Types & Choices
What's the difference between motorhome "classes"?
By Russ and Tina DeMaris
Sep 24, 2009, 11:08

Folks new to the motorhome world are oftentimes confused by the jargon. "Class A" motorhome? "Class C" motorhome? Van campers? Isn't there some way to keep RV shopping simple? Let's try and demystify the "types" or "classes" of motorhomes.

Generally the largest of all the commercially produced motorhomes are called "Class A" or as industry prefers you to say, "Type A" motorhomes. The manufacturer starts with a plain old, stripped chassis with running gear like an engine and transmission. On top of the chassis the motorhome is built.

Noted for their roominess, all kinds of luxuries and options can be put in a Class A motorhome. With their heavier weight capacity, don't be surprised to find a lot of "slide out rooms," which add floor space when deployed. Stepping into a Class A with slide outs stuck out can really seem like you've stepped into a good sized stick-built home. We've even seen Class A motorhomes that were amphibious--yep, drive right off the boat launch and into the water.

But stepping into a Class A motorhome as a buyer isn't for the faint-of-heart. They're also the most expensive of the motorhomes, with prices starting at $50,000 and shooting up to over a million dollars or better. They also have the drawback of being harder to maneuver, and the larger they get, the harder it can become to find a suitable spot to park them. Many National Parks and US Forest campgrounds simply don't have room for some of these rigs. Count too, on higher fuel consumption rates.

Smaller motorhomes, typically built on a van chassis, often with the van "cab" area intact, are Class C (Type C) motorhomes. Prices start much lower for the equivalent luxury of the larger Class A rigs. This doesn't mean you'll have to sweat out a lifestyle equivalent to John the Baptizer. Some Class C rigs have slide outs, albeit smaller than many of the Class A motorhomes.

Adding to the attraction, Class C motorhomes are generally much easier to maneuver; can often park in a Walmart parking lot up front near the store, and often fit in public campground spots. While Class A folks often tow a small round-town car (a "toad" if you will) to allow them to leave their big rig in camp, often Class C rigs are handy enough to be used directly for local transportation.

Costs for a Class C motorhome, by industry estimates, start out at around $48,000 and typically rise to $140,000; certainly exceptions exist. Insurance and fuel costs are generally less for a Class C rig.

Finally, the least commonly sold, but not uncommon for its use, is a Class B, or "camper van." Using a van chassis and body, the manufacturer tricks out the interior, adding sleeping, cooking, and teeny-tiny bathroom facilities. The roof of a Class B rig is often raised, giving occupants more headroom and accommodating cabinets and accessories.

Taking up almost no more space than a passenger van, a Class B rig goes anywhere a car goes, parks easily, but don't count on towing much with them. The fuel economy here is probably best for all motorhomes (generally speaking). If you can drive a van, you can drive a Class B motorhome. Look to spend from the low $40 thousands to the mid $70 thousands for a new camper van.

However, the sacrifice of space is very real. For long-term RVing, it can be quite cozy in a Class B rig. The other two camps will argue until the bovines return at sunset as to whether Class A or Class B motorhomes are better for snowbirds and full-time RV living, by the reality shows both of them are used. Find a fulltime RVer in a Class B? Maybe, but it would be a rarity.

Trying to make a choice? Renting a motorhome of the class you think you might want to buy can really show you how things size up. Or think about renting one of each class for a short road trip. You'll soon see the difference in how these different rigs will fit your lifestyle.

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