Motorhomes And How To Pick One
Camping is never as comfortable or luxurious as it is when done with a motorhome, but deciding what type of motorhome you need can be exhausting. Do you want a big diesel-powered Class A or a compact gasoline Class B? What is the difference between a Class C and Super C motorhome? Once you understand the classes, there are still a host of layouts and other options to narrow down.
Luckily, McGovern’s RV & Marine is here to help you find the right fit for you and yours. The expert staff at our location in Grande Prairie, Alberta, is ready to answer any and all questions. We can then work with you to find you your perfect motorhome, finance it, and send you on your way! Read on for a brief overview of the classes and their characteristics.
Class A
These are the largest and most well-equipped of any motorhome class. Class A motorhomes offer luxury, comfort, and spacious designs with any amenity you can think of. Also referred to as “integrated” motorhomes, these RVs have a driving area included, either as a separate section or connected to the living area via swivel chairs. The front window of the cab is fairly panoramic, allowing an expansive view of the landscape and, more importantly for safety, of the road ahead.
Class A motorhomes tend to be the most expensive style and come with either diesel or gasoline powertrains, with diesel offering more power. Due to their size, a Class A can often tow smaller vehicles, letting you keep your personal car on hand for running errands or going on day trips. The size also tends to accommodate at least one private bedroom with bunks and fold-out furniture that can sleep a total of 6 people comfortably. However, the weight and size of a Class A motorhome means it’s more difficult to drive than other classes, meaning the driver needs to be extra careful and well-practiced with large vehicles.
Class B
Class B motorhomes are the smallest class available, making them the more economical choice and meaning they’re far easier to drive than either of the other models. These tend to resemble large vans and are, in fact, built on a commercial van chassis. The cabs are semi-integrated with the rest of the motorhome for easy access to the driver’s seat from the interior.
These models still offer many of the amenities of their Class A counterparts, but in a much smaller area. The smallest may lack showers or other features that would require more room for things like a water tank. These are best for very small families or couples traveling together, but also lends itself well to the solo-camper lifestyle.
Class C
Class C are also called “alcove” motorhomes, due to the small berth that hangs over the separate cab. These are midway between Classes A and B in terms of size, but are more capable of going over rugged terrain thanks to the truck chassis they’re built on. Class C’s have a center of gravity similar to a regular passenger vehicle, making them easier to drive than Class A’s. That alcove over the cab can either function as storage or an extra sleeping space, depending on the model and manufacturer.
A heavier, stronger version of the Class C exists called a Class Super C. These are usually diesel-fueled and capable of towing heavy payloads, like a passenger vehicle.This allows campers the freedom of a smaller vehicle for use on day trips rather than having to drive their motorhome everywhere they go.
In the end, the type of motorhome you buy depends on the size of the group you’re camping with, your needs in terms of storage and amenities, and your comfort level with driving larger vehicles. If you want to tour some motorhomes to see which size and model works best for you and your family, stop by McGovern’s RV & Marine. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any further questions you might have and help you find the RV that fits your needs. We are proud to serve the Edmonton, Alberta, area.