- Class A motorhomes are the largest, most spacious recreational vehicles you can drive without a special commercial license.
- These RVs feel like small apartments on wheels and can include features like king beds, full kitchens, entertainment centers, and even laundry machines.
- Class A motorhomes need more planning to drive and park, but they offer unmatched comfort for long trips or full-time living.
- The price can be high, but the quality of travel experience is not easily matched by other RV types.
If you want a motorhome where you can stand up straight, sleep on a real mattress, and fix a real meal while traveling, a Class A is probably what you have in mind. These motorhomes are as close as it gets to a luxury bus, and many come with the features and feel of a home or hotel suite. Compared to other types like Class C or camper vans, Class A models are much longer, wider, and taller, often with slide-outs for even more space. You might see them at national parks, music festivals, or tailgate events. But you’re just as likely to see people actually living in them for years, never putting down roots. Here’s what you need to know about Class A motorhomes before you think about buying, renting, or even stepping into one.
What Makes a Motorhome “Class A”?
Class A motorhomes are the big, bus-shaped campers built on either heavy-duty or custom coach chassis. If you see an RV rolling down the highway that reminds you of a rock band tour bus, it is almost always a Class A.
Their front end is flat or slightly curved and they usually have huge windshields, looking out over everything in front of you. One way to tell is the way you step right from the driver’s seat into your living room , no need to duck. The body is wide (usually 8 to 8.5 feet), tall (12 to 13 feet), and ranges from about 26 up to 45 feet long.
Class A motorhomes are designed for maximum living space, comfort, and long-term travel , not easy parking or fuel savings.
In RV stores, you will see two other main types: Class B (vans, easier to park but tiny inside) and Class C (cab-over trucks, almost always have a bed over the front). Neither can really match the comfort and storage of a Class A.
Why Choose a Class A Motorhome?
Is bigger always better? Not for everyone. But for anyone who wants to travel widely without leaving behind any comforts or routines, Class A is hard to beat. Here are a few reasons people love them:
- They feel like a real home. Big kitchens, dedicated bedrooms, and living areas. Many even have fireplaces , real ones or electric with heat. Some have two bathrooms.
- Massive storage for outdoor gear, lawn chairs, bikes, or even scooters and small motorcycles.
- Superior climate control and insulation, which matters if you plan to travel in all seasons.
- Big generators and large water tanks for extended “boondocking” or dry camping far from hookups.
- Plenty of space to work remotely or homeschool, if that matters for you.
If you are thinking about downsizing, this is a step that lets you keep most of what you love about a house , just on wheels.
For many, the appeal is simple: you don’t have to give up comfort, privacy, or convenience to see new places.
Not Just for Retirees
Years ago, these were thought of as a way for older folks to hit the road after selling the family house. But the reality is different now. Many families, remote workers, and younger travelers are drawn to Class A RVs. It is not always about age , sometimes it is about lifestyle, work flexibility, or just wanting a bigger adventure.
The Main Features Inside a Class A Motorhome
The sheer amount of space and features is what sets these RVs apart. Here are the most common features you will find in modern Class A RVs:
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Beds | Queen or King-sized beds, often in a separate bedroom. Some models add bunks or drop-down beds for family use. |
| Kitchen | Full-size fridges, ovens, ranges, spacious counters, deep sinks, microwaves. Domestic appliances, not “camping grade.” |
| Bathroom | Some with full-size showers, residential toilets, and even two sinks. Half-bath options are common on longer rigs. |
| Living/Dining | Sofas and recliners, big TVs, electric fireplaces, and proper tables. Often slide-outs enlarge the area even more. |
| Storage | Huge bays under the RV and cabinets everywhere inside. |
| Tech/Power | Touchscreen controls, solar panels, satellite antennas, WiFi boosters, big batteries, large generators. |
Many coaches now come with “smart home” tech, so you can control lights, shades, and your air conditioning from your phone. Not always needed, but it is nice to have when you want to set the scene or just show off to your campground neighbors.
Driving and Parking a Class A
Here is where a lot of people get stuck. The idea of driving a 35-foot-long bus , sometimes towing a car , can feel overwhelming at first. Some will say anybody can drive them after a few lessons. Honestly, that is only half true.
Class A RVs provide the best home luxury, but need time, planning, and some guts to drive, especially for new owners.
You sit much higher than you would in a car or pickup. That makes for strong visibility. But you need to manage all the extra length and height. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Turns swing much wider than a car. Everything takes extra room.
- Height limits (12 to 13 feet) matter under bridges, trees, and into parking garages , you cannot ignore them.
- Potholes feel much worse at the wheel than as a passenger. Passengers may nap, drivers rarely do.
- Parking in cities can be nearly impossible. Even many campgrounds are not built for the longest rigs.
- Most owners tow a small car or “toad” for everyday driving at your destination.
Insurance, fuel costs, toll roads, and maintenance can all add up. It might look like a cruise ship, but you still have to handle it yourself wherever you go.
Gas, Diesel, and Chassis Types
All Class A RVs are powered by a big engine, either gas or diesel. Which you pick depends on where you will go, what you plan to tow, and your budget.
- Gas engines are common in the lower-priced Class A models. They are easier to repair, and you can fuel them almost anywhere. Maintenance can be a bit less expensive.
- Diesel “pushers” have the engine at the rear, providing quieter rides and more power to move big loads. They are more expensive new, but tend to hold their value. You can tow heavier cars, trailers, or even a boat.
Chassis matter, too. Some luxury models are built starting with a commercial bus or truck frame, which means extra strength and ride quality. Others use custom RV frames. The more you pay, usually, the smoother the ride.
If you need to climb lots of hills or plan to travel cross-country for years, diesel pushers offer better comfort and power. For shorter vacations or lower budgets, gas might make more sense.
Is a Class A Motorhome Hard to Maintain?
Honestly, the short answer is “yes” , at least compared to a smaller RV or travel trailer. You are basically driving a small house and a big vehicle stuck together. That means double the maintenance, and you cannot handle everything yourself unless you have serious skills.
- Engine, brakes, and tires need regular care. Diesel rigs need more specialized attention.
- All the house systems (plumbing, appliances, electrical) are more complex. Sometimes you need both an RV tech and a regular mechanic.
- Bigger RVs need stronger jacks and leveling systems, and these can break, especially if you spend time on uneven surfaces.
If you are not comfortable with hands-on repairs, expect to spend real money for campside fixes or find yourself waiting in line at busy service centers.
What Does a Class A Motorhome Cost?
Let’s talk money. You might dream big, but there are limits (unless you plan to win the lottery). Prices change a lot, but here is a rough guide for new models:
| Type | Price Range (New) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level gas | $130,000 – $220,000 |
| Mid-level gas/diesel | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Luxury diesel | $350,000 – $1,200,000+ |
Some used Class A RVs sell at big discounts, but you want to budget for updates, tires, batteries, and possible repairs. Financing is common. There are people who have managed to get a used, 20-year-old Class A for $30,000 or less, but those will need extra care.
Many people who buy new quickly see that the value drops the first year. Used models can offer big savings if you check for water damage, rust, or outdated systems.
Real-Life Examples of Class A Motorhomes
Let’s look at a few different options , names will be different everywhere, but you will get a sense of what to look for:
- An entry-level gas model: About 30 feet long, can sleep 4-6, with one or two slide-outs, basic appliances, and still enough storage for a month on the road.
- Family-friendly bunkhouse: About 34 feet, king bed in the back, two bunks for kids, and a drop-down overhead bed by the front door. Two TVs but no fireplace.
- Luxury coach: Diesel pusher about 42 feet. Heated tile floors, stacked washer and dryer, three TVs, walk-in closet, full-size fridge, power reclining chairs. Room for only 4-6 people but feels almost like a condo inside.
If you want a pure class experience, look for little extras like power awnings with LED lights, outdoor kitchens, or whole-home audio systems.
Who Should Skip a Class A?
Not everyone. In fact, I think it is smart to consider all the downsides, not just the perks. Big isn’t always best. Here are a few reasons a Class A might not make sense:
- You want to go off the beaten path, down logging roads, or into tight campsites. Small RVs or vans handle these much better.
- You want to drive in cities, explore small towns, or do lots of quick weekend trips. A trailer or Class C will save headaches.
- You worry about fuel , 8 miles per gallon is typical, and 10-12 mpg counts as “good”.
- Your budget covers the RV, but not the repairs, bigger insurance, campsite costs, cleaning, and storage.
- You are uncomfortable driving large vehicles. No shame in that. There is no reason to force it if it stresses you out.
A Class A motorhome brings a lot of freedom, but if you won’t use the space or want to camp simple, look at smaller, easier-to-handle options.
What to Look for When Shopping
If you have decided on a Class A, here are a few tips I think are the most useful , some you do not hear enough:
- Check maneuvering at low speed in person. Try a few parking lot tests if you can. Even experienced drivers can get surprised at the length.
- Look inside cabinets and storage bays. A fancy interior does not help if your bedding and chairs do not fit.
- Test every button, slide, and power system. If something feels flimsy, it probably will break with full-time use.
- Watch out for leaks around windows and at the roof edges, especially on used models. Water problems are expensive and hard to fix right.
- Make sure the layout actually works for you. A beautiful kitchen is pointless if the bed feels like a cave or the dinette feels cramped.
Spend time inside with the slides pulled in (closed up for travel). Is there still access to the bathroom? Can you walk from front to back without pain? You’ll spend hours like this at gas stations and rest areas.
Class A vs. Other RV Types
Sometimes people pick a Class A just for the status or size, but that is a bad way to shop. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Type | Main Advantages | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Maximum space, comfort, storage, many features, suited for long trips or full-time life | Harder to drive, park, and store. Most expensive. High fuel use |
| Class C | Easier to maneuver, less expensive, bedroom over cab, fairly comfortable for shorter trips | Less headroom, can feel cramped, smaller tanks and storage |
| Class B (van) | Smallest, easiest to drive, fits in most parking spots, great for solo or couple travel | Very little storage, often only one small bed, limited bathroom/kitchen features |
| Travel Trailer | Can be unhitched, wide choice of sizes, lower cost, use any tow vehicle | Requires solid towing skills, need to disconnect at campsites, not as easy for “on road” living while driving |
Living in a Class A Full Time
There is a growing group of people living on the road year-round. For those, Class A is often the first pick. Reasons include needing more space for work, hobbies, or pets, and just wanting real privacy even at busy campgrounds.
- Most full-timers report loving the freedom after adjusting to reduced stuff. It is not for everyone though , if your hobbies or work require a fixed location, you might miss home more than you think.
- Fast internet is possible , satellite systems, cellular boosters, and campground WiFi all play a part. But it takes work to get it right.
- Staying organized is a constant learning process. Clutter piles up fast in a moving home, and you probably overpack early on.
- Staying warm in winter or cool in summer takes more energy in a big space. Good insulation helps, but you need to watch utility use.
- Pets are common and welcome in most RV resorts, but you have to plan for their comfort during travel, too.
Some people find it is better to rent or borrow first. Three months in a Class A, as a trial, can tell you much more than any video, blog, or trip to the RV store.
Final Considerations Before Taking the Plunge
Class A motorhomes are not for everyone, but they offer a style of travel that is hard to match. If you want to cross countries in comfort, host the family on the road, or work anywhere from the desert to the coast, a Class A can deliver. Just be honest about what you need and what you are willing to live without. You do not have to follow trends or friends. What really matters is how you want to travel , and whether the idea of a “house on wheels” excites or worries you.
