What RV To Buy Based On Your Lifestyle
Before you make the exciting purchase of an RV, it’s important to first establish what kind of travel you will be doing, so you can be sure you pick the vehicle!
There are a number of RVs on the market, each suited to different camping styles. Whether you are a family looking for a campervan or motorhome with plenty of living space, or a couple enjoying the simplicity of back-to-basics travel, there are options to suit everyone.
Before you make this exciting purchase, it’s important to first establish what kind of travel you will be doing, so you can be sure you pick the vehicle for you.
Let’s take a look at what the RV options are, and the types of lifestyle questions you should think about before buying a motorhome or campervan.
Types of RVs Available
Whether you want big, small, or something in between, there are plenty of options to choose from with an array of different features available depending on how you like to live on the road.
1. Hi-Top Van Conversion
A High-top van (or Pop-top) is a standard van that has been converted into something you can live in on the road. They usually feature a bed and cooking area, as well as large windows to enjoy the views.
The benefits of this type of travel van include:
Compact size
Small camper vans are easy to drive and park. If you can drive a standard car, you should have no trouble navigating around in a hi-top camper van.
Simple to maintain
Hi-top camper vans are usually very simple in their facilities, which means less maintenance, cleaning and repairs.
Ideal for couples
Couples who want simplicity and don’t need much space for extra personal items will love this campervan model.
Lower price point
Because Hi-top vans are more functional in design, they tend to have a lower price tag. That may mean you have a bit of extra money for some personal touches, such as new seat covers or nice bedding.
2. Large Van Conversions
Large van conversions provide more space and self-contained features, such as larger convertible beds, a toilet and shower, and a reverse-cycle air-conditioning/heating unit. These models are great for couples or small families who want to be self-contained but compact.
The benefits of this type of travel van include:
Flexible living
With a toilet and shower, a large van conversion gives you even more flexibility on the road. You won’t need to use campground facilities if you don’t want to, and you can head to more remote locations while being self-contained.
Good-sized vehicle
Large van conversions give you just the right amount of extra space, whilst still being compact enough for the vehicle to be easy to drive and park.
Certified self-contained
Being certified self-contained means you can officially park at spots that require it, such as free camping areas. That means you have the ultimate flexibility with where to stay.
3. Coachbuilts
Coachbuilts are the largest in the motorhome family, fully self-contained with all the features you could want, and offer the most living space of all models.
They offer 3 beds, enough space for 6 people, a separate toilet and shower, and enough space for a full-sized family fridge.
The benefits of this type of travel van include:
Plenty of living space
A coachbuilt offers plenty of space for entertaining or enjoying family time.
You can bring everything with you
Plenty of storage space means you can bring all of your personal belongings, including outdoor gear and hobby items.
Ideal for a longer period of van travel
The extra space, plus a fridge with enough room for your family's road trip, means you can be away for longer and fully stocked on the road.
How to decide what kind of RV you need based on lifestyle
Now that we’ve covered what’s available, let’s take a look at some of the things you should think about when making your decision.
What are your destinations and routes?
Different campervans have different accessibility features, so it’s a good idea to consider where you plan to travel.
For example, outback or rugged areas might be better for an off-road camper van.
In main cities, compact vehicles may be better suited to parking, and in wilderness areas, you may want to have your own facilities on board.
How frequently will you travel?
Think about how often you will be travelling, for example, if you are only going away once a year on holiday or for very short trips, it might not be worth investing in a high-end model.
Those who are on the road more frequently might like a few more creature comforts, such as a larger fridge or bed, especially if they are going for longer periods.
If you are planning on living in a motorhome full-time, you would want to decide how that would look for you day to day, with on-board facilities and space.
Do you like freedom camping or luxury escapes?
Free camping
Responsible free camping is a great way to save money, but it’s not suited to all kinds of RVs. Most areas do require you to be fully self-contained with water tanks, so if you are planning on free camping, you should keep this in mind when choosing a travel van.
If you are freedom camping, you should also consider whether you are comfortable using (often very basic) shared facilities such as toilets and showers, or would prefer to have them on board.
Luxury escapes
Those on luxury escapes will likely want to charge their tech, store extras like wine in the fridge, and have plenty of space to spread out.
Luxury escapes are about having all your creature comforts with you, so do consider space requirements and what different luxury camper van models offer.
What are your daily routines?
Whether you are a laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of person or someone who likes to get up early and get things done, there are different types of campervans to suit.
Do you enjoy food preparation?
If you like preparing meals every day, you might choose a campervan with kitchen facilities and plenty of storage for food and cooking equipment.
Are you big on outdoor living?
Those who like to get outdoors regularly for sports such as biking or kayaking should consider campervan storage options, such as bike racks or external storage compartments.
Do you want to get up and go?
If your lifestyle includes hitting the road early to get in plenty of exploring, you should consider a campervan that offers convenience to save time with tasks like packing down a bed and storing items. For example, if you prefer to keep it simple, you might choose a campervan with fixed beds or one that can be quickly raised out of the way so you can get up and go.
How much time will you spend in the RV?
If you spend a lot of time in the vehicle, you may prefer a bit more living space, whether it’s for reading books, watching a show, or simply enjoying the view through a large window.
Working remotely has become much more common, too, so if that’s something you will be doing, a table to work at could be ideal.
Those who spend more time outdoors exploring may not require as much space, especially if the camper is just for sleeping.
Do you like to travel with lots of gear?
One of the biggest differences between RV models is storage space.
While a 6-berth motorhome will have plenty of cupboards and external storage space, a hi-top campervan would be better suited to those travelling light.
It’s a good idea to think about what items you will want to bring for van travel, such as craft supplies, outdoor sports gear, or even a large number of clothing items and shoes.
Get help choosing the best RV for your lifestyle with Apollo RV Super Centre
As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the right campervan. At Apollo RV Super Centre, we’ve been matching travellers with their dream motorhome for 25+ years, so we are more than happy to help you. Check out our range of new and refurbished RV’s and ask the experts for some advice on which model is best for you. Visit us online or at your nearest Apollo RV Super Centre-certified dealer today.