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What is a Class A Motorhome: Features and Advantages

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Published : July 25, 2022
Motorhome RV in a sky full of stars

Image source: pixabay

You may have heard of the different classes of motorhomes and wondered, “What is a Class A motorhome?” Fortunately, when buying motorhomes, you have plenty of options. You can buy a Class A, Class B RV, or Class C. Luckily, the differences between the three classes won’t pose much of a challenge, and you can learn them quickly.

After you learn the differences between the various RV types, you can choose what would fit your circumstances best. Next, we will address the biggest questions motorhome buyers and renters have and how to buy one in a class that will suit all their needs when out on the road.

What Is a Class A Motorhome – Definition

The classes of motorhomes differ most in the chassis used to create the vehicle. Most who think of a motorhome will think of Class A because they’re large vehicles built on a commercial bus or truck chassis, typical of what you see rolling down the interstate.

Class A includes all the amenities you need to live the good life on vacation or the Great All-American Adventure. You can camp wherever you’d like in class A. The interior furnishings will range from the basic to the five-star luxury motorhomes.

RVs in Class A: Technical Specs and Features

A Class A RV offers the largest square footage you can find in an RV, which is the key differentiator for it and other class motorhomes.

Chassis Type: They build Class A on a single chassis, but the RV may have more than two axles. For example, the heavier coaches will include three axles. The chassis will be a large, heavy-duty frame to support commercial buses or trucks.

Typical Length: The size of Class A ranges from 28 to 45 feet. Most motorhomes in the Class A category will have a width of 8 feet, and we’d recommend that choice over larger because some states set laws on this. For example, the RV width can only reach 8.5 feet in total. For someone who wants to travel the nation, that would stop them from doing so as easily.

Typical Weight: Class A RVs will weigh the most out of the class categories, and you can find them anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds.

Fuel: You can buy the chassis in either a diesel-powered or a gas-powered version. Gas-powered engines will sit toward the front, and diesel-powered engines will sit toward the back.

Interior: The interior ranges and hardly reflects upon the class. A class A, for example, could have basic seating and appliances, but you can buy a luxury Class A with tile flooring, a residential refrigerator, and luxury furnishings. Think of Class A as a fully-contained RV. You can put everything you need in them, including a tank for freshwater and wastewater.

Sleeping Capacity: You may wonder what is a Class A motorhome and what comforts it will provide. Typically, they can sleep from four to six people, but you can buy one with a larger floor plan to accommodate more.

Class A Standard and Special Amenities

Class A was built to handle all a traveler’s needs, and they call them fully self-contained RVs because you can put everything you need in them. It’s hard to say exactly what type of amenities they might include because of how it ranges from the basic to the luxurious. If you wanted to know what a luxury Class A includes, some of the awesome amenities found in them include:

  • High-quality flooring
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Smart TVs
  • Solid wood closet
  • Water filtration
  • GPS tracking
  • Air filtration

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Class A RVs?

RV parked near a tree and sea

Image source: pixabay

You feel right at home in Class A motorhomes, and if you plan to travel the US highways for a few months or years, Class A will feel the most comfortable. Everything you can buy for a home can be put in Class A. You will never want storage in this type of RV. It also has more horsepower being a larger engine.

Regarding the drawbacks, you will struggle the most to maneuver Class A since you deal with a large and cumbersome motorhome. The costs can add up faster, too. The gas mileage usually ranges anywhere from an uninspiring 7 to 10 mpg. They consume the most fuel out of all the classes, making travel more expensive.

Who Should Use Class A Motorhomes?

Those who will adventure over the road for the long term and can afford the higher costs may find a Class A more agreeable. RVers who want extra space and plan to take along all their belongings will want to buy Class A. If you want similar comforts to what you’d find in a regular home, it makes sense to buy Class A.

What Are the License Requirements to Use a Class A RV?

Unless you buy an RV over 26,000 pounds, you don’t need a special license to drive them. Over that amount, you may need to get a CDL or NCDL license for some states. Most RVs won’t weigh more than 26,000 pounds to avoid the trouble.

What to Look for in a Class A RV?

First, check to see that everything in the home works. When you ask, “What is a Class A motorhome,” you should check to ensure that the seller has the right documents to sell you the RV. For example, you need the title and the owner’s manual at the minimum. Never buy a motorhome in any class that doesn’t have those documents.

What Is a Class A Motorhome: Bottom Line

Hopefully, this guide answered the question, “What is a Class A motorhome?” Class A RVs will have the space requirements necessary for long-term RVers. You can still do long-term RVing in a smaller RV, but you may find it less enjoyable. Look at the size, and that will be the biggest difference.

Class A Motorhomes: FAQS

What is the smallest RV in class A?

The smallest Class A is the Thor Axis, which measures 25.6 feet long. It ties in with Vegas, which is the same size.

What is the best class A motorhome?

In terms of the best value, you would rank the best with some of the best motorhome brands out there, such as the Newmar Ventana, Tiffin Alegro Red 340, or the Winnebago Sunstar 35U. You can choose from an abundance of great choices.

How much does an RV in class A cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 for an RV in the Class A category. These were the motorhomes meant to be a home for the road.

What is the lifespan of an RV in Class A?

In general, you can expect that a Class A will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the brand.

Where do you park an RV in class A?

You can park an RV in the Class A category at casinos, truck stops, Walmart, RV resorts, national parks, and state parks. In addition, many campgrounds and national parks offer long-term camping options.

Where and how do you store a motorhome in class A when you don’t use it?

Parking your class A RV inside an enclosed building will usually be best to protect it from the elements. This reduces the risk of rodent infestation. If not, you may want to park it inside a carport.

What to do with an old motorhome in Class A?

You can do several things with it, such as giving it to charity, selling it, dismantling it for scrap metal, or giving it to a hunter or fishermen.

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