by Captain Jack
Share
by Captain Jack
Share
RV4.US uses a term for features an RV has that you won’t find in a list of features from the manufacturer as Functional Benefits.
Being able to select from a list of Functional Benefits to match an RV is only available at RV4.US.
A functional benefit is a benefit that the RV has that adds to the value of ownership for the current owner. Being able to select from a list of Functional Benefits to match an RV is only available at RV4.US. So what are these mysterious Functional Benefits?
Access to bathroom while closed
Everyone knows that when you travel, nature will call periodically. If you’re in a motor vehicle, you will usually stop off at a rest stop, gas station, or restaurant and use the facilities. If you’re towing a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel, why wouldn’t you just use the restroom in your RV? Many models that have slides will not allow you to get to the bathroom without opening at least one slide. If you’re on the road frequently, this can be a detractor. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many people would prefer to not use public restrooms.
The above floorplan is shown with the slide extended that holds the cabinet for the washer and dryer. Judging by the size of the slide, it will likely push right up against the bathroom door when the slide is closed. This will render the bathroom inaccessible.
The above floorplan shows the Entry stairs are just offset from the entry to the bathroom. No slide action could stop access to the bathroom while traveling.
Access to bed while closed
There are times when a trip only has the destination in mind. You may not wish to rent a spot in an RV park to stay from 7 PM until early the next morning. Many people opt to stop over at truck stops and department store parking lots. Most of these places will not allow you to put your leveling jacks down. Without the jacks down, opening a slide is very dangerous, as it puts your RV off balance. There is also the chance of a collision with a passing truck.
Handling travel this way will necessitate that you can get access to a bed when the slides are in. At RV4.US, we determine that there is bed access if you can get to any of the beds in the RV. You may not be able to get to them all. Study the floorplans in your result if it’s important to have access to all the beds.
The above floorplan appears that it will block the hallway leading to the bedroom when the slide is closed. Of course, there is always the option to sleep on the couch and lounge area if you’re so motivated!
Here is a similar model from the same manufacturer. Notice the slide likely has the same effect of blocking the hallway to the bedroom. The difference is that this model has a separate entrance to the bedroom with its own stairs.
Access to refrigerator while closed
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pull over whenever you wanted and get some cold drinks or make a sandwich from fixings in the RV’s refrigerator?
The above floorplan from a model that we actually owned for a while, does not allow access to the refrigerator when the slide is closed. The refrigerator is actually in one of the slides and pushes right up against the kitchen island when closed. Since it’s a four-door refrigerator, you could get to the freezer, but not the refrigerator.
Bathroom Entrance
If we intend to have frequent get-togethers with friends congregating at your RV, one of the guests will eventually ask to use the bathroom. It’s a great feature to be able to have a separate bathroom entrance so that folks don’t have to go traipsing through your RV. Great way to keep wear and tear down on the RV and not require people to maneuver through your personal space.
The above floorplan snippet shows that this model has separate stairs and a doorway that leads directly to the bathroom. We’ve also found that many toy hauler models have a separate entrance to the garage, which often has a half bath attached. RV4.US doesn’t mark those as “Bathroom Entrance” because the entrance doesn’t lead directly to the bathroom.
Full Body Slide
Many models have one slide that is the majority of the length of the RV. The benefits are that a large amount of additional space is provided to the interior of the RV when the slide is extended. Another perceived benefit is that there are fewer mechanical items to break down than in a unit that has multiple slides.
On the above floorplan, the entire driver’s side extends out when the slide is opened. One concern I’ve heard is that if the mechanism to close the slide malfunctions, it is almost impossible to close it manually. It’s just too heavy. Often, smaller slides can be disengaged and two people can push the slide in manually to more easily bring the RV to a repair center.
Opposing Slides
Opposing slides are a functional benefit because they greatly increase the space in a particular part of the RV. Opposing slides can add up to 40% more floor space in the section of the RV where they are employed.
In the above floorplan snippet, you can see how much extra space is provided in the entertainment and kitchen area of this model.
Private Space
One thing that can be a pain point if you plan to try to work remotely or have a hobby that you often like undisturbed time is that there is rarely a place in the RV that can be closed off for privacy. If you have a toy hauler, you could use the garage, but that’s not always ideal. The only other place in many larger RVs is the bedroom, however, that’s not a very good long-term solution.
The above floorplan shows that there is a section in the back of the RV that has a couch and bunk beds. This space, if desired, could easily be converted to use as an office and is separate from the rest of the RV by a door. This would take some modification work, but it’s perfectly feasible.
The above floorplan shows that there is a room that would also need some slight modification to be used as an office, etc. The dresser could be replaced with a desk and allow for a workstation with multiple monitors etc.
Suitable for full-time living
This functional benefit has been the most difficult for us to define for ourselves. Sure, we could define any RV that has the following features as suitable for full-time living.
- A/C
- Furnace or Heat Pump
- Bed
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
There is one problem with using this definition. Most manufacturers specifically say in their warranty that it is void if the model is used for full-time living. Obviously, an RV gets much more wear and tear when being used for full-time living than one that is used for periodic vacations throughout the year. RV4.US defines an RV as suitable for full-time living if it has the above features AND will not void the warranty. If you’re planning on purchasing a used RV, then we recommend that you do not select this Top Ten item as one of your search criteria.
Wheelchair Accessible
There are several models of Recreational Vehicle, mostly Class A type, that are designed for those that use a wheelchair. The boast much more liberal floorspace in the floorplan to make moving about within the unit easier.
On the above floorplan, you can see that there is ample room to move about the RV. The floor space in the bedroom next to the bed is expanded. The hallway from the living area to the bedroom is also much wider than on standard models.
Future Additions
Occasionally RV4.US adds a new functional benefit to the list available for searching on the site. I’ll update this post regularly as new entries are added.
