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Choosing Your Motorhome: Class A, Class B, or Class C?

Oct. 6 2021 Buying Guide By Rte. 125 RV & Marine Inc.

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If you’ve decided that a motorhome is the right choice for you and your family, that means you’ve chosen a driveable RV instead of a towable RV. Drivable RVs are broken down into three classes: Class A, B, and C. Here’s a guide to which kind of motorhome suits which kind of buyer. 

Here at Rte. 125 RV & Marine, we know that choosing an RV is a big decision, and we are happy to help you talk through all your options, consider the pros and cons, and make the best possible decision. 

We look forward to helping you at our dealership, just ten minutes south of Rochester, New Hampshire, on Gonic Road near the Maine border. 

Class A, B, and C RV’s Explained

Here’s a brief explanation of the different classes:

  • Class A RVs have a single chassis with two or more axles. They are built like a bus, with one continuous exterior shell.
  • Class B RVs are converted vans. They have one continuous outer shell, but they are constructed on and in vans that are commercially produced as vans and converted to campervans. 
  • Class C RVs look like a pick-up, van, or truck in the front with a camper added on. They often have a cabover, a section of the living space with a bed in it that is above the driving compartment. They don’t look like one continuous vehicle, but like a van or truck with a separate structure built onto it.
  • Truck Bed Campers don’t have a class designation. These campers fit onto a pickup truck and can be easily removed. They are also called slide-in campers, pickup campers, and cabover campers. 

The Ideal Class A RV User

Class A motorhomes can be relatively modest at just a little over 20 feet in length, and stretch up to six-figure rock-star rigs as long as 45 feet. The big ones are a good choice for live-in, long-term users and for lovers of luxury who aren’t intimidated by driving a huge vehicle. Many folks with these tow a car behind so they can set up camp for a week or a month, and use the car for daily exploring and errands. Smaller or mid-sized versions are good for families and couples on vacation or somewhat minimalist long-termers.

The Ideal Class B RV User

Class B motorhomes typically range from 17 to 20 feet, and they are much more nimble and maneuverable than longer, heavier rigs. This makes them the RV of choice for lean, mean adventuring machines. The classic #vanlife user is a single or a couple that loves traveling light and doesn’t plan to spend every night in a landscaped campground with hookups. 

The Ideal Class C User

Class C RVs are the classic family RV. The bed over the cab is a great use of space, and they can range in length and amenities from minimalist to maximalist. 

The Ideal Truck Bed Camper User

These rigs are popular among folks who want to use their full-sized pickup truck as a truck sometimes and then enjoy the versatility of popping the camper on for adventures. These have compact interior quarters. You can remove it and leave it freestanding at the campground, then go cruising around in the pickup for your day outings. 

There are many factors to consider when choosing your ideal class of RV. We look forward to assisting you in your process. Come check out what we’ve got on our lot, and please bring your questions. Come see us at Rte. 125 RV & Marine, in Rochester, New Hampshire, near the Maine border.