Class A Motorhomes: The Most Luxurious RVs
So you’re looking at an recreational vehicle and trying to decide if you want a Class A or Class C, gas or diesel? What kind of traveling are you going to be doing? Is this a one-time purchase or will you be stepping up to a larger motorhome in the future? Read on to learn more about our Class A Motorhome Comparison Guide.
To start, what is a Class A motorhome? Picture a tour bus, with its large windshield and big captain chairs. The driving position is up high and sizes range from 26 feet to 45 feet. Weights run from 20,000 – 50,000 pounds and the engine is mounted in the rear (pusher).
Class A motorhomes are geared toward folks who want to travel extensively without giving up any of the comforts of home. Power comes via either gas or diesel engines. Diesel is preferred for its long life, reliability and improved mileage. On the downside, a diesel is considerably more expensive than the gas alternative. Class A motorhomes aren’t as maneuverable or easy to drive as a Class C motorhomes.
Today’s Class A Motorhome and the WOW Factor
Luxury is the name of the game in these motorhomes. Granite countertops, heated tiles floors and leather furniture are the norm. Full bathrooms, large residential type refrigerator, and even washer and dryer are common. All Class A coaches today expand the living space via automatic slide-outs and central vacuums are now the norm. Don’t forget about solar panels, satellite TV, internet and surround sound, either.
Class A motorhomes are designed for extended or permanent travel. Prices range from as low as are $75,000 and go up into the millions, depending on the coach. Class A motorhome and diesel pusher all mean the same type of RV just depends on style and type of luxury you are wanting. Many have basements as an added feature to increase storage space. Most Class A motorhomes can sleep up to six people but many full-timers purchase a floorplan for sleeping only four.
Other costs to consider
Class A Motorhomes cost more to operate than any other RV. Fuel consumption is higher and maintenance for big diesel and gas engines can quickly hit four figures. Without a dinghy in tow, you’ll be packing everything up just to go to the store. It also can be very large to maneuver so take that into consideration as well and can’t go into smaller recreational areas around the country. That being said there are many retirees that love their Class A motorhome because it has many comforts of home and they can eat, sleep, and wash their clothes all within the comfort of their coach.
Our Motorhome Comparison Guide features over 40 different motorhome RV manufacturers in North America. Our guide is the result of 20 years of research and will help buyers focus on quality companies that build superior product with high resale value. We believe consumers need to understand how the manufacturers compare to each other first before they start shopping for a recreational vehicle.
