Consumer preferences have changed drastically since the start of the pandemic with travel being no exception. Thousands of Americans and Canadians have opted out of airline tickets and hotel reservations in favor of RVs, a safer method of travel that allows for self-contained excursions with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen all on-board.
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering if the RV lifestyle is for you. Good news—it most likely is! Because RVs offer so much variety in form, function, and value there’s bound to be an RV that suits your lifestyle and travel needs. Just like families, RVs come in all shapes and sizes. From large class A motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers to compact pop-ups and camper vans, there is an RV that will fit your lifestyle. From weekend getaways to touring the great outdoors to working from the road, there’s an RV for every family and every budget.
When deciding between different types of RVs, it is important to understand the features and amenities associated with each and the pros and cons. The categories are not super difficult to grasp. Motorhomes come in Classes A, B, and C and trailers break down into fifth wheels and travel trailers. I’ll dive right into each category including its pros and cons, model details, features and amenities, and approximate cost. In today’s post we’ll focus on the three classes of motorhomes.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are built on specially designed motor vehicle chassis. This type of motorhome often includes multiple slide-out rooms. Class A motorhomes offer as many luxuries as the average house—and in some cases more! It is not uncommon for these coaches to include a king-sized bed, two bathrooms, washer and dryer, a large living area with sofas and reclining chairs, a dining table, a television, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, stovetop, residential refrigerator and freezer.
Class A motorhomes are popular with those who spend considerable time on the road including snowbirds and full timers and anyone with a mobile lifestyle. Due to their size and weight, these coaches are not suitable for all travel routes. The largest class of motorhomes, they can be powered by either gas or diesel engines. Towing a car behind the motorhome is an important consideration since running errands is easier in a smaller vehicle—you will not want to pack up the entire coach simply to go do some local site-seeing or shopping.
Model Details
- Length: 26-45 feet
- Cost: $150,000-$1,000,000+
- Sleeps: 2-8
Typical Features & Amenities
- Ample living space and storage
- Full-sized bathroom
- Residential kitchen
- Full entertainment system
- Can tow another vehicle
Pros:
- Contain all living amenities on board
- Spacious and potentially luxurious
- Does not require a towing vehicle and can tow another vehicle
- Lots of storage space
Cons:
- High cost of purchase, insurance, and service
- Poor fuel-efficiency
- Often need to be parked offsite when not in use as many communities do not allow them in driveways or parked on residential streets
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes also known as camper vans feature the conveniences of a furnished motorhome. They are built using an automotive manufactured van or panel-truck shells. Class Bs are easy to drive, park, and maneuver and include standard home-like amenities including a bathroom, sleeping area, and basic kitchen. What sets them apart from regular vans is that they are equipped for camping. Class Bs are best suited for users who have a smaller budget, need a smaller vehicle, or want a mobile base for their outdoor camping activities.
Model Details
- Length: 16-21 feet
- Cost: $110,000-$200,000+
- Sleeps: 2-4
Typical Features & Amenities
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Shower and toilet
Pros:
- Easy to navigate in traffic and park
- Fuel efficiency is high relative to other RVs
- Lower initial cost
Cons:
- Tight living quarters, limited storage space
- Limited creature comforts
- No space for features like laundry, dishwashers, and other larger appliances
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are ideal for families and groups of friends who want the adventure and flexibility of spontaneous vacation along with the convenience and amenities of home. Built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab, Class C motorhomes are easily recognizable by the over-the-cab portion that is often an optional sleeping area. Many models have slide-out rooms.
Model Details
- Length: 25-35 feet
- Cost: $110,000-$200,000+
- Sleeps: 2-8
Typical Features & Amenities
- Loft for extra sleeping space
- Kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Bedroom
Pros:
- More affordable than Class A motorhomes
- More spacious than Class B motorhomes
- Reasonable fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Less spacious than Class A motorhomes
- Fewer amenities than Class A motorhomes
- Less affordable than Class B motorhomes
An apology: Why no image of a Class B motorhome? After searching through my vast photo file I came up blank and having made a decision early on to avoid the use of stock photos, and for this I apologize.
Worth Pondering…
No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.
