Motorhomes - Which One Fits Your Needs?

Motor homes are a popular means of travel in America. The recent rise of gas prices have done little to curb the public enthusiasm for these travel machines. When properly cared for, motor homes are a very efficient and cost effective way for a family to go on a trip. Which brings up the first step in finding a motor home. Assess your needs. Not so much your wants, but what you really need in a motor home to enjoy traveling. Too many new owners fall into the trap of getting one of the most tricked out motor homes they can find. Don't be seduced by the bells as whistles.

How many people will be traveling with you most trips? Will you be taking special equipment and supplies to use at your destination? (i.e. Bikes, ski equipment, scuba gear, fishing outfits, etc.) How many days/weeks per year do you expect to be traveling in your motor home? Once you have a picture of what you need, you can begin to weed out the options. Once you have your basic model, you can pick and choose from among the motor homes the model with the options and features that will make traveling even more fun.

There are three basic classes of motor homes. Class A, the largest, resembles a charter bus. These motor homes offer the most space and most standard features. These motor homes can also be customized with a wide variety of luxuries that may be beyond what you are looking for as a new user. But if you have a large family traveling with you, or you will be on the road for more than a week at a time, class A motor homes are a good buy.

Class C motor homes are the camper style vehicles with the bunk over the cab design. These can pack many of the features of the class A but are significantly shorter (and cheaper.) The shorter body is due to the main sleeping quarters being placed in the normally wasted space over the driver's head. Good for a large family on a budget.

If you will be traveling alone or just in a party of two, the class B motor home may be the one for you. Built inside the framework of a standard street van, these are the smallest of the motor homes. But properly configured, they can still provide all of the basic needs for a much smaller price. Also consider if you are going to use your motor home for towing and order the suspension and engine package accordingly. Remember, not too much vehicle, especially at first. Just scale your motor home to be in line with your needs, and you will do OK.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, it's time to match it up with a real make and model. Motor home dealers are helpful for this. They will often have an extensive lineup of motor homes for your inspection. RV and Motor home shows are also useful for reference. Private sales are also plentiful. Check out the magazines dedicated to these types of sales. However you find one, motor homes are a great way to travel.