All About Class A Motorhomes
TL;DR: Class A motorhomes offer unparalleled space and luxury on the road. Featuring automatic levelers, extensive storage, enclosed plumbing for durability, and ease of navigation even on travel days, they're ideal for long trips and large groups. With options for both diesel and gas, ample towing capacity, and diverse floor plans, Class A's accommodate every traveler's needs, from full bathrooms to expansive living areas. Perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience while exploring.
Motorhomes are a quintessential part of RVing. Class A motorhomes can be an excellent investment and fit the needs of some RVers perfectly. Have you seen a Class A at a Harvest Hosts location or campground and wondered about its features? If you're interested in learning more about these motorhomes, then get comfortable with your favorite drink, and let's dive in!
Class A vs Class C
While both Class As and Class Cs are part of the motorhome subcategory of RVs, there are major differences between the two. Let’s break it down.
Size
Class As are some of the most spacious RVs out there. They typically range from thirty to forty-five feet in length and often feature numerous slide-outs. They also sit significantly higher off the ground than any other RV, with some even towering over semi trucks. Many RVers with Class As view this as a safety advantage while camping remotely or while away from their RV because the door isn’t easily accessed without the steps.
Class Cs are usually built on a smaller truck chassis and thus are smaller in size. They range from twenty-four to thirty-two feet on average and usually have a few slideouts as well. Because they are built on a smaller chassis, they are also much shorter than Class As.
Main Features and Advantages
Class A motorhomes are some of the most spacious styles of RVs. There are also many additional features that make them the perfect option for many travelers. See below for a breakdown of their most popular features.
Features
Most Class As are packed with features that many other types of RVs could only dream about such as RV electric levelers. These can include automatic leveling and more outdoor storage, which also tends to be taller and more spacious because of the overall height of the RV.
Many of the pipes are also enclosed in the storage areas of the RV, meaning that there are reduced chances of damage to them while driving and reduced chances of them freezing if the temperatures dip low. The higher clearance can also be a little safer on the road, as far as dangerous obstacles are concerned.
Access on Travel Days
All drivable RVs have the advantage of being fully accessible on travel days, which means that it’s incredibly easy to pull over to use the bathroom, grab something to eat, or access your belongings. Even with the slides in, Class As are easy to navigate on travel days, which includes access to the bathroom and the fridge. Most pets are also more comfortable riding in their home-on-wheels versus being confined to a carrier in the tow vehicle, as is the case with towable RVs.
Towing and Driving
Both diesel and gas-powered Class As feature a considerable towing capacity. Whether you want to bring along your Jeep or truck, tow a trailer of toys, or even tow a small boat, your Class A will have you covered. This will allow you to expand your options of camping and vacation destinations. While some RVers find driving a larger rig can be daunting, many Class A owners become comfortable in no time. Others find the overhang of Class C RVs to be distracting while driving and limit their vision.
Floor Plans
The floor plans of Class As vary greatly between makes and models, with some even having a third room. Research numerous companies to find one that suits your needs best!
Sleeping
Many Class As are equipped with not only a primary bed but also additional sleeping areas. They also often a feature couches and dinettes that convert into additional beds. They can often sleep a large number of people, making this an ideal RV for families or groups.
Bathroom
Most RV owners prefer to have an actual bathroom, versus a wet bath, which features a toilet situated in the shower, making for a cramped experience. Most Class As are equipped with at least one shower, multiple sinks, and at least one toilet.
Living Areas
Class A kitchen layouts can be pretty spacious, with hidden features to create more counter space. They may have a pull-out cutting board or hinged countertop extension, to make for even more cooking space. These models of RV usually also offer a microwave, an oven and stove combination, a kitchen sink, and a fridge. While they may not offer as much counter space as one has at home, they tend to have more counter space than other types of RVs. Be sure to tour several models of Class As to find one that works best for you and your cooking habits.
A class A living room will typically include a dinette and several places to lounge, besides the captain chairs. These motorhomes are also notorious for their hidden storage areas and extra cabinets, meaning that between the outside storage bays and the interior cabinets, you should be able to pack everything you need and then some!
Class A motorhomes are an iconic RV choice. While they may not be for everyone, they can be the perfect RV for many folks. If you’re considering purchasing this type of motorhome, consider renting one first or touring them on the showroom floor. Every make and model is different, so there are tons of options that are sure to suit your needs. These spacious RVs are appealing to many and it’s easy to see why!