WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLE TYPES AND PRICES MAKE RVs APPEALING AND AFFORDABLE

RESTON Va. -- For a hassle-free outdoor vacation surrounded by home comforts, consider traveling by recreation vehicle (RV). Here are some helpful guidelines from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) to help you choose an RV for years of travel and camping enjoyment.

A recent study by Louis Harris and Associates found that RV owners cited these reasons as the top benefits of ownership: RVs provide the freedom to travel where you want when you want; RVs offer the convenience of a home away from home; and RVs are the best way to travel with family or children. The research also discovered that when purchasing their RV, 14 percent of owners thought the price was lower than expected while 69 percent found the price to be about what they expected.

RVs comprise a whole family of vehicles that combine transportation and temporary living quarters for recreation, camping and travel. Some provide a simple place for sleeping and eating, while others are virtually luxury lodges on wheels -- equipped with conveniences ranging from running water and complete bathroom facilities to air-conditioning and a power source (either electricity or liquid propane).

RVs fall into two general categories: towables (folding camping trailers, truck campers and travel trailers) and motorized (motorhomes and conversion vehicles).

Towable RVs

Folding Camping Trailer -- A lightweight unit with collapsible sides that fold for aerodynamic towing by a motorized vehicle, even some small compact cars. When set up, they provide kitchen, dining and sleeping facilities for up to eight people. Folding camping trailers sell for an average of $4,800, but models are available from $3,500 to $11,000.

Truck Camper -- A camping unit that is loaded onto, or affixed to, the bed or chassis of a pickup. Many have kitchen and bathroom facilities. Truck campers sleep two to six people and sell from $3,700 to $16,500. Most consumers buy models costing $10,000.

Travel Trailer -- A unit designed to be towed by a car, van or pickup. Travel trailers provide comforts such as kitchen, toilet, sleeping, dining and living facilities, electric and water systems and modern appliances. Like all towable units, they can be unhitched from the tow vehicle, which is then free for convenient local travel to and from the campsite. Travel trailers sleep four to eight people. Most conventional travel trailers sell for $13,000, but models range in price from $8,000 to $49,000 depending on size and features. Fifth-wheel models, which are built to be towed by pickups, sell from $9,500 to $82,000. The average retail price is $21,000.

Motorized RVs

Motor Home --Type A, Type B, Type C A recreational camping and travel vehicle built on or as part of a motorized vehicle chassis. Kitchen, sleeping, bathroom and dining facilities are all conveniently accessible to the driver's area from inside. Living systems generally include electricity, heating, air conditioning, water and propane gas. Motorhomes come in a variety of sizes and types and sleep two to 10 people. Average retail prices range from $40,000 for compact "mini" models to $82,000 for larger types. Luxurious, high-line rigs can exceed $100,000.

Conversion Vehicles --Trucks, Vans, and Sports Utility vehicles typically manufactured by an automaker, modified in appearance for transportation and recreation by a company specializing in customized vehicles. Changes may include side windows, carpeting paneling, custom seats and sofas and assorted accessories. Van conversions, the most popular conversion vehicle, provide comfortable and luxurious seating for seven, though some seat as many as 12 people. These units are popular for group travel, including carpooling. Van conversions sleep from two to four people and sell for an average of $28,000. Models are available between $15,000 and $41,000.

A free booklet on "Choosing & Using Your RV" and a complete directory of RV shows, publications and clubs is available by writing to: RVIA, Dept. PR, P.O. Box 2999, Reston, VA 20195-0999.

Vacationers interested in renting an RV locally should consult their Yellow Pages under "Recreation Vehicles -- Renting and Leasing." For nationwide RV information, a copy of "Who's Who in RV Rentals" can be ordered from the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA) for $5. Rental Ventures, a 28-page, full-color guide to renting an RV in North America, is also available for $3. Both publications can be purchased for $7.50, which includes first-class delivery. Send request to RVRA, 3930 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030., or call 1-800-336-0355.