My Custom van

What is an RV? All You Need to Know about Recreational Vehicles

A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine hitting the road to see your favorite sunset at the beach while carrying your home on wheels. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a full-time nomadic lifestyle, an RV (recreational vehicle) allows you to travel wherever you want without missing the comfort of home.

But what is an RV? What are the different types of RVs? What things should you consider before buying an RV? Rent or buy, which is the best option? Let’s break everything you need to know about RV living.

Class B Camper van parked infront hills and trees

What is an RV?

An RV (recreational vehicle) is any motor vehicle, van, or trailer where people build tiny houses for accommodation. Travel enthusiasts use RVs for weekend getaways, camping, & traveling during vacations.

At its core, an RV (recreational vehicle) is a motorized or towable vehicle equipped with living quarters designed for accommodation on the go. Whether you call it a camper, motorhome, caravan, or travel trailer, an RV is essentially a mobile home that allows you to combine travel with the comforts of home.

With integrated kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and storage cabins an RV enables you to embark on extended road trips or even live full‑time on the road.

In the US, almost one million people live in recreational vehicles. Some use them as offices, while others live full-time in these RVs. With advanced technology and smart storage options, RVs have become the primary choice for people to live.

A Brief History of RVs

The concept of mobile living is not new. Early 20th-century pioneers began converting vehicles into makeshift homes to travel and explore the country.

Over the decades, RVs evolved from basic trailers with minimal amenities to sophisticated motorhomes and towable campers offering luxurious features.

From the post-World War II boom - when families craved freedom and adventure - to today’s high-tech, environmentally conscious designs, RVs have consistently adapted to meet changing lifestyles and technological advances.

What are the main types of RVs?

There are mainly two types of RVs in the market, Motorized RV and Towable RV. Both of these RVs have their further types. Let’s know about them and their types:-

Motorized RV

Motorized RVs are self-sustained which means you don’t need any towable vehicle to move around. These RVs have engines and driving chassis.
Although they are more expensive than towable vehicles, they enable you to drive and live in a single unit.

Motorized RVs are easy to set up at a campsite and park. Mainly there are three types of motorhomes:

Class A motorhome

Class B motorhome

Class C motorhome

Class A Motorhomes

In RVs, space is a luxury, and Class A provides this luxury to its residents. Being one of the largest motorized RVs, class A motorhomes will provide you comfort and a homelike feeling. It includes

Up to 10 people can easily live in the class A RV, which makes it the best option for families
Class A RVs offer you multiple luxuries, including a dryer, washer, spacious living area, multiple bathrooms, a kitchen, and a full-size fridge.
You can have wardrobes, more spacious kitchen cabins, and high tow capacity to haul things like bikes, boats, etc
Moreover, in class A RVs, you can use either gas or diesel, as per your choice.

Along with many bright sides, there are some challenges you may face while driving class A motorhomes, which are:

Large sizes, which means limited access to tight places and difficulty in parking.
Get ready to pay more fuel costs.
More expensive as compared to other RVs.

Class A RV ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, making it the most expensive RV among other recreational vehicles. These are the best options for you if you want to experience a luxurious lifestyle.

Class B Motorhomes

Smaller in size, class-B Motorhomes are the best options for solo travelers who want to explore new places. These Motorhomes include:

At Least 3 to 4 people can sleep inside it.
Small in size, which means it is easy to park, and you can easily drive in tight places.
Class B motorhomes or camper vans allow racks to store your bikes.
Despite their small size, these motorhomes have separate bathrooms, kitchen areas, living areas, and convertible beds.
Less fuel consumption

Some downsides of living in a B-class RV are:

These motorhomes offer small storage space & living capacity.
Some class B RVs don’t have a proper room for showers.
If not designed smartly, it feels like a cramped place.

