Choosing the Right RV for You: Size, Features, and Costs

Even though choosing an RV can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, it can also be cumbersome. This is especially true considering the many options available for motorized and non-motorized motorhomes. 

That’s why our team at I-10 RV Storage has put together this guide to help you make the best decision when choosing an RV. We’ve discussed everything you need to know, including size, features, and costs, so you’re as prepared as possible. With this information, your RV shopping experience will go off without a hitch!

How Do You Choose The Right RV? 

Finding the right RV means knowing your needs, preferences, and travel plans. Let’s break down the best way to determine how to choose the right motorhome for you and your family: 

  1. Travel style: When selecting a motorhome, you must consider how you plan on traveling. For example, do you plan on only using your RV for weekend getaways and vacations, or are you considering full-time RV living? Knowing the answer to your travel style and how you intend to use your motorhome will help you determine the size and type of RV to acquire. 
  2. RV Features: Some RVs are as spartan in comfort as one might imagine, while others can include a host of luxurious amenities to make your RV trips feel like a home away from home. So, before you buy an RV, you need to decide what features are necessary and look for motorhomes with them. For example, do you need an RV with sleeping space for two, four, or six, or a travel compartment for outdoor equipment? 
  3. Size: Choosing the right motorhome size is just as important as deciding what features you can’t live without; considering the size of the RV will directly impact your comfort level. Luckily, there are several sizes to choose between, from compact campervans to spacious Class A RVs.
  4. Budget: Having a budget helps you narrow down your options and helps steer you in the right direction. With a budget, you will know whether to buy used or new and which RVs are within reach and unattainable.
  5. Storage: Often, when purchasing a motorhome, it can be easy to forget about storage, but it is one of the most important aspects. After all, you don’t want to buy a motorhome and have nowhere to store it because of its size. Fortunately, it’s as difficult to secure as you might imagine. If you can’t store your RV at home, you can store it at reputable companies like I-10 RV Storage, which has specialized facilities to care for your RV. 

There you have it! Regardless of whether you’re planning on buying an RV or renting an RV, the above will help you answer the question: How do I choose the right RV for me? But there’s far more you need to know, so look at our other sections. 

What Are The RV Sizes You Need To Know?

As you know, the different types of RVs available come in different sizes, which is important to consider when choosing an RV for your lifestyle. So before you buy a motorhome, have a look at our breakdown below that details the typical RV sizes available in the market:

  1. Small RVs–Up to 20 feet: These compact RVs are ideal for solo travelers or couples. They provide an easy parking experience and maneuvering and come equipped with all essential amenities without taking up too much space.
  2. Medium RVs– 20 to 30 feet: These are great for small families or couples who want more comfort. They balance space and convenience with larger kitchens and comfortable sleeping areas.
  3. Large RVs–30+ feet: These spacious RVs are intended for families or travelers who need luxury in their journeys. However, they require more advanced driving skills and larger parking areas.

Most Common RVs on the Market –  Budgets, Features, & Costs To Know

Below are the most popular RV class types, including price ranges, key RV features, and ideal uses for various travel styles. Whether one’s desire skews toward compact and budget-friendly or spacious and lush, the information below will provide an understanding of available options and help you choose which motorhome class best suits you.

Class A

Class A motorhomes are the most luxurious RVs available. They symbolize traveling in the utmost comfort.

Depending on the model, Class A motorhomes range from 30 to 45 feet long and cost between $100,000 and $300,000 or more. Inside, they have everything a house would have: full-size kitchens, multiple bathrooms, fireplaces, and bedroom suites. 

Since they are so spacious, Class A motorhomes are ideal for extended travel or family vacations. Because of everything included, they are also ideal for full-time RV living. 

However, Class A motorhomes can be the hardest to drive, and depending on where your travels take you, it can be difficult to find campgrounds and RV resorts that can accommodate them. 

Class B

Class B motorhomes are also campervans or conversion vans that are usually 16 to 22 feet long. On average, Class B motorhomes cost between $80,000 and $250,000, making them reasonably expensive. They are known for being smaller and easier to maneuver while fitting a surprising number of features into one compact space. 

For example, you shouldn’t be surprised if a new campervan features a galley kitchen, convertible seating, multiple sleeping areas, and small bathrooms. These RVs also often feature raised roofs, which make them appear bigger and help with maneuverability and comfort. 

