Understanding the Different RV Sizes

Shopping for a recreational vehicle can be challenging, especially when you consider the wide range of sizes available to you. RVs come in very small and compact models as well as large and spacious models. It’s important to understand some of the differences between RV types and their sizes to make the right decision.

Herold Trailer Sales, located in Indianola, is your Iowa RV dealer, serving greater Des Moines, IA, and Omaha, NE. Keep reading to learn more about the differences in RV sizes so you can choose the best size for your traveling party.

RV Categories

Recreational vehicles are typically broken down into two main categories: towables and motorhomes. Towable RVs include all types of trailers, which have to be hitched to a towing vehicle of sufficient size and strength to be hauled to the destination. Motorhomes, on the other hand, contain a driving cab and engine, so they are an all-in-one package that negates the need for a towing vehicle.

Towable Sizes

Among the towables, or trailers, you have several options, including pop-up campers, truck campers, travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheels.

• Pop-up campers are extremely small and compact, designed to fold into a very flat base while in transit. These campers may have soft or hard walls that are folded up to create a sort of tent on wheels at your destination. Pop-up campers are good for small families that don’t need a lot of space or features. Of all the trailer options, this is typically the lightest RV size.
• Truck campers aren’t exactly towables so much as they’re installed into the bed of a standard pickup truck, but they’re usually grouped with towables since a vehicle is needed to “carry” them to the campsite. Truck campers are also very compact, generally suited to only one or two people at most.
• Travel trailers can be small “teardrop” trailers or much larger and more expansive trailers, although their weight and size is limited by the bumper-pull hitch style.
• Toy haulers have a large cargo bay at the rear of the trailer for powersports vehicles and other big cargo. These trailers may either be travel trailers or fifth wheels in terms of their hitch style.
• Fifth wheels are the largest towable RVs by far, with a big gooseneck hitch that locks into a truck bed and hauls many thousands of pounds of weight.

Motorhomes

The other RV category, motorhomes, comes in three different “classes” that are based on size: 

• Class A motorhomes resemble a bus and they’re the largest motorhome size by far, with long, wide bodies that contain many sleeping spaces, rooms and amenities. Class A motorhomes are great for full-time travelers and big families who need extra room on the road.
• Class B motorhomes resemble a van and don’t have a lot of interior space. There are some basic features and some sleeping spaces, but these are the smallest of all motorhome sizes.
• Class C motorhomes resemble a truck with a separate cab up front and an overhanging alcove space above the cab. These motorhomes are sort of an in-between size, although some really large “Super C” motorhomes can be comparable to Class A motorhomes.

We hope this guide helps you to choose the right RV size. Visit our Indianola, IA, dealership location today to view our full selection of new and used RVs for sale. If you need help with financing your RV purchase, just talk to one of our friendly sales team members. Herold Trailer Sales proudly serves the cities of Des Moines, IA, and Omaha, NE.