Ready to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors but don't know where to start? An RV lets you take all the amenities of home to the campground or the boondocks, depending on how adventurous you are. There are several configurations and formats to choose from, so it's easier than ever to find one that fits your needs. Are you looking for one to drive, or one to tow behind your vehicle, maybe you need one to haul the toys to the playground? Here's a list to consider when looking to purchase your first RV:

• Where are you planning to travel with it?
• What kind of camping do you want to do with it?
• How many people will be using it at one time?
• How much storage do you need, inside and outside?
• What kind of vehicle set up do you have or need?

Benefits of Buying an RV

There are many benefits to buying an RV for traveling. By having an enclosed, secure place to stay while in the woods, at the lake, or on the shore you and your family can rest peacefully without worrying about the elements or bugs and animals that are drawn to human activity. You know your space is clean and safe. Another great benefit is food storage and preparation. It's hard to grill in the rain, but when you have a kitchen you can still have a hot meal and enjoy it in a dry space. Pets are always welcome too.

Tips for a Great RV Trip

Planning ahead will always make a RV trip more fun and relaxing. It helps to plan the timing of your trip and stops, but it doesn't have to be a rigid schedule. RV trips are about getting there as much as being there, enjoy the trip and the scenery. There are many campground clubs across America that provide benefits other than a discount on a place to stay, so check them out and compare the benefits with your needs to see which one is better for you. They also can help with planning the trip by having a route with preplanned stops along the way. Maintenance is also an important pretrip requisite. Make sure everything on the RV is in good working order and functioning properly, that goes for the tow vehicle too, if you have a pull behind or fifth wheel RV.

Popular RVs

Some of the most popular RVs are the pull behind, or tow behind trailers that hook up to a tow hitch on the bumper of a vehicle. Most of these are lightweight and can be pulled by most of the larger SUVs and pickups on the market. They can range in size from the 8'-12' tear drop and pop up trailers all the way up to the 36' trailers and toy haulers that can haul ATVs and motorcycles.

Fifth wheels are also popular but require a pickup with the in bed hitch. They are easier to pull and maneuver than the bumper hitch trailers but tend to be heavier and range from 26'-36' in length, but that doesn't include the tow vehicle length, so keep that in mind when looking for your RV.

Motorhome RVs are another option that come with the vehicle component built in. There are 3 classes of motorhomes: class A, class B, and class C. Class As are your full sized motorhomes and are usually the size of a coach bus, about 32'-42' in total length and are great for long stays in a single place.

Class Bs, also known as camper vans, are great for sight seeing trips when you plan to spend most of the time on the road just seeing what's out there. They offer mobility and maneuverability without a lot of setup and better fuel economy. Class Cs fall between the As and Bs. They have more space and amenities than the vans, but are easier to drive than the class As. Whatever your needs there's an RV out there for you and your next adventure.