your portable charcoal or electric grill at a safe distance from the vehicle.
• Sunshades: When you set up your outdoor area, you’re going to want to create some shade. Sunshades and retractable awnings fasten to the side of your RV, and you can pull them out to create a more comfortable camping area.

RVs come in all shapes and sizes, from luxury-style motorhomes to small camping trailers.  As you compare your options, it helps to understand the different types of RVs and RV lifestyles.

• Class A motorhomes: Class A is a large, heavy-duty RV, typically built on a commercial bus or truck chassis (18-wheeler trucks have a similar build). Class A motorhomes are great for families or people who are going to spend months on the road. However, they can be difficult to drive and expensive to maintain.
• Class B motorhomes: Class B is the smallest motorhome on the market. Class B motorhomes don’t have the interior space of Class A or C for amenities and comfort, but they are less expensive and easier to drive. They're suitable for short trips for couples.
• Class C motorhomes: Class C is the middle-of-the-road motorhome. It’s smaller than Class A and larger than Class B. Class C RVs are reasonably easy to maintain, and they can fit into most camping areas. They can accommodate families and handle long or short trips.
• Travel trailers: Travel trailers are towable RVs that work on any vehicle with a trailer hitch and enough power to pull them. Travel trailers are less expensive than full-size motorhomes, and they come in various shapes and sizes, from family-size deluxe models to small campers.
• Fifth wheel trailers: Fifth wheels are similar to travel trailers except that they have gooseneck connectors to secure them to a trailer hitch in the bed of a truck. This limits the number of vehicles that can haul them, but the trailers are easier to maneuver than travel trailers. They also tend to be larger, with more space for deluxe features and family members.
• Toy haulers: Toy haulers are trailer RVs with extra space to store motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles or other small vehicles you want to take with you. This design gives you less overall interior space, but it’s a good compromise if you want to transport small vehicles.
• Camping trailers: Camping trailers are small, lightweight RVs that are good for occasional camping trips. Some models fold out to increase interior space, but camping trailers do not generally have kitchen or plumbing amenities.