Recreational Vehicles

The terms “RV” (Recreational Vehicle) and “camper” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different things in the world of mobile living spaces.

RV (Recreational Vehicle):

• RV is a broad category that includes any motorized or towable vehicle that has living quarters. These vehicles are designed for both short-term leisure activities such as vacations and camping, and for long-term living.
• RVs encompass a range of vehicles including motorhomes (Classes A, B, and C), travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers. Each type offers different sizes and levels of comfort, from luxurious Class A motorhomes to more compact and minimalist pop-up campers.

Camper:

• “Camper” generally refers to smaller types of RVs, particularly towable units that can be attached and detached from a vehicle. Often, when people say “camper,” they are referring to either travel trailers or camper trailers including smaller variations like teardrop trailers.
• Campers are usually more focused on providing basic amenities and sleeping facilities, making them ideal for shorter trips or less frequent use compared to full-scale RVs, which might include more extensive facilities and living comforts.

Key Differences:

1. Scope: RV is a catch-all term that includes a wide variety of vehicles with living accommodations, while a camper typically refers to smaller, towable units.
2. Size and Amenities: RVs range from large and luxurious motorhomes to smaller and more utilitarian vehicles, offering a wide scale of amenities. Campers tend to be smaller, less expensive, and offer fewer amenities, focusing more on the essentials.
3. Intended Use: RVs are suitable for a wide range of uses from weekend trips to full-time living. Campers are more commonly used for short vacations or weekend camping trips.

Understanding these distinctions can help in making more informed decisions based on one’s needs for travel, comfort, and budget when considering what type of mobile living space to acquire.

A “RV,” which stands for “Recreational Vehicle,” is a motor vehicle or trailer that includes living quarters designed for accommodation. RVs are used for a variety of purposes including travel, camping, and full-time living, often referred to as “full-timing.”

There are several types of RVs, including:

1. Motorhomes: These are motorized RVs and come in three classes:

   • Class A: The largest and most luxurious, resembling bus-like vehicles.
   • Class B: Also known as camper vans, these are built on a standard van chassis and are the smallest type of motorhome.
   • Class C: These are built on a truck chassis with an attached cab section, often seen with an over-cab sleeping area.

2. Travel Trailers: These are non-motorized RVs that must be towed by a separate vehicle. They come in various sizes and often feature expandable sections called slide-outs to increase living space when parked.

3. Fifth Wheel Trailers: Similar to travel trailers but designed to be towed by pickup trucks with a special hitch in the truck bed.

4. Pop-Up Campers: Also known as tent trailers, these are collapsible trailers that are lightweight and easy to tow. They expand upward and outward to provide roomy interiors.

5. Truck Campers: These are units that slide into the bed of a pickup truck, providing a compact living space that is great for off-road and remote camping.

RVs are equipped with basic facilities such as sleeping areas, a bathroom, and a kitchen. More luxurious models may include features like air conditioning, water heaters, televisions, and satellite receptors. RVs provide a flexible and comfortable way to travel and explore without the need for hotels or a detailed itinerary, offering a sense of freedom and adventure for their users.

My family is interest in getting out of the single family and multi-family home rental investment and getting more into investing in an RV campground, mobile home park, or storage facility. Is an RV Park a good investment? I have heard from business associates and other indirect investors that RV parks are a high-yielding investment with little downside. What type of return would be a good yield on an RV park investment and what type of capital do you need to get started. How is financing rates, terms, and conditions? Can a new investor get financing on an RV Park? What do you suggest to keep an eye on and what are the steps to go about shopping for RV Parks that is on the market? Are there business brokers that specialize in RV Parks? Do you suggest developing an RV PARK by buying land and starting from scratch or buying an existing RV park that is cash flowing.