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Understanding The Motorhome Classes

Oct. 7 2020 Buying Guide By Casa Grande RV Sales

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Picking the right motorhome class can be a challenge. New buyers can struggle to decode the lingo and even experienced RVers can struggle deciding which class suits their lifestyle. That's why we created the following guide to motorhome classes. We break down key features of each class, making it easier to see what would work best for you. If you have any questions or want to explore motorhomes for sale, visit Casa Grande RV Sales. We carry all motorhome classes. Our RV dealership is located in Casa Grande, Arizona, and we serve those in Chandler and Gilbert as well.

The Definition Of A Motorhome

Before diving into the different classes, it helps to start with the features of a motorhome. These RVs are fully contained with their own drive train. No need for tow vehicles here! In fact, many motorhomes can tow a commuter car to the campsite. All motorhomes will offer the necessities for overnight travel, such as a bathroom, a kitchen, and bedroom. Some motorhomes only come with the basics, others offer extravagant luxury features, and others fall somewhere in-between.

Motorhomes are sorted into three different categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each motorhome class offers a distinct travel experience and the right fit for you depends on your priorities, such as more interior space or a lower price tag.

Class A Motorhomes - The Towering Titans

Size

  • The largest motorhome size
  • Usually between 30 and 45 feet long
  • Usually includes at least two slide-outs, which make the motorhome even larger at the campsite
  • Usually offers the highest interior height, which makes the space feel more comfortable and is ideal for taller individuals

Design

  • Looks similar to a bus
  • Made with a commercial bus chassis, commercial truck chassis, or motor vehicle chassis
  • Built with a flat front and a wide front window
  • Integrates the driving cab with the rest of the rig

Fuel Economy

  • Offers the worst fuel economy of the motorhomes
  • Usually only about 10 miles per gallon

Passengers

  • The largest passenger capacity
  • Some models can fit up to ten passengers

Handling

  • The higher center of gravity makes these motorhomes easier to tip over
  • Uses air brakes, which are beneficial for security and maintenance but does require more time to bring the RV to a stop
  • Harder to handle tight spaces, such as narrow roads or smaller parking spots

Features

  • Increased storage space, making it easy to bring along everything you want on vacation
  • More rooms, such as separate dining and living areas
  • Tends to offer more residential-style appliances, larger beds, and other comforts of home

Class B Motorhomes - The Compact Campers

Size

  • The smallest motorhome size
  • Usually does not come with slide-outs

Design

  • Looks similar to a van (which is why these motorhomes are sometimes called camper vans)
  • Made with a van-style chassis

Fuel Economy

  • Offers the best fuel economy of the motorhomes

Passengers

  • The smallest passenger capacity
  • Usually only fits one or two travelers

Handling

  • Easy to handle, especially for heading into town to get groceries, navigating traffic-jammed cities, or tackling winding roads

Features

  • Tends to offer more basic features, but can find more luxurious models or can upgrade the rig with accessoires
  • Usually puts the toilet and shower in one space
  • Requires the least amount of maintenance

Class C Motorhomes - The Midsize Models

Size

  • The middle motorhome size
  • Usually between 25 and 30 feet long
  • Often comes with slideouts to expand the interior space at the destination

Design

  • Looks similar to a truck
  • Made with a truck chassis
  • Built with the driving cab separate from the rest of the motorhome
  • Offers a unique cab-over profile, which creates extra space that can be used for a bedroom, storage, or even entertainment

Fuel Economy

  • Offers moderately good fuel economy

Passengers

  • Usually fits between four and eight people

Handling

  • Easy to learn since the center of gravity is similar to a normal vehicle

Features

  • Often uses convertible furniture, such as dinette that turns into bed or couch
  • Some models can tow a car

Ready to shop motorhomes for sale? Check out the selection at Casa Grande RV Sales. We carry all motorhome classes, making it easy to find the perfect match. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you pick the most compatible model for your family, so stop by and visit today. We are an RV dealership based in Casa Grande, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona.