When you’re just breaking into the lingo of RV classes, it can be a bit confusing. Comparing types of RVs is actually quite easy once you know what you’re looking at. More importantly, it helps to know what you’re really looking for when you’re ready to purchase.
One of the most anti-intuitive aspects of comparing motor home classes is that they are not ranked by size. While a class A motorhome will be very large, class B motorhomes are the smallest and class C usually falls in the middle, size-wise. Below, we explain the real differences.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes do tend to be the largest and look like large busses with flat noses and a long, rectangular body. You get the most interior space of the motorhome classes from the class A (when compared to RVs of equal length) because the cab section is incorporated into the interior. Class A motorhomes are defined by this feature. They are built by manufacturers to internalize the driving cab and engine, which gives the flow and appearance of more interior space.
Pros
- They are easier to spend longer trips in because of the comfort factor – more space to relax in.
- The larger size allows for better amenities such as larger refrigerators, more seating and sleeping space, and separated showers and commodes.
- Larger tank capacity means emptying the black water less often, a chore nobody enjoys!
Cons
- They can be downright gas guzzlers with mileage as low as 7 mpg.
- The size makes them susceptible to be swayed by heavy winds.
- The Class A build provides less protection to drivers in the integrated front cab than if the cab were a separate section should a collision take place.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes are the smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient, and easiest to maneuver. They are built on the chassis of minivans or full-size vans. The language professionals use is a difference between a “Class B” and a “Conversion Van” – though they are considered to be in the same class, the two terms are not interchangeable. Class B means that the entire motorhome was designed and built as one unit in a factory. Conversion vans started out as normal work vans but had the interiors made suitable for living in.
Pros:
- Their small size makes them highly maneuverable, comparable to driving a typical van, and generally has the ability to park in normal parking lots.
- Their light weight combined with a diesel engine makes them the most fuel efficient RV class with newer models achieving mpg ranges in the mid 20’s.
- They can easily act as a second in-town vehicle, but also have the ability to tow a small run-about vehicle, ATV, or motorcycles with a hitch.
Cons:
- Small overall size means small interior and unless you’re the type who doesn’t mind small living quarters, it may be hard to take longer trips in a class B.
- Without innovative design to better integrate amenities, the refrigerators will be small, the commode combined with the shower in a wet bath instead of separated, and limited seating and sleeping spaces for traveling groups larger than 2-4.
- Tanks are smaller and require more frequent emptying/refilling.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are typically a little shorter in length than a Class A. The main difference between a Class A and Class C is that whereas the cab in a class A is integrated, the cab in a class C is separated from the living space. This is because with a class C, the chassis of a truck has the back of the RV added by a manufacturer, unlike the class A which was all manufactured as one unit. The classic Winnebago look America knows well from the MTV show “Road Rules” is a class C.
Pros:
- Because of how the living compartment is attached to the truck chassis, class C motorhomes are easy to recognize by the additional bed and storage space above the driving area that you do not have available in any other class.
- These can be long and spacious so they are comfortable on long trips.
- These can be more fuel efficient with a diesel engine than class A motorhomes.
Cons:
- If you’ve never driven something larger than a typical work van, there will be a learning curve to maneuvering a vehicle of this size.
- Like class A, it is susceptible to sway from strong winds.
- Depending on what you buy, fuel efficiency will generally be about mid-range for RVs.
Now you have what you need for comparing types of RVs: Class B is smaller, class C has extra space above the separated cab, and class A looks like a large bus because the cab is integrated with the interior. Each class has its pros and cons that you can compare with your own wants and needs. You’re ready to choose the RV of your dreams! It’s a fun process we hope you’ll enjoy.
For more useful information including insurance quotes on any class of RV, RV travel guides and destination planning, we encourage you to explore our blog, resources, and insurance quotes!