What Is the Difference Between a Motorhome and an RV?

The world of RVs is big and, if you’re new to it… can be a bit confusing.

What exactly is an RV and what isn’t? Is an RV a motorhome? Can a van be classified as an RV? Are trailers too?

Below, we’ll find a quick and simple breakdown of common questions related to what an RV and motorhome is, starting with the big one…

What Is the Difference Between a Motorhome and an RV?

The term “RV”, or recreational vehicle, refers to a whole umbrella of motorized vehicles and trailers.

Think of it as the universal term that refers to anything that can be a home on wheels.

A motorhome then is a subset of RVs, referring specifically to RVs that are self-propelled (i.e. they have a motor). 

Here are a few rapid-fire FAQs and a deeper dive related to understanding more about the common types of RVs:

What Is a Motorhome?

A motorhome is a self-propelled recreational vehicle (RV), typically referring to any of these class of RV:

• Class A (bus)
• Class B (camper van)
• Class C (built on a truck chassis)

Learn more about the different RV classes:

4 Motorhome Classes: What Class of RV Is Best for You?

What Is a Travel Trailer?

As opposed to a motorhome, a travel trailer is an RV without a motor that needs to be towed via a hitch. 

Like motorhomes, there are multiple types of trailer RVs as well.

Most are simply referred to as travel trailers, which can vary dramatically in size from just over a thousand pounds and just enough space for a solo or couple traveling to nearly the size of a Class A bus. 

RV trailers are typically broken down into these categories:

• Travel trailer
• Fifth wheel (larger than the average travel trailer and uses a unique hitch)
• Toy hauler (effectively a travel trailer or fifth wheel designed with a garage space to fit ATVs and similar “toys”)

What Is a Camper Van?

“Camper van” is a common term for a Class B RV, which is a modified van (hence, “camper van”) and the smallest type of RV.

Camper vans come pre-made by RV manufacturers and can also be custom made if you want something more specialized to you and your needs.

How to Choose the Right RV for You

Within the major “RV” umbrella category are several different types of RVs. 

If you’re shopping for an RV, it’s important to know more about each type to help you figure out which is the best fit for you. 

More than just that, however, you need to know what an RV can provide so that you can compare them based on those features that are most important to you.

1. Space

This is one of the big ones. How many do you have traveling with you?

If you’re solo or a couple, a small trailer or Class B camper van might be more than enough space for you.

If you’re a new family, you could get away with the same. 

If your family is larger, a Class C or similarly-sized travel trailer is likely perfect. However, if you have more than 5 you’ll likely need a larger Class C, fifth wheel, or Class A. 

If you really want to go all out and feel like you’re driving your house around on wheels, there’s no better option than a Class A or fifth wheel. 

2. Amenities

What features are most important to you? Which can you absolutely not live without and which do you just really want? 

Some RVs have full bathrooms, some don’t. Some have dry baths and others have wet baths. Do you know the difference, and have you considered if you’re fine with a wet bath?

Other common features you may or may not get in your RV depending on the type include:

• The number and size of beds
• Private bedroom
• Living space
• Full residential fridge
• Full or half kitchen
• Stainless steel appliances
• LCD TV
• Dedicated work space
• Toy storage (in the case of a toy hauler)
• The list goes on (and on)

You might not be concerned with most or any of these. Then again you may really want some of them but not care too much about the others.

Knowing in advance what you need and want will help you find the RV that fits those needs while wasting less time shopping around. 

3. Budget

The obvious consideration, but one we’d be remiss not to include.

In particular, consider whether you’ll be buying new or used. 

Don’t overlook the possibility of purchasing a used RV. You can find some amazing deals on good condition RVs which will allow you to save a large chunk of money.

With that said, it will be quite a bit more work to verify the condition of each RV you’re considering to make sure it’s in good condition before purchasing (whether it’s from a dealer or a private buyer via something like RV Trader).

4. Drive

Some RVs are like driving your average vehicle (Class B camper vans), while others are like driving a mega bus (Class A luxury RVs).

A massive Class A RV is hard to maneuver, impossible to pull in and park in many places, and can’t fit in every campground (you have to call ahead to make sure).

Something like a Class C RV is most common and universally accommodated while also being much easier to maneuver.

In the case of trailers, travel trailers are smaller but larger fifth wheels have a unique hitch mechanism that actually makes turning and maneuvering in general easier. 

No matter what type of RV you’re considering, this point isn’t typically a deal-breaker. However, it is an important one to consider as you’ll be on the road with it quite a bit. 

5. Travel frequency

A less often considered point, this is all about how you plan to use your RV.

Namely: will you be using your RV for regular Summer trips or living in your RV full-time?

For example, if you plan on RVing full-time, you’ll likely want a larger RV. If you’re just traveling for the Summer, knowing that your travels are temporary can make living in a smaller space like a camper van more manageable. 

Which RV Is Right for You?

There are big RVs and there are small ones. Fancy and bare bones, efficient and over the top.

There are simple campers that ensure you never feel too far from the trail as well as luxury homes on wheels.

Deciding which RV is right for you will depend on the factors we mentioned above as well as general comfort.

When you step inside a Class C, do you feel like you have enough space? Does a Class B feel more quaint and exciting to you? 

These are intangible things you won’t know until you actually start shopping around and stepping inside RVs.

No matter what RV you decide is right for you, we hope this guide helped you figure out what the difference is between the various types as well as what to look for in deciding between them.