Recreational Vehicles
A symbol of freedom, adventure and the classic American Dream, RVs have been making a comeback in the US. One reason for this resurgence in popularity is the skyrocketing cost of rent, mortgages and massive college debt.
It’s not just retirees flocking to the RV Life; Young families, working professionals, college students and those looking for a way out of the rat race are starting to forgo rent by moving into RVs (or vans).
Living in a RV can help carve a path out of debt, put more money in your wallet, while still providing a sense of freedom and adventure.
If you’re thinking of joining the caravan and asking yourself What kind of RV should I buy?, let’s dive in to the main categories of RVs and their stats to see which is the best RV for you…
RVs range in length from a compact 17′ to a large, bus-sized 40′, with the body coming in different styles: Class A, B, or C. All come pre-built, with fully-functioning kitchens, bathrooms/showers, and wall plug-ins.
The cost for RVs vary widely depending on whether you’re purchasing new or used, from a dealership or private seller. Dealerships are typically much more expensive than what you’d find through online listings, and unless you have the cash available, I wouldn’t recommend getting a loan to purchase through a dealership.
We’re working to get OUT of debt, not dig deeper in to the same financial hole.
When searching for a RV via online listings, it’s important to have a trusted mobile mechanic meet you when looking at an RV (or any vehicle that is to be your home).
As a new RVer, it is very likely you’ll miss potential/current mechanical or structural issues that could cost you thousands of dollars in the future. To avoid this, having an experienced mechanic take a look before you shell out your hard-earned cash for a lemon, is essential to starting this journey.
Class A
Class A RVs: Average length is between 28′-40′ in length, some with “slide outs” on the side walls, increasing the width of the space when parked. Standard width of RVs are 8′, and “slide outs” can increase that by 1-3′, making the interior feel much larger.
With the Class A bus-shaped RV, “master bedrooms” are typically built in the back separating the bedroom from general living area with a door for privacy. In the front of the cabin, is normally a dinette and couch- both of which can be turned into beds. With most RVs, the in-built seating areas can be converted into sleeping areas for larger families and guests!
Typical models have fully-functioning kitchens, shower/bathroom, running water, an air conditioning unit, heater, and generator.
Cost:
$5000 – $1 million+ If you’re on this site, it’s safe to assume you’re not going for the $1 million RV. Still, it’s important to know that depending on where (and what) you’re shopping, the cost of RVs can vary a great deal, and doing your due diligence is important to make sure you’re starting on the right foot.
Listings through Craigslist, other online sellers, and used RV dealerships are where you can find lower prices. However, the lower the price, the more might be wrong with it.
As mentioned above, get a mobile mechanic to scope out your potential house with you, making sure it’s 1) livable, 2) the price is acceptable for what you’re purchasing, 3) there’s no mechanical problems that will surprise you once you drive it off the lot.
Interestingly, many dealerships and individual sellers put cheaper prices on Class A RVs compared to the Class B and C vehicles.
The reason for this seems to do with the Class A’s length and potential system problems, making them less popular. Many people find driving a 28′-40′ vehicle difficult, the gas expensive, parking a hassle, and systems like the “slide outs” are expensive to repair.
The Good:
Class A RVs feel spacious due to their large shape and their storage capacity. The little extras provided (like the “slide outs”) make this Class very comfortable, especially for those who prefer to feel as though they’re in a small apartment as opposed to a RV.
The Bad:
With gas tank sizes ranging from 25-150 gallons and gas mileage from 8-15 mpg, depending on how much driving you intent on doing, gasoline can become a big expense, very quickly.
Mechanical issues in Class A’s can also cause a headache as the engine is installed in an odd area, making it difficult to access. Depending on where you are, finding a mechanic to work on serious problems might be difficult, and if you do find one, expect the labor costs to increase.
Stealth Parking:
This is another potential problem for Class A RVers: “Stealth parking” refers to inconspicuous nighttime parking; Essentially, it’s hiding in one’s vehicle to sleep, as many cities have outlawed the practice of sleeping in your vehicle.
Night parking can already be difficult in a city, but can be a real pain in the butt if you’re in a big Class A.
Class B
These have become incredibly popular in the past few years due to their compact size, ease of driving, ability to do build-outs cheaply, and the ability to “stealth park” in cities.
