RV Rental Guide: Which Types of RV are Right for You?

If you’re considering renting or even buying an RV, you might feel overwhelmed. It’s not as simple as picking out a unit and having a great time. To make the most of your FL RV rental, you need to pick the right type of RV. Check out this guide to RV types and you won’t be disappointed by your pick.

Class C

The class C is a popular RV rental in Florida for good reason. If you’re seen an RV that is built on the chassis of a truck, you’re probably looking at a Class C. It doesn’t sit too high or low to the ground and almost always has a bunk above the driving area. Because this vehicle doesn’t require a special license, you don’t need to worry about having any qualifications to drive it. As long as you have a license and are comfortable driving a larger vehicle, you’ll be fine.

Driving a class C is like driving a moving van. Typically, these units come with built-in generators. You can go to a site with no power and still enjoy modern creature comforts. Furthermore, this type of RV also makes travel with children easier. There are often a variety of seating options, and fussy kids tend to prefer the unique seating arrangements.

One of the disadvantages of the class C is that you would need to tow your own vehicle. Sure, you can drive the class C anywhere there’s a paved road. However, you might not be able to find parking. You also may not want to need to pack up and unplug everything when you want to explore town. Sometimes, people opt to tow a small vehicle behind their class Cs. Doing so makes it possible for renters to reap all the benefits of a class C while still being able to explore. 

Travel Trailer

If you have a tow vehicle or are willing to pay for RV delivery, you can consider a travel trailer. These units are exactly what the name implies – a camper that you tow behind a truck, just like a traditional trailer. If you’ve never towed a vehicle before, you might be intimidated by the idea of towing a travel trailer. In reality, it’s not that difficult and you can test the waters by renting a small travel trailer.

Setting up a travel trailer is slightly more difficult than setting up a class C. With a class C, there is usually a system of leveling jacks for set-up and you don’t need to disconnect anything from a truck when you arrive. But with a travel trailer, you might need to use blocks to level the unit. There are stabilizing jacks that you crank down to set the trailer firmly on the ground. After you set up the jacks, you need to disconnect the trailer from the truck.

Of course, there are advantages to travel trailers. You already have a vehicle with you, so exploring an area is easy and doesn’t require any extra work. Furthermore, you have extra storage in the bed of your truck. 

Class A

The best way to describe a class A is bus-like. Built like busses and semi trucks, the Class A is a sturdy and large vehicle. If you want to drive one, you might need a special license. In some states, you need a CDL to drive a class A depending on its weight and length. For instance, the state of Florida requires drivers to have a CDL if the vehicle is over 26,000 pounds or 45 feet long. 

If you’re planning a lengthy trip, you should consider a Class A because of its size. Usually, class As are very spacious on the interior. You might have separate living areas as well as a second story loft. Much like the Class C, the Class A requires you to tow a vehicle unless you don’t plan on leaving camp. You can also opt to tow a vehicle behind your class A. 

If you’re comfortable driving such a large vehicle and you want a spacious place to live while camping, a class A could be right for you. It also tends to be more luxurious than the other types of campers. 

Fifth Wheel

A fifth wheel is like a hybrid between a class C and a travel trailer. The actual camper itself isn’t connected to the truck, but the camper sits on a special attachment in the bed of your pick-up truck. Because of this set-up, the vehicle is easier to tow than a travel trailer. You also don’t need to worry about towing a vehicle, unless you need two vehicles with you.

If you don’t already have the special hitch for a fifth wheel, you probably won’t want to rent one. With that said, some renters offer delivery. And for those looking to buy an RV, storage could be an issue with the fifth wheel. These units tend to take up more room than travel trailers and class Cs. 

Which Types of RV Work Best for You?

As you’re trying to decide which type of RV to rent or buy, you need to consider your needs and wants. The first detail you should think about is your vehicle. Do you have a truck to tow a camper? If not, a class C or class A may be your best option.

Additionally, you should consider your goals when you get to your destination. Do you plan on staying at the campground, or will you travel around? If you plan on driving to other places, you need to have a vehicle or another means of transportation. You might need to inquire about towing a vehicle behind the RV. 

Finally, think about what would make for the best experience for everyone. If you have young kids, the ease of a class C might work best. Or if you simply want a quiet place to sleep at night,  a small travel trailer could be perfect. With the right RV rental, you’re sure to have a memorable trip.