A Class C Motorhome is what most people envision when they think of an RV, but is it right for your family? Here are a few things that make it a great choice.
You Don’t Need a Tow Vehicle
The most obvious thing may be the biggest point of decision when you’re considering an RV.
When you decide to buy a motorhome, that’s all you need to buy. There’s no tow vehicle or tow ratings or hitches or extra hardware to deal with.
Just hop in the cab of your motorhome and head out on the road.
Driving a Class C Motorhome Feels Like Driving a Car
Image by Camping World
You don’t need to worry about learning to tow or driving something that feels like a bus. Class C Motorhomes are built on a van chassis—you’re literally behind the wheel and engine of a typical work van.
After a few miles on the road, you’ll feel like you’re driving any other car down the highway. You’ll quickly adjust to the length of the motorhome and feel confident on your journey.
Most newer motorhomes include a backup camera, so maneuvering a Class C is even easier.
Easy Access to Food and Bathrooms on the Road
One of the biggest benefits of a motorhome is that it’s a self-contained vehicle. While you or your kids shouldn’t spend much time unbuckled, you can easily make a quick bathroom run or grab a snack out of the fridge.
Think about how much faster you’ll get to your destination without needing to pull off the highway for a bathroom break or to grab a snack every other exit.
A Wide Selection of Campsites
Just about every campsite at a campground can handle a Class C RV, depending on length, of course.
Often there are restrictions on large Class A motorhomes or bigger travel trailers or fifth wheels, and the larger Class A motorhomes sometimes necessitate a pull-through site.
Most Class C Motorhomes work easily with both back-in or pull-through sites.
If there’s an open site at a campground, you’ll usually have no problem booking it for a Class C.
More Engine Service Options for Class C Motorhomes
Image by Camping World
Since Class C Motorhomes are built on a van chassis, when it comes to engine issues you can typically get service at any auto mechanic.
You don’t always need to find a diesel specialist or an RV-specific service shop.
This is especially useful if there’s an engine issue when you’re on a trip and you need service on the side of the road. (You do have Good Sam Roadside, don’t you?
Even routine maintenance like oil changes or air filter changes can be done by an auto mechanic—as long as they have room to handle your RV.
If you’re looking for a motorhome for your family, a Class C could be a perfect choice. Take a look at our inventory of Class C Motorhomes here!
Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. And Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Today we will explore the most popular trains in Alabama:
North Alabama Railroad Museum
Photo Credit: North Alabama Railroad Museum Facebook
The historic Huntsville Branch of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway is today’s right-of-way for the Mercury & Chase Railroad, run by the North Alabama Railroad Museum. This 10-mile journey starts at what was once the smallest union station in the United States, the Chase Depot.
After many runs, the engineers decided a locomotive at each end of the train would make the most sense for climbing hills to and from the depot, and today’s passengers can enjoy a trip through forests and along historical rails.
Railway and Locomotive Types
The railroad has several diesel locomotives, two stainless steel coaches, a dining car, a Pullman car, and a baggage car. They all travel on standard gauge rails.
Seating Options
All seats are assigned for each of the trains. Tickets can be purchased in advance online if desired.
Riding Options
Photo Credit: North Alabama Railroad Museum Facebook
The Mercury & Chase Railroad has three routes that it runs, differing in length of trip.
Short trains run for approximately 35 minutes
Medium trains run for approximately 45 minutes
Regular trains run for approximately 1 hour
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: Jeff Hunter (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Peter Cottontail Train – Visit with Peter Cottontail on the train and collect a special Easter treat!
Pumpkin Pickin’ Train – Enjoy a leisurely ride to Normal, Alabama, where passengers will disembark to head for the pumpkin patch. Children can select their own pumpkin to take home with them.
North Star Limited – A special evening train ride with Santa includes personal time with Old Saint Nick, treats and a pajama party!
Length of Season
The Mercury & Chase Railroad operates from April through December. Please check the train schedule for specific excursions and times.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Photo Credit: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Facebook
Leaving from Calera, Alabama, the Heart of Dixie Railroad runs on the historic tracks of the Louisville & Nashville Alabama Mineral Railroad, which was established in 1891.
Today’s excursion train takes passengers on an hour-long trip through the forested countryside near Birmingham before returning to Calera. The railroad also operates a steam engine on a short narrow gauge track.
Railway and Locomotive Types
The Heart of Dixie Railroad operates with both steam and diesel locomotives. The steam engine runs on a 2-foot narrow gauge loop, and the diesel pulls excursion trains on standard gauge rails. Rolling stock consists of open, covered cars, several historic passenger coaches, a baggage car, a dining car, a club car, and a planetarium dome coach car.
Seating Options
Photo Credit: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Facebook
All seating is unassigned, with space available in several open window coaches and open covered cars.
Riding Options
The Calera & Shelby train rides run on Saturdays, but passengers have the option to upgrade their trip with:
Caboose Ride
Locomotive Ride
Both have very limited availability, so reservations are strongly suggested.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Facebook
Wild West Train –Keep an eye out for bandits and train thieves as the train makes its way through their territory!
