Which RV Is Right for You? A Beginner’s Guide to RV Types

Start Your RV Journey with Confidence

Whether you’re new to camping or planning a full-time Alaskan adventure, the first step is choosing the right RV. Each type of RV offers unique features and lifestyle options — and the choice you make should reflect how you plan to travel, camp, and live on the road.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center in Anchorage, we walk first-time buyers through every option, from small teardrop trailers to full-size Class A motorhomes. Here’s a closer look at the main types of RVs available — plus their pros, cons, and who they’re best suited for.

Towable RVs

Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are the most common type of RV. They attach to a standard hitch behind your tow vehicle and come in a wide range of sizes, from compact 16-foot campers to 36-foot models with multiple slide-outs.

Pros:

Can be towed by many SUVs or half-ton trucks
Offers excellent floorplan variety
Easy to unhook at camp so you can drive your vehicle separately
Lower upfront cost compared to motorhomes

Cons:

Requires good towing knowledge and vehicle compatibility
Can be affected more by wind and poor road conditions
Backing into campsites can be tricky for beginners

Best For: Campers who want flexibility, especially for weekend trips or seasonal camping around Alaska.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we stock a wide range of travel trailers to suit every budget and lifestyle — including lightweight and bunkhouse models perfect for families.

Fifth-Wheel

Fifth-wheels are large towable RVs that connect using a gooseneck hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. They offer more stability while towing and typically provide the most interior space among towables.

Pros:

Residential-style layouts with multiple slide-outs
Upper-level front bedroom adds privacy
High ceilings and lots of storage space
Very stable to tow

Cons:

Requires a heavy-duty truck with a fifth-wheel hitch
Limited to drivers comfortable towing large rigs
Not ideal for frequent setup and teardown

Best For: Full-time RVers, large families, and long-haul travelers who want a residential feel while still being mobile.

This type is ideal for Alaskans who plan to snowbird or spend extended time traveling across the state or down south.

Toy Hauler

Toy haulers are designed with adventure in mind. They feature a built-in garage space at the back to store ATVs, snow machines, dirt bikes, or even kayaks — a big plus for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros:

Garage doubles as storage or extra living space
Reinforced flooring, loading ramps, and fuel stations
Often includes a rear patio or deck
Great for families with gear

Cons:

Interior living space may be smaller due to garage layout
Heavier and longer than most trailers
More expensive than a standard travel trailer

Best For: Alaska’s adventurers, off-roaders, hunters, and anyone who travels with gear.

You’ll find many toy hauler options at Frontier Auto and RV Center tailored for Alaska’s rugged terrain and lifestyle.

Destination Trailer

Think of destination trailers as semi-permanent RVs designed to stay in place for months at a time. They’re made for extended living — often in a favorite camping spot, lakefront lot, or private park.

Pros:

Full-size residential appliances
High ceilings, multiple slide-outs, and home-style finishes
Spacious layouts ideal for long stays
Feels like a home-away-from-home

Cons:

Not designed for frequent towing
Large and heavy — requires special consideration to move
Setup time and utility hookup needed

Best For: Seasonal RVers, summer cabin users, and retirees spending months in one place.

Perfect for those who want an Alaska basecamp during fishing or hunting season without sacrificing comfort.

Teardrop Trailer

Teardrop trailers are compact, aerodynamic campers that provide just the basics. They’re lightweight, easy to tow, and great for spontaneous road trips.

Pros:

Tows with small vehicles — no truck required
Easy to park, store, and maneuver
Great fuel efficiency
Fast setup and low maintenance

Cons:

Sleeps two people max
Limited storage and amenities
Usually no bathroom

Best For: Minimalist couples, solo travelers, and weekend warriors who just want a cozy place to sleep.

Great for exploring Alaska’s scenic byways and national parks without hauling a large rig.

Park Model

Park models are built more like small cabins than RVs. They’re designed to stay in one location for extended use and require professional transport.

Pros:

Very spacious and residential in design
Full kitchens, bedrooms, and sometimes lofts
Great for seasonal or retirement living

Cons:

Not self-contained or designed for travel
Requires special transport
Typically needs utility hookups

Best For: Long-term seasonal campers, retirees, or families looking for a stationary vacation home.

Many park models are placed on lakeside lots or private land in Alaska for summer use.

Motorized RVs

Class A Motorhome

Class A motorhomes are the biggest and most luxurious RVs on the market. Built on a bus chassis, they feature full living areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and often include washer/dryers, entertainment centers, and king beds.

Pros:

Luxury travel with all-in-one convenience
High-end finishes and expansive living space
Tows a vehicle (“toad”) for exploring after setup
Great for long-term living or full-timing

Cons:

Expensive to buy and maintain
Can be intimidating to drive and park
Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Full-time RVers, retirees, and those who want the ultimate home-on-wheels.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we often recommend Class A coaches to customers planning cross-country or long-term Alaska travel.

Class B Motorhome (Camper Van)

Class B RVs are van conversions that include a sleeping area, kitchenette, and compact bathroom. They’re ideal for urban exploring and quick getaways.

Pros:

Easy to drive, even for first-timers
Fits in standard parking spots
Great gas mileage compared to other RVs
Fast setup and teardown

Cons:

Very limited space
Sleeping/living areas double as kitchen/dining
Minimal storage

Best For: Solo travelers, digital nomads, and weekend campers who value simplicity and freedom.

Many Alaska residents use Class B vans for flexible trips to Denali, Homer, or the Kenai Peninsula.

Class C Motorhome

Class C RVs combine the best of both worlds — the convenience of a motorized rig with better drivability and affordability than Class A models. They typically have a sleeping bunk over the cab and are built on a truck chassis.

Pros:

Easier to handle than Class A
More space than a van or teardrop
Great for families or pet owners
Can tow a vehicle or boat

Cons:

Moderate fuel efficiency
Some models may feel cramped for full-time living
Not as many luxury features

Best For: Families, weekend campers, and RVers who want comfort and mobility.

Class C RVs are ideal for navigating Alaska’s highways while still enjoying full amenities on board.