7 Popular RV Types & RV Electrical Systems
7 popular RV Types & RV Electrical Systems

7 Popular RV Types & RV Electrical Systems

At present, there are about 7 popular RV types, which can be divided into two categories: Moterhome and Trailer. Moterhome refers to an integrated RV, the cockpit and the space behind the car are connected. Moterhome will be divided into Class A, Class B and Class C. The Trailer does not have a cockpit, which means you need to use a pickup truck for towing. Trailer will be divided into 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Travel Trailer and Pop-up.

Generally speaking, each different RV types will have different sizes, electrical systems and related functions. I believe the following picture can help you understand some basic RV types differences.

RV Types & RV Electrical systems

Class A

Class A

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Class A is the most luxurious Motorhome, so the price is the most expensive. Class A looks like a bus. It is the largest RV, usually very long, ranging from 26 to 45 feet. Class A has all the basic facilities, such as kitchen, separate bedroom, separate shower room, and toilet. In addition, there are multiple slide-outs, which can continue to expand the space after parking. Under this premise, Class A is generally equipped with 48V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/50A maximum current to meet diverse electrical equipment.

In general, the advantage of Class A is that it is a mobile home, and Class A generally has the equipment you have in your home. However, it is relatively expensive, and because the model is huge, it is more difficult to move and park.

Class B

Class B

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Class B is the smallest Motorhome. It looks like a small van from the outside. Of course, many people will directly use an van to transform into Class B. The interior space of this RV is very small, and all the facilities are very limited. So Class B will use 12V or 24V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/30~50A maximum current.

In general, the advantage of Class B is that it is small in size and can travel freely between cities and mountain roads. You can also enter the parking lot smoothly. But the shortcomings are also obvious. The space in the car is small, which sometimes makes your RV Life unpleasant.

Class C

Class C

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Class C is a kind of Motorhome that is very balanced in all aspects. The size of Class C is generally about 30 feet, which is smaller than Class A and larger than Class B. And the facilities in the car are relatively complete. It can fully meet the daily needs. This makes Class C one of the most cost-effective RV types and is very popular. Similarly, Class C will use 12V or 24V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/30~50A maximum current.

The advantages and disadvantages of Class C are not obvious, because Class C is very balanced, can be very expensive or very cheap, mainly based on your own ideas.

5th Wheel

5th wheel

Photo Credit:21rv.com

This RV types it’s very popular, too. This is because many people have pickup trucks in their homes, and pickup trucks are the best vehicle to tow the 5th wheel. The 5th wheel is similar to Class A. It is luxurious large RV types, but the price is much cheaper. Because the 5th wheel is a Trailer, it has no independent cockpit and can be removed when it is not needed, which increases flexibility. There are many facilities inside this RV, which can satisfy most people. 5th Wheel uses 12V or 24V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/30-50A maximum current.

The 5th Wheel has obvious advantages. The huge interior space can meet most of the daily needs. Compared with other Trailers, the 5th Wheel is allowed to ride while driving (other Trailers are not allowed to ride while driving). But the shortcomings are also obvious. The huge model means the driving is difficult, and the larger the 5th Wheel, the larger the pickup truck is needed.

Toy Hauler

toy hauler

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Toy Hauler is also one of the Trailer RV types. The special feature is that it has a drop down gate at the rear, allowing you to store bicycles or motorcycles, which is very helpful for people who love outdoor activities. Some Toy Haulers can also turn the drop down gate into a small balcony, which increases the space inside the car in disguise. Toy Hauler is generally equipped with 12V or 24V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/30-50A maximum current.

The advantage of this RV is that it is more suitable for outdoor activities and very flexible.

Travel Trailer

travel trailer

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Travel Trailer is the most common type of Trailer. This RV types has many appearances and sizes. The built-in facilities also vary according to the brand, interior space, power system, price, etc., making it one of the most complicated RV types. Some people say that Travel Trailer is like a Big Cooler, everything is interesting. Travel Trailer generally uses 12V or 24V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/30-50A maximum current.

This kind of RV is very balanced, because the performance of Travel Trailer will vary greatly according to your budget.

Pop-up

pop up

Photo Credit:21rv.com

Pop-up is the most miniature RV types. It is like a large tent, which can be compressed when not in use, and can be extended when in use. Pop-up generally uses 12V DC electrical systems/120V AC electrical systems/15A maximum current.

This kind of RV is very convenient, and very light, suitable for outdoor camping with a small number of people.

Batteries Upgrade

LFP Batteries

In addition to the difference in size, various types of RV have different electrical systems. From the above text, we can find that the electrical system exists from 12V to 48V, and different voltage means that different RV will support different types of electrical appliances. At present, most RV are equipped with lead-acid batteries, generally AGM batteries are used as energy storage batteries. Of course, more luxurious RV, such as some Class A, will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, usually LFP batteries. Generally speaking, the performance of LFP batteries is much better than that of AGM batteries.

  • LFP battery has a longer service life. Under the premise of normal use, it can reach more than 10 years of life, and has more than 4000 cycles, and the self-discharge is only about 3% per month.
  • LFP batteries have more capacity. Most LFP batteries can achieve a DOD of more than 80%, while AGM batteries can only achieve a DOD of about 50%.
  • The LFP battery supports high-speed charging and discharging. When you temporarily decide to go out and play, you don’t need to spend too much time waiting for the battery to charge.
  • The LFP battery is very safe and maintenance-free. There is no need to worry about the danger of battery explosion. Even in extreme situations, the LFP battery will not explode, which can effectively protect your safety.

Although most RV will not be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, there is no doubt that almost all RV can upgrade AGM batteries to LFP batteries. To some extent, LFP batteries are an excellent substitute for AGM batteries. It is worth mentioning that if you need to charge the RV battery, you can generally use four methods, shore power, solar power, generator and alternator. For details, please click 4 Ways of RV Battery Charging for details.

RV is a very popular means of transportation, but how to use RV reasonably is also something we need to consider. Reasonable and efficient use of RV can provide a variety of facilities to increase your experience and increase the fun of your trip.

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