What is a Class A Motor home?

Class A does not designate a particular quality of motorhome.  It defines a specific style.

 A Class A motor home is a self-contained motorized recreational vehicle in which the driver's seat and cockpit are an integral part of the coach itself. They look like a travel trailer with a steering wheel. They are also called "integrated" motorhomes.  Class A motor homes are typically more spacious than those based on vans (Class B units) or cutaway chassis (Class C units). The chassis upon which they are built are likely to be heavy duty truck or bus type chassis, or a specially engineered chassis specifically designed for motorhomes, which provides the carrying and towing capacity necessary for the large coach but also means the driving characteristics are similar to those of a large truck. My first impression of driving a large Class A coach was that it was like sitting on the sofa and driving my living room.

At one time Class A motorhomes were distinctively fancier and more luxurious than other RVs, but the "A" Class designation does not now, if it ever did,  denote superiority.  Class C's and even Class B van conversion today often rival them in features, conveniences and even luxuries.  So-called "Super-Cs", built on the chassis used for pulling large semi-trailers, often exceed Class As in driver comfort, power, and towing capacity while delivering comparable amenities.

Among Class A coaches are the very elegant expensive "bus conversions" that can run $1,000,000+. These are truly palaces on wheels, with all the amenities and comforts of a luxury home. Many of these are custom-built to the user's personal specifications. Interiors may rival the lobby of a 5-star hotel for elegance. However, not all Class A motor homes fall into the $1,000,000+ category. Many manufacturers offer more reasonably priced "entry level" units beginning around $100,000. A typical luxury Class A retails around $300,000.  Of course you can find pre-owned units for significantly less money.  Because RVs only get occasional use, used models can be an exceptionally good value.

Most, but not all, Class A motor homes are fully self-contained and usually include a 120 volt generator. This makes them suitable for camping at primitive camp sites as well as in RV parks with full hookups. They usually have large fresh water and holding tanks -- a BIG advantage (essential) when "boondocking" in primitive camping areas.  Solar panels, large battery banks, and inverters often provide free, silent electric power from the sun.

For bargain hunters, be sure to check out previously owned motor homes. By the very nature of their use, motor homes tend to log few miles and it is often possible to purchase a fairly late model unit with low miles at a fraction of the cost of comparable new coach. Be sure to check for signs of water damage and to verify that all appliances are working correctly. Water damage is a common problem, even on some newer units. Stained or wrinkled ceiling or wall coverings, soft spots in the floor, ceiling, or around windows, or a musty odor are common signs of water damage.

If you plan to do a lot of "boondocking" (camping without hookups), a Class A motor home may be a good choice. They typically have larger fresh water tanks and holding tanks than Class C units, both of which are important features when you are spending days at a time in primitive locations. The heavy duty chassis of Class A motor homes often have higher towing capacities than their smaller Class C counterparts, which is useful if you plan to tow boats or trailers full of toys such as dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles or Jet skis. You may find there are places a large, Class A motorhome can't go, especially if you favor remote forest service campgrounds. Pay attention to the length restrictions you sometimes find posted on forest access roads. Ignoring them is a good way to find yourself in a predicament where you have no place to go but to back down a narrow, twisty road. Certainly not my idea of a good time!

Class A motorhomes often cater to owners who are seeking more amenities and luxuries. For this reason, you may find them to be larger and more expensive than Class C units with comparable functionality. But most of us find we enjoy the added features and creature comforts. Smaller Class C units maybe more maneuverable and can be used on some forest service roads where larger Class A units are prohibited.

Interestingly enough, many large Class A motorhomes are designed for just two people. They are intended to provide very a comfortable, even luxurious, environment for traveling and camping.  If you need lots of beds for a large family, bigger is not always better. Many smaller Class C motorhomes offer "bunk house" designs that sleep 6 or even 8 people.

Class discrimination has been observed in RV parks.  Some parks only allow Class A motorhomes.  For that matter, some have age restrictions.  The idea behind this is to preserve a certain perception of the level of clientele.  Given the current real status of Class C motorhomes and marvelously restored vintage models, these practices do not give an accurate picture of the class of equipment (and people) you will find.  However, you may want to pay attention to any advertised or posted restrictions so  you can avoid hassles.  You might object to discriminatory practices, but it is not going to help you get a space for the weekend, unless you are willing to wait for often very slow and lengthy legal procedings to validate your position.

Choose a Class (A) act! But only if it suits you.