Motorized RV Basics

Your Guide to Class A Motorhomes, Class B Camper Vans and Class C Motorhomes

Motorized RV Basics

Your Guide to Class A Motorhomes, Class B Camper Vans and Class C Motorhomes
An Entegra Class A motorhome parked by the beach

Drivable RVs are the true definition of a home on wheels. These motorized RVs all come equipped with the conveniences of a stick-and-bricks home, including a bathroom, kitchen and sleeping area(s), making them a great option for any type of adventurer. Setting up and taking down camp is made easy with motorized RVs, all there is to do is pack up and go. Here's everything you need to know about the different types of motorhomes: Class A, Class B and Class C.

A class A RV parked in a

Class A Motorhome

Built with the same framing and construction as commercial trucks and buses, Class A motorhomes are some of the largest vehicles on the road. What does that mean for your next adventure? Lots of room to stretch out and get comfortable. From spacious sleeping and lounging areas to full kitchens to upscale bathrooms, Class A vehicles take features and amenities to a higher level.

Advantages of a Class A Motorhome

  • Ability for adult passengers to access conveniences like the bathroom and refrigerator while the motorhome is traveling
  • Nearly unlimited luxuries, many with home-like features such as clothes washer and dryer, two bathrooms, induction cooktop, and residential refrigerator
  • Best in class exterior storage with large pass-thru compartments that can accommodate larger items like grills, coolers and patio furniture
  • Multiple slide-outs to increase living and storage space
  • Some models offer toy hauler capability making it easy to transport ATVs, bikes or kayaks
  • Higher towing capacity for hauling a cargo trailer, vehicle or toy
A couplet sets up camp outside of a Thor Motor Coach Scope Class B Camper Van

Class B Camper Van

Class B motorhomes are small, streamlined and ready to roll. Nimble and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes, Class B motorhomes offer living space best suited for small groups. Most Class B motorhomes do not offer slide outs yet still offer luxurious amenities like galley kitchens, beds and restrooms.

Some advantages of the Class B motorhome include:

  • Ideal for narrow roads and congested streets
  • Simple to maneuver, park and turn around
  • Often fits in your garage for secure storage
  • Ability for adult passengers to access conveniences like bathroom and refrigerator while the motorhome is moving
  • Chassis and engine service available at many automotive dealerships

Class C Motorhome

Class C motorhomes offer outdoor experiences for larger families at a lower price point than Class A Motorcoaches. Recognizable by their raised sleeping or storage areas which extend over the cab of the RV, Class C Motorhomes offer more living space than Class B Motorhomes but are smaller in size and can offer better gas mileage than Class A Motorcoaches.

Class C advantages include:

  • Frequently shorter in length and not as tall, making them more maneuverable for getting in and out of tight places
  • Ability for adult passengers to access conveniences like bathroom and refrigerator while the motorhome is moving
  • Most have at least one slide-out to increase living and storage space
  • Some models offer a toy hauler capability, making it easy to transport ATVs, bikes or kayaks
  • Chassis and engine services are