Ozan Vineyard Train – Ride the rails to a local vineyard, where wine tasting is the number one activity of the day. Tour the winery, and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the depot.
Cottontail Express – Take the kids on the train to Peter Cottontail’s Meadow, where an Easter egg hunt gets underway, followed by games and activities.
Superhero Express – Dress as your favorite superhero, then ride the train with community heroes like local police officers, firefighters, military personnel and emergency medical technicians.
Length of Season
The Heart of Dixie Railroad runs two trains every Saturday between March and September, with specialty trains operating on specific dates, as well. Please check the train schedule to select your perfect excursion train!
Wales West Light Railway & RV Resort
Photo Credit: Wales West Light Railway Facebook
Wales West is actually an RV Resort near the Gulf Coast of Alabama, with a swimming lake, indoor pool, and various activities. But the campground is centered around its Welsh narrow gauge railroad, a train that was designed with a smaller steam-powered engine and cars that could maneuver around remote parts of Wales (Hence, the name “Wales West”).
This Alabama campground makes great use of the “light” railway, creating several seasonal celebrations that utilize the train. The resort also has a mini-train, used as entertainment for children.
Railway and Locomotive Types
The Wales West railway consists of an authentic steam-powered Welsh narrow gauge engine and several open covered cars. It is, in fact, the only one of its kind operating in the United States.
Seating Options
Passengers have open seating and can sit wherever they like on the light railway.
Riding Options
Photo Credit: WalesWest.com
The Wales West Light Railway runs in one direction only, so rides are limited to the same destination, with hour-long excursions the norm. However, specialty trains usually stop at a destination for fun and entertainment, with rides lasting approximately one-and-one-half hours.
Specialty Trains
Cottontail Express – Take a steam train ride to see the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and enjoy refreshments!
Pumpkin Patch Express – A scary night train ride to the haunted barn and maze is just part of the fun on this excursion, where passengers also enjoy a hay-less hayride and picking their own pumpkin from the patch.
Arctic Express – Travel through a winter wonderland (with snow-making machines, if necessary!) to see Santa, receive a gift and take in the beauty of more than one million Christmas lights illuminating the forest and several displays.
Length of Season
Photo Credit: Wales West Light Railway Facebook
Wales West is open year-round as an RV resort, and the trains run daily. Specialty trains operate on specific dates, so please check the schedule.
Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.
There are a lot of different reasons to love RVing.
For a lot of people, the main draw is connecting with nature. Not everyone is looking for a huge Class A Motorhome with marble floors and granite countertops.
If living a little more simply sounds appealing, a small towable camper could be for you. Here are some reasons they are a great option.
Lower Costs of Ownership
A smaller towable equals lower costs in just about every aspect of RVing.
The purchase price is going to be the lowest for this style of RV compared to just about every other class. This means a lower down payment and less paid in interest over the life of your loan.
Ongoing ancillary costs are lower as well: insurance, fuel (since you’re pulling less weight), propane (since you’re heating a smaller area).
Even campground fees can be cheaper—you can reserve the smallest spaces with lesser electric service.
You Don’t Need a Huge Pickup to Tow
An often-overlooked cost of buying a towable is the cost of the vehicle doing the towing.
For larger trailers and fifth wheels, you’ll need a half-ton pickup or larger. Maybe even a dually for the largest options.
Smaller campers can be towed by SUVs and even some minivans. Super small campers like a teardrop can be pulled by just about any car. Take a look at our towing guide to figure out how much towing power you need.
Smaller Means Easier to Handle
Speaking of towing, smaller campers are easier to handle.
The tighter turning radius is helpful in cities or navigating around gas stations.
Smaller towable campers are also much easier to park, which means a quick and easy setup process when you get to the campsite.
They’re More Convenient to Store
While your driveway may not fit a 30 foot-plus motorhome, these small towable travel trailers will often fit in a standard driveway—assuming your homeowner’s association is okay with it.
Even if you need to find off-site storage or build a pad and structure on your own property, the smaller size will make it cheaper than other RV classes.
Plus, when your RV is stored nearby, you’re much more likely to use it on a regular basis.
It’s Easier to Load Up and Get Out on the Road
Image by Airstream, Inc. from Unsplash
The lack of storage space really works to your advantage here.
When there’s only room for the absolute necessities on your camping trip, you’ll find that packing-out a smaller RV is much easier than accounting for every potential need in a larger space.
After a couple trips, you’ll be an expert at identifying the few things you need to bring along, stocking up the kitchen, and hitting the road.
You Can Go Further Off the Beaten Path
Just try taking a 50-foot diesel pusher off-road—you won’t get far.
Some small towable campers come fitted out to get off the trail and into the wilderness. This usually means they’re lifted a little higher off the ground and have more rugged tires to account for the terrain.