Class B RVs/vans fit in standard 18′ parking spots, their length being between 17′-19′. Unlike Class A’s, the Class B’s are often tapered on the sides, shaving off a few inches of width in the cabin.
Like most RVs, Class B motorhomes have fully-functioning living amenities: kitchen, bathroom/shower, running water, wall plug ins, generator, air conditioning, and heat. And of the things needed to live comfortably.
Cost:
$2500- $100,000. Brand new Class B’s can run tens (or even hundreds!) of thousands of dollars; But, used Class B’s can be found for a fraction of that cost.
Interestingly, I’ve found summer listings for Class B’s and C’s are often set at higher prices than other times during the year (we live in southern CA, so sellers are trying to capitalize on peoples’ desire to be beach-bound or travel to campsites)- so be aware that seasonality can impact the cost.
The Good:
Compared to Class C RVs, Class B’s are easier to drive, stealth park, and get better gas mileage. Being able to park in regular-sized parking spaces also makes daily life in the city much easier.
Vehicles like Sprinter and Ford Transits have increased in popularity; People are converting these vans into full-time homes for various reasons (especially having the ability to stealth park in cities and the cheaper cost).
The Bad:
The smaller size might make you feel claustrophobic as the side walls are often tapered, giving you less interior room. Beds are normally found in back (like Class A’s), and often fold up like a futon; However, this can take up a lot of much-needed space.
Also, many pre-built Class B camper vans have odd interior choices like shag carpeting in the bathroom around the toilet. Personally, after living in an RV for over 7 years, I would avoid a carpeted bathroom like the plague!
Stealth Parking:
Stealth parking is often much easier in a Class B motorhome/van, as these are much smaller than the other RV classes. Remaining inconspicuous by fitting in with surrounding vehicles makes overnight camping much less stressful, and can keep away the dreaded “cop knock” when you’re trying to catch some zzz’s.
Class C
Class C RVs: Ranging in length from 17′-28′, the smaller models can fit in regular parking spaces, and can have spacious interiors depending on the model’s layout.
Like all other motorhomes, Class C’s have fully-functioning amenities pre-built for comfortable living: kitchen, shower/bathoom, running water, wall plug-ins/generator, air conditioning, and heater.
Cost:
$2000- and Up Finding a Class C motorhome is fairly simple, as there’s always listings online ready to sell. But be warned: Finding a good quality motorhome is a different story.
When sellers price their Class C RV at $2000, you can assume there’s some problems (rust, leaky roof, water pump, or electrical problems to name a few). We all know that vehicles depreciate in value quickly, but selling a motorhome SO cheaply, can raise some red flags.
Some of these problems can be fixed on the cheap (the cheapest option is always DIY repairs), while other issues might cost you- and your wallet- big time.
So, take advantage of the fact that there are so many listings for Class C’s by taking your time to find a good quality RV, and meeting with your mobile mechanic to catch any problems before you put any money down.
We found our RV on Craigslist for $8000– a very well maintained 1992 Class C. It is possible to find great RVs for a reasonable price!
The Good:
Class C’s give you the option of going small (17′-19′) or much larger (up to 28′); the smaller models are relatively easy to drive and park.
The Class C layout has a two-person bed above the driver’s area, so the sleeping area is out of the way allowing for a more spacious living quarters.
Like most RVs, the Class C also has a dinette and foldout couch, both of which turn into two-person beds, allowing more room for friends and family.
The Bad:
As with all RVs, gasoline can get expensive. So if you’re planning on travelling in your Class C, make sure you do the math so you’re aware of your fuel usage.
Class C’s- although often smaller than Class A’s- can still be tough to drive. With the RV’s structure in addition to your possessions, you can really feel the weight of the vehicle when driving down the highway.
Stealth Parking:
Stealth parking in Class C RVs can be tricky, especially if you’re living in a city. Even if you choose a 17′-19′ motorhome and can fit in regular parking spaces, just by virtue of the look of your RV, stealth camping is rarely possible.
Depending on the city you’re in, you might get hassled by police when you’re sleeping and asked to move (or even ticketed). This is another reason why doing research prior to buying a RV is essential: Find cities/areas where you can sleep at night if you’re boondocking (ie street sleeping without hookups, not in a RV park).
