Buying a Motorhome by Type

Motorhomes are one of the two main types of RV, and their defining characteristic is having their own motor and cab. Rather than be dependent upon a tow vehicle, motorhomes are self-contained and can be driven from location to location. In some cases, a motorhome can itself be used as a tow vehicle! However, since the category of “RVs with their own motor” is still rather broad, motorhomes are further divided into classes. Since these classes can be unintuitive to those unfamiliar with motorhomes, Sunny Island RV has created this guide to help make the motorhome buying process as smooth as possible.   

Class A Motorhomes

While it may appear that motorhome classes are defined by size, that is a simplification. Each class denotes the type of vehicle chassis that the motorhome is built upon. Since Class A motorhomes are built upon bus chassis, they are usually larger than motorhomes of the other classes. 

The typical Class A will have a driving cab that is integrated into the rest of the motorhome’s interior and be between 30’ and 45’ in length. They have panoramic windshields and a lot of interior space, with room for storage, sleeping spaces, and amenities. Higher-end models can have multiple rooms, residential-style kitchens, and multiple entertainment centers. Naturally, this combination of size and features makes Class A the most expensive type of motorhome. 

Class B Motorhomes

Part of the reason that motorhome classes can be so confusing is that they do not follow the largest-to-smallest format. While you might assume that Class B motorhomes would be between Classes A and C in size, they are actually the smallest and most compact. 

Class B motorhomes are built off of van chassis. They only have enough sleeping space for two or three people at most. Common features include small wet baths, kitchenettes, and dinettes. The upside is that Class B motorhomes tend to be the cheapest type of motorhome, making them perfect for couples and solo travelers who don’t need as much space as a large family. While a Class A is essentially a bus and requires a lot of care and skill to operate, Class B motorhomes are much closer to normal commuter vehicles and are far easier to operate for those unused to a huge vehicle. 

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are built upon truck chassis. While the largest Class Cs can be bigger than the smallest Class As, Class C motorhomes are generally in-between the two other classes in terms of size. Most Class Cs have a driving cab separated from the rest of the motorhome and can be recognized by the overhang above the driving cab. This alcove is usually either used as storage or as a sleeping space, depending upon the model.

To view Sunny Island RV’s selection of new and pre-owned motorhomes, visit our dealership in Rockford, Illinois. We also offer parts, financing, and servicing, so come to us for all your RV-related needs. We are proud to serve the northern Illinois area, including major communities like Naperville and Chicago, Illinois.