Pair one of these campers with a worthy SUV and you’ll be able to explore (and camp on) landscapes that few RVs ever get to see.
Encourages You to Spend More Time Outside
Finally, the goal of camping—a smaller RV just forces you to spend more time outside.
You’ll lean on a campfire and outdoor dining and opt to explore the woods instead of binging TV.
This is especially true when you bring more people along and the camper is a little more crowded.
Take advantage of the RV’s amenities—a dry, warm, comfortable place to sleep; a bathroom; a plan B in case of inclement weather; and spend every other minute outside connecting with nature and the people you’ve chosen to bring along.
You’ll need to really think about whether or not this option is something that’s really right for you or if you should geta diesel Class A or a different type of RV altogether.
Here’s what you need to think about.
Can You Afford a Gas Class A Motorhome?
Large gas Class A motorhomes are expensive. While you can often find gas models for a little cheaper than the huge diesel ones, you’re still in for a large sum.
Do some number crunching and bring in the rest of your family in on the decision. You should start at your kitchen table and think about what you can honestly afford.
If you’re financially stressed, you probably won’t be spending much time enjoying vacations and life on the road.
Do You Have Somewhere to Park It?
Parking a Class A whether it’s a gas or diesel is an issue for a lot of people.
These vehicles take up a lot of space. If you have a lot of space or a large garage or barn to park in, then you’re good.
If, however, you need to get a storage facility to house your RV, then that needs to be factored into your budget.
Note that many neighborhoods have rules prohibiting large RVs. This means even if you have enough space, you still might not be able to park your RV there.
Will You Spend a Lot of Time in It?
Truly and honestly ask yourself how much time you have to go camping. If you don’t have that much, then you may be better off with a less expensive and smaller RV.
Class A gas models are good for longer trips and frequent campers. They bring many of the amenities of home with you on the road, but if you’re not going to be spending much time out there, then you might want to opt for a different kind of RV.
Where Will You Go?
Have a lot of hills to climb? Going to be traveling across the Great Plains? Where you’ll be driving can impact your decision. Class A gas models are great for the plains and can work elsewhere, but diesel is going to be the better hill-climber.
Also, if you plan on camping in National and State Parks a lot, you may find that your Class A RV is actually too large. Many parks have size limits. Keep that in mind.
Do You Want to Drive a Large Class A RV?
Class A RVs are large. If you’re worried about driving a large vehicle, this probably isn’t for you.
A Class A motorhome is a lot like driving a very large truck or bus. They need a lot of space and you need to have the skills to maneuver your rig around. If you’re new to RVing and larger vehicles in general, a Class C or some other type of RV may be preferable.
Wisconsin is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes out there. You have access to The Great Lakes, several other smaller bodies of water, beautiful forests and woods, rolling farmland, and so much more.
Much of The Badger State’s most beautiful land open to hikers and campers can be found in the state parks. If you’re looking for a good place to take your family, then you should check out these awesome state parks.
High Cliff State Park
Image from Getty
Open year-round, High Cliff State Park is located on the northeast corner of Lake Winnebago near Sherwood, Wisconsin. The park offers beautiful views of the largest lake in Wisconsin and wonderful hiking trails. It gets its name from the limestone cliff on the eastern shore of the lake.
The park is perfect for hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and other watersports. There’s a large marina at the lake with over 100 slips that you can rent if you want to bring your boat along. Even if you’re not much one for the water, this park offers plenty of picnic and playground areas as well as the opportunity to see wildlife.
If you want to camp, you can do so right in the park. There are 112 campsites at the park’s campground and 32 of these offer electric hook-up. The camping facilities offer bathroom facilities and showers as well as a dump station. If you’re interested, you can rent a cabin, too. High Cliff State Park is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Wisconsin, and if you’re close, you better make a point to stop and check it out.
Big Foot Beach State Park
Big Foot Beach State Park is a 271-acre park on the shore of Lake Geneva. It’s a fantastic place for year-round outdoor activities and is popular among campers and outdoors people.
The park features six and a half miles of hiking trails through beautiful, lush forests and meadows. The trails are not too difficult and perfect for families. Lake Geneva is right there and perfect for boating, swimming, and watersports. The lake is known for its clear water. additional activities at the park include fishing, archery, hunting, trapping, picnicking, and playgrounds.
You can camp right in the park. There are several campsites, 14 of which offer electric hook-up. The camping area also offers bathroom and showers as well as a dump station.
Pattison State Park
Image from Getty
Pattison State Park is best known for its beautiful waterfalls. However, there’s so much more to see of this beautiful wilderness. The park offers over seven miles of hiking trails, offering stunning views of wildlife and nature in general. The park is also a great spot for picnics, swimming, fishing, hunting, trapping, and cross-country skiing.
The park is open year-round and also offers camping. The campground has 59 family campsites and three backpacking campsites. Of the family campsites, 18 of them offer electric hookups. There is sanitary dumping and bathroom and shower facilities on-site.
Do you have any parks you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below!
