A Beginners Guide to RVs
For decades, families all throughout the United States have been vacationing in recreational vehicles (RV), traversing our vast countryside in search of adventure and nature. Recreational vehicles allow you to travel far and wide, all while offering a plethora of creature comforts like a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping areas, and more. While traveling in an RV is a ton of fun, finding the right RV to fit you and your family’s needs can be difficult, with so many different RV types and options available to choose from.
If you’re beginning to look for the perfect recreational vehicle, make sure to read this beginner guide on recreational vehicles before you make a purchase decision. Once you’ve read this guide and decided on the right RV for you, stop by Virginia’s favorite RV dealer, Dodd RV.
The “Best” RV Brands
Depending on who you ask and where you shop, you’ll hear a variety of different suggestions on who is the best RV brand around, which is no surprise as each RV owner has their own unique opinion on which brand does it best. The secret is, most RV brands are owned by the same few big-name companies, which significantly shrinks the field of available brands and also brings into perspective how difficult it is to name a single brand as the “best” out there.
This guide won’t be deciding which RV brand is the best or the absolute top RV brand to buy. Instead, this guide will provide beginners with insight into the RV world, the different types of RVs available, and the differences between those vehicles. There is a quick section dedicated to some of the top-selling brands available. Once you’re done reading this guide, you’ll be familiar with many of the common brands and types of RVs available on the market today.
Thor Industries
The world’s largest recreational vehicle manufacturer, Thor Industries owns a plethora of smaller RV brands, which in total, make up 50% of the market share in North America. Thor Industries owns popular brands like; Keystone RV, Thor Motor Coach, and Tiffin Motorhomes. Every brand beneath the Thor Industries banner has its own unique benefits, which means that no matter what you’re looking for in an RV, Thor Industries has just the right RV for you. If you’re looking for a Thor Industries branded RV, Dodd RV has a fantastic selection of Keystone RV, Thor Motor Coach, and Tiffin Motorhomes to choose from at their locations in Yorktown and Portsmouth.
Keystone RV
Keystone RV is Thor Industries’ major “bumper pull” trail manufacturing brand, offering some of the best travel trailers, fifth wheels, destination trailers, and toy haulers in North America. Keystone RV was founded by Cole Davis in Goshen, Indiana back in 1996. As the years went on, Keystone RV grew rapidly, and caught the attention of Thor Industries in 2001, resulting in their acquisition by Thor Industries.
Keystone RV is still sold today, with some of the top fifth wheel and travel trailers available in North America. At Dodd RV, we offer two of Keystone RV’s most popular series of travel trailers, the Passport SL and Passport GT series. Each Passport series has a multitude of individual models and layout plans, so be sure to stop in at Dodd RV to talk with your salesperson today about which layout is just right for you.
If you’re looking for one of the most versatile fifth wheel and travel trailer brands, take a look at Keystone RVs, available at both Dodd RV locations.
Thor Motor Coach
Operating out of Elkhart, Indiana, Thor Motor Coach is the result of a merger between two of Thor Industries’ acquired companies. Thor Industries initially acquired Four Winds International back in 1992, and Damon Motor Coach in 2003. After sitting on the companies for a number of years, in 2010 Thor Industries decided to consolidate the two and make Thor Motor Coach in order to offer some of the sleekest RVs available.
Thor Motor Coach offers a variety of RVs to its customers, as they make Class A, B, C, and Super C motorhomes as well as toy haulers, and RUVs. Some popular models include the Class A Aria, the Class B+ Compass AWD, and the Class C Chateau, each packed full of its own unique features and amenities.
Unsure on which class of RV you’re looking for? Thor Motor Coach has plenty of options to choose from across a bunch of different classes, so stop in at Dodd RV today to view our inventory of Thor Motor Coach RVs.
Tiffin Motorhomes
Tiffin Motorhomes is the luxury arm of Thor Industries, offering high-end motorhomes in a variety of floorplans and styles, this is the brand you want to look at if luxury is your lifestyle. Originally a family-owned and operated company, Tiffin Motorhomes was acquired by Thor Industries in December 2020 to the tune of $300 million.
Despite being recently acquired by Thor Industries, Tiffin Motorhomes is still a family-run business, with Leigh Tiffin acting as the President of Tiffin Motors as of July 2021. The original founder of Tiffin Motorhomes, Bob Tiffin, is still active within the company as he is the Chief Executive Officer of Tiffin Motorhomes and is working side by side with his grandson Leigh.
Looking for the most luxurious RV experience? Then shop for Tiffin Motorhomes today at Dodd RV, with locations in Yorktown, VA, and Portsmouth, VA.
Forest River
Another one of the big players in the RV game, Forest River is not only an RV manufacturer, but also produces cargo trailers, utility trailers, pontoon boats, and even buses. Safe to say, Forest River has all the angles covered when it comes to outdoor recreation and travel, and that’s why they’re one of the top brands in America. Forest River even has a dedicated group of owners that call themselves “FROG”, standing for Forest River Owners Group.
Founded in 1996, Forest River made a name for itself by manufacturing quality RVs, eventually resulting in them being acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2005. Almost immediately after the acquisition, Forest River launched a new luxury coach brand, Elkhart Coach, showing that Forest River was ready to play with the big boys. Over the years, Forest River continued to expand, acquiring a multitude of companies and solidifying their spot at the top of the market along the way.
While you’re searching for the perfect RV at Dodd RV, make sure to look at all Forest River has to offer. Stop in and shop Forest River today at one of Dodd RVs locations in Portsmouth, VA, or Yorktown, VA.
Coachmen
One of the oldest RV brands, Coachmen RV manufactured its first products in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana. Coachmen RV was acquired by Forest River in 2008, just three short years after Forest River had been acquired by Berkshire Hathaway. Forest River decided to keep Coachmen RVs headquarters in Middlebury, building a 220-acre manufacturing facility that makes all of their Class A, B, and C motorhomes.
Since its inception in 1964, Coachmen RV has sold over three-quarters of a million RVs, making it one of the oldest and best-selling RV brands around. Coachmen RV doesn’t plan on stopping there, as they continue to make some of the best RVs available, as well as offering travel trailers and camping trailers to their customers.
If you want one of America’s oldest and most reliable RV brands, purchase a Coachmen RV at Dodd RV today!
Prime Time
Founded in 2009, Prime Time Manufacturing quickly became North America’s fastest-growing RV company, which they’ve spun into a place amongst the Top 10 RV makers in America. Located in Wakarusa, Indiana, Prime Time makes travel trailers on fifth wheels both in America and Canada.
If you’re looking for a great RV, make sure to check out America’s fastest-growing RV brand, Prime Time, available here at Dodd RV.
It’s All About Choices
As you can tell, there are more than enough RV manufacturers out there, it’s picking one that is a difficult task. Although no one brand is better than the other, each brand does offer its own unique features, amenities, and layouts, so it’s worthwhile to check out as many brands as possible.
Before you start shopping, make a quick list of the things you want and need in an RV, as well as a list of the activities you plan to do on your RV trips. This is valuable information to have as it will help you make a solid, informed decision about which RV to purchase.
The best way to find the perfect RV brand for you is to stop in at Dodd RV to speak with one of our RV experts today!
Different RV Types
Just as there are many brands of RVs available, there’s also a variety of different RV types available to consumers as well. Each different type of RV serves a different purpose, with each type having its own unique set of features and amenities to serve said purpose. Some RV types lend themselves well to long-term stays, while others excel at navigating tight trails and narrow roads. One thing is for sure, no matter what RV type is the right one for you, getting outdoors with family and friends is the best part of owning an RV!
Alongside our wide selection of RV brands to choose from, we also carry a variety of RV types like fifth wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes here at Dodd RV. Dodd RV is one of Virginia’s top-selling RV dealers, with a location in both Portsmouth and Yorktown. Stop in today at Dodd RV to begin your great outdoor adventure!
Class A Motorhomes
Perhaps one of the most recognizable forms of recreational vehicles out there, the Class A motorhome tends to be what most folks think of when they hear the word “RV”. These RVs come packed full of features and amenities as they are the biggest RVs available. Class A motorhomes are self-contained and driveable, meaning everything you need to enjoy a true RV vacation is in one place. Most Class A motorhomes are capable of towing a vehicle, which means you can bring along a vehicle to explore in as opposed to hauling your motorhome everywhere.
Class A motorhomes are the most comfortable of all RVs, however, they are also the most expensive, ranging from $100,000 on the low end, all the way to $2 Million+ for a high-end, customized motorhome. The high cost will pay off, however, as it affords you larger floor plans, higher sleeping capacity, and simply more amenities and features.
If you’re looking for the ultimate RV, buying a Class A motorhome at Dodd RV is no doubt the best option. Here at Dodd RV we carry a variety of Class A motorhome brands, like Tiffin Motorhomes and Forest River RVs, stop in to check out our selection today!
Class B Motorhomes
Slightly smaller than their Class A counterpart, Class B motorhomes offers similar features in a smaller form factor. Class B motorhomes are usually called a “van conversion”, as they begin their life as an empty van shell that is then fitted with RV components. These converted vans are far easier to drive thanks to their size, making traveling around your destination town nice and easy.
Since a Class B motorhome is much smaller than a Class A motorhome, they’re better suited for the lone traveler or the traveling couple as interior space and sleeping quarters are limited. This limited amount of space isn’t a total negative, as it means you’re leaving a smaller ecological footprint, and taking care of our earth is always a positive.
If you’re traveling alone or with a significant other, travel in style with a Class B motorhome from Dodd RV. At Dodd RV we carry Virginia’s widest selection of Class B motorhomes at our two locations in Portsmouth and Yorktown. Stop by today to check out all of the wonderful Thor Industries and Forest River Class B motorhomes we offer!
Class C Motorhomes
Keeping with the modified van theme, Class C motorhomes take a blank van chassis and build living quarters onto it. This leaves you with a van front end, with an RV body on the back, quite the unique-looking combination. Class C motorhomes offer all the typical creature comforts, like a small kitchenette, sleeping quarters, and a bathroom. Interior furnishings vary depending on the brand, with some brands offering only the necessities and others offering every luxurious item available.
Class C motorhomes are the perfect option if a Class B is too small, yet a Class A is too big and expensive. These motorhomes are a fantastic option for the small family looking to spend a summer on the road, as they offer plenty of room, some even offer optional “slide outs” which expand the interior space once parked.
Ready to hit the road with your family this summer? Come by Dodd RV in Portsmouth or Yorktown to check out our wide range of RV options and to see why Virginia loves us!
Fifth Wheel Trailers
Perhaps one of the most popular or most common options when it comes to RVs, the fifth wheel attaches to the bed of a pickup truck and is hauled the entirety of your vacation. The benefit of a fifth wheel is you can drop it off at your destination and use your pickup truck to get around town, meaning you won’t be wasting money on a costly rental vehicle or worry about if you can tow your car behind your RV.
Whether you’re a full-time RV dweller, or simply vacationing in one, purchasing a fifth-wheel RV is one of the best options available. Here at Dodd RV, we carry a ton of fifth-wheel trailers, with popular brands available such as Keystone RV, Coachmen, and Prime Time.
Toy Haulers
Built for those that want to add an extra element of excitement and adventure to their RV vacation, toy haulers are built to carry things like utility and off-roading vehicles. They look just like a regular fifth wheel or bumper pull trailer on the outside, however, they have a garage area on the interior meant to store your favorite off-road toys. Load and unload your off-road vehicle easily by using the ramp at the back of your toy hauler, another great benefit of this type of RV.
Another great way to use a toy hauler has been gaining popularity lately, with some owners using the garage space as an office space or an art studio. As nomadic living becomes increasingly popular, it makes sense why folks are utilizing the garage space in a toy hauler as a place to conduct business from.
Is a toy hauler right for you? Then stop in at Dodd RV, we have the best selection of toy haulers available in Virginia. Serving the Portsmouth and Yorktown area since 1956.
Teardrop Trailers
Perhaps the most basic of recreational vehicles available, the teardrop trailer is simplistic, easy to haul, and the least expensive option available. Named after their distinct look, teardrop trailers come in a variety of sizes, with some built for two people and others built out for a group of people to enjoy.
Fully customizable, teardrop trailers can come as bare bones or as complex as you’d like! Some have a bathroom, others don’t, some include outdoor kitchens or none at all. What your teardrop trailer contains is completely up to you, as they come in a variety of floorplans and layouts.
Searching for a teardrop trailer in Virginia? Then shop only at Dodd RV, Virginia’s favorite RV dealer. Dodd RV has served Virginia since 1956, with locations in both Portsmouth and Yorktown.
Making Your Choice
Now that you’re an expert on everything recreational vehicle, it’s time to pick out which RV suits your needs at Dodd RV in Virginia. Whether you’re looking for a simple teardrop trailer for short weekend getaways or a Class A motorhome for a lengthy summer vacation, we have you covered here at Dodd RV. Stop in today at one of our two convenient locations in either Yorktown or Portsmouth, our expert sales team would be happy to help you find your perfect recreational vehicle.
