Campers and RVs are the two main categories of vehicles that can serve as overnight accommodations on camping trips or road trips. These two cars are different, even though they look similar. Understanding RV vs camper will give you a strong foundation for the selection.
A recreational vehicle (RV) is a type of motorized home on wheels. You can either drive it yourself or have it towed. RVs come in different sizes and are categorized as Class A, B, or C. Conversely, it is necessary to have an additional vehicle capable of towing campers, including fifth wheels and trailers. RVs are typically more expensive than campers, but they come with more amenities and are easier to drive.
However, for better comprehension, you need to know more about the differences. So, this article aims to give you a complete scenario for both of these vehicles. By the end of it, you will know which one to pick.
Difference Between RV and Camper at a Glance
| Aspect | RV | Camper / Travel Trailer |
| Size | Typically shorter, more adaptable | Longer; requires more parking space |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Relatively cheaper |
| Drivability | Allows movement while driving | Requires separate vehicle to tow |
What is an RV?
RV stands for “recreational vehicle.” RVs have a living area inside and are motorized vehicles. These are also known as motorhomes, but some people think they are campers.
An RV can be pulled behind your car, driven on its own, or put in the bed of your truck.
An RV is built differently than a tiny house. It is lighter and has an aerodynamic shape that makes it easier to move from place to place. The kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area all have their own areas in the vehicle, thanks to modern furniture and organization tricks. Additionally, an RV also has these features:
- Built on a single chassis of 400 square feet or less, measured at the most notable horizontal projections
- Mobile on its own or always pulled by a light-duty truck
- Designed to be a temporary home for camping, vacations, recreation, or the changing of the seasons, not as a permanent residence
Types of RV
Campers come in different styles, like RVs. The RV class distinguishes between different types of drivable motorhomes. Here is a complete breakdown of all three classes:
-
Class A RV
Most of the time, class A motorhomes are trucks with strong frames that are built on either an enterprise bus chassis, an industrial vehicle chassis, or a car framework. These deluxe buses are great, and they are what many RVers dream of getting. The largest of these RVs can accommodate up to 10 people and have a lot of storage space, depending on the model.
Class A motorhomes are safe, easy to drive, and do not need any special permits as long as they weigh less than 26,000 pounds. These huge vehicles get about 8 to 10 miles per gallon on gas. Also, these RVs can be up to 45 feet long, so they might not fit in all RV parks. Limits on size apply to some states and national forests as well.
Class A motorhomes can be either pushers or pullers, and their engines can run on gas or diesel. When the machine is in the back of a pusher, the driving cab is quieter and more relaxed.
However, these vehicles are pretty damn expensive. Besides, their enormous size might restrict your vision. And not to mention, you need to be highly skilled to drive one of these.
-
Class B RV
When it comes to RVs, Class B vehicles are the smallest. They are, however, simple to drive, and since they are small and light, they can go to many places. They have a lot less space than the other classes, but they can move around more easily.
This class usually ranges from 18 to 24 feet and offers one of the most basic amounts of space and storage. Class B motorhomes are slightly bigger than regular vans and are sometimes called “van campers.” Because it is the smallest motorhome course, it is also the cheapest, most fuel-efficient, and easiest to park.
As a whole, class B motorhomes are meant to be adventuresome and active. You can go almost anywhere and even sleep under the stars in one of these compact motorhomes.
The obvious drawback is that most vans can only fit one or two people. To make it even more accommodating, some trucks are pop-up campers, which means they have a bunk over the roof.
-
Class C RV
Compared to the small class B motorhomes, class C RVs have more room for living and many of the same comforts as class A RVs. There are many places to sleep, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Most smaller models have a queen-sized bed in the back of the RV. However, some larger models have a main bedroom suite in the back. The space above the cab can be used for storage or extra sleeping space, and there are couches and dinette tables in the overhead compartment.
Medium-sized class C RVs are 19 to 36 feet long. It is easy to spot them because the bed space sticks out over the top of the driver’s cab.
Class C RVs are usually the best choice for couples and families because they are affordable and easy to drive. Large class A rigs make it harder to travel and find places to stay the night. Conversely, class C models are much more flexible because they do not have as many restrictions. However, you will have to compromise on luxury and towing ability with this class.
What is a Camper?
In a broad sense, a camper is any pull-type RV, such as a travel trailer, fifth wheel, truck camper, pop-up camper, or any variation of those. The term “recreational vehicle” can refer to any of these vehicles, but when most people hear it, they picture motorized campers.
Types of Camper
Like RVs, campers come in different styles. Let’s look at them to get a better idea of the differences between RVs and campers.
-
Truck Camper
A truck camper fits in the pickup truck’s bed. Most small truck campers have a bed and a place to cook. Some have bathrooms and showers. In an RV park, it is easy to take a truck camper off of the vehicle and set it up on its own.
