Finding the Right RV for your Family

With the kids out from school for the summer, you’ve probably been brainstorming ways to keep them entertained during the day. For any longer trips you may be taking, you might want to consider investing in an RV. Not only is this a more affordable way to travel, but it can help you and your family enjoy the great outdoors and still have somewhere to relax in the evening. But finding the right RV can be tough, so The Outpost RV has provided some tips for narrowing down your options. That way, when you stop by our dealership, we can help you find the perfect rig quickly. We proudly serve all of Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Your Camping Style

You’ll want to start by thinking about your priorities as a camper. What kinds of features will help your family enjoy each camping trip the most? Start by considering how big your RV needs to be. The bigger your family, the more sleeping arrangements and elbow room you’ll need, so the bigger the RV will probably end up being. From there you’ll want to think about other living amenities that will affect your vacations, like living area accommodations, kitchen size, number of bathrooms, entertainment centers, and more. There are other luxury features that might attract your attention, like exterior features, fireplaces, and washer/dryer units, although this can jack up the price.

Your Driving Preferences

No matter how big or how small your RV is, traveling in or with one is going to impact your driving techniques. There are some RVs that come with their own drivetrain and some that you tow behind your normal commuter vehicle. However, depending on how big your rig is, you might need to upgrade your tow vehicle. All RV types will require some practice to get used to it, so consider what you’re going to be comfortable driving around.

The RV Types

The RVs themselves all provide comfort and great features, but there are subtle (or sometimes not so subtle) differences between different RV types.

Travel Trailers

As we mentioned, some RVs are towed behind a commuter vehicle. One such RV is the travel trailer. These are among the most diverse group when it comes to size, luxury, and price. They’re a popular choice among first-time owners and RV veterans alike because there’s virtually no RV buyer out there who can’t find what they need from a travel trailer. They also use bumper pull hitches, which essentially means they’re compatible with any kind of vehicle, although you’ll still want to be mindful of weight.

Fifth Wheels

Another popular towable RV is fifth wheels. These are generally bigger and often more luxurious, although they also come in a wide range of styles so you can find the model that fits all your needs without breaking the bank. Because they’re bigger, they can seem intimidating to new owners, but fifth wheels use a different kind of hitch that gets installed directly into the back of a pickup truck. While this means you’ll need a pickup to tow it around, it also gives you some overlap between the two vehicles so you’ll have more stability and control.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are completely self-contained, coming with their own drivetrain so there’s no tow vehicle involved. Motorhomes are actually so diverse, that they had to break them up into smaller groups. These are known as classes. Class A motorhomes are often the largest (the bus style rigs) while Class B motorhomes are often the smallest (the van style rigs). Class C is often thought of as the in between, although this isn’t technically they’re defining factor, rather its their truck chassis that distinguishes them.

There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for a new RV, but hopefully this gives you a place to start. No matter what you choose, we’re sure you’re going to be primed for great adventures with your friends and family for many years to come. If you need more help narrowing down the field, or if you’re ready to start shopping around, stop by The Outpost RV. We welcome all current and future RV owners from Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan.