So you’ve decided “Yo ho, yo ho, the RV life for me” but have no idea where to start.

I got you.

Finding your dream Recreational Vehicle (RV) can be a daunting task. Unfamiliar terminology alone creates a steep learning curve. The abundance of available information is a blessing and a curse.

There are plenty of articles that go into excruciating detail but the purpose of this post is to outline the key points that helped me (someone with zero prior exposure to RV living) understand the RV types, or “classes.” I also boiled down the buying process into five basic, easy to understand phases.

The information contained in this article are based off of personal experience and research from various resources. It is merely a summary and jumping off point for you to continue researching based on your needs.

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Merriam-Webster simply defines a recreational vehicle as “a vehicle designed for recreational use (as in camping).” It is the most recognizable means of mobile living but there are plenty of other unconventional portable dwellings: school buses, military vehicles, boats, even airplanes.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway cruiser or want to leave your sticks-and-bricks life behind, read on for a basic overview of what to expect.

Class in Session – RV Types

First consideration: Motorized vs. Non-Motorized. Do you want something you can hop behind the wheel of or something that you can tow behind a truck or large SUV?

Motorized RV Classes

Class A

• This is the kind that resembles a commercial bus (or celebrity tour bus if you’re feeling bougie).
• Most states do not require a special drivers license – check with your specific state for weight limits and licensing requirements.
• Special Power: Transformer Mode – Most have slideouts, which expand the width of the livable space by several feet on each side.
• They are either gas or diesel, referring to the type engine (and therefore fuel) they run on.
• If you decide on a Class A, gas versus diesel is an important decision point in itself.
  • Diesel: Sometimes called diesel pushers, because the engine is in the back and “pushes” the vehicle from behind). They are more expensive to own and maintain. The advantages are higher fuel efficiency, more power to climb hills or tow a vehicle/trailer, and higher resale value.
  • Gas: More affordable rig and fuel but may have a shorter lifespan with more frequent maintenance requirements.

Class B

• The nimble star of the van dwelling movement (#vanlife) A.K.A. My introduction to this mobile lifestyle.
• Vans vary in size and can be bought fully outfitted though many folks go the DIY route and convert their own.
• The least spacious class. However, when I first toured one, I was amazed at how roomy it felt on the inside compared to how small it looked parked on the side of the street.
• Special Power: Ninja Mode – Because of its size and unassuming appearance, vans are excellent for navigating tricky, narrow, or remote routes and terrain, as well as “stealth camping.” That is, inconspicuously spending the night where people may not typically be permitted to sleep in their vehicles.

Class C

• These are motorhomes built on a truck or van chassis (base). Appearance-wise they usually have a cab-over (overhang) on a pickup truck looking front.
• May be easier or at least less intimidating to drive than a Class A, with many of the same amenities.
• Their size & capabilities tend to be between that of a Class A and Class B – like a Baby Ninja Transformer.

[!] There are now Class B+ RVs – a hybrid in size and functionality between a Class B and C.

Non-Motorized RVs – Travel Trailers

There are several types of travel trailers, which must be towed behind another vehicle. These range from pop up and teardrop trailers to options of increasing size all the way up to fifth-wheel trailers, which require a specialized hitch in the bed of a truck. We only briefly considered a trailer, because neither of our vehicles could tow anything with enough space for our needs. As much as I would love to buy a shiny new truck to tow a fancy fifth-wheel, it just wasn’t in our budget.

5 Steps to Pick Your Rig and Set Up

New vs. Used: For your first RV, I do not recommend purchasing a brand new rig. As soon as you drive it off the lot, it depreciates by thousands of dollars. In most cases you can use after market options to customize your used rig to your liking. There are advantages to buying new but budget is the biggest factor.

Beyond that, I’ve boiled down the buying process to a 5-step process. This is based off our experience plus retrospect to maximize efficiency. The left column is the recommended step and the right column is how we applied it.

1. Figure out what you need

“What purpose(s) will this RV set up serve?”

2. Take stock of what you have

3. Try Before You Buy

Just like with a new car (or romantic partner, let’s be honest) it’s always wise to test drive before committing. Unlike buying a car however, just driving it around the block is not enough.

We decided our trial run would be a long weekend camping trip. Since a Class C is a good middle ground, we rented a 26-foot Forest River Forester from a family-owned business on RVShare.

I think my husband also secretly hoped that the trip would quench my curiosity and I would drop the discussion of buying an RV altogether. Just like when my dad told me to watch A Few Good Men hoping it would scare me out of joining the military, it only fueled my fire.

4. Make Your Wishlist

The reason I recommend renting before making your wishlist is because it will establish a baseline. The internet is saturated with nearly limitless ideas ranging from clever to absurd. Actually traveling in an RV will give you a better idea of what is realistic or practical for your personal needs. You will pick up on things that Pinterest and Instagram might not show. You can always rent another one later if you want to try something different.

Evaluating your needs already put the framework in place. Next, make a list of non-negotiables – think “Must Haves” and big picture items. Then, make a list of some negotiables – these are the “Nice to Haves” and the “fun stuff.” During your search you will pick up on common parameters to narrow down your search. Here are some ideas for a starting point. If something you want narrows the search too much, you may have to compromise or dig a little deeper. Continue to research throughout this entire process.

*Some parks have age restrictions on RVs. For example, some parks require the vehicle to be 10 years or newer.

**Many RVs had kitchen sinks or refrigerators that were inaccessible when the slides were in. To me, this eliminated some advantages to having an RV in the first place – being able to grab a snack or access clean water on the fly.

5. Be Patient and Thorough

I am terrible with delayed gratification. So I totally understand wanting to jump on the first deal that looks decent. Unfortunately, especially with the growing popularity of RVs, it may take a while to find the right deal for you. Our search, from renting the Class C to picking up our Class A from Florida spanned approximately 6 months. We toured dozens of options at dealerships, lemon lots, and even people’s homes. Many times I would get excited and think, “This is the one!” Thank goodness we waited.

We finally got our lucky break from RVT.com from an elderly couple who wanted to get rid of their lightly used motorhome for an incredible price. In addition to websites dedicated to buying and selling motorhomes, you can also check out listings on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Just be cautious and don’t feel pressured to purchase something you’re not 100% comfortable with.

Good luck and happy hunting!