Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook

Driver Education illustration

Additional Formats

  • Open selection options
    Download PDF

Section 8 of 16

Types of RVs

There are several types of RVs and trailers which offer living accommodations in a mobile setting. The following types of vehicles may be operated with the license classes described in the License Classes and Requirements chart on pages 2 and 3.

Type of Vehicle Explanation
Conventional trailer
Conventional-these vary in size from 13 to 35 feet. Most can be towed with a small size vehicle. A larger model may require a heavier pickup or van as the towing vehicle.
Fifth wheel trailer
Fifth-wheel-is coupled to the towing vehicle (usually a pickup truck) with a hitch centered over the vehicle’s rear axle. Fifth-wheels vary in length from 17 to 40 feet.
camp trailer
Folding Camping Trailer-has collapsible sides that are folded down for compact travel and unfolded at a campsite. Most can be towed by an average size vehicle.
Motor home
Motor home-divided into two types. The larger one is built on a truck chassis with a gasoline or diesel engine and is capable of traveling long distances due to a large fuel capacity. The smaller or mini-motor home is built on a modified van chassis and usually has a section that overhangs the cab.
Camper van
Van Camper and Conversion-van camper is equipped with most of the amenities found in motor homes, but bed size and space to maneuver are limited. Vehicles usually have a raised roof for additional headroom. A van conversion normally has a bed, dinette, sink, and a small water supply but is not as fully equipped for camping as a van camper.
Truck camper
Truck Camper-a detachable section designed to be transported on a pickup truck. The larger varieties may require trucks with dual-rear wheels. Also called pickup camper or cab over camper.