Last updated on May 23rd, 2025 at 01:23 pm
The key to buying an RV is all about understanding the different types of RVs and how much they cost. But that’s not all. It also includes a list of things to consider when making your purchase, as well as the pros and cons of owning an RV.
Types and Costs of RVs
There are many different types of RVs on the market, from small campers to big luxury coaches. The two main categories of RVs are motorized and towable. But, within these two categories are many subcategories. Each has a unique cost and is targeted towards different groups. Typically, the Class A diesel motor coach buyer is not going to be the same person in the market for a pop-up camper. The interests and reasons for camping are very different for these two types of RV owners.
Note: Regardless of the type of RV you choose, this is not an inexpensive proposition. And every type of RV depreciates significantly once you take it off the lot. For that reason, we recommend you try before you buy with an RV rental. If you’re considering a Class C or motorhome, I’d look at a major rental company like Cruise America or El Montel first. They are more cost effective. However, if you’re in the market for a specific RV, there are companies like RVShare and Outdoorsy are brokers between private owners and renters. This provides a wider range of RVs available and provides a better chance of finding the type of RV you think you want to purchase on their platform. Most people don’t realize this but they even have many travel trailers and fifth wheels that the owner will DELIVER for you! That way even if you don’t have the truck yet, you can try it out. This will allow you to avoid a potentially costly mistake by first trying things out and seeing how you like it.
Campground Tip: Choosing the RV is only part of the journey—deciding where to take it is just as important. Staying at the right RV park can go a long way towards ensuring a comfortable trip. Places like A Country Breeze RV Park in Somerset, Texas offer conveniences like hookups, facilities, and a chance to connect with the RV community. Whether you’re renting to try before you buy or taking your new RV on its first adventure, follow our three simple steps for finding the best campground for you.
Motorized
There are many types of motorized RVs. Many of the different types, or classes, have both gas and diesel options. This even includes the smallest motorized RVs.
Gas vs. diesel motorhomes
There are pros and cons to both gas and diesel motorhomes. Gas motorhomes are generally cheaper to buy, but they can be more expensive to maintain. Diesel motorhomes are more expensive to buy, but they typically have the better fuel economy. The chassis is also built to last longer on a diesel motorhome. Diesel motorhomes will also be able to tow bigger vehicles and trailers and will generally have an easier time in the mountains.
Motorized RV Types
Motorhomes:
There are three main classes of motorhomes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive type. Often referred to as coaches, they are like a small house on wheels, and include a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom — sometimes more than one. Class A diesel motorhomes typically cost between $150,000 and $500,000 but can go into the millions of dollars for a custom diesel pusher. This price range includes a wide variety of RVs, from small to large and luxurious. Gas Class A motorhomes are more reasonable in price. They average between $90,000 and $200,000 depending on the size and features.
Camper Vans, also known as Class B motorhomes, are smaller than Class A’s, but still include all the amenities of a home. While many use them for short trips, we know of several singles and couples living full-time in a Class B motorhome. If you get creative, even a family can utilize one comfortably, just check out the Tin Box Traveller’s tips on how to sleep in a camper van with children.
The typical cost for a Class B is between $60,000 and $200,000. There are many reasons why the price of these is just as high as a gas Class A. One is they are very popular right now. The other is that these are usually more labor intensive to build since the shell of the van is already in place rather than the manufacturer building the inside and then installing the walls around it, which is the case for most RVs.
A Class B+ RV is a type of motorhome that falls in between Class B and Class C RVs. It has the size and amenities of a Class B RV, but with a little more space. This makes it a good option for families or larger groups. These can range in price from $100,000 to $300,000. They are a little more roomy than a Class B and have more storage but can still fit into many spaces that a van or large truck would fit.
Class C motorhomes are the most affordable type of motorhome for families. A Class C motorhome will cost between $50,000 and $200,000. These are great for families since the dinette usually turns into a bed and there is usually another bed above the cab. Most have enough towing capability to be able to tow a small car to use when you get to your destination.
A Super C RV is a type of Class C motorhome. It is larger than a regular Class C motorhome, and includes more amenities, such as a separate bedroom and living area. Super C RVs are a good option for families who want more space and comfort while traveling. Most of the models available are diesel-powered, so they are more expensive. These average about $250,000 to $300,000 in price. They have a lot of towing capability and are larger than a standard Class C motorhome.
Skoolie
A skoolie RV is a type of RV that is made from a school bus. Skoolie RVs are popular among people who want to explore the great outdoors. They are also popular among people who want to live in an RV full-time.
Skoolie RVs offer the benefit of being able to design the interior of the vehicle in any way imaginable. Depending on the size of the school bus, there can be a lot of room to design an RV interior that is comfortable and spacious.
Skoolie RVs can be expensive to insure and maintain. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a skoolie RV. Skoolie RVs are expensive to insure because they are made from a school bus. School buses are typically not designed for use as an RV, which can make it difficult to find an insurer.
Skoolies are made by converting a school bus into an RV. This can be done by purchasing a school bus and converting it yourself, or by hiring a professional to do the conversion for you.
If you want to convert a school bus yourself, there are a number of things you will need to do:
- Remove the seats and flooring from the bus
- Install a kitchen and bathroom area
- Install a bed, seating area, and storage areas
- Install electrical systems and appliances
- Install a water system and plumbing
If you want to hire a professional to convert your school bus for you, there are a number of things you will need to consider, including:
- The cost of conversion
- The size and features of the finished RV
- The availability of conversion professionals in your area
Above the cost of acquiring a school bus, you can expect to pay $20,000 to $30,000 in expenses to convert the interior into a livable space.
