There are a few things you need to know before you buy RVs. Mobile homes or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs) come in different classes. Two of those classes are often confused with one another, being Class A and Class C motorhomes. It is essential to look at the physical appearance of the motorhome to determine if it is Class A or Class C. Class A motorhomes resemble a bus design with a flat or upright front and large windows, while class C motorhomes have a truck cab with a bed over the cab, somewhat resembling a camper.
Considered top of the line, Class A RVs measure around 24 feet or 7.3 meters and can be as long as 40 feet or 12 meters. Its weight can range from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds or 6,804 to 13,608 kg; the undercarriage can be customized or a 3 to 10 ton truck chassis. Class A RVs come with every luxury amenity you can imagine, such as a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and tub, and sometimes a separate bedroom in the back, depending on the floor plan of the truck. They also have heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, 100-125 volt electrical system, a dining room or living room complete with sofa and recliners, closets, and an entertainment center. This is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, some of these RVs can be more elaborate than the houses themselves.
Class A motorhomes are often used by famous bands, especially when they are on tour. There are also some wealthy families who own Class A RVs for vacations and trips. A Class A motorhome is perfect for those who can afford its high cost. Most Class A RVs have all leather interiors, a wet bar, large-screen TVs, an advanced sound system, and other high-tech that may not be available to low-income families.
Depending on the model and floor plan, a Class A RV can accommodate up to 8 people. But all this luxury comes at a price. Newer, lower-end models sell for as much as $50,000, while the larger and much nicer Class A RVs can even cost more than any house in many states, coming in at around $300,000 or more. Class A RVs are really very expensive; in fact, even used Class A RVs can still sell for $30,000-$40,000. If you prefer luxury lines, you can start saving around $325,000 up to over $1 million if you prefer the cream of the cream of all RVs.
Last but not least are the Class C motorhomes. Class C motorhomes can also come in very luxurious or more affordable models depending on your budget. They are much lighter in weight, only ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally ranging in length from just under 20 to 44 feet. They are built on chassis sectioned according to the model. The cab is usually truck-like with an upper bunk and rear sleeper. Like Class A RVs, Class C RVs have all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, bathroom, dining area, heating and air conditioning system, and an entertainment center for an additional cost.
Diners are not always present in class C motorhomes and if one is ever included it usually converts to a double bed. If there is no dining area, two captain’s chairs are available instead. Sometimes RVs contain a couch and chairs instead of captain’s chairs. The sofa can also be converted into a sofa bed.
Due to the bed in the top, a Class C motorhome can sleep more than a comparable Class A motorhome, which sleeps 10 people. The cost of Class C RVs ranges from $50,000 to $170,000.
Common features of Class A and Class C motorhomes are their slide-out, where at the touch of a button the living room wall expands outward to extend the living space by several inches.
Another type of RV is the Class B, which is generally known as a van conversion. Class B motorhomes look like convertible campervans and are self-contained but cramped compared to their full-size motorhome counterparts. The advantage of buying a Class B RV is in terms of handling and size, that is, if you don’t want a roomy RV. They are usually promoted as a place to sleep more than what most people consider comfortable. The class B motorhome can also be used as a second car. Its price ranges between $38,000 and $75,000.
RVs are great for camping, road tripping, or just living in style. If you’re interested in buying an RV, it’s definitely wise to take the time to shop around and do your research, as these RVs can get very expensive.
