This is Part 3 in our series on picking a fulltime nomadic home on wheels.
For Part 1 in the series go here: First Questions To Ask When Picking Out A Fulltime RV Rig
For Part 2 in the series go here: An Overview Of Homes On Wheels

Know Your  A, B, C’s

As stated earlier in this series, Class A motorhomes are the larger, usually,  and more luxurious of the motorized RV’s.  They are probably the most popular RV with the fulltiming couple, touring professionals, and the retired senior community.  They can be the most luxurious of the RV’s, with luxury 5^th wheels being the only competitor.  They come in a wide array of floorplans, though the “captains” and the “co-pilots” chairs in the front remain the same in all models for obvious reasons.  Class A’s can come with a number of slideouts greatly expanding the living space and comfort of the occupants.   Class A’s come with every conceivable option you can think of, from ice makers, to 4 or more flat screen televisions interspersed throughout the rig.  They come in lengths up to and over 40 feet.

Class A's can be nicer than some homes.

Class C motorhomes are the mid-sized motorized RV.  They are similar to Class A’s as far as amenities, though generally are not as luxurious, and cost less.  The bed overhead in the front can be cramped, though good for kids.  They are usually more family friendly, with more built-in facilities for traveling adults with children.  They come with a number of slideouts as Class A’s, with the larger Class C’s, sporting a separate rear bedroom.  They generally cost less than a Class A.

Class C's are great for nomadic familys.

Class B’s are usually built on a van chassis.  They are the smallest and the easiest to drive of the motorhomes, though can’t really be compared to Class A’s or C’s, as regards the amount of features, and luxury built in.  They do not come with slideouts, thus one lives in the fairly narrow confines of a van chassis.  They are generally purchased by single Rv’ers, or can do in a pinch for those on a budget, and can tolerate extremely friendly living conditions.
Class A’s, B’s C’s can be outfitted with either diesel or gasoline engines depending on the preference of the owner.  Diesel’s, of course, get better gas mileage and generally last much longer.  Keep in mind that with the cost you are also purchasing an engine, as these are vehicles, not just RV’s, thus the higher price tags compared to towables.

Class B's are good for singles with minimal needs.

Advantages

• Motorhomes’s are very easy to drive, as compared to towing anything, though keep in mind you will probably still need to tow an auxiliary dinghy vehicle.
• Motorhomes are self contained, meaning you are inside the rig as you drive or when you park.  Upon arriving or stopping somewhere temporarily, you don’t even need to get out, (can be a safety measure in some areas).  Towing a trailer involves a certain amount of setup to get things ready for living.
• Class A’s can be the most luxurious rig for a fulltiming couple that can afford it.
• Class C’s can be a great choice for a fulltiming family, as they are usually built to accommodate more people, with many more sleeping areas than a Class A or B.
• Class B’s can be a good choice if one wants a highly maneuverable, easy to drive, easy to park rig, that can fit underneath gas station overhangs and most other obstacles.

Disadvantages

• If your rig breaks down, you will have to take a motel room while it gets repaired.  In the case of a towable RV, you can usually continue to live in the trailer while the tow vehicle gets repaired.
• You will have to tow a support vehicle to get around town, adding to the cost of operation, (two engines), as breaking down and packing a motorhome to go to town for supplies, takes time and some work.  Bikes are an option, though in bad weather, not as convenient.
• Both Class A and Class C motorhomes can be very long in the larger models, as the driving compartment must be included in the length.  The seats usually swivel around, though, adding to the living space when parked.  The length can be a disadvantage in getting in, and navigating the smaller forest service, and older campgrounds.
• Class B’s are generally small, most coming in under 20’ in length.  Without slideouts they can be very cramped, and are probably not a good choice for fulltime living.  The bathrooms are usually small, and you will need to rely on campground facilities to shower and such.

Cost

The skies the limit with Class A's.

Cost can vary with Class A’s starting at a low end of around $100,000, with the average being more in the $2-300,000 range.  Some luxury tour buses, still being considered Class A’s can run up to and over $1,000,000.  These are popular with touring professionals like entertainers, highly successful business people and the like.

Class C’s can vary in cost from an average low of $50,000, up to and over $150,000, depending on length, engine choice, and number of slideouts.  With the longer Class C’s, you will most likely want a dinghy too, adding to the overall cost.

Class B’s can be purchased for a low of around $40,000 for a Spartan model, to near $100,000 for a fully equipped rig.  At the high end, you’d probably be better off getting a Class C for the extra room to be had, unless you have a good reason for staying in the micro-rig size.

Don’t Forget The Dinghy!

The ubiquitous "Toad".

With any motorhome of size, you will probably end up towing a dinghy, or a “Toad” as they are often called.  When calculating your needs and the total purchase price keep these auxiliary vehicles in mind.  Bear in mind that a Toad cannot be backed up more than a few feet.  You will need to unhitch it, then park it.  Also keep in mind that the extra gear to support towing the Toad, can add up too, though if you’re springing for a large Class A, it’s probably not an issue.

What are your experiences driving the larger RV models?  If considering a motorhome, what would be your favorite RV configuration, if you could afford anything?

Tags: 5th wheel, motorhome, rv, travel trailer