RV Types
There are many different types of RV campers. On this page, I review some of the pros and cons of each and link to some used models with prices.
Class A RV
Pros of a Class A Motorhome
have larger water, gray and black tanks for longer dry camping
if feeling unsafe (bears, weather) can drive away without having to get out
steadier in winds and holds up better to weather than other models
usually have actual bedroom, class B and C models don't always have this
large front windshield and side windows provide great views while driving
have lots of space underneath, a "basement", for seasonal storage and outdoor gear
easy access to toilet, fridge, stovetop and bed for nap when taking rest stops
quicker and easier to set up in camp (auto leveling jacks)
cab chairs often swivel to create additional living room seating
I think I am in love with the Tiffin Class A motorhomes for a HOME
Cons of Class A Motorhomes
most expensive of the models
class A usually has lower mpg than other models
extra costs for TOAD (towed vehicle) needed for local travel
have to unhitch the TOAD if you want to back up
may require commercial license (considered a bus in some states)
size may limit access to more remote dispersed camping and state parks
any major repairs require leaving your "home" in the shop for weeks at a time
Diesel Versus Gas Debate
Pros of a Class A Diesel
quieter, smoother more powerful ride than gas model RVs
diesel engines have longer life and higher resale value than gas models
Cons of Class A Diesel
costs more than class A gas models
diesel usually costs more in USA
repairs are more expensive than gas models
fewer mechanics can work on diesel than on gas models
Examples of Class A Diesel (under 30 feet)
2011 Tiffin Allegro 28BR (30') - $90,000
2011 Winnebago Via 25R (26') $70,000
Pros of a Class A Gas
new gas models are cheaper than new diesel models
more mechanics (Ford) can work on the engines
regular gas cheaper than diesel
Cons of Class A Gas
other full-time RV drivers complain of engine noise, weaker power, rocking side to side and rougher ride
gas engines don't last as long as diesel engines
resale value is less than the diesel
some bloggers say overall quality is less than diesel (examples: plastic toilets & faucets, cheaper window shades)
Examples of Class A Gas (under 30 feet)
2011 Fleetwood Storm 28F - (28') - $50,000
2013 Winnebago Vista (28') - $65,000
Camper Trailers
Pros of a Camper Trailer
separate truck and trailer, so can use truck to sight-see and leave trailer in camp
trailer has no engine that will need to be repaired
no special driver's license required
cheaper than other types of RV
Cons of Camper Trailer
If I feel unsafe (bears, weather), I have to leave trailer to get to truck
they tend to sway and have maneuverability issues like jack-knifing
less long-term storage space (usually there is no "basement")
more affected by wind and weather than the Class A models
Examples of Camper Trailer (under 30 feet)
2017 Winnebago Minnie 2250DS (27') - $24,000
2013 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB - $49,900
RV Model examples found on https://www.rvtrader.com/ and http://www.rvt.com/