RV Travel - Recreational Vehicles & RV Camping

Of course you're going to want to know more, so we've outlined a few of the most common questions our clients ask us when they're considering their first RV vacation.

What's a Recreational Vehicle anyway?

If you haven't been inside an RV lately, then take a look at what has happened to them in the last decade. Long gone are the days of lighting propane refrigerators and water heaters manually and then praying that they keep working. Today, an RV's mechanical systems (water, heating and air conditioning and refrigeration) all have residential-style controls and are as reliable and intuitive to operate as their counterparts in your home.
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Can anybody drive an RV?

Smaller RVs are only a few feet longer than a Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion. Class C models - the most popular – are built on a full-sized Ford or GMC van chassis. These same truck bodies are the foundation for ambulances, delivery vans and airport shuttle buses. The driving position and controls are very similar to a passenger car and the vehicle handles very predictably. Even the big Class A models (they're the ones that look like a bus) are easy to drive once you get used to them. What requires extra attention from the driver is the additional length and height. In no time you'll get used to taking turns a little wider than usual and watching your overhead clearance.
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How much does an RV vacation cost?

We use only the best recreational vehicles (priced from $70,000 to $125,000), the most experienced outfitters and the most appealing campgrounds available. This vacation experience rivals anything else you have ever done. Our clients have told us that their camping trips won hands-down over Disney, all-inclusive island resorts and escorted tours of every kind.

What type and size of RV should we get?

With Tracks & Trails, you don't need to worry about choosing the perfect RV. That's our job. But if you're curious about the different options, here is a quick overview. All of the RV models that we recommend have the same essential amenities. In fact, most of the mechanical components are identical.

This table shows the tradeoffs that you'll encounter when choosing an RV. In general, larger models have more elbow room, more beds, and more storage space. They're also a little trickier to drive and park. We recommend getting the smallest vehicle that will comfortably accommodate your group. Bigger is not necessarily better.


Our favorite model for couples or small families. It's compact enough to allow access to the cozy, uncrowded campsites, yet it has all the amenities of the larger units.	If you have 5 or more passengers, the additional sofa-bed in these longer units is nice. Because of its length, some smaller parks will be inaccessible, and finding a parking place in town can be more challenging.	Ideal for 2 or 3 people willing to stay on the beaten path, using mostly commercial RV parks rather than public campgrounds. All the glass and the wide-open interior make it more home-like.	Popular with couples on a budget. They are affordable, get good mileage, and can be driven and parked just about anywhere. The downside is very snug accommodations for full-sized adults.


2-5: • On master bed • On cabover bed • Dinette	4-7: • On master bed • On cabover bed • Dinette • Sofa	2-6: • On master bed • Dinette • Sofa	1-2: • Dinette


Good to the sides, but passengers' forward view restricted by cabover section. Passengers seated in camper somewhat separated from driver by small step-down into cab and the cab's narrower width.		Excellent for driver and passengers. Interior very bright. All passengers in the same "room" and on the same level.


Comfortable, familiar driving position. Shorter wheelbase simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces. Still requires RV parking spaces.	Comfortable, familiar driving position. Longer wheelbase means a large turning radius, which can lead to problems in parking lots and other tight spots.	Takes a little getting used to. Driver is at least 6' above the ground and sits against the left side of an 8-foot-wide vehicle, resulting in a tendency at first to drive with right wheels over the line.	Easy – this model's main advantage.


These vehicles have limited freshwater and greywater (waste water from sinks and shower) holding tank capacity. A larger family will run out of water in a couple of days without reprovisioning, unless showers are taken outside the RV. However, most campgrounds have a central facility for emptying wastewater and refilling with fresh water.		Holding tanks about twice as large (80-100 gals). Good for 3-4 nights – even more with short showers. Also, larger house battery bank for running lights, water pump, furnace fan.	Poor. Very small holding tanks.


Internal storage (clothes) gets tight with >4 people. Outside storage adequate for fly-drive travelers without lots of personal gear.	Most have a couple of large external compartments for camping chairs, firewood, and other bulky items.	Inside storage very roomy for 4. Loads of outside storage in under-floor compartments. Important if carrying BBQ grill, golf clubs, lots of folding chairs, firewood, etc.	Very limited.

* These descriptions are general and may not be accurate for all floorplans.
Features and layouts vary.
** Boondocking - camping without water and electric utility hookups.

What's the difference between Public and Private Campgrounds?

Campgrounds run the gamut from expensive "RV Resorts" with hot tubs and scheduled activities (usually with a distinctly senior orientation), to rustic, no-frills campgrounds in a forest at the end of a long gravel road. Each has advantages under certain conditions. In the middle is a vast assortment of options - some heavenly, some horrific. We'll help you choose safe, attractive campgrounds that suit your style whether you're in San Francisco or the San Rafael Swell (look it up!). Campgrounds fall into two categories - Public and Private. Here’s how they compare:

Situated on private property, often just outside a National Park, perhaps in a small town. Surroundings tend to be more developed, less secluded, but closer to restaurants, shopping and other services. Near cities, private campgrounds are usually the only choice, and they are often located near the city's perimeter.

Usually located inside a National Park, National Forest, or State Park. The purpose of these agencies is to protect natural places, so your surroundings usually consist of trees, rocks, lakes and rivers.

Usually have full hookups: electric, water and sewer. This enables you to stay parked indefinitely without having to recharge your batteries, refill your water tank, or empty the wastewater holding tanks.

Often have no hookups. So, you must be more frugal with your limited supply of water and electricity. (Running the microwave or AC is not an option unless you start the generator, which is not always appreciated by your neighbors.) If you are only staying for a night or two, this is not a serious issue.

May have swimming pools, game rooms, shower facilities, and organized activities such as fishing, canoeing or bus tours of the area. General condition ranges from old and grungy to spic-and-span.

Few improvements. Emphasis is on preserving the natural setting. Usually kept tidy by volunteer campground hosts and government employees. Nearly all have picnic tables, fire rings and BBQ grills of some sort.

Do we need reservations at a campground for every night of our trip?

Yes, especially if you're visiting major national parks in mid-summer. All of our trips include campground reservations. (If you've ever tried to book a national park campsite, you know the value of this service!) We choose the best campgrounds in each area and the best sites in each campground when possible.

How do we get around once we’ve set up camp?

You just pull the power cord, unscrew the water hose, and go. Some national parks have shuttles that serve the campgrounds. Your Tracks & Trails Adventure Kit will have all the details.

Do RVs have TVs?

Some do and some don't. It depends on the size of the RV and the supplier. But please allow us to make a radical suggestion. Even if you can't imagine a week or two without a TV, give it a try. Almost without exception, families tell us that their kids seldom, if ever, watched TV and that this accounted for much of the family "magic" that took place during their trip.

Are there seatbelts in these vehicles, and should the kids use them?

Yes and yes. Larger Class C models have seatbelts for up to seven passengers. This is a motor vehicle. The same seatbelt laws (and common sense) apply.