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Below is the first chapter from one of my other books, ‘RV Living: A Beginner’s Guide To Turning Your Motorhome Dream Into Reality’. Enjoy!
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BONUS Chapter: Choosing The Right RV For You
“I got it one piece at a time
And it didn't cost me a dime
You'll know it's me when I come through your town
I'm gonna ride around in style
I'm gonna drive everybody wild
'Cause I'll have the only one there is around”
One Piece At A Time – Johnny Cash
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Key Takeaway: There are three classes of RVs: A, B, and C. Each have their own upsides and downsides, but the most popular class for many beginning full-time RV residents is Class C.
When a living space and an engine are combined into one vehicle, it is called a motorhome. The more common phrase is “RV,” and it is designated today as a permanent living space for many individuals. No matter the type of motorhome you wish to choose for your particular situation, they all fall into three different classes: A, B, and C.
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Class A
Class As are the largest motorhomes, with lengths and widths up to that of a tour bus. If you picture a Greyhound bus, you have an idea of how large one of these things is.
Example of a Class A RV
Many relish over these RVs because of the space inside as well as the amenities at their disposal. These motorhomes usually have lavish decorations inside to make the interior space seem more like a traditional house, but as the amenities and interior beauty escalate, so does the price. Some used ones can be found for as cheap as $60,000, while many that are outfitted and brand new can cost someone up to millions of dollars, depending on how they wish to outfit it.
Class A motorhomes can be up to 45 feet long, which give the RV dwellers ample room, and part of that space is usually used for a master suite as well as a full-sized bathroom and shower. Some can come preinstalled with their own washer and dryer unit, and come decked out with multiple sliders that can expand the width of the bus by 14-feet. It is the most customizable motorhome with some of the add-ons being an ice machine, a flat-screen television, and a dishwasher, not to mention all of the storage space that comes with it.
However, everything has a downside, and Class A motorhomes are no different. Fuel economy is slim-to-none with a vehicle like this, with the average gas mileage being somewhere between 9-12 miles per gallon. Another downside to a motorhome like this is the necessity for a toad, which is a separate vehicle that comes along with the travel. When you set up camp in something as big as this, it becomes impractical to constantly pack it up and drive every time someone needs to run into town for an appointment or food. This means maintaining two vehicles that are constantly on the road.
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Class B
Then there are the Class B motorhomes, which are simply campervans.
Example of a Class B RV
This is the smallest motorhome class, but many people have been known to outfit them with lavish interiors, making them incredibly comfortable and livable. For an individual who wants to travel a great deal with their RV, this is the most affordable option. The price ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 while still coming with all of the basic amenities a living situation needs: a bed area, a sink, a stove top, and a refrigerator.
They do still have some storage, though not nearly as much as the other two classes, and are most popular among single individuals who do not understand how to work a tow hitch.
The size variance is the greatest on a Class B motorhome. They lack the over-cab portion that a Class C motorhome provides (see below), but the utilization of a cargo van base means the size can range from a standard full-sized cargo van all the way to a 20-foot vehicle.
Some of the plus sides to this type of RV are the gas mileage (18-20 miles per gallon!), the ease of maneuverability, and the fact that many standard Class B motorhomes can fit into a standard garage and a mall parking space.
However, this class does have drastic downsides: there is no master suite, so the bed is usually a drop-down table or a fold-out couch. There is also not much space, so maneuvering within the motorhome will be difficult. And the entertainment afforded to someone utilizing the space within this class of motorhome is either a radio or a small-screen television.
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Class C
Class Cs are what many consider “typical motorhomes.” They have a normal chassis (the base frame for the motor vehicle) and a bunking situation above the cab.
Example of a Class C RV
Their length ranges anywhere between 20 and 33 feet, and the front looks like a normal van or pickup truck, with the RV’s body extending over the cab where the driver and passenger dwell during travel. This extended space above the cab is the sleeping space, and this area can easily fit a queen or king-sized bed, making it very comfortable for two individuals. They are much smaller than a Class A motorhome, but they do not lack in space. What it loses in elongated space it makes up for in interior compartments.
Space in a Class C is also utilized better, with many storage compartments on the outside to store things such as portable grills, televisions, and sewer hoses. Plus, with the smaller length of the motorhome, it is much easier to maneuver down the road and in motorhome parks. This class of motorhome can have a price tag of anywhere between $45,000 to $140,000.
Another upside to going with a Class C motorhome is the fact that a service and warranty work is easier to come by. Because the driving portion of the motorhome usually has a brand name cab and a drive train, many auto dealers cannot turn around and claim ignorance on how to service the vehicle. Plus, with the diminished size from a Class A motorhome, many more camping ground opportunities become available for you to utilize. The gas mileage is a bit better compared to a Class A, but you will still only get around 15 miles to the gallon in a Class C motorhome.
Yet, as with everything else, there are downsides: there aren’t many slide out options for a Class C motorhome, so expanding the width of the RV is not an option. Plus, when your RV needs to have maintenance work performed on it, if you aren’t attempting to do it yourself, then you will end up losing your entire home for the duration of the service time. However, the same is true for the RVs in the other two classes.
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Now you know the differences between a Class A, B and C RV motorhome.
For most people, a Class C RV would be the best option. If you are on a budget, and don’t mind getting cozy in a small space a lot, you may want to consider a Class B Rv. And if price isn’t an issue, and you are comfortable riding a vehicle the size of a bus, then a Class A RV is your go-to motorhome!
Once you have decided which class best fits your needs and wants, the following pressing question arises: should you buy a new or used RV?
Want to keep on reading?
Then pick up your copy of RV Living: A Beginner’s Guide To Turning Your Motorhome Dream Into Reality’!
