If you’re new to the RV world or a seasoned RVer thinking about an upgrade, you’ve probably noticed how overwhelming the options can be. With so many choices — travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers, Classes A, B, or C — it’s easy to feel lost. But finding your RV style isn’t just about the size or features. It’s about matching the RV to your lifestyle and how you want to experience life on the road.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or going full-time, understanding your RV personality is key. Personally, we’ve been through this journey ourselves (more than once). So, let’s dive into how you can discover your RV style.
What’s Your RV Personality?
Just like people have different travel styles, RVers have unique personalities that shape how they use their rigs. The RVIA demographic profiles provides a great breakdown of the types of RVers. Let’s explore these categories to help you discover which one matches your style.
The Happy Camper
Your Motto: “Keep it simple and cozy.”
Happy campers love weekends at the campground with family and friends. They aren’t chasing luxury — they want simple comfort, a cozy fire, and the fun of being outdoors. Think: S’mores, board games, and campfire stories under the stars.
RV Style Fit: Travel Trailer or Class C Motorhome
- Lightweight and easy to tow or drive
- Perfect for campgrounds and state parks
Pro Tip: Look for rigs with outdoor kitchens and awnings for epic campground cookouts.
The Family Camper
Your Motto: “The more, the merrier.”
Family campers know that the best memories are made together. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a full summer adventure, they need space for everyone — kids, pets, and gear. Family-friendly RVs offer bunk beds, large dining areas, and plenty of storage for all the essentials.
RV Style Fit: Fifth Wheel, Large Class C, or Large Class A Motorhomes
- Look for bunkhouses and convertible sleeping areas
- Prioritize storage space for sports gear and toys
Pro Tip: Find a floorplan with multi-use spaces so everyone can have their own spot to relax.
The Adventure Seeker
Your Motto: “Adventure is out there!”
Adventure seekers love the thrill of discovering off-the-grid locations and are always looking for their next hike, kayak trip, or mountain climb. They prioritize mobility and versatility — if there’s a boondocking spot by a lake or mountain, they’ll find it.
RV Style Fit: Class B Camper Van or Small Class C Motorhome
- Boondocking capabilities with solar panels and lithium batteries
- Compact size for easier parking and backcountry access
Pro Tip: Apps like Harvest Hosts allow for unique stays at wineries and breweries. Check out this brewery near Frankenmuth, Michigan — a Bavarian-style town perfect for adventure and relaxation.
The Casual Camper
Your Motto: “Relax and recharge.”
For the casual camper, RVing is all about winding down and getting away from daily stress. These campers enjoy scenic weekends in comfortable RV resorts, with access to amenities like pools and showers. They prefer shorter trips but value having the comforts of home nearby.
RV Style Fit: Travel Trailer or Mid-Size Fifth Wheel
- Good balance of comfort and convenience
- Ideal for weekend trips to RV resorts and state parks
Pro Tip: Sites with full hook-ups make it easy to kick back and enjoy without any hassles.
The Avid RVer
Your Motto: “This is a lifestyle, not a vacation.”
Avid RVers spend months on the road and have mastered the art of RV travel. These experienced road warriors know exactly what they want in an RV, favoring rigs with spacious layouts and practical features for long-term comfort.
RV Style Fit: Class A Motorhome or Luxury Fifth Wheel
- Look for residential-style appliances and washer/dryer units
- Ideal for extended travel
Pro Tip: Storage is everything. Choose a model with plenty of space for gear and personal belongings.
The Escapist
Your Motto: “Escape the ordinary.”
Escapists hit the road to break free from the daily grind, but they aren’t fully committed to living in their RV full-time. These RVers often spend extended periods on the road — whether it’s a long summer adventure or a few months as a resident snowbird in warmer climates. They need a rig that provides comfort and convenience but doesn’t require the same setup as a permanent home.
RV Style Fit: Class C Motorhome or Compact Fifth Wheel
- Look for rigs with slide-outs for space and amenities like solar panels for boondocking
- Great for seasonal or extended travel without going full-time
Pro Tip: A smaller motorhome gives escapists the freedom to explore remote areas while still enjoying the convenience of RV park amenities when needed.
The Full-Timer
Your Motto: “Home is wherever I park it.”
Full-timers have fully embraced the RV lifestyle, living in their rig year-round. Their RV isn’t just a way to travel — it’s their permanent residence. They need a setup that supports everyday living, with features like reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of storage, and residential appliances to make life on the road comfortable and sustainable.
RV Style Fit: Luxury Fifth Wheel or Class A Motorhome
- Look for models with residential kitchens, washer/dryer units, and multi-use spaces
- Ideal for those who travel continuously or stay in one place for extended periods
Pro Tip: When you’re on the road full-time, finding a community becomes essential. Many RV parks and resorts cater to full-timers with social activities, clubhouses, and long-term site rentals. Take your time exploring different regions — being a full-timer gives you the freedom to follow good weather all year long! We in the life call it “Chasing 70”, as in, chasing 70 degrees all year long.
Finding Your Perfect RV Style
Whether you dream of being a happy camper, a part-time escapist, or an all-in full-timer, the right RV will fit your lifestyle and help you get the most out of every journey. For us, we have had 4 rigs – two 5th wheels, a class B, and most recently, we found that a 2021 THOR Delano 24RW was the perfect fit. For our most recent RV, we wanted something that fell in between the size and mega-comfort of a fifth wheel and the nimbleness/ease of use of a Class B. It had to be something drivable and under 28 feet, with slide-outs to maximize space but not compromise mobility.
Our journey to find the right RV involved:
- Creating a list of must-haves
- Exploring models at RV shows
- Scouring RVTrader.com
- Hiring a technician for inspections
With a bit of planning and patience, we found the perfect rig to expand our RV lifestyle.
Bonus: Why Knowing Your RV Style Matters
Remember, your RV style isn’t just about the features. It’s about how your RV supports the life you want to live on the road. Whether you’re in it for weekend escapes, seasonal adventures, or full-time living, finding the right rig is key to enjoying every moment.
Final Thoughts
Every RV journey starts by discovering your personal travel style. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of casual camping, the thrill of adventure, or the freedom of full-time life, the right RV will enhance every mile of the journey.
Enjoy the process of exploring what suits you best—because once you find the right RV, the open road will never look the same. And if you’re still figuring it out, check out our other posts for tips and inspiration.
Happy travels, and may your next adventure be your best one yet!
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