How Many People Can Ride in an RV?
You may see a large, Class A motorhome on the road and think to yourself, “It’s as big as a school bus. I wonder how many people can ride in that.” If you’re planning a big family get together, and want to take everyone along for the ride in an RV, the answer to that question may surprise you.
Depending on the number of seat belts
For the most part, the number of people that can ride in a motorcoach depends on the number of seat belts inside the vehicle. Obviously, a motorhome has a driver and passenger seat, so that’s two people. However, most motorhomes also have seat belts attached to the dinette seating, as well as other seats inside the living area. That said, the average number of seat belts inside of an average motorhome is four to seven people.
Bus conversions
A bus conversion may have more seats for passengers, depending on how it was remodeled into a motorhome. For example, a tour bus for a band will have more seats, as well as the living quarters. Or, if someone converts a school bus into a motorhome, it’s entirely up to the individual how many seats they will leave for passengers.
State laws concerning trailers
For the most part, it’s not legal or safe for passengers to travel in a moving trailer or fifth-wheel. Most states require people to travel in the tow vehicle, not the trailer. However, some states do allow passengers to ride in a towable RV.
For example, in Arizona, passengers are allowed to ride in a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or the back of a pickup camper. In California, passengers are allowed to ride in a fifth-wheel equipped with a communication system with the tow vehicle. Likewise, the fifth-wheel must have safety glass and at least one exit that can be opened from both the inside and outside. The same rules apply for passengers riding in the back of a truck camper. However, California does not allow passengers to ride in a travel trailer.
While eighteen states do allow people to ride as passengers in a towable RV, most states don’t. Furthermore, the legal details concerning the type of towable and who can ride in one vary between these eighteen states. For example, Kansas law states only passengers fourteen years and older may ride in a fifth wheel, travel trailer or truck camper.
The bottom line is, there is no one answer to the question, “How many people can ride in an RV?” It depends primarily on the RV itself.
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