rv types

Which Type of RV is Best For You?

Finding the right RV for you and your family can be challenging. There are many options to choose from. So, how do you know which RV is the best choice for your lifestyle? Keep reading to learn more about the different recreational vehicle types and discover which is best for your next adventure.

Motorized vs Towable

There are two different categories of RVs: motorized vehicles and towables.

Motorized vehicles, otherwise known as motorhomes, provide living and driving functions under a single roof and take the hassle out of hitching and towing. Motorhomes are great for first-time RVers who might not be the most comfortable maneuvering with a second vehicle in tow. There are three types of motorhomes: Class A Motorhomes, Class B Motorhomes, and Class C Motorhomes.

Towables, also called trailers, require a vehicle to tow them from place to place. Trailers are usually cheaper than motorhomes, and once you reach your final destination you can easily unhitch your vehicle, allowing you to have a set of wheels to easily explore the area outside your campsite. There are five towable RVs to choose from: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, and truck campers.

Now let’s take a closer look.

Class A Motorhomes (Motorized)

Class A Motorhomes are built on heavy-duty frames and are the largest motorhomes on the road. They typically range between 21 and 45 feet in length and are built on a special chassis. You and your family will have plenty of room to stretch out in the roomy living areas and will feel at home with several amenities included in the motorhome, no matter where you are.

class a motorhome

Class B Motorhomes (Motorized)

Class B Motorhomes are also known as “camper vans” as they drive more similarly to a van due to being built on a standard van chassis. Living quarters are smaller since these motorized vehicles are more compact, but this does make them typically easier to drive. If you and your family love going on day trips or are spontaneous travelers, then a Class B Motorhome is a perfect choice.

class b motorhome

Class C Motorhomes (Motorized)

Class C Motorhomes combine the top features of Class A’s and Class B’s into one mid-sized recreational vehicle. These motorhomes usually range from 20 to 33 feet in length and are built on a truck or van chassis. Many Class C owners tow their cars along to make running errands and day excursions easier.

Travel Trailers (Towable)

When it comes to Travel Trailers there are several different options to choose from. These RVs commonly offer a wide variety of amenities and floor plans making it easy to find a model that best fits your lifestyle and needs. Some larger models may have bunks, known as bunkhouse models, which can sleep between four and ten people,  and some smaller trailers may only offer sleeping space for one to two people. Travel trailers can be towed by any vehicle that can handle their weight capacity.

travel trailer

Fifth Wheels (Towable)

Fifth Wheels are the largest, most expensive, and therefore most luxurious of the towable recreational vehicles. Due to the fact that these trailers are around 20 to 40 feet in length, these trailers must be towed by a large truck or a conversion vehicle. Fifth Wheel Trailers connect to your tow vehicle by a “gooseneck” extension which fits into a space in the bed of your vehicle. These towables typically have large kitchens and bathrooms, plenty of storage space and more sleeping room.

fifth wheel

Toy Haulers (Towable)

Toy Haulers are designed to allow you to bring extra toys along like jet skis, ATVs, motorcycles, or even bikes and kayaks. These trailers are split into two sections: the front living quarters and the rear section featuring a pull-down ramp. If you and your adventure buddies like to bring extra camping gear along on trips, then a toy hauler is a great option.

toy hauler

Pop-Up Campers (Towable)

These compact trailers feature expandable side sections that are folded down during transportation and allow for easy camping. The hard-bodied central area contains a simple kitchen and a bathroom, and the expandable sides convert into sleeping areas. These trailers can be towed by most mid-sized vehicles by a ball hitch receiver. Pop-up campers, sometimes also referred to as fold-down campers, are a perfect option for those looking to upgrade from tents and sleeping bags while camping.

pop up camper

Truck Campers (Towable)

Truck campers are economical and easy to drive since they attach to an everyday pickup truck. These campers usually sleep two to four people depending on the model, and offer campers a small cooking, bath, and storage area. If you are a spontaneous traveler or weekend warrior who prefers affordability over luxurious amenities, this towable RV is the one for you!

Visit a ROUTE 66 RV Network Dealer near you to purchase the RV you have been looking for. Our network of independently-owned RV dealerships are here to help you!

10 Stops on Route 66 in Oklahoma

If you’re planning a trip through the Midwest down U.S. Highway 66, be sure to add stops in Oklahoma to your list. From the large Buck Atom statue to vintage motorcycles, there is so much to see and do. Take a look at our list of the 10 best stops along Route 66 in the Sooner State!

Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum

You can enter Vintage Iron at no cost, but they do gratefully accept donations. This museum features vintage motorcycles from Harley, Ducati and Indian. Bike enthusiasts are sure to be impressed by an original 1917 Harley Davidson, and don’t forget to check out the X-rays from Evel Knievel. Consider purchasing a vintage motorcycle t-shirt or a piece of Route 66 memorabilia from the gift shop during your visit!

Afton Station and Route 66 Packards

The Afton Station is a small, private antique car and Route 66 memorabilia museum that is located in a 30s-era restored filling station. This car museum holds up to 14 vintage automobiles and unique, interesting memorabilia.

The Coleman Theatre

The Coleman Theater was donated to the City of Miami by the Coleman family in 1989 and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. It originally opened in 1929 as a theatre and movie palace and was designed to bring a touch of glamour to the city. The theatre is now open for tours and is packed with stories regarding its supernatural history and past glories.

The Round Barn

Originally built in 1898, this barn is 60’ in diameter and 45’ in height, and the town of Arcadia, Oklahoma claims it to be the only “true” round barn. Since then, it has been restored to its previous glory and the loft space can be rented for events. The Round Barn is a unique stop along Route 66!

Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza

The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza aims to celebrate the achievements of Cyrus Avery, who is often credited as the “Father of Route 66”. The plaza features the flags of the eight states along Route 66, bronze statues including an old automobile featuring Will Rogers, and additional conveniences such as the Route 66 Skywalk, a park, and a pedestrian walkway.

Blue Whale

This whale was built in the early ‘70s as an anniversary gift from Hugh Davis to his wife, Zelta. The Blue Whale of Catoosa used to serve locals and Route 66 travelers as a place to swim, fish and picnic. Although swimming is no longer permitted, this whale has been given a new coat of paint and the picnic area has been restored in recent years. This smiling attraction welcomes all visitors driving down Route 66 in Oklahoma – stop to say hello!

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has over 28,000 exhibits that celebrate Western and American Indian culture. It also holds a huge collection of artworks and historical artifacts including the American Cowboy Gallery, the American Rodeo Gallery, the Native American Gallery, and the Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms. You can also visit Prosperity Junction, a 14,000-square-foot authentic Western prairie town.

Route 66 Museum

The Route 66 Museum covers over 60 years of the U.S. Highway 66’s history. This museum showcases vehicles, artifacts, photographs, and an audio tour narrated by Michael Wallis, the author of Route 66: The Mother Road. This is a fun stop for you and your family and several efforts have been made to ensure that the exhibits are both eye-catching and informative.

Sandhills Curiosity Shop

The Sandhills Curiosity Shop is located in the City Meat Market, Erick, Oklahoma’s oldest building. It contains a crazy assortment of Route 66 memorabilia and became well-known thanks to its owners, Harley and Annabelle, who spontaneously burst into song and provide performances for all visitors.

Lucille’s Gas Stationbuck-atom

From 1941 to 2000, Lucille Hamon operated this tiny gas station and was often referred to as the “Mother of the Mother Road,” thanks to her hospitality to Route 66 travelers. Since then, it has been restored including a marker that tells the story of Lucille and her family. This stop is also a great photo opportunity along U.S. Route 66!