As little Timmy peered at the wooded landscape below him, he couldn’t help but wish it was being enjoyed from the ground.
36,000 feet below his plane, another boy stared wide-eyed out the window of his parent’s motorhome as massive trees slipped by his vision.
During a cross country trip across the massive United States, it’s common for a sense of awe to fall on the occupants beholding its beauty.
But wait a second you say, “I don’t have that recreational vehicle yet…and I’m not sure where to start!”
If you’re in the market for either a new or used RV, it can be a bit overwhelming when the time comes to make a decision.
We completely understand, which is why we’ll assist you in breaking down the RV class types.
Shall we?
RV Class Comparison
Okay, you’ve established that you want to purchase a motorhome. Already, visions of future adventures are dashing through your mind at 100 miles per hour.
But wait a second….which type of RV is best for stationary living? Or what RV is best for full time living?
Our RV class type comparison guide to the rescue! Learn more about the 3 main groups by reading on.
Class A
Size: 21 – 43 ft
Average cost: $100,000 – $140,000
Sleeps: 6 – 8
Gas mileage: 6 – 10*
*vary depending on size, gas or diesel engine, and driving style
Benefits:
- Added luxury
- Highest amount of storage
- Full sized bathroom
- Residential kitchen
- Complete entertainment system
- Ability to tow another vehicle
- Spacious living space
Class B
Size: 16 – 21 ft
Average cost: $95,000 – $135,000
Sleeps: Up to 4
Gas mileage: 10 – 25*
*vary depending on size, gas or diesel engine, and driving style
Benefits:
- Agile and easy to drive
- Painless parking
- Kitchen
- Shower and toilet
- Entertainment system
Class C
Size: 25 – 35 ft
Average cost: $80,000 – $120,000
Sleeps: Up to 8
Gas mileage: 8 – 15*
*vary depending on size, gas or diesel engine, and driving style
Benefits:
- Tow additional vehicle
- Residential kitchen
- Generous storage
- Full bathroom facilities
- Entertainment system
- Slide-outs add extra space
Pros and Cons of RV Types
Regardless of the type of RV you ultimately settle on, you’ll have opened up a new and exciting chapter in how you travel.
We’ve already compared the features of each, now let’s take a closer look at the benefits.
Class A
Think of this behemoth as camping…but with a serious boost.
Although you have the ability to, this motor vehicle that rests on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis doesn’t require you to tow a separate vehicle. The reason being this roomy and well furnished model is a self contained “custom home on wheels.”
It’s the one that feels the most like an actual home, and added features on the more extravagant models make it more so. Another nice element is slide-outs can increase the width by up to 6 feet.
A big selling point for those wanting to RV year round is the fact that full size appliances can fit inside. Fully stocked refrigerators, plus washers and dryers help extend vacations.
The largest of the three classes, technological advances like collision avoidance systems, and backup and side view cameras make it less intimidating to new drivers. The cockpit controls will look familiar to anybody with an average car.
As with any size, but especially with the Class A, comfort with driving them comes after practice. Talking to current owners and watching videos online will help make the transition easier.
Class B
Camper vans are well suited for couples and those who plan on traveling alone. If you’ve previously driven a van or SUV, you’ll find the driving experience similar.
Sometimes people shy away from this option assuming the smaller size equates to complicated sleeping arrangements. Rest assured this isn’t the case.
Besides seating areas, a number of class B’s have such choices as:
- Murphy bed
- Descending loft
- Convertible couch
- Bunkhouse
- Regular bed
Along with these modern comforts, some manufacturers offer a 4×4 option which frees this type of motorhome to reach places larger ones can’t.
Class C
This variety of RV is appropriate for groups of friends or families. Equipped with the comforts of home, it allows flexibility for spontaneous road trips.
An over-the-cab portion doubles as optional sleeping quarters once the miles have caught up with you. And with ample room for full-size appliances, there’s less constraints on the length of a vacation.
A wider body is perched upon an automotive van frame, so although it’s not as easy to drive as a class B, it’s still manageable for newer RV drivers.
Feeling more like an apartment or condo, this is a popular choice with people who like roomy space to relax or stretch out for a nice afternoon nap.
Still undecided? We have another blog to help you ask 5 questions to make RV buying super easy.
RV Class Types and RVInsurances.com
What type of RV should I buy? With the information we’ve included here, that question has hopefully been answered.
RVInsurances.com founder, Marty Adair, has been a licensed Property and Casualty Broker since 1997. He started his insurance career working in his family’s insurance business where they specialize in Mexico tourist Auto Insurance.
While assisting customers with their Mexico Insurance policies he realized there were large groups that travel to Mexico in their high valued RVs to vacation. It soon became apparent that there was a need for specialty RV insurance that would extend coverage across the US and Mexico border that could save his RV clients thousands of dollars per year.
Today RVInsurances.com provides the best possible service to the RVING community. We are a full service insurance agency specializing in full-time and part-time RV enthusiasts, represent the top rated RV specialty insurance companies in the nation to provide the best possible policy for the right price, and are licensed in many states to help with your RV insurance needs.
Reach out for a quote today!