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Buying An RV - 2004 RV Buyer's Guide (33-3)

This year's crop of RVs features more selection, more options and more value than ever before. RVs come in a wide range of styles, including both motorized and towable types. Motorized RVs, or motorhomes, are made in three basic styles roughly based on size. Class A motorhomes, which are built on a specialized bus-like chassis, are the largest. They offer tremendous amounts of space, making them ideal for larger families or for extended trips. Class B motorhomes, which are built on a van chassis, are the smallest style of motorhome and are unbeatable for negotiating small, winding roads leading to remote vacation spots. Many function as a second car between camping forays. Between these two extremes are the mid-sized Class C motorhomes, which generally combine the basic chassis and cab of a van with a larger RV body. Among non-motorized, towable RVs, travel trailers range in size from ultra-compact 10-foot models to ultra-luxurious units of 30 feet or more in length. Many incorporate slide-out sections that dramatically enhance the interior living area without increasing the overall length of the trailer. Once the trailer is parked at the campground, you simply flip a switch and the slide expands to its full width. Trailers greater than about 34 feet in length are seldom moved more than once, and are commonly called park models. Often seen in a semi-residential setting, park models bridge the gap between travel trailers and manufactured housing. Those who relish the open-air adventure of traditional tent camping, but who still appreciate homey comfort and conveniences, will find that fold-down or tent trailers fit the bill. These trailers offer many advantages – the concept of a trailer that folds down for towing reduces wind resistance, minimizes the combined length of the trailer/tow vehicle combination, and provides the brightest and most natural of RV environments. And, they’re generally light enough that they can be towed behind most cars and mini-vans. Hybrid trailers are a relatively new category, and look like a marriage between a conventional travel trailer and a fold-down. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the fifth wheel trailer is named for the saddle-and-pin type of hitch it uses. Unlike a traditional trailer hitch, which sits below the rear bumper, a fifth wheel unit mounts in the bed of a pickup truck, and looks somewhat like the hitch used on tractor trailers. This arrangement maximizes the towing capacity of the truck while providing improved road handling characteristics. Fifth wheels offer tremendous amounts of space for their size, particularly those with multiple slide-outs. Pickup owners also have the option of going with a truck camper. These compact units slide directly into the truck bed, and are secured with a special tie-down kit. The major advantage of this type of RV is that it can go wherever the truck can, so they’re popular with anglers, hunters and RVers who really like to get away from it all. A Word About Pricing and Specifications This guide has been compiled with information supplied by the RV manufacturers. All specifications are checked for accuracy at the time of publication, but are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, visit your local RV dealer. Unless noted otherwise, prices shown are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Canadian dollars. Prices do not include taxes, financing charges or additional costs for optional equipment, freight or dealer preparation. ... (Read the complete RV Buyer's Guide in the magazine.)