However, since most Class B RVs are smaller and sleep between two and four people, they are better suited to couples and solo travelers. In addition, these campers are great for short trips, weekend getaways, and urban driving since they offer homelike comfort on the road.

Class C

Class C motorhomes have many of the same features as their larger Class A brethren but in a smaller, easier-to-drive size. Built on a truck chassis, they range from 25 to 35 feet and generally cost between $40,000 and $425,000, depending on whether they are new or used. 

These mid-sized RVs include full kitchens, comfortable bathrooms, dining areas, and ample storage. Among the many distinguishing features of Class Cs is a cab-over sleeping area with an assortment of uses for sleeping or entertainment systems. 

The Class Cs are offered in both gas and diesel models and remain among the most popular for families and vacationers seeking a very well-appointed but easy-to-drive motorhome as their venue.

Fifth Wheeler

Fifth-wheel RVs are some of the most popular towable RVs. They attach to a truck bed for stable towing and offer fairly spacious living areas. These RVs usually start at about $50,000 for an older second-hand model and are generally more than $100,000 for newer models. 

Fifth-wheelers offer owners kitchens, several bedrooms, large bathrooms, and sometimes loft space. They may also be equipped with high-end, luxury features like outdoor kitchens, decks, and air conditioning. They are ideal for large families and adventurers with trucks rated to tow them.

It’s also worth noting that fifth wheels are available in lengths from 25 to 45 feet, and many come with slide-outs to extend the interior space even larger. Ultimately, fifth wheels offer the amenities and comfort of a motorhome but with the flexibility of a detachable towing vehicle that allows discretionary exploration. 

Toy Hauler

Toy hauler RVs are ideal for adventurers who want the best of both worlds. These non-motorized RVs combine camping with outdoor activities thanks to their garage-style storage facility for equipment like ATVs, motorcycles, and mountain bikes. 

Most toy haulers cost between $40,000 and $80,000 and come in 20 to 40-foot lengths. Beyond the basic facilities in any RV, toy haulers offer ramp doors and convertible space that could serve as storage or sleeping areas—whichever is needed. 

Pop-Up Campers

Pop-up campers are some of the lightest, smallest RVs. When set up in a campsite, their walls and ceilings fold down or expand. 

These tiny campers range from 8 to 16 feet long and cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. They are easily towed using most trucks, SUVs, or even cars. Despite their diminutive size, pop-ups, depending on the model, have areas for sleeping, cooking, and showers.

Closed, their low height of about four feet allows better visibility while driving and makes them easy to store in garages or standard parking spaces. Pop-up campers would be ideal for a budget-conscious traveler or someone who only wants to travel occasionally alone or with a friend or significant other. 

What Is The Best RV Brand?

There are hundreds of RV brands, so it’s understandable if you’re not quite sure which to choose when buying a new motorhome. 

Luckily, if you’re wondering about the best RV brands, here’s a look at the top manufacturers in the industry.

  • Forest River RVs: Forest River is the biggest RV brand in the U.S. and offers reliable motorhome models for traveling anywhere in any season.
  • Airstream: This brand specializes in iconic design styles and modern technologies. Airstream RVs look like classics but are equipped with the modern conveniences you need. 
  • Newmar: This company builds primarily luxury RVs with many high-end features for anyone wanting to travel full-time in comfort.
  • Winnebago: A household name, Winnebago offers RVs for every budget class and is known for its accessibility-enhanced models.
  • Jayco: This brand is primarily recognized for its green design. Jayco RVs come with an impressive industry warranty and are constructed to withstand rough conditions.

The Wrap-Up – Choosing Your Storage Space 

With all the information one needs about picking an RV, it is time to find a perfect model for one’s lifestyle. Whether you are purchasing an RV for full-time travel or renting an RV for those quick trips, there’s a model for you. 

We hope our knowledge helps you find a motorhome that suits your lifestyle. We also hope that you’ll consider I-10 RV Storage when looking for Arizona RV storage or RV storage in Phoenix. Storage is just as important as knowing how to choose a motorhome since the right storage can mean several years of RV use. 

So contact us here and let our team tell you more about our storage facilities and amenities. 

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