Most Pennsylvanians know that RVs and campers fall into two general categories, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. However to help you remember, we have compiled a list of the all the major classes of RVs.

Tow-able RVs, which are designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle (car, SUV, van or pickup truck) and are of such size and weight as not to require a special highway movement permit. They do not require permanent on-site hookup. These include folding camping trailers, truck campers, travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers.

Motorized RVs, which are built on or as an integral part of a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis, combining transportation and living quarters in one unit. These include class A, B and C motor homes, which all must be driven to your destination.

Examples of each type are listed below.

Tow-able Trailers

• folding camping trailer — A lightweight unit with sides that collapse for towing and storage. The folding camping trailer combines the experience of open-air tent camping with sleeping comforts, basic conveniences and weather protection found in other RVs.

• truck camper — A unit loaded onto, or affixed to, the bed or chassis of a pickup. The truck camper is popular for back-road journeys, accessing remote locales and family recreational camping.

• travel trailer — A unit designed to be towed by a car, van or pickup by means of a frame hitch, the travel trailer provides all the comforts of home and is perfectly adaptable for weekend getaways, family vacations and full-timing.

• hybrid/expandable travel trailer – A lighter weight unit designed to provide you with hard sides that can be towed by a car, van, suv or truck by means of a frame mounted hitch. Provides the conveniences of a full size camper, but offsets the weight by having tip out, or fold down canvas tent end bedding areas.

• fifth-wheel travel trailer — Designed to be affixed and towed by a pickup equipped with special hitch in the truck bed, these two-level units can provide the greatest living of all tow-able RVs. Fifth-wheel travel trailers come equipped with all the comforts of home, and are perfectly adaptable for weekend getaways, family vacations and full-timing.

Motorized Coaches

• class A motorhome — Also commonly referred to as the conventional motor home, it is the largest, most luxurious of the motorized RVs — a virtual “home-away from-home” on wheels, fully loaded and equipped for short trips, lengthy vacations and full-timing. It’s entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor-vehicle chassis.

• class B motorhome — Also commonly referred to as the van camper, it is a cargo van that has been customized to include temporary sleeping, eating and bathroom facilities.

• class C motorhome — Sometimes referred to as a mini-motorhome, it provides the conveniences of a larger motorhome in a scaled-down version and at a lower price. It is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section.

Information found at RV Terminology by HGTV.