First-Time RV Buyer Guide

Start Here: What Kind of Camper Do You Need?

Before you look at floor plans or brands, get clear on one thing: how do you actually camp? Weekend warrior with a half-ton truck? Family of five that needs bunk beds? Couple looking for a lightweight rig to take to state parks? The answer changes everything about what you should buy.

There are three main camper types at Homestead RV Center. Here is an honest breakdown of each.

Travel Trailers

A travel trailer hitches to the back of your truck or SUV using a ball hitch. It is the most common type of camper in America for good reason — broad floor plan selection, wide price range, and works with most tow vehicles. If you are not sure what to buy, start here.

We carry the Jayco Jay Flight SLX (Jayco's most versatile line — broad floor plans, honest pricing, fully capable at every level), Jay Flight (Jayco's best seller, a step above SLX and the fastest-moving trailer on our lot), Jay Feather and Jay Feather Air (lightweight, half-ton focused), plus Forest River Salem Cruise Lite, FSX, and Rockwood Mini Lite, Ultra Lite, Geo Pro, and Signature Ultra Lite. Floor plans range from ultra-lightweight couples campers to full bunkhouse layouts that sleep eight.

Fifth Wheels

A fifth wheel uses a kingpin hitch mounted in your truck bed — the same type of connection used by semi trucks. This creates a much more stable tow than a ball hitch and allows for a raised front section over the truck bed, which becomes living space. Fifth wheels are typically larger, heavier, and more expensive than comparable travel trailers.

We carry Jayco Eagle HT (half-ton towable, well-appointed with HT weight compromises), Eagle SLE (budget-friendly entry fifth wheel), Eagle (mid-range), North Point (premium), and Pinnacle (flagship), plus the Forest River Salem Hemisphere. Fifth wheel inventory varies — call (330) 534-4044 to confirm current availability before making the trip.

Folding Campers (Pop-Ups)

A folding camper collapses down for towing and storage, then unfolds at the campsite to create a tent-like sleeping area. The Rockwood Roo is a hybrid version with a hard-sided shell and fold-out ends — a step up from a traditional pop-up.

Floor Plan: The Decision That Matters Most

More buyers regret their floor plan than any other decision. The brand, the price, the weight — all important. But the floor plan is what you live in. Here are the key layout choices:

Bunkhouse

Dedicated bunk bed area for kids. Essential for families. If you have children who will sleep in the camper, a bunkhouse layout is almost always the right call. Available in travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Front Bedroom / Rear Bath

Master bedroom at the front with a bathroom in the rear. Common in couples campers and mid-size family trailers. Provides privacy between sleeping and living areas.

Rear Kitchen

Kitchen positioned at the back, often near an outdoor kitchen connection or large rear window. Preferred by buyers who cook a lot at camp.

Murphy Bed

Bed folds up into the wall to create a larger living area during the day. Popular with couples who want maximum day-use floor space.

What to Check Before You Buy

Dry Weight vs. GVWR: Dry weight is the camper empty from the factory. GVWR is the maximum loaded weight. You will always carry water, gear, and food — budget accordingly and make sure your truck can handle the GVWR, not just the dry weight.

Fresh, Grey, and Black Tank Sizes: Larger tanks mean more time between dump station visits. If you prefer primitive camping, prioritize tank capacity.

Slide-Outs: Slides expand living space significantly but add weight, complexity, and a potential service point. Make sure your campsite can accommodate the slides before you commit to a floor plan.

Insulation and AC/Heat: Northeast Ohio camping runs from May to October. Make sure your camper has adequate insulation and a properly sized AC unit for summer heat. Most campers come with a 13,500 BTU unit — larger campers may need a 15,000 BTU unit.

Frequently Asked Questions