OKEMOS, Mich.-Many factors should be considered when purchasing a recreation vehicle, as you will find many choices when beginning to shop. To put it simply, RVs can be used for most everything. From brief leisure activities such as road trips, vacations and camping to full-time living, you'll be able to find an RV fit for your needs and style.
A folding camping trailer is a lightweight unit with sides that collapse for towing and storage. The compact size allows for quick setup and easy storage between uses. Most camping trailers are available from $4,000 to $13,000. When fully set up, they provide a kitchen and dining area, sleeping accommodations and, in many models, bathroom facilities.
A travel trailer is a unit designed to be towed by your car, van or pickup by means of frame hitch or bumper. They can range anywhere from $10,000 to $66,000 depending on model and size, and can accommodate up to eight or 10 people comfortably. They provide sleeping accommodations, kitchen areas and electric and water systems. A fifth-wheel is a type of travel trailer, however, it is designed to be towed by pickups with a special hitch.
And finally, a motor home. There are a few types of motor homes. Class C and class A. The class C motor home has the convenience of a larger motor home, but in a miniature version. They range from $48,000 to $139,000 and sleep up to eight. Class A motor homes are the largest and most luxurious of the "home-away-from-home" on wheels. Both include sleeping accommodations, bathroom facilities and a kitchen, as well as electricity, heating, air-conditioning, water and propane gas.
If you still can't decide, renting an RV may be your best option. Many dealers offer the option to rent, with packages ranging from three to 10 days. Take it for a weekend getaway or short road trip.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC's Web site, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881.
For additional information, please visit our All About RVing section of this web site. Here you will find various articles spotlighting the people and places that makeup the RV and Camper lifestyle.