Campers + Travel Trailers
Campers / Travel Trailers: Similar to recreational vehicles, campers are pre-built to be fully-functional, livable spaces. The average length of a travel trailer ranges from a very compact 13′ up to 20′.
Even the smallest campers in the 13′-range can pack in a lot of amenities and comfort for their size. Campers typically come complete with a bed, small kitchen/microwave, heating, (possible) air conditioning units, and a micro-bathroom/shower.
Note: If the base model doesn’t include bathroom/accessories, these can normally be added for an extra charge.
Cost:
$10,000 – $300,000 One of the benefits of the travel trailer is the low cost. Scamp campers, for example, are extremely popular trailers, with their smallest model starting around $12,000.
Added amenities will increase the base price, but for a tiny home to get you out of debt, that’s a heck of a lot more manageable than the $500,000+ homes we have over here on the West coast!
And like all RVs and vans, you can also research private sellers online to find even better deals on well-kept campers.
The Good:
Compact, light, and easy to travel. Most have fully-functional amenities like the Class A, B, and C RVs, making the small space homey with the ability to connect to the “grid” (electrical/sewage), or go “off-grid”/boondocking.
The Bad:
Before moving into one of these quaint little campers, if you’re like most Americans, you’ll need to pair down to the essentials. All mobile homes have a maximum weight capacity and limited interior room, so if you’re considering moving into a travel trailer to get ahead financially, you’ll need to seriously consider throwing a garage sale or donating the things that can’t fit in this new, smaller space.
Stealth Parking:
This can be a major obstacle for a travel camper. Regardless if you’re towing a 13 footer or a much larger 20′ trailer, you will always remain conspicuous, therefore, attention will be drawn to you.
Daytime parking- assuming the area you’re staying in doesn’t have rules on vehicle length for parking- should be fine. However, it’s the evenings that can be a hassle, and trying to boondock in the city with a camper can be a definite hardship.
However, there are many people who pay for overnight camp sites (prices vary depending on location and hookups); there are even those who camp on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sites for free.
Although these campsites are free and often beautiful places to camp, they are also far from cities. Depending on your type of work/location, this may or not be a suitable option for your lifestyle.
Tiny House on Wheels
Tumbleweed Tiny Houses: Arguably the first company to popularize “tiny living” and hit the mainstream in the early 2000’s. Jay Shafer, co-founder of Tumbelweed Tiny House and Four Lights Houses, began researching and building his own small homes, ranging in size from an extremely tiny 97 sq. foot house on wheels, to a 500 sq. foot home for his family. Currently, a Tumbleweed Tiny House for purchase range in length from 20′ to 30′.
Cost:
$15,000 – $80,000+ Depending on whether you’re purchasing a pre-owned or newly built tiny house, the cost can vary greatly. In order to save thousands of dollars, many people opt to build their own tiny house using design inspiration from the Tumbleweed models.
If you choose to purchase instead of build your own, these can be a more expensive option for tiny, simple living, but the cost may be worth it depending on your particular circumstance. Unlike most other tiny house companies, Tumbleweed Tiny House does offer financing.
The Good:
Tumbleweed houses (and those inspired by them) are built to impress and feel like home. Like the other vehicles discussed, tiny houses are built on wheels and towable, so you have the ability to change your scenery whenever you want!
Tumbleweed tiny houses are also made from high quality materials, so what you’re sacrificing in size, you make up for in a high quality home. The design of these houses can also be modified to suit your needs: From wood cabins to ultra-modern.
The Bad:
Due to the design and weight of these houses, traveling too often can be difficult and may lead to structural problems in the home. These tiny houses also require a tow vehicle equipped to handle such a large load.
Many tiny house companies offer a delivery service for an extra charge after the initial purchase, however, if you plan on travelling or moving this type of tiny house in the future, having a tow-capable truck is something to keep in mind.
Stealth Parking:
Stealth parking is not an option for a Tumbleweed. You might draw a lot of positive attention, but don’t expect the locals to let you pull up on their street and set up shop.
Many people who decide to live in this type of tiny house purchase a small plot of land to live on, rent space from family, friends, or even find home/landowners willing to cheaply rent out an area on their private property.