Non-Motorized RV Types
Towables are defined as RVs that are towed behind a vehicle, such as a car or truck. This includes travel trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth wheel trailers. Towables are generally smaller and less expensive than motorhomes. This lower cost is mainly because they have no engine or other components required for being able to drive on its own.
Travel Trailers
A travel trailer camper, also called a bumper pull, is a type of RV that is towed behind a car or truck. It is smaller and less expensive than a motorhome, and includes all the amenities of a regular camping trip, such as a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette. There are different types of travel trailers.
- Traditional hard-sided trailers: Hard-sided trailers are the most durable type of travel trailer. They include a metal frame and walls, which makes them resistant to weather and pests. However, they are also the heaviest and most expensive type of travel trailer. The average cost of a travel trailer is anywhere between $11,000 and $80,000 depending on the type of trailer.
- A-frame trailers, which are small and lightweight. They are easy to tow, and can be set up in minutes. A-frame trailers are a good option for people who want a basic camping experience without all the bells and whistles. The typical cost of an A-frame travel trailer is between $10,000 and $50,000. However, this can vary depending on the features and amenities included.
- Teardrop trailers are a type of travel trailer that is becoming more and more popular. They are small and lightweight, and can be towed by most vehicles. They also include a bed, kitchenette, and bathroom, making them a complete home away from home. Teardrop trailers are perfect for people who want to take their trailer on frequent trips. They are easy to store and transport, and can be set up in minutes. They are also very affordable, between $15,000 and $35,000, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Pop-ups are small RVs that fold down when they are not in use. They are less expensive than other types of RVs, but also less comfortable. People like the affordability of pop-ups. They are less expensive than other types of RVs, and they can be easily stored when they are not in use. You can expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for a pop-up camper.
Fifth Wheels
A fifth wheel is a type of travel trailer that attaches to a special hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth-wheel RVs offer a lot of amenities and features that other types of RVs do not have. They are larger and more expensive than other types of travel trailers, but many people feel that the extra space and features are worth the price.
Some of the most popular amenities in fifth wheel RVs include:
- High ceilings compared to other towables and motorhomes.
- A large living area with plenty of space for relaxing.
- A well-equipped kitchen with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
- A spacious bedroom with a comfortable bed.
- Multiple bathrooms with separate showers and toilets.
Typically, you can expect to pay between $50,000 and $150,000 for a fifth wheel RV.
Toy Haulers
Toy haulers are becoming more and more popular. They are designed specifically for people who want to take their toys with them on trips. Toy haulers include a large cargo area, which is perfect for storing motorcycles, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles. They are also larger and more expensive than other types of travel trailers.
Toy haulers can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $300,000. They can be fifth wheels or traditional bumper pull towables. There are also a couple of motorized toy haulers.
Truck campers
A truck camper is a small RV that attaches to the back of a pickup truck. They are generally less expensive than other types of RVs, and are good for short trips.
Standard benefits:
– Low cost
– Portable
– Easy to store
Emotional benefits:
– Get closer to nature
- Feel the wind in your hair
Truck campers have become more popular in the last few years. They can be as high as $60,000. You also need a truck that is capable of carrying the camper as well as several after-market parts needed to hold the camper securely in place and beef-up the suspension.
Overland Vehicles
Overland vehicles are off-road vehicles that can be used as RVs. They are also popular among people who want to explore the great outdoors. Overland vehicles can be divided into two categories: hard-shell overland vehicles and soft-shell overland vehicles.
Hard-shell overland vehicles are more expensive than soft-shell overland vehicles, but they offer a lot of features and amenities that soft-shell overland vehicles do not have. Hard-shell overland vehicles are typically made from sturdy materials like aluminum or fiberglass, which makes them resistant to scratches and dents. They also include a variety of features, such as:
- A large cargo area for storing gear
- A powerful engine that can handle difficult terrain
- A high level of insulation, which keeps the vehicle cool in summer and warm in winter
Soft-shell overland vehicles are less expensive than hard-shell overland vehicles, but they do not offer as many features and amenities. Soft-shell overland vehicles are made from lightweight materials like canvas or nylon, which makes them easy to transport and store. They also include a variety of features, such as:
- A large cargo area for storing gear
- A powerful engine that can handle difficult terrain
- A high level of insulation, which keeps the vehicle cool in summer and warm in winter
Overland vehicles will also come with solar, batteries, generators, and adequate water storage to keep you off-grid for long periods of time. The price range is fairly wide. They can cost anywhere from $48,000 to more than $500,000 depending on the size and amenities. .
Conclusion
If you are considering buying an RV, now is the time to do it! RVs are becoming more and more popular. There are a variety of different types of RVs on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It is important to consider what you need in an RV before making a purchase. If you want a basic camping experience without all the bells and whistles, then an A-frame trailer may be right for you. If you have a large family or group, a fifth wheel or class C may be a better option. If you want the most durable and luxurious RV possible, then a diesel motorhome would be the best option as long as you have the budget to pay for it. Toyhaulers are perfect for people who want to take their toys with them on trips, while pop-ups are good for people who are looking for an affordable RV option. You can find an RV that fits your needs and budget, and you can be on the road in no time.
In the next article in this series, we will discuss what you should consider when shopping for an RV as well as choosing the best RV for your situation.
Other articles we’ve written on this topic include:
