Have you seen the movie Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines? In one scene, the terminator, John Connor, and Katherine Brewster stole and drove a large vehicle. A closer look inside reveals that the vehicle has all the comforts of a home! There's a dining table, cupboards, a TV set, a phone line, even a bed. Indeed, it is a home on wheels.

What is this vehicle? It is called an RV, an acronym for recreational vehicle. Technically, a recreational vehicle refers to an enclosed piece of equipment that serves as a vehicle and as a temporary home. These vehicles can be as compact as a large pick-up or as big as an entire bus. RVs can be brought straight from the display center; however, many people also opt to convert their own vehicles to RVs.

Although they are designed for temporary leisure activities such as vacations and camping, there are people who use RVs as a permanent dwelling place. RVs should not be confused with mobile or trailer homes.

A basic RV contains a few beds, a table, food preparation equipment (e.g., a gas range, a refrigerator, etc.) and storage areas tucked underneath the seats. Larger RVs have full bathrooms, living areas, and master bedrooms.

Some RVs also have features such as satellite TV, internet access, slide-out sections and roll-up awnings. Some of the largest ones even have a storage space for cars.

The bad thing about RVs is that they guzzle up a lot of gas, a severe blow to fuel efficiency. Also, RVs require experienced drivers since it is relatively difficult to control such a large vehicle, especially if the RV itself is towed. The hefty price of a unit can also be a hindrance.

Although there are many campers who prefer the old-fashioned way of adventure, RV camping does offer a lot more advantages than traditional camping.

For example, you do not have to carry your heavy stuff on your back all the time. RVs have sufficient space for storing your tent, food supplies, firewood, sleeping bags, and other stuff. If your RV is big enough, you can even carry a small boat, kayak, or canoe, strapped up the roof. Try lugging a canoe through a one-mile trek and you would wish that you had a vehicle with you.

Also, RVs provide better weather protection than in a tent. Staying in an RV is definitely cozier and a relief when it is raining or snowing outside. Although a tent can somewhat protect you from being drenched or being cold, it can't protect you from the weather's full onslaught. You will still feel cold and sluggish when you get out of the tent.

Many RVs have heating and cooling systems. These can make your stay more comfortable than having to sit and lie outside.

Sleeping or staying inside an RV, on the other hand, provides you the comfort of home. You will be able to sleep on warm beds, clean sheets, and soft pillows.

In RV camping, you do not have to worry finding a natural toilet. You can relieve yourself in comfort inside an RV's toilet. Peeing or defecating in the bushes can be uncomfortable. Poison ivy rashes, bites from bugs, possibility of being spied upon—these are just some of the disadvantages about camping without a toilet.

RV camping also allows you to cook meals as if you are cooking them at home. In traditional camping without an RV, you be limited on the food that you can prepare; only foods that require simplest preparation can be cooked. But with the gas range/oven in the RV, you can cook a gourmet feast for your family. No more campfires required for cooking—and thus, safer for you.

In other words, RV camping offers you comfort and a cheap alternative to motels.

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