There has never been a better time for Australians looking to buy a used or new motorhome! People are looking at buying RVs like never before, and the manufacturers are responding to the increasing demand for their products. This is reflected in the large variety of current models.
It can be tough to select the correct motorhome class without knowing what each one offers and comparing it with your requirements and budget. There is the luxurious Class A, the little Class B, and the versatile Class C. If you are confused by the terminology, don’t worry! In this blog, we try to explain the differences between the various motorhome models. Buying new or second-hand motorhomes requires some in-depth knowledge about them.
What Is a Motorhome?
An RV purchase is a significant investment, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting into before you make one. A motorhome can be defined as a large, self-propelled recreational vehicle with all the amenities you could want. They can be described as small apartments or tiny homes on wheels.
Class A, B, and C motorhomes differ primarily in their chassis. Class A motorhomes are constructed on the chassis of a bus or large commercial truck, whilst Class B versions are generally vans that have been modified. Lastly, Class C motorhomes are constructed on a cutaway chassis or a truck chassis with an attached cab section giving them their unique cab over look.
As you can see, your future adventures will be significantly influenced by the type of RV you select. Here is your guide to class A, B, and C RVs to help you decide which motorhome class best suits your needs.
Class A Motorhomes
These motorhomes are built on a very robust, heavy-duty frame on a commercial truck or bus chassis, similar to those used by 18-wheeler trucks! Because these trucks are substantially heavier than a normal car, they come with large wheels needed to support the extra weight.
Due to the weight and extra wheels, Class A motorhomes have the lowest fuel economy amongst the three types of motorhomes discussed here. Fuel economy aside, if you’re looking for class, elegance and loads of space, this is your choice. Most will come with at least two slide-outs and will consist of a bedroom at the back and couches that can be converted into beds to accommodate 2-8 people.
With space and all the comforts of home, be warned that these are not for the faint-hearted. They need good roads and plenty of turning space. As you can tow a car with most of these, they are fantastic if travelling with family and you’re looking to set up camp for more than a week at a time to explore your surroundings.
Lastly, because they are the largest and most spacious of all the vans, a Class A will also be your most expensive choice. If you are on a budget, it may be wise to check out a second-hand motorhome instead of buying new.
Class B Motorhomes
Also known as camper vans, the Class B motorhome resembles a big van in many ways from the outside but is pretty compact on the inside. They are tall enough to stand in and usually consist of a kitchen, living room, and bathroom, which will usually include both a toilet and a shower.
Of the three types of motorhomes, the Class B is the most cost-effective. These motorhomes, because of their smaller size, tend to have the best manoeuvrability and best fuel efficiency. Typical Class B motorhomes rarely come with slide-outs, as the chassis and engine wouldn’t be large enough, and there is no need to tow a car behind you as they fit in a normal parking spot. This means parking these motorhomes is much easier; however, these vans tend to have limited storage space.
The Class B motorhome is a good fit if you are on a budget and value economy. As the smallest motorhome, these are easier to handle and cost the least to buy and run. They are also the easiest to drive and will be best for those who want to go off the beaten track and explore every corner of our beautiful country! They are ideal for small families. The lack of space can, however, be a problem if you wish to travel with more people.
Class C Motorhomes
The Class C motorhome can be described as claiming the middle ground between the Class A and Class B motorhomes. These are medium-sized motorhomes that can be easily identified by their over-the-cab sleeping area. The location of the sleeping area allows for a larger living space, additional sleeping facilities, more storage and a bigger bathroom than a Class B motorhome. C class can accommodate around 2-6 people without trouble.
The mileage and handling of this motorhome lie between the Class A and Class B. You can consider it if you have more members in your family and would like to use a car to explore. These motorhomes come with most of the amenities you see in Class A motorhomes while being smaller and less expensive. In short, the Class C seems to cover the middle ground. Not too big, not too small, just right for a bigger family!
Our goal at RV Central is to make your journeys memorable. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we are sure we can find an RV for everyone. If you are in the market for a new or used motorhome, caravan or trailer, RV Central has the best in stock, and our team would be pleased to assist you in selecting the ideal RV for your vacation. Call us at 02 4721 2222, visit our website at https://www.rvcentral.com.au/ or drop into our showrooms!
