The 4 Types of RVers, Which Are You?

Most RVers fall into one of four types. Each type has a different travel history, place in life, and need for services.

The ages may differ, the number traveling together might change, and their interests might be unique. However, they all have the urge to hit the open road, meet new people and see the sights of America, Canada, and even Mexico.

RVers are linked by their common love of the outdoors.

There are four types of RVers – which one are you?

History of RVing

RVing has arguably been around since the days of wagon trains, but Roland Conklin built the first official RV in the early 1900s. The types and styles of RVs have changed over the decades, but the reason for having them hasn’t. 

There are many different types of RVs and floorplans, almost as many as there are RVers.

Drivable RVs include motorhomes, or Class A’s, are the biggest with a large front window and a boxy body. Vans are also known as Class B’s and many have wet baths that combine a bathroom and a shower.

Similarly, Class B+ RVs are like larger vans with a separate bathroom and shower. Class C’s are characterized by a large overhang over the driving cab and hood of the motorhome.

With towable RV’s, you pull a travel trailer behind your truck using a bumper hitch, or a fifth-wheel using a mounted trailer hitch. There are also campers that sit in the back of a truck. The floor plans in the different types of RVs are extensive. The more you look, the more options you will see.

Pro Tip: Here’s the difference between drivable & towable RVs.

Common Traits Among All RVers

People want to have the freedom to escape their everyday life, to go camping in comfort, and reconnect with their families. Certainly, that is the reason many people want to RV, but really, there are hundreds of reasons someone might buy an RV and hit the road.

Some want independence or a new life or simply to travel.

There are many reasons to RV – what’s yours?

The 4 Types of RVers

#1 Active Senior

Active seniors are typically retired couples or singles who have worked most of their lives and saved to be able to travel. They are active and love the outdoors. Therefore, you’ll find them walking, hiking, birding, and boating. 

Active seniors typically have Class A luxury RVs. They like to be outdoors, but they also like the amenities of a large motorhome with full hookups. Active seniors might have a washer and dryer on board, possibly even a dishwasher. They like to have a bed that is comfortable to rest in after a busy day.

This group of RVers love to socialize with other like-minded people.

They get involved in activities such as crafts, hiking groups, BINGO, pickleball, and even 4-wheeling. If you haven’t checked out the pickleball craze – do! Active seniors enjoy traveling, seeing interesting things they may have only read about, and continuing their passions on the road. Studying history, learning astronomy, or bird watching, for example. 

Specific gear they use: Active seniors connect to their friends and families using cell and WiFi boosters to increase their service for Skype, FaceTime, and email.

This group also use trip planners like RV Trip Wizard, which helps them plan a route from campground to campground and allows them to enter information about their rig to keep them on RV-safe roads (i.e. no low bridges.)

The active senior type typically doesn’t want to have to roll out their awning manually.

Consequently, they want smart and automated RVs. They want to press a button on the control panel and have what they want magically happen. AC? Lowering jacks? Put out the slide? They can do it all with the push of a button. 

In fact, this luxury motorhome below is a prime example of the type of RV that active seniors enjoy.

#2 Digital Nomads

Digital nomads are discovering freedom and independence while working on the road, often for a company they worked for before they started traveling.

Or they could be freelance workers who labor on their own time with project-based tasks.

They use the Internet as their connection to clients and, if they have one, their main office. Many digital nomads have started their own businesses as consultants, YouTube personalities, or any number of service-based jobs. 

Digital Nomads camp in all different types of RVs, from a converted van to a 40-foot travel trailer, depending on their budget and income. Some have Class C RVs or toy haulers with a garage they convert into an office space. They are not limited by much. 

As a result, digital nomads enjoy having the freedom of working from the road wherever it may take them.

This group of RVers is typically younger, active, and interested in meet-ups and other group events that get them hiking, biking, and exploring. In addition, they enjoy camping off-grid as long as they have good internet service.

Specific gear they use: Digital nomads use cell and WiFi boosters, internet hot spots, cameras, computers, and other tech devices. Internet connectivity is imperative for them. 

Expert Advice: Cell booster information can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help.

#3 RV Families

RV families want to disconnect from the internet and want their children to disconnect from electronics. They may only be weekend campers, who enjoy staying in campgrounds for the electricity, water, and sewer; but they want to connect with their family by hiking, having campfires, and playing games. Some camp off-grid, but not often because amenities make family RVing much nicer.  

From a pop-up camper to a Class A, family RVers use what fits into their budgets and gets them into the wilderness. They only require that there’s a place for everyone in the family to sleep. 

When family RVers hit the road, they enjoy getting together with their family. It’s a great way to see things, experience nature, and economically, it’s a win for all. They might take their RV to campgrounds near theme parks because it’s less expensive than paying for a hotel and admission tickets.

This sector of RVers is expected to grow as people realize the benefits of bringing their home with them.

Specific gear they use: Family RVers want to be comfortable and make all of the camping memories they can. Therefore, they use camping chairs, a propane fire pit, and outdoor games like cornhole. 

#4 Avid Off Grid Camper

The avid off-grid camper is also called the boondocker. They don’t mind being alone or with a few close friends and long for peace and quiet without having to plug in. Avid off-grid campers often spend two weeks in one place with no electrical or sewer hookups. Above all, they can be self-contained and plan for that. 

Whichever RV they choose, boondockers usually have solar connectivity, large tanks, and the ability to get into campsites that are off-road or have tight spaces. 

Off-grid campers enjoy hiking, biking, reading, and socializing with like-minded friends. As a result, they rarely stay at campgrounds, opting for BLM lands and other free camping opportunities. 

Specific gear they use: Off-grid campers use generators, lithium batteries, or solar panels, have extra tanks for holding water or wastewater, so they can stay out longer. Those who want to be connected use cell boosters to get a signal.

They have the ability to cook over a grill or fire, and a comfortable chair to sit in while watching the sunset over the mountains. 

Keep in Mind: Boondocking takes some effort, but here’s our guide for your best boondocking experience.

Which of the 4 Types of RVers Are You?

Whether you’re like the active seniors, family RVers, digital nomads, or off-grid campers, it’s great to find your tribe, a group of like-minded folks who can travel with you and understand your desires to hike, or your need to work so many hours a day.

It really doesn’t matter how you classify yourself, it’s more that you get out there to enjoy nature, comradery, see new things, and meet new people. Be yourself and be comfortable. Happy RVing! 

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