Truck campers come in many shapes, sizes, and storage options. One example is a pop-up truck camper, which has both hard and soft sides. Some also have slide-outs.
The versatility of these RVs makes them popular. Plus, they can go anywhere a pickup can go and places other, bigger RVs can’t. They can tow boats, trailers, and other toys.
The ideal off-grid RV has a large battery bank, solar panels, a holding tank, and generators. If you own a 4-wheel drive pickup truck, you can also go places that most RVs can’t.
-
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers are one of the most inclusive types of campers because they include all models that do not fold up. This RV can be anywhere from 10 to 40 feet long and weigh up to 12,000 pounds.
Travel trailers can be very cheap or very expensive, depending on their size and the number of features they have. They can be pulled behind powerful, heavy-duty vehicles, just like pop-ups.
Anyone with a suitable vehicle can tow a small travel trailer, such as a teardrop trailer or a pop-up camper, to a campsite for a reasonable fee. These are not particularly large, but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay in the woods. However, difficulty in reverse driving and tail swing can be two issues with this type.
-
Pop-Up Camper
A pop-up camper or trailer is one of the lightest and easiest to move around RVs. It is also called a folding trailer and is between 8 and 16 feet long. The length and weight of the pop-up trailer determine which vehicles can pull it.
This camper’s foldable design makes it easy to move and store. These are frequently the cheapest towable trailers available, but they also have the fewest amenities. Larger models can, however, have bathrooms, kitchens, and more than one sleeping area.
Unfortunately, these campers’ designs make it hard to keep anything in them. Equipment and supplies should be moved separately. Besides, the pieces of canvas and the folding joints are likely to wear out and leak.
Additionally, trailers that look like tents expose people to more elements. Other basic needs, like bathrooms and kitchens, are often missing or not available at all.
-
Fifth Wheel Camper
Fifth wheels are just as comfortable, roomy, and convenient as bigger RVs. Not having to drive a fifth-wheel camper gives you more freedom and convenience. Only full-size trucks with heavy-duty towing capacity and a specific hitch can tow fifth wheels, unlike smaller campers.
Inside, fifth wheels are some of the best RVs out there. There is a lot of space for families to spread out, and they have everything they need to feel at home.
Even though the fifth wheel is a very big vehicle, it will only have a small turning radius. It helps you get in and out of small spaces.
These vehicles are not cheap, and the price goes through the roof when you add a truck that can trailer them. Besides, you’ll need enough parking space for them.
RV vs Camper: What Are the Key Differences?
Simply put, a motorhome can drive on its own, while a travel trailer, also referred to as a camper, requires the assistance of another vehicle. However, there are more key distinctions. Outlined below is the whole thing:
-
Size
Trailers are typically longer than recreational vehicles (RVs) due to the tow vehicle. Additionally, because of the trailer’s connection, parking and backing into a slot will perpetually be more challenging. Thus, if you are seeking something more adaptable and practical, an RV is usually the way to go.
When comparing sizes, it is helpful to think about both the outside and the inside. Low bridges and other clearance obstacles must be considered, so outside specifications are essential. Conversely, you must know if there is adequate space to move around, so the interior area’s size is critical.
-
Cost
Since a motorhome is essentially a combination of vehicle and living space, it tends to be more expensive than a trailer. And because they are self-contained, campers are cheaper because they do not need as much planning and engineering.
However, the cost comparison only works for rigs that are about the same size. It is clear that a fifth wheel will cost more than a Class B RV because it is bigger and has more features. A teardrop trailer, on the other hand, will cost less than a Class B.
-
Drivability
Finding the best luxury on-the-go experience is impossible without an RV. Unfortunately, it is against the law for anyone to be in a travel trailer that a car is pulling. So, any fancy things you wanted to do would have to wait until you got to your campsite. In contrast, an RV lets guests freely (and safely) move around the cabin while someone drives the distance.
Also, driving an RV is a lot more comfortable. The driver does not have to worry about the trailer swinging back and forth while going at a reasonable speed. Lastly, a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) might look easier to drive for someone who is not used to long cars or cars with a pivot point.
Conclusion
To conclude, we can say that an RV is versatile, fits various vehicles, and is designed for temporary living. There are three classes of RV. Conversely, RVs that are pull-type are campers. They include truck campers, travel trailers, pop-ups, and fifth wheels. They vary in size, amenities, and towing requirements.
However, remember that our above discussion is just a generalization. There is always going to be an exception to any rule. So, think about it, do some research, and ask questions before you decide. You can even rent an RV or trailer for a few days to help you decide if you are making the right choice.
However, getting help from a professional van-building company can make things a lot easier. Highland Vans can help you with this. It does not matter if you want a van for a long road trip or to live full-time. We can make it happen. Contact us today and tell us what you need.