Why Class B Motorhomes Are the Best

While all RV types offer unique advantages, Class B motorhomes—commonly known as camper vans—have emerged as the top choice for modern travelers. Here’s why:

Unmatched Agility

Class B RVs are built on a van chassis, making them incredibly maneuverable in urban settings, narrow roads, and tight parking spaces. Their compact size means you can explore cities and remote areas with equal ease.
Fuel Efficiency

Their smaller size and lighter weight translate to better fuel economy compared to larger Class A or Class C models. This makes them not only cost‑effective but also more environmentally friendly for frequent travelers.
Versatile Living Spaces

Despite their compact dimensions (typically 18 to 24 feet), Class B camper vans are ingeniously designed to maximize every inch of space. With convertible seating, pop‑top roofs, and modular interiors, these vans offer a perfect balance of functionality and comfort.
Customizability

This is where My Custom Van truly shines. We specialize in transforming standard Class B camper vans into personalized, state‑of‑the‑art mobile homes. Our customizations include:

Tailored Interior Layouts

Design your living space to suit your lifestyle—whether it’s a mobile office, a cozy retreat, or an adventure-ready camper.
High‑Quality Materials & Finishes

We use premium materials and cutting‑edge design techniques to ensure every detail is perfect.
Smart Technology Integration

From integrated solar panels to advanced climate control systems, our customized vans come equipped with the latest technology to enhance your travel experience.
Personalized Design

Work directly with our experts to choose color schemes, furnishings, and layout options that reflect your unique style.

Explore Our Class B Layouts:
Perfect for Every Adventure

SANTA MONICA AMERICAN OAK

The flagship camper van in the segment of short vans, Compactness, comfort, convenience, practicality, we were able to fit into this car. After buying it, you will be surprised how simple and tasteful everything is.

SANTA MONICA BLACK

A wonderful model, a compact camper van, for four people, embodying maximum comfort. You will definitely like our model, we are sure of it.

SANTA MONICA GRAY

This beautiful conversion is shown in the "for two" mode. It has a click in removable double extra seat behind the driver.

CALABASAS

A design project with a claim to glamour, created with the direct participation of a client- an interior designer. The epitome of beauty and practicality

MONTREAL

Our second flagship in long vans. The layout allows it to be adapted for 2-8 people.

SANTA BARBARA

A van with a European layout and a unique design in America, featuring numerous storage cabinets, ample seating, and a stunning shower with a concealed toilet.

Explore More

For solo travelers, couples, and even small families, a Class B camper van offers the freedom of a mobile lifestyle without the bulk and expense of larger RVs.

Enjoy the simplicity of van living while having the option to upgrade and customize your van to match your evolving needs.
Choosing a Class B motorhome means opting for a solution that is agile, economical, and perfectly suited for modern, on‑the‑go lifestyles

And when you choose our customized Class B camper vans, you’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re investing in a personalized, mobile home that reflects your individuality and enhances every journey.

Class C Motorhomes

Featuring the ‘best of both worlds,’ class C has a medium size between class A and class B motorhomes. It also has a cab-over design for more storage space and bedding options. It includes:

From 4 to 6 people can stay in the motorhome, making it a perfect choice for couples with pets and families.
Smaller in size than class A motorhomes, class C RVs range from 20 to 33 feet in length and hence easy to drive and have less fuel consumption.
Compared to class B RVs, these motorhomes have more storage inside & outside of the vehicle.

Class C RV is the ultimate option for you if you want more space and an easy-to-drive vehicle without breaking the bank.

Fuel Efficiency

Class C motorhomes typically have a fuel efficiency of 7 to 12 miles per gallon.
Original and Resale Value

The price of class C motorhomes starts from anywhere between $40,000 to $300,000. Price mainly depends upon the amenities, brand, mileage, etc. The resale value of this RV will be from $25,000 to $100,000.
Off-road Capability

Typically, class C motorhomes aren’t built for off-road challenges but some manufacturers offer models that have features like 4WD and robust suspensions for off-road terrain.

Some drawbacks of living in this motorhome are:

Lack of privacy due to compact design.
You will need another vehicle after parking it

Towable RVs

Towable RVs don’t have any engine or driving chassis. They are dependent on other vehicles to tow. You have to tow it behind a truck, SUV, or any other conveyance to move around.

Comparable to motorized RVs, towable RVs are cost-effective but difficult to set up and park.

The main types of towable RVs are:

Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are RVs that are built to hitch to the car or truck and are used for camping or road trips. These trailers are compact and smaller in size than fifth wheels.

1
Fifth wheels

Known for its special feature of a hitch that easily connects to the tow vehicle, the fifth wheel offers enough space and a luxurious lifestyle to its residents. 4 to 10 people can easily stay in the fifth wheel, making it the best accommodation for large families.

2
Toy haulers

Toy haulers are towable RVs that have rear garage areas for hauling equipment like dirt bikes, bicycles, boats, snowmobiles, etc. It also provides enough living space along with a rear garage.

