Selecting Between A, B, and C Motor Homes

When purchasing or renting a motor home, it is important to consider the differences between the different class types. Class B conversion vans are nice because they are short and can be parked almost anywhere. On the downside, these conversion vans are usually limited in terms of comfort and space available. The vehicle may contain a miniature style toilet, shower, storage facility, and water container. Because of this, living for long periods of time in a Class B motor home may prove difficult and uncomfortable.

Class C Motor Homes are quite well designed for families. They are basically two bedroom apartments on wheels with one bedroom in the rear, and the other in the front, over the van cab. Class C models are the safest because of their designers (Ford and GM), and they do offer a very natural, car-like driving position. The biggest complaint about Class C models is that the two front seats are on a different floor level than the rest of the unit and they can’t swivel around. This becomes problematic when the vehicle is parked.

Class A Motor Homes is like a one bedroom apartment on wheels, with the bedroom in the rear of the vehicle. The biggest advantage to a Class A model is the feeling of openness that it provides. In contrast to Class C models, the front seats do swivel around. This means that when parked, the drivers can become part of the living room. And, because of the height of the driver’s seats, an excellent view of the road and traffic is available. The biggest complaint that consumers usually have about Class A model motor homes is usually related to safety. Because they are built out of aluminum and fiberglass, the motor home is less durable in the event of an accident. Many Class A motor homes also lack air bags, which increases the chance of injury in an accident.

Class A motor homes come with every luxury. A kitchen, bathroom with shower and often a tub -- even a separate bedroom in the back depending on the floor plan. Heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, 100-125 volt electrical system, a dinette or living room area with couch and recliners, closets, and an entertainment center. It's all possible. Many Class A motor homes are far more luxurious than most homes!
Class A motor homes are often used for successful touring bands because of their richness and comfort. All leather interiors, wet bars, big screen TVs, and advanced sound systems make them a livable choice for the rigors of the road. They are also the choice for many retirees who sell their homes in favor of traveling in their golden years.

Depending on the model and floor plan, Class A RVs will sleep up to 8 people. But all of this luxury comes at a price. New lower-end models start close to $50,000 U.S. dollars, and a larger, nicer model will cost more than a house in many states, coming in at about $300,000+. Even a smaller used Class A several years old can sell for $30,000 - $40,000. The luxury line starts at about $325,000 up to over $1 million for the crème de la crème diesel-pusher with all the bells and whistles.

Class C motor homes can come in very luxurious models, or more economical models affording more flexibility of pocketbook. They are lighter in weight, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally run from just under 20 - 44 feet in length.

Class C motor homes are generally constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is similar to a truck, with a bunk above, plus a rear bedroom. Like the Class A, Class C motor homes have all the conveniences of home including kitchen, bathroom, dinette, heating, A/C, and possibly entertainment features.

Dinettes aren't always present, depending on the floor plan, but where they are present they make into a double bed. When the dinette is not present it is replaced by two captains chairs, or may have a couch and chairs. The couch may also be a sleeper couch.

For some RVers just starting out and not certain how much time they'll spend camping, the type B motor home, a van camper, or van conversion, might be the answer. Easy to drive and park with good gas mileage, these self-contained compact vehicles work well for travelers on the go who don't mind the sometimes cramped sleeping and living quarters. Raised roofs or lowered floor sections allow passengers to stand upright, at least in the center of the vehicle, while galleys, fresh water hookups, sitting and dining areas that convert to beds, sometimes even toilets and showers, make these vehicles surprisingly livable.

Familiar, convenient and affordable, the type C motor home packs a lot of living in a compact space. Also called mini-motor homes, the units are built on a truck or van chassis, and usually range in length from 19 to 31 feet long. Wide body designs up to 102 inches across and diesel engine options are available, as well as low-profile models that can be telescoped for travel and storage to less than eight feet high. Mini-motor homes contain all the livability of larger motor homes but take up less parking and campground space.

RESOURCES:
WWW.OWNERSRENTAL.COM
WWW.FABULOUSTRAVEL.COM
WWW.GREATAMERICANRV.COM
WWW.RVLIVING.NET