RV Classes 101: Your Complete Guide to Towable and Motorized RVs

If you’re new to the world of RVs and travel trailers, navigating your way through the multiple classes of vehicles can be a bit intimidating. Here is every class, and who each one is for.

Travel Trailer

A home that follows you almost anywhere. Towable, versatile and compactly designed, built from lightweight materials, with a kitchen, sleeping quarters and a bathroom. Higher-end models add slide-outs and entertainment systems.

5th Wheel

Luxury accommodations on wheels. Hitched to a pickup truck through a fifth-wheel coupling, which gives excellent stability and manoeuvrability. Spacious multi-level living space, a well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable bedroom and multiple slide-outs.

Toy Hauler

For those who can’t travel without their toys. A larger trailer with a rear garage for motorcycles, ATVs and gear — and the garage converts into extra living quarters.

Class A

Travel without compromise. A bus-like motorhome on a custom chassis with a powerful engine: full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, lavishly appointed bathrooms and expansive slide-outs.

Class B

A simpler way to travel in comfort. The camper van — compact, easy to drive and it fits a standard parking spot, with a clever interior, a living area that converts to sleeping quarters, a kitchenette and a compact bathroom.

Class C

A motorized option that has it all for less. Recognisable by the over-cab sleeping area, and balanced between size and versatility: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and available slide-outs. A good family option.

Park Model

A second home untethered to a single address. Bigger than a typical RV and smaller than a house, built for long-term or seasonal park stays with a residential-style interior. Not intended for regular travel.

Hybrid Model

Enjoy the experience of a tent with the amenities of a trailer. Hard-sided construction with fold-out tent sections, giving more interior space in a compact package.

Truck Camper

Just load it up and go. Made for a pickup bed, from lightweight pop-ups to fully equipped hard-sided models — living space, bedroom, small kitchen and bathroom, and you can still tow.

Tent Trailer

It’s like a traditional tent, only better. The pop-up or folding camper: collapsible walls and roof, comfortable sleeping areas, a basic kitchenette and a small dining space, towable by most vehicles.

Cargo Trailer

A multi-purpose option. Utilitarian and non-motorized, for hauling goods and equipment — and convertible into a mobile workshop, office or living space.

Horse Trailer

Transport your hoofed companions comfortably and safely. Sturdy construction, ramp or step-up entrance, and interior dividers that keep horses separated in transit.

Dump Trailer

Designed to get the job done. A hydraulic lift raises and tilts the bed to dump heavy materials.

Utility Trailer

A multi-purpose option for work and play. Open or enclosed, often a flatbed — furniture, appliances, construction materials, ATVs and motorcycles.