The allure of weekend exploring with an RV is the convenience of having modern amenities and storage space wherever you travel in Iowa and beyond. While there are many RV styles to choose from, each one offers unique benefits to match your weekend travel needs. We made it easy to find the ideal trailer for you with our Cheyenne Camping Center top picks for the best RVs for weekend explorers based on size and type.
Understanding Different RV Types and Their Suitability
Choosing the right weekend trailer for your next adventure depends on your travel needs. Do you plan to travel to remote camping areas or stay in a state park campground? Consider your preferred camping style and how many people will join you when selecting a new RV.
A luxury camper trailer may suit you best if you have a large group and prefer glamping. However, if you intend to spend most of your time outdoors and only use your weekend trailer for sleeping, you may appreciate a smaller motorhome for a family of four. Here’s a breakdown of each RV type for you to discover which one fits your adventure needs.
Class A Motorhomes: Luxury on the Go
Class A motorhomes are luxury camping trailers that bring the familiar comfort of a residential home. Their large size offers ample storage space and a big indoor living area. Most of these campers have a full kitchen with modern appliances such as a refrigerator and stove. Class A RVs measure generally between 25 and 45 feet in length and can sleep up to 10 people.
While the space is excellent for large families, this RV type can be harder to maneuver, requiring you to tow a second vehicle if you want to drive into town. However, if you want the feel of a home away from home from your weekend trailer, a Class A motorhome may be your best choice.
Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): Agile and Compact Choices
Class B RVs are the smallest, easy-to-drive campers on the market, typically measuring between 18 to 24 feet and able to sleep two to four people. These camper vans can fit into standard parking spaces and are maneuverable on windy mountain roads. Despite their small size, some camper vans have enough space to fit a small kitchen, toilet, shower, and a convertible sleeping and living area. Choose a Class B RV for a stress-free drive on your weekend getaway to the best RV parks in America.
Class C Motorhomes: The Perfect Balance
If you want a blend of a Class B and Class A RV, the Class C motorhome provides an excellent balance of amenities and drivability. Class C RVs are built on a van chassis, making them easy to drive and control in small campgrounds or on steep hills.
These weekend travel RVs offer comfortable living spaces with access to a bedroom, bathroom with a shower, and kitchenette. The Class C RV measures typically between 20 and 35 feet and can sleep up to seven people if a sleeping space is above the cab. This extra space can double as storage for travel gear for couples or small families.
Travel Trailers: Versatile and Family-Friendly
Travel trailers offer unbeatable versatility as they’re available in various lengths, ranging from 8 to 40 feet and sleeping up to 10 people. One of the biggest perks of this weekend trailer type is that it’s towable by SUVs or trucks, giving you the flexibility of unhitching your trailer in your campsite and using your vehicle to visit nearby attractions.
Some of the best family travel trailers are the Flagstaff Micro Lite, Flagstaff Super Lite, Flagstaff Classic, and Cherokee Grey Wolf. All feature a full-size kitchen and bathroom for your ultimate convenience on the road. Like many travel trailers, these family-friendly campers offer a separate bedroom for adults to relax while the kids enjoy fun amenities such as an outdoor TV or indoor entertainment center.
Fifth Wheel Campers: Spacious Living Quarters
Fifth wheels may not be ideal for weekend explorers needing a compact vehicle for short road trips, but there are several benefits you should consider. Sleeping up to eight people, a fifth wheel camper is perfect for large families or remote workers and retirees interested in full-time living in an RV. This trailer type offers plenty of amenities, such as a separate bedroom, office space, outdoor kitchen, extendable patio, and indoor kitchen island.
Before purchasing, ensure your vehicle is capable of towing a fifth wheel camper. Instead of towing by a hitch, the fifth wheel connects a pin box from the trailer’s front to a U-shaped coupling mounted in your truck bed. Although fifth wheels are longer and heavier than most travel trailers, largely measuring 25 to 45 feet long, they offer a smoother ride with better stability.
Pop-Up Campers: Lightweight and Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for the convenience of a ready-to-go camper trailer, choose a pop-up because they’re easy to tow and lightweight. Pop-up campers are affordable weekend travel trailers that look like hybrid RV tents. They feature a hard-sided bottom that houses a small kitchen, dinette, bathroom, and a collapsible top that pops up to reveal sleeping spaces, sides fastened with zippers, and windows. At Cheyenne Camping Center, we carry the best pop-up campers for families, such as the Flagstaff tent and Hard Side, available in various lengths.
Teardrop Trailers: Minimalist and Easy To Tow
Solo travelers, couples, or small families may prefer a teardrop trailer for their weekend camping getaway in the Midwest. These lightweight trailers usually sleep two people, but some can unfold to sleep up to four. Whether you live a minimalist lifestyle or like to travel light, these tiny travel trailers provide the essentials with a wet bath, a modest indoor kitchen, and a flexible living and sleeping area. Another perk of these weekend trailers is that they’re towable by smaller SUVs and trucks.
Get a Great Deal on a New or Pre-Owned RV in Iowa
The best weekend travel trailer for you depends on your needs and preferences. Go for the Class A if you want a luxurious travel trailer, or choose a pop-up camper for something that’s easy to maneuver and tow. Not sure which RV is right for you? Visit Cheyenne Camping Center in Walcott, Iowa, and let our expert team help you find the ideal camper for your next adventure. We are your one-stop-shop for the best campers, including travel trailers for a family of four or more.
man and woman sitting in front of RV trailer by Blake Wisz is licensed with Unsplash License