3
Pop-up campers

Pop-up campers have collapsible roofs which offer larger space when set up and become a compact trailer when the roof is folded.

4
Hybrid trailers

The hybrid trailers are a combination of travel trailers and pop-campers and have extra interior space through foldable side walls.

5

Must-have features for Your RV

Planning to get an RV for your next trip? Consider these essential features in your RV to make your trip unforgettable.

Bedroom Space in RVs

Depending on the size of your RV, you can either have small or master bedrooms in your motorhome.

If you're traveling with your family, go for the bunk beds, have compact space in your van, look for convertible beds, or want a luxurious experience, then use the king & queen size beds

Kitchen Setup in Your RV

Kitchen size and its equipment depend on the size of your recreational vehicle. In almost all RVs you will have a countertop, refrigerators (mini or large), cooktops, ovens, pantry storage, and cabins for utensils.

In larger RVs like Class C or A motorhomes, you will also have dishwashers and kitchen islands.

The Security System in Your RV

Your whole house is on the road; therefore, security should be your first priority.

Use high-quality locks.
Install security cameras to avoid any risk of break-ins.
Use alarm system for smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.
Install a GPS tracker in your RV.

Cooling and Heating System in RVs

First thing first. If you’re planning to set your RV on your own, then first go for the high-quality insulation. You’re going to live in the vehicle. It will heat up like an oven in the summer and cool up like an icebox in winter. So, insulate your mobile home.
After insulation, install an air conditioner and heater in the RV. AC often operates on generators, while heaters operate on propane gas or gasoline.

Apart from these important features, don’t forget water tanks and holding tanks to fulfill your water & waste storage needs.
To make camping or traveling more fun, you can do outdoor activities like awning, setting your kitchen outside, etc.

How to Choose the Right RV Based on Your Lifestyle?

If you want to buy an RV for yourself, online noise might confuse you. Everywhere you look, RVs come in different layouts, each promising to be the perfect fit for you.
But instead of following blindly, you need to consider your preferences. Here are the things you should keep in mind while choosing the RV for yourself:

First, consider how you want to use your motorhome. If you plan to use it on weekends, during vacations, as an office, or full-time at home.
Then, see how many people are going to use the RV. If you have a family, then Class A or C will be good options. If you’re a couple or someone with pets, then select the type of RV & layout accordingly.
Decide in which season you’re driving the most. During winter, it’s hard to drive in snow, and also low temperatures can impact the water system and batteries. While in summer, you need a proper ventilation and cooling system.
Think about your & your partner's interests & preferences. Do you like to use a spacious bathroom, or will a compact one be fine? Does your partner love cooking, or will a small countertop with short storage work? Will you be fine with setting up your bed every night before sleeping?

By considering your likes & dislikes, select the right layout for yourself. The most important thing is your budget. Consider your budget, and then search for your favorite RV. If your budget is short, then a used RV will be more affordable.
And the most important thing is your Budget. Consider your budget, and then search for your favorite RV. If your budget is short, then a used RV will be more affordable.

What are the Pros & Cons of Living in an RV?

Some people love the idea of living in an RV, while others despise it. If you’re going for full-time RV life, you should consider all the pros & cons of living in an RV before you hit the road.

Pros
- RV life gives you freedom and flexibility that you will never enjoy in your brick-and-stick house. You can go anywhere, anytime, without the hassle of packing. If you don’t like the neighbors or weather, no problem; give a race to your vehicle and go wherever you like.
- You have a home on wheels, which means you don’t have to worry about taxes and mortgages. RV life is significantly cheaper than traditional home life.
- Your motorhome will take you to all the places you want to visit. You can roam around cities or even states without worrying about hotel expenses. It is the best option for you if you love traveling.
- The RV lifestyle allows you to practice minimalism. Removing the unnecessary things and keeping only what matters will make you feel stress-free. You will need only 30 minutes to clean your space.
- RVs are dream houses for nature lovers. If you like the sun, beach, greenery, or mountains, you can chase them in your mobile home.
Cons
- One of the main cons of living in RVs is the storage problem. You can’t bring your whole house into an RV, which means you have to let go of your various possessions.
- Being an RV resident, get ready for unpredictable incidents. You can encounter different situations like a fault in your RV, shortage of water, etc. Your mobile home will need constant maintenance.
- While living in a motorhome, chances of break-ins increase. Most RV locks are easy to pick therefore, spend money on buying high-quality locks.
- It might be a challenge to park your motorhome during the night. In RV parks, you can experience disturbance from your neighbor's RVs. The RV lifestyle offers less privacy.

What Should You Know Before Buying an RV?

Whether you are planning to buy a new or used RV, you need to make a checklist of things you should check before buying. Keep in mind these things while inspecting an RV:

Inspect the exterior to find any damage, rusting, leaks, or cracks in the roof, windows, or seals. Check door locks and security cameras.
Take a closer look at the interior layout. Look for cracks on furniture, and check all the kitchen appliances. Also, check if the storage capacity will be enough for you or not.
Open all the taps and faucets to detect any potential leak in the plumbing system.
Check the tire pressure and their overall condition or age
Test the electrical appliances, batteries, air conditioners, or heaters to assess their functionality.

How Do You Maintain Your RV?

After buying an RV, the next thing is its maintenance to keep it running for a long time. And maintenance is not a walk in the park. You have to constantly check certain things on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.

Here are the tips to maintain your RV:

Check your roof for seals & seams after every three months. A small water leakage can cause extreme damage to your mobile home.

Before going on a trip, charge your batteries. Check and pour distilled water (if needed) every month. Batteries start losing their capacities after every 3 to 5 years. So, consider checking & replacing them.

Regularly check tire pressure and replace them after every 5 years. Check and lubricate your brakes regularly.

Get professional help annually for ACs or furnaces.

Keep your water system maintained by proper flushing and using the essential chemicals. If not properly cleaned, they can clog the plumbing system.

Don’t forget to regularly check your safety equipment like CO detectors, fire extinguishers, cameras, etc. If you plan to park your RV during winter, consider winterizing them.

What are Some Must-have Items to Keep in Your RV?

Maintaining your grey and black tanks is like changing your car’s oil: do it regularly, or you’ll regret it later. Clogs in your RV can occur only if you’re careless in the cleaning process. Follow these guidelines to protect your gray & black tanks from clogging.

First Aid Kit: While constantly traveling, you have potential risks of injuries, so it is necessary to have a survival kit. Put ice bags, burn creams, bandages, antibiotics, etc., in the box

Tool Kit: Driving all the time? You need to fix minor faults. And in these conditions, a toolkit will be your lifesaver.

Make sure to install all the life-saving detectors, like CO or smoke detectors.

Take an axe or shovel with you. These will come in handy in a lot of situations, like clearing the road, cutting wood for the fire, or digging to dump waste in remote areas.

Use a tire pressure monitor to check the pressure of the tires, and it will also alert you if there is any leakage.

Some other things to keep in your RV are torches, foldable chairs or tables, and a drying rack.

Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV?

Whether you need a special license or not to drive an RV depends largely on the type of RV you want to drive and the state you’re living in.

Class A & B RVs usually don’t require any special license to drive. However, towing trailers may require a particular license in some states.

For your security, you should join an RV driving school to learn all about the safety precautions.

Renting Vs Buying? Which is the Best Option?

If you’re confused about buying or renting an RV, let us help you decide by elaborating all the pros and cons.

Renting an RV
- If you want to travel once in a while and need an RV for less than 30 days, renting will be the best option for you.
- Renting is a cheaper option than buying.
- You don’t have to worry about the maintenance or regular upkeep.
- You can try different types of RV every time you travel.
Buying an RV
- If you want to live full-time in the RV or want to set up your office in it, then go for buying an RV.
- Buying an RV will be a cheaper option than renting a house in the long run.
- You can customize the layouts of the RV according to your choice.
- You can go anywhere, anytime without, panicking about the reservations or packing.

Final Thoughts

RVs are the modern trends for people who want to explore and travel. Moreover, people prefer the RV lifestyle because they don’t have to pay taxes and mortgage. You should consider your budget and preferences before buying an RV and hitting the road.

"Big Bear Vans: Building the Dream"

Book a video call, phone, or in person visit

Ready to bring your dream van to life? Let's make it happen! Start building your unique van today.

Feel free to write and call us. We really love to communicate with our clients.

+1 (951) 441-9719

bigbearvans@gmail.com

320 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear City, California, 92314, USA
5179 Brooks St. Suite G, Montclair California, 91763, USA