Recreational vehicle. What comes to mind when you hear these words? Road trips? Freedom? Camping out under the stars? Mobility? All good answers, and all things associated with the benefits of an RV or camper.With summer upon us, your plans may involve traveling the expansive Texas highways, and there’s no better way to ride in style than by renting or purchasing a home on wheels.Campers and RVs come in all shapes and sizes, so if you’re unsure how to begin finding the right one for you, start by asking yourself this question: Do you want something you can tow or drive?PullingIf you’re already set with a towing vehicle (truck, SUV) and you want to save some money, a towable may be the perfect fit for your traveling party.Towables come in three main types: folding trailers, travel trailers, and fifthwheel trailers. Folding trailers (or pop-ups) are the least expensive of the bunch and are great for a smaller party going shorter distances. They range in size from 8 to 16 feet and can sleep up to eight, according to several manufacturers. Prices range from $4,000 to $25,000 depending on the size and materials involved.Travel trailers are a little larger and thus more expensive ($10,000 to $100,000) than folding trailers. They range in size from 10 to 35 feet and can sleep up to nine.Then there are fifth-wheel trailers, which as the name implies, have a “fifth wheel” hitch installed inside the towing vehicle (bed of a truck for example) that the travel trailer attaches to, providing a more stable ride. Prices for this type range from $15,000 to $100,000, with the high end featuring plush amenities.DrivingIf you want the all-inclusive wheeled home, then you’re ready to step up to the motorcoach. And depending on your budget and the size of your traveling party, there are several options for a motorized RV. Mainly Class A, Class B, and Class C.The largest and most expensive (they can cost as much as $500,000) is the Class A. For luxury and comfort, there’s nothing better for a large group going a long distance than the Class A. Most average 30 to 40 feet, so if you’re the one behind the wheel, they can take some getting used to.Class B motorhomes (aka van campers) look like an extended van. They average 22 feet in length and go for around $100,000 depending on the interior (which can include bathrooms, widescreen TVs, and microwaves). Class C are the truck/camper combo built together on one frame. Ranging in size from 20 to 30 feet, you can get a good one for around $70,000.LicensesWhether you choose to tow or drive, there are a few more things to consider. Every state has different driver’s license rules for operating recreational vehicles. In Texas, if the motorhome weighs under 26,000 pounds, a regular Class C license will suffice. If the cruiser goes over 26,000 pounds, you’ll need an exempt (noncommercial) Class B or Class A license. Contact your local DPS office to find out about specific requirements before getting behind the wheel. Another thing to consider with a camper is insurance.Chris Forgey, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Tarrant County, says that deductible premiums for RV insurance are usually small.“How it works is we’ll take down the year, model, and other info and give that to the underwriting team and provide a quote for the customer,” Forgey says. “For towing campers, it does make it easier if the vehicle they are using to tow is already covered by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.” While there are plenty of other things to map out before hitting the road, this should help you in the RV decision-making process. Be safe, and happy motoring.*Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms, and may vary by situation. ¬©2014 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
