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Which is better Class A or Class C motorhome? Comparing class A and class C RVs so you can make an educated buying decision.
Are you in the market for a new RV? Or are you looking to upgrade your camper but can't decide which route to go? If so, you've come to the right place. Read on as we explore the benefits and pitfalls of Class A and Class C RVs. Take a look at the differences between the two RV classes so you can decide which one to invest in for long-term camping.
What is a Class A Motorhome?
Class A motorhomes are the largest RVs on the market. If you've seen any huge, opulent, and luxurious RVs driving around the road (or parked in a campground), chances are they are Class A motorhomes. You can also find small Class A motorhomes, but usually, people invest in class A when they are looking for a larger motorhome (think Class A motorhome toy hauler).
Pros
Larger living space
More amenities
Luxury features
Provision for increasing living area through RV slides
Larger holding tanks
More storage space
Cons
Expensive
Difficult to maneuver and drive
Needs a bigger parking area
What is a Class C Motorhome?
Class C motorhomes hit that sweet spot between Class As and Class B RVs. In terms of size, they are bigger than Class B campers but most are smaller than Class A motorhomes. Class C motorhomes are popular among many RVers because they tend to offer a lot of amenities in a smaller package.
Pros
Less expensive than Class As
Extendable living space
Easy to drive, maneuver, and park
Multiple sleeping areas
Cons
Less living space than Class A
Less storage area
Smaller freshwater tanks
Comparing Class A and Class C Motorhomes
​ | ​Class A Motorhome | Class C Motorhome |
​Length | ​29 to 45 feet | 21 and 41 feet |
​Amenities | - Full kitchen (full-sized refrigerator and stove) - Full bathroom (sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub) - Multiple sleeping spaces - Master bedroom with door - Dedicated dining area - Extra seating for passengers (with seat belts) - Living room with couches and seating - Entertainment center - Built-in exterior tables, grills, and other camping equipment | ​- Multiple sleeping spaces - Full bathroom - Full kitchen - Dedicated dining area - Extra seating for passengers |
​Price | ​$65,000 to $200,000 (and up) | ​$50,000 to $100,000 |
Depreciation | ​43% of MSRP in the first 3 years and almost 75% over ten years | ​26% of its original cost in the first three years and 61% over ten years |
Fuel Economy | Five to seven miles per gallon | Eight to ten miles per gallon |
Storage Space | - Closets - Dedicated storage both inside and outside the RV | - Closets and storage space - Outdoor storage |
​Slide-Outs | - Larger slide-outs - Each unit comes with at least one slide-out preinstalled | ​- Smaller slide-outs - Have to e custom installed - Can decrease the foot area of the RV when slide-out is retracted |
Driving and Maneuverability | - Pedals are offset to the right - Increase height - Difficult to maneuver - Requires wider turns | - Normal pedal layout - Shorter wheelbase - Tighter turning radius - Easy to maneuver at low speed |
Parking | ​- Requires dedicated parking space - Cannot be driven on narrow roads or in crowds - Harder to find parking at campgrounds (Class As have dedicated parking spots that fill up quickly) | ​- Smaller RVers can be parked anywhere - Can easily be driven on narrow roads and in crowds - Easier to find parking at campgrounds |
Safety | ​- May not have seatbelts installed in living area - May not have airbags - Greater slide collision impact resistance | ​- Seatbelts are installed in both driving and living seating areas - Airbags installed - Increased front impact-absorbing crumple zone |
Insurance | ​More expensive insurance than Class C RVs | ​Larger RVs have more expensive insurance than smaller Class C motorhomes |
Maintenance | ​- Regular maintenance required - Difficult to find mechanic and parts in smaller towns | ​- Regular maintenance required - Easier to find mechanic and parts in smaller towns |
Tow-Ability | ​- Can easily tow a toad behind the car - The toad will increase maintenance costs and length of RV | ​- Can tow a small car behind the RV - Toad will increase maintenance costs and length of RV |
​RV Storage | ​- Needs dedicated storage space - Cannot be stored in garage or driveway - More expensive storage than Class C | ​- Smaller RVs can be stored in garage or driveway - Larger RVs need dedicated RV storage |
Class A vs Class C Motorhome; Which one is Best for You?
Choosing between Class A and class motorhome will come down to a couple of factors.
Choose a Class A Motorhome if:
You are planning to live in the RV full-time. The larger living space and more amenities will make living in an RV year-round a more comfortable experience.
You are a larger family. A Class A RV can easily fit up to 8 people in the same living space. If you plan to travel with a larger crowd, class A RVs are your best bet.
You want to experience off-the-grid living. The larger tanks on Class A allow you to boondock and experience true off-the-grid living. Built-in exterior camping and grilling accessories allow you to camp anywhere you like
You want a luxurious RV living experience. Class A RVs are the epitome of luxury living. They come complete with an envious set of amenities and have provisions for additional installments.
You want to take your toys with you. Class A motorhomes have enough storage space for you to carry all your toys with you wherever you go. Take your kayaks, motorboats, claiming gear, motorbikes, and any other adventure equipment with you.
You plan to park and camp. Class As aren't as agile as other RVs, but if you plan to park your RV at one place for long then they are the perfect fit. You can take a toad along to go on shorter trips and grocery runs while your motorhome stays parked at camp (don't forget to invest in RV door locks and RV compartment locks,security comes first)
Choose a Class C motorhome if:
You are a seasonal camper. Class Cs are perfect for RVers who like to take long camping trips with their fam. They aren't as suited to full-time living because the living area can become cramped.
You are traveling solo, as a couple, or as a small family. Class Cs can fit up to 5 people but the living area can become cramped. Lack of dedicated storage can also become a hassle when traveling with more people.
You want to live on the road. Traveling is a big part of the RV lifestyle and many Rvers make the transition to be on the road more. If you are one of them then a Class C is perfect for you. The smaller size and greater agility mean you can drive your Class C motorhome anywhere and everywhere.
You want to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle. A lot of people believe that RV living is all about downsizing your lifestyle to just the basics. Less foot area and storage space in Class C mean less space to dump items you don't need.
You want to off-road. Class C motorhomes are built on truck or van chassis, you can easily convert them into an off-road motorhome. A 4x4 class C motorhome allows you to go off-road but still enjoy all the amenities an RV has to offer. (Don't forget to carry road safety gear)
You want to get a taste of the RV life. Since Class C motorhomes are less expensive and easier to drive, they are the perfect gateway RV for new RVers. If you want to test out if the RV lifestyle is for you, a Class C can help clear all your doubts.
The Last Word
Both class A and class C motorhomes have their own pros and cons. No matter which motorhome you choose, the memories you make on the road and camping will last you a lifetime. Happy RVing!
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