Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy.

Dry weight generally refers to the RV before passengers, cargo, water and certain equipment are added. It's a starting point — not the weight you'll actually be towing.

GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum permitted loaded weight of the RV. Never exceed it. Your cargo, water, and gear all count toward this number.

Payload is how much weight your tow vehicle can carry — including passengers, gear, and the tongue weight of the trailer. It's one of the most important numbers to check.

Also called tongue weight or pin weight — this is the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch. Too much or too little affects handling and safety.

A slide-out is a section of the RV that extends outward when parked to expand your interior living space. Most campers have one to four slides.

A bunkhouse layout provides dedicated additional sleeping areas — typically stacked bunks — separate from the main bedroom. Great for families and groups.

Travel trailers hitch to a ball mount on your vehicle's receiver. Fifth wheels use a specialized hitch in a pickup truck bed for more stability and living space. KayKay can help you decide which fits your situation.

Class B (camper vans) are compact, easy to drive, and great for couples or solo travelers. Class C motorhomes are larger with more sleeping space and amenities — better for families or longer trips.