What are the differences between a Class A, B & C Motorhome?

February 6, 2019

What are the differences between a Class A, B & C Motorhome ?

We are often asked about the differences between a Class A, B & C Motorhome and would like to provide you with some basic facts for you. Here is some information about the different kinds of vehicles to help you decide but for more information we urge you to visit https://gorving.ca/motorhomes/

As we mentioned, there are 3 types of Motorhomes. Class A, B, & C. Some of the features are similar between all three classes but there are more than a difference in size between the three that makes each class stand out.
Getting informed with the most information before you go looking will educate you and will help you make a more informed decision on which one would be the best fit for you and your family.

Class A Motorhome

Class A Motorhomes are built on heavy duty frames. The frames are constructed on either a commercial truck chassis, a specially designed motor vehicle chassis or a commercial bus chassis.

These frames use similar construction to the big 18-wheelers you see on the highways and have larger wheels which are designed for carrying a heavier load. These vehicles can either run by gas or diesel and usually get 8-10 miles per gallon. Class A Motorhomes usually have a minimum of two slide-outs that expand your living area and are known for high luxury and quality. They are very roomy with large living spaces and tons of storage.

Class A Motorhomes usually are designed to sleep 4-6 people with a bedroom in the back of the coach and the couches in the living area folding down into beds. If you’re looking for a motorhome with high luxury, residential features from home, and tons of space, a Class A Motorhome is for you.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes look very much like a van and in fact, are often called van conversions or camper vans. Even though they have similarities to a van these vehicles are made tall enough for average-height passengers to be able to stand upright inside the RV.
Located inside of a Class B Motorhome you’ll find a kitchen, living area, and a bathroom. Although these amenities are provided, because of the length of the unit they are very small and compact. To save on space, the entire bathroom is basically the shower, called a wet bath. To put it simply, it is like having the toilet and sink inside of a large shower.

Some Class B Motor Homes are built with slide-outs to provide more space but these are usually only located on the more extravagant and larger Class B+ Motorhomes. Because these vehicles are the smallest of the 3 types, they are the least expensive. Class Bs gets the best gas mileage out of the three and are the easiest to drive. With their compact body, there is no need to tow a car behind you.

You’ll find that a Class B Motorhome will have no problem parking within an average-sized spot or driveway. Even though they have no problem maneuvering around during errands, the inside is very cramped so there isn’t much room for storage. If having to unhook the hookups from your motorhome each time you leave your campsite is an annoyance to you then that is a factor you will have to consider. If you like the thought of convenience and you don’t mind how much space you have to move around, then a Class B or the larger Class B + Motor Home just might be the right RV for you.

Class C Motorhome

Class C Motorhomes are the medium-sized motorhome, most recognizable by the over-cab sleeping area. This feature creates additional sleeping quarters and room for the living area, storage, kitchen, and a bigger bathroom than a Class B.

With all of this space, Class C Motorhomes can usually sleep between 4 to 8 people. Class C Motorhomes can also typically able to tow a separate car for running errands and sight-seeing or a small boat. If you don’t bring along a separate vehicle for sight-seeing, maneuvering around town in a Class C Motorhome can be challenging and difficult. It’s usually harder to find a bigger parking area, and if you go into a downtown area, parking is virtually impossible.

Class C’s tend to get poorer gas mileage compared to a Class B Motorhome but a little better than the larger Class A Models. If you have a bigger family and would like to tow a vehicle behind your rig, a Class C Motorhome might be the right RV for you.

Whatever motor home you are looking to purchase,  you should make sure you have the right information to make the best choice for you and your family. We recommend that you visit a RV Show near you to get the unique opportunity of being able to view several models and brands for each Class of Motor Home.

For CRVA Member Listings visit: https://crva.ca/find-your-rv/rv-types/

Let’s Go RVing Canada!