The 4 Classes of Motorhomes (2024)

Road Trips

By

Melissa Popp

Melissa Popp

Melissa Popp is a contributing writer at TripSavvy, experienced in all things RVing, camping & the great outdoors. Come along for an road trip adventure you'll never forget.

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Updated on 05/02/22

A motorhome is a large, self-propelled recreational vehicle (RV). They can look like small apartments or tiny homes, have all the luxuries you'd want, and can eclipse even the biggest 5th wheel RVs and diesel pushers (RV with a rear-mounted diesel engine) out there when it comes to square feet alone.

There are currently four classes of motorhomes on the market: Class A, Class B, Class B+, and Class C. Class B+ motorhomes have grown in popularity in the last decade, making it a relatively new motorhome hybrid.

Each class has its own pros and cons. This is a break down of the motorhome classes, so you can determine which type of motorhome is right for your travels.

The 4 Classes of Motorhomes (1)

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are one of the biggest RVs on the market, eclipsed only by "toterhomes" (a motorhome with the ability to tow or carry a vehicle, boat, trailer, etc.), some diesel pushers, and custom-built luxury RVs. When you think of RVs, you imagine this type of recreational vehicle.

Class A motorhomes offer the largest square footage you'll find in an RV. They can range anywhere from 29 to 45 feet long, often sleep between six to eight people and start at around $85,000. Class A’s offer bottom storage, slide outs, multiple awnings, full kitchen and bathroom, and at least a queen size mattress in the master bedroom.

They offer all the features you'd find in a small apartment, along with custom options that can be added in during the initial build or down the line. Class A motorhomes aren't for everyone. The size can be an issue for a driver who's not used to handling something so gigantic on the road, and you often must find RV parks and campgrounds that can handle a much larger rig.

The 4 Classes of Motorhomes (2)

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are the smallest motorhome type. They are also known as van campers and look like an oversized family van on the road.

Class B motorhomes range from 18 to 24 feet long, sleeping up to four at a time and often start around $50,000. Class B's are easy to park, use less fuel than Class A motorhomes, and make boondocking (parking for free) and dry camping easier for adventurers looking to travel off the beaten path.

Class B motorhomes offer a smaller cabin for owners than Class A or Class C motorhomes. This is a blessing and a curse. Since Class B's are smaller, they are cheaper and easier to start with, especially when it comes to gas mileage and parking. They lack the storage, space, and room you’re used to in bigger motorhomes and trailers.

If you have a larger family or friends who want to travel with you, a Class B isn't going to get the job done when it comes to comfortable space to travel in.

Class B+ Motorhomes

Class B+ motorhomes are like Class B motorhomes, but they are a bit bigger and offer different luxuries. They’re a hybrid between Class B and Class C motorhomes, which makes the differences all that more difficult to spot.

Class B+ motorhomes can offer a stand-up shower/bath combo versus the small wet bath you’d find in the Class B. Kitchens, living space, and even sleeping space, can be bigger in the B+ depending on your customization options and layout.

The Class B+ motorhome is all about using every inch of available space to give you more comfort on and off the road than the Class B or Class C motorhomes on the market. Twin beds and sofa beds are common in these motorhomes.

Class B+ motorhomes typically start between $50,000 and $65,000. If you have a larger family, a B+ is the better option versus Class B because of cabin size, especially for sleeping arrangements.

The 4 Classes of Motorhomes (3)

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are the middle ground between Class A motorhomes and Class B motorhomes. They look like a larger version of the van camper with an overhead cabin above the driver and passenger seats for extra sleeping or storage accommodations.

Class C motorhomes range from 30 to 33 feet long, sleep up to eight and start around $65,000. Class C motorhomes give you more space than Class B motorhomes and come with all the luxuries you'd expect in a Class A motorhome.

These types of motorhomes are perfect for couples or a group of friends looking to hit the road. The affordability of the Class C motorhome makes it a popular option for those looking to get started in RVing without investing in a towing vehicle to hit the road. Class C motorhomes are also a popular “timeshare” option for families who split time in the motorhome but go in on it financially to split the costs.

This motorhome type also offers the cabin over the driver and passenger seats, giving you more storage or another sleeping space for travelers.

Choosing a Motorhome

Motorhomes aren't for everyone. When you start RVing, you may not be ready to invest in a self-propelled RV. Trailers offer a cheaper alternative to motorhomes, giving consumers a quicker way to break into the RVing lifestyle. For those looking for more from their travel accommodations, motorhomes can offer them a way to be comfortable on and off the road that a trailer can't offer.

Motorhomes will often be the most expensive option you can pick when it comes to getting started as an RVer. When choosing how to RV, motorhomes are just one option out there. It's important to look at what they have to offer, along with other trailer types, before deciding on what type of RV to buy.

The 4 Classes of Motorhomes (2024)

FAQs

What are class A, class B, and class C motorhomes? ›

Class A motorhomes are built on a bus or commercial truck chassis, Class B models typically use a van chassis, and Class C models are built on a smaller commercial truck or cutaway van chassis. All that to say, no one category is better than another, it all comes down to your travel needs!

Which is easier to drive, class A or class C? ›

Driving Experience

One of the main advantages of Class C motorhomes is the ease of driving. Due to their smaller size and shorter wheelbase, these motorhomes are much easier to maneuver and park compared to Class A motorhomes.

Which is better, class A or super C motorhome? ›

Most Class A diesel pushers are probably going to max out around 10,000 pounds for towing. But when you're talking about Super C's, they can go 20,000 to 30,000 pounds. Sometimes even much more. So if you've got a big heavy trailer that you're pulling with your RV, well then a Super C is a really good choice.

What is a class 4 motorhome? ›

A Class 4 MOT is your standard MOT test for most cars or vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats. This includes taxis, private hire cars, ambulances, motorhomes, campervans, most vans and smaller commercial vehicles with a weight of up to 3,000 kg.

Why are Class B motorhomes so expensive? ›

Despite their smaller size, however, Class B motorhomes can come with a higher price tag due to the labor-intensive process of converting a van into a livable space. However, for those looking to save money and customize their RV, DIY options are available to build the perfect Class B motorhome to meet your needs.

Which is better, class B or class C motorhome? ›

Class C RVs, also known as motorhomes, offer more space and amenities than a Class B. They are built on a truck chassis with an attached cab for driving purposes. This additional space allows for more luxurious features, making them a popular choice for families and full-time RVers.

Why are class A motorhomes so expensive? ›

Also, remember that Class A diesel motorhomes are more expensive than Class A gas motorhomes – purchase price, repairs, and maintenance – as they are generally higher quality with more expensive parts and components.

Is a Class C motorhome worth it? ›

Due to their smaller size, Class C motorhomes can fit into more parks and campsites, get better gas mileage, and are easier to maneuver. However, a smaller size also means less space. Class A motorhomes typically have more sleeping and storage space when compared to a Class C.

Which is safer Class A or Class C motorhome? ›

Class C motorhomes are safer than a Class A, but not as safe as a Class B. One RV manufacturer that's gained a strong reputation for crash testing its rigs is Roadtrek. The company says they conduct independent crash tests to guarantee the quality that goes into each rig.

What is the most reliable Class C RV brand? ›

Who Makes the Best Quality Class C RV? If you're looking for quality and luxury over affordability, Newmar and Dynamax are two of the highest-quality brands in the industry.

What is the average life of a Class C motorhome? ›

Class C Motorhome

Model types have distinct differences and will have some impact on the RV lifespan. However, the basics of RV maintenance don't vary too much from model to model. With proper maintenance, you can make any type of RV last well beyond 200,000 miles — and even three decades.

Do Class C motorhomes hold their value? ›

Of all the motorized campers, the Class C vehicles depreciate the slowest. With a length of 33 feet, a Class C RV is the sweet spot between a camper van and tour bus. After five years of life with a Class C vehicle, you can expect a rate of about 38% depreciation.

What class is a 25 ft motorhome? ›

If you want to hit up quite a bit of cities, then you might consider a small 24-25 ft Class C motorhome. With this size rig, you can pull it into most normal parking lot spots. Another option for you is to just tow a car behind your bigger Class A motorhome and then drive it into the city.

What class is a 40 ft motorhome? ›

Because the weight range of Class A RVs is so large, you'll need to check the weight before you can determine what's legal in your state. If your Class A RV is less than 26,000 pounds and 40 feet in length, you're likely fine to drive with your regular driver's license.

What class is a 32 foot motorhome? ›

Class A 30-32'

The Class A Motor Home is just that! This luxurious, amenity-rich 30-32 foot recreational vehicle, will make your vacation experience one you will never forget.

Which is better Class A or Class B motorhome? ›

The Class B motorhome is usually far smaller than a Class A and can get better gas mileage. These vehicles are usually small, but not always. They range around 19 to 27 feet long. Class B motorhomes are the smallest, but they certainly aren't much (or any) cheaper than a Class A or C.

What is the difference between a Class B and a Class B+ motorhome? ›

Unlike Class B RVs, Class B+ motorhomes have an attached cab, or a “cut-away” or cab chassis, which includes the same co*ckpit set-up as a B Van, but the RV manufacturer adds a body to increase living space. These motorhomes are 23 feet to 25 feet long, which is slightly smaller than our Class C motorhomes.

Why choose a Class B RV? ›

Their small, streamlined design and ability to double as an everyday vehicle make them a highly desirable option for many RVers. Most Class Bs have all of the features and amenities of a much larger RV, including a small bathroom and kitchen. Plus, they can fit in more places than most other RVs.

Do class B motorhomes have bathrooms? ›

Class B RVs are equipped with bathrooms and showers. In general, most Class B Motorhomes are fitted with a wet bathroom. Since this type of RV is usually 18 to 24 feet long, it's essential to utilize every inch available on the floor to maximize its potential. This is why RV manufacturers use wet bathrooms.

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