The history of campers goes back to the early 20th century and the Volkswagen camper van. Designed by the German company, this van was one of the first vehicles designed with the idea of built in sleeping quarters. In the United States, small camper trailers were among the first recreation vehicles to be developed, such as the teardrop camper. During the 1950's and 1960's the industry grew to include motorized campers, camper shells for pick-up trucks and even full-sized motor coaches the size (and price) of some small mobile homes.
Today there are seven basic types of campers. The largest is the Class A, a full sized vehicle featuring amenities such as a full kitchen, bathroom and sleeping as many as six or more people. Class Bs are also known as conversion vans and are generally a full sized van that has a higher roof than normal. While Class Bs usually include a small kitchenette and bathroom area, space is a premium and thus sleeping areas limited. The Class C camper is a popular motorized option built on a truck chassis with a cab in place. Extra sleeping areas are provided with an area overhanging the cab. An entryway between the cab and the camper allow easy access to the living areas. Another popular option is a truck camper that is placed in the bed of a pick-up truck. The truck camper is self contained, and can be removed as needed from the rear of the truck. While providing most amenities, space is as a premium and the truck camper will usually only sleep around four people. The last two types of campers both fall into the category of trailers because they are pulled behind a towing vehicle. The basic travel trailer can be as little as a small bathroom or as large as the towing limit in your state will allow. As an alternative to the traditional towing hook-up, travel campers also are available with a fifth-wheel towing package. Another option is the pop-up camper. While the pop-up doesn't usually feature a bathroom area, it does have a small cooking area and sleeps an average of four people. The allure of this option is the lower price tag, as compared to the other camper options.
The primary function of all campers is to provide an overnight sleeping area that is mobile. As a secondary function, many campers also offer bathrooms ranging from a toilet and sink only combo, a sink and toilet/shower combo, to a full featured bathroom with separate toilet and shower. In addition, more spacious campers will offer kitchen functionality from a small propane powered stove and refrigerator to a full sized stove with an oven, a refrigerator and some pantry space. Adding all of the kitchen and bathroom features requires more power and water, so many of these also offer on-board power (either in the form of a generator or battery system) and water supply and waste storage tanks. While the most basic camper will only serve as one step up from tent camping, the most advanced is nothing less than a home on wheels.
There are many benefits to utilizing a camper when traveling or camping. First and foremost you will save on hotel bills if you are using a camper. In a campground setting, fees vary depending on the services required, with full power and water hook-ups available for a modest cost. Anyone who has ever been caught out in a thunderstorm while tent camping will tell you, there is something to be said for indoor camping. The versatility of the camper means that you can be packed and prepared for that camping trip at all times, with your camping clothes and gear stored in the vehicle year-round.
When getting ready to purchase a camper, there are a few considerations to take into account. Price is always at the top of the list, but remember that the old adage is usually true, "you get what you pay for." If you are looking into a used camper, a private individual sale is more likely to get you more for your money than the dealer lots. Another thing to consider is space - how many people do you want to sleep in the camper? This factor alone will determine if you can go with a smaller option or if you need to only look at the larger vehicles. Always check the ratings and reviews of any vehicle (and this includes campers) that you are thinking about purchasing. This can save you a ton of headaches in the long run. All things considered, campers provide a great alternative to hotels as well as tent camping, whether you are on a sight-seeing tour of the country or are planning a weekend camping trip for the family.
