Which is the Easiest RV to Drive? (Beginners Guide)
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RVs are generally easy to drive when you get used to them. However, if you are just starting and you are looking to buy or rent, it is normal to wonder which one would be the best choice for a beginner.
So let’s consider which is the easiest RV to drive?
In general, a Class B motorhome, or campervan, is considered the easiest RV to drive. This RV is similar to driving a full-size van, maneuvers easily, and can fit in regular parking spaces. However, some people find a small class C or travel trailer easy to drive.
Class B motorhomes are designed for campers who would like to have a rig that is small enough to fit on any road and can be parked where the other regular cars are parked. With that, it makes your trip so much easier and you can explore more and go to different places as often as you like without having to leave your RV in a camp.
In addition, you can have friends or family trips whenever and wherever you want. If you would like to surprise someone and visit them but you have to go from one city to another, you do not have to think twice since it is very convenient. You can even have an overnight stay without worrying about where to sleep because you can just simply park your RV in their garage or driveway and sleep comfortably in your van.
However, like everything else, there will always be different sides to the coin. In this article, we’ll take a look at what RVs are easy to drive depending on the factors that need consideration.
Comparing Which is the Easiest RV to Drive
| RV Class | RV Class Description | Easy/Hard to Drive |
| Class A | Biggest and most luxurious motorhomes available. The weight ranges between 13,000 and 30,000 lbs and has a length of about 26 ft. | Difficult to drive |
| Class C | a smaller version of class As. Class Cs weigh about 10,000 lbs. These RVs are between 20 and 30 ft. long. | Fairly easy to drive |
| Class B | Customized vans that weigh between 4,000 and 9000 lbs. The length is between 17 and 23 ft. | Easiest RV to Drive |
| Travel Trailer | Small towable RV that varies in size and weight. The weight ranges between 1,100 and 12,000 lbs and the length is 15 to 40 feet | Moderate learning curve to tow |
| Pop up | The small folding trailer is towed with a car or small SUV. The pop-up weighs between 700 and 4,000 lbs and lengths 10-16 feet. | Easy to tow |
| Fifth Wheel | A large towable trailer that connects in the bed of the truck. It weighs between 7,000 and 20,000 lbs. The length ranges between 22 and 45 ft. | Difficult to tow due to the size and weight. |
Why Is Class B RV Easier to Drive?
Class B or campervans are the smallest drivable type of RV, class B motorhomes are really easy to navigate and maneuver. You can drive them to narrow and congested roads without any problems at all.
Moreover, you will not have any trouble turning to every corner or changing lanes whenever you need to and you can comfortably drive and share the road well with the other vehicles.
Which RV to Drive Based on Where Would You like to Travel?
Although class B motorhomes are the easiest RV to drive. That does not necessarily mean that it is the most perfect rig to drive wherever you would like to travel.
Many types of RVs are specifically designed not just to give you the amenities and luxuries you need to have while traveling. Also to make sure that you have the right one to use on any kind of road.
So, let us tell you more about which rig to use based on where you would like to travel.
More FTF Resources: Types of RVs and Which is Right for You
What RV is easy to Drive on Small Roads?
Let’s start with driving on a small road. I have already mentioned which rig is the smallest type of RV that you can drive, and that is the class B motorhome. This kind of rig is perfect when you would like to go to national parks or any other places around the city.
Some roads are so narrow and windy that you cannot take a larger motorhome to trailer on. For example, these are some of the scariest roads in Colorado.
What RV is easy to drive on Wide Roads?
Now, when driving on wide roads, pretty much all types of RVs can be used here. Whether it’s a Class A, Class B, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheels, all of them can be driven on wide roads without any issues.
However, you have to be careful with big trucks and trailers if you are going to drive a campervan. Small, lighter vehicles with a short wheelbase and tall roofs are susceptible to high winds.
What RV is easy to drive off-Roads?
If you are the kind of traveler that is really into exciting adventures, who loves going to boondocks. You would like to maximize your driving capabilities off-road, there are lots of rigs that you can choose from. Both motorhomes and trailers have types and classes that are specifically designed for off-road trips.
Shorter motorhomes such as a 4X4 camper van or short lifted travel trailers work well. The slide-in truck camper is the best option here.
These RVs are the ones that are durable and made with powerful tires to be driven on rocky, muddy, and water fording roads.
What makes an RV difficult to drive?
The level of difficulty that you will encounter in driving an RV depends on many factors. In this section, let’s find out what makes an RV difficult to drive in the first place.
Field of vision
RVs have larger blind spots than regular vehicles so it’s really hard to see if another car has slipped into your blind spot. Therefore, whenever you change lanes, you have to be extra careful and always check your side mirrors for safety.
Maneuverability
Unlike regular cars, most RVs are hard to maneuver. You can’t go left or right just like that. Moreover, RVs accelerate and brake slower which sometimes can cause panic or stress to someone who’s not used to driving this kind of vehicle.
Turning Radius
For long and wide vehicles like most RVs, you will need extended wide turns and if you’re not used to driving this kind of vehicle, taking turns will not be easy. Plus, you can’t just take any road you want since some roads will not allow you to go right and you just have to stay on the center lane as much as possible.
These are the main points why RVs are difficult to drive. The good thing about this is that it can be lessened with practice. Once you get used to driving an RV, you will not see these as issues anymore.
What size of RV is Difficult to Drive?
Driving big rigs such as fifth wheelers, big trailers, class A motorhomes are the hardest to drive. The length makes maneuvering difficult and the weight is hard to stop.
Driving an 8ft to 8 1/2 ft wide vehicle in a 10ft lane gives you only a few inches to drive.
Isn’t it hard for you?
Plus these rigs are heavy, so braking needs to be done carefully.
Furthermore, anyone who’s going to drive a car that is one size bigger than what he or she’s usually driving may also have challenges.
Which RV is easy to maneuver?
Campervans, short Class C motorhomes, and small trailers are easy to maneuver. Motorhomes that are less than 25 feet are generally the easiest to drive.
RVs that are big and long can be very hard to navigate and some are too heavy for you to control. It may even take you a lot of practice and patience to make sure that you will not hit other cars whenever you want to take turns. Plus, doing U-turns is really not advisable on this kind of rig.
Which RV will give you a better view of your surroundings while driving?
Campervans will give you the best all-around view while driving. Class C and Class A will give you a good forward view since you sit higher than other cars. The pop-up camper allows the best view over the towable since you can see over the top.
Most RVs, especially modern motorhomes are already equipped with cameras to get a better road view. But there are still some rigs that you will feel like you are on a sailboat and will be hard for you to see other cars around you so you have to be extra careful.
Tips when driving an RV for the first time
Are you going to drive an RV for the first time? Take note of these tips.
- The beginning is always the hardest. So if you feel and it is very difficult to drive your rig, that is totally fine. You can always practice and start a new day whenever you want until you get used to it. Practice driving, making turns, and backing up. Set out some cones and practice in a safe place.
- Drive slowly and safely. Wherever you would like you to go, you can get there so there is no need to rush.
- Take wide turns and be aware of your surroundings.
- If you’re tired or distracted, don’t drive. You can just pull over and find someplace where you can take a nap or rest.
- Keep your distance from the other cars on the road especially if you are driving big rigs.
- Always watch out for the weather. You have to make sure that you are traveling in good weather conditions.
- If you’re towing a trailer or driving a fifth wheel, it’s better to drive on major interstates with other trucks and RVs.
- When you need to drive on small roads while towing your trailer or on a fifth wheel, it’s best to go out early to avoid sharing the road with lots of small and regular vehicles.
- Make sure that any items in your fifth wheel are tightly secured to avoid them from moving while driving.
- Use a towing side mirror on your truck. This is for you to see the entire length of your 5th wheel and the other vehicles behind you.
Pro tip: When you rent from RV rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVezy, do not use the instant book feature. If it is your first time renting an RV, it’s a good practice to get to know the owner and ask for tips from them.
Important questions to ask when traveling using an RV
What do I need to know about traveling in an RV?
Some of the many important things that know when you are traveling in an RV is first, you have to know how to maintain your RV toilet and you have to know how to dump your waste properly. Second, you have to know how to fix simple issues on your rig in case you will encounter one in the middle of your trip. Lastly, make sure that you are already on a campground before sunset.
What should I bring on an RV trip?
You should bring anything that is essential. Like, food (not the canned one though. That is a big NO to campers), water, clothes, reusable plates, glasses, or bottles. Aside from that, you also have to bring insect repellants, sunscreen, and anything else you use for your hygiene. For emergencies, you should also bring flashlights and batteries.
Where should I stay when traveling in an RV?
Some places have overnight parking specifically made for RVs and you can certainly stay there. But you can also stay in truck stops, National Parks, other kinds of parking lots, or rest stops.
Here is our article on how to choose the perfect campsite
How do you prepare an RV for full time?
If you want to be a full-time RVer, the first thing that you have to do is to be prepared physically and mentally. Then, prepare yourself for letting go of the stuff that you will no longer need once you live in an RV since it has limited space. You also have to make sure that your job is not going to be affected. Unless you have saved up enough money for your RVing journey.
Final thoughts on which RV is the easiest to drive
Having an RV that is the easiest to drive allows you to have more time and energy to enjoy every place you go to. It also gives you so much convenience plus, you will not be stressed and you will feel less tired once you arrive at your destination after a long drive.
However, easy driving not only comes from which kind of RV you have. Easy driving also depends on how experienced or skilled you are as a driver.
If you are used to driving small regular cars or passenger cars and prefer to have small units, then a campervan will be perfect for you. But, if you are skilled enough to drive big trucks or long vehicles, and have a large family member, then you may want to choose trailers, fifth wheels, or class A and C motorhomes.
Therefore, whatever you choose, you can always have whatever rig you prefer to drive. All of them will give you the same joy and fulfillment anyway.
If you are looking to start an RV life, we always recommend renting an RV first. This way, you can try the unit out first before committing to buying your own RV.
Here are resources that you can read before renting:
- RV Rental Delivery and Setup at Your Campsite (Cost, FAQs, Examples)
- 11 RV Rental Types Explained (+ Rental Cost and Length)
- How to Rent an RV for an Epic Road Trip: Helpful Beginner’s Guide
- 25 Expert Tips for Renting an RV for the First Time
- 17 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an RV for Your Family Vacation
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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