Everything you need to know to pick the best family RV

Whether you and your family are seasoned RVers or new to RV life, RV shopping is always an exciting time. But when it comes to RVs, there are so many options. From Class A Motorhomes to towable travel trailers, choosing the best RV for family travel can be daunting. So, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider when searching for the best family RV.

Things to consider when buying an RV for family travel

 Full Time RV Life or Weekend Travels

The first and likely most important factor when searching for the best family RV is how you plan to use your RV. Is your rig going to be your home away from home or your full-time casa? This is a vital decision to make prior to shopping. Once you’ve decided your RV trajectory, you can then shop with your family’s needs in mind.  And when searching for a family RV, you can assess what layouts are conducive to full-time RV living or better suited for weekend trips.

While floor plans are significant regardless, they are essential if you intend to live in your RV full time. Keep in mind that there are no shortages of RV manufacturers and varying floorplans. When shopping for an RV for family travel, definitely do your research on different manufacturers, designs, and features.

While RV amenities shouldn’t necessarily be top priority when shopping, they can make or break your happiness with any RV. Make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to your family’s needs. Things to think about include sleeping capacity, storage space, living area, kitchen size, bathroom accessibility and bedroom location. Additional considerations would be accommodations for workspace and pets.

And if you’re going to live in your RV full-time, space is essential. Many full-timers prefer larger rigs like Class As and fifth wheels simply because they have so much living space. Likewise, if you’re a family of boondockers, you may prefer a Class C or travel trailer with plenty of water storage. Remember, the best RV for family life and travel is one that suits your family’s unique needs.

Travel Style

After you’ve established if you’re RV lifers or weekend warriors, the next consideration is how your family travels. While RV camping is unquestionably a great way to enjoy nature, it’s also an alternative to hotels near mainstream attractions. Does your family prefer remote off grid locations or RV resorts with pools, activities, and luxury amenities? This is important because it will help you narrow down your search and find the best family RV for your travels.

For instance, if you want to go boondocking or head off the grid, you’ll want an RV that’s designed for rugged terrain. Travel trailers are a great option since they are detachable, thus you can set up camp and go. This allows you to retain the use and maneuverability of your vehicle.

Meanwhile, larger motorhomes and fifth wheels aren’t ideal for boondockers as comparatively they aren’t as capable of handling dirt roads. However, if you’re going to stay camp at sites with full hook ups, then a Class A or a fifth wheel might be a better option. Again, if you’re planning to spend extended time in your rig, larger RVs are great simply because they have so much living space.

Additionally, if you’re looking for an RV for family travel that is versatile, a Class C is an excellent option. Class C motorhomes are one of the most purchased motorhome types on the market because they are family-friendly and compact. Moreover, they tend to provide larger holding tanks to accommodate off grid camping and are more maneuverable than travel trailers.

Length of Travel

The next thing to consider when looking for the right rig for your family is trip duration. Whether you are planning to be full-timers or occasionally travel, how long do you plan to stay at each site? Are you going to set up camp for a few weeks or move quickly and camp at several places?

If you hope to stay for longer periods of time, you will likely enjoy bigger living spaces. Because your family will be able to spread out and settle in, you’d want your rig to feel like home. A larger and more spacious RV is ideal as they luxury amenities that can make your family the most comfortable. Keeping that in mind, perhaps your best family RV is a spacious fifth wheel or large motorhome.

But if you’re going to move every few days, a large rig probably isn’t as easy or convenient. If you want to move quickly from place to place or only as place to sleep, a smaller rig with less setup may be the way to go. Ultimately, you should take into account space and livability for how you plan to camp and stay. And think about set up and break down time of each RV for how you plan to travel. Testing out these features before buying will ensure you select the right RV for family travel specific to your needs.

Where to buy the best family RV

We hope our insights and tips can help you figure out which rig is right for you and your family. While it may be overwhelming to search for the best RV for family travel, you can narrow down the search to fit your needs. Though some families opt for a Class A or a fifth wheel due to size, the truth is that it really depends on your wants and needs. The RV that suits one family may not be the best for you!

Take some time to assess your needs, reflect on your travel style and proactively ponder your future trips.  Then do some research and decide what the best RV for your family is. And if you need some help narrowing down the list, we’re here for you! We can help you work through what type of RV is best for you and help you find an RV that fits your family’s needs. Come in or call us today to let our team at Courvelle’s help you find YOUR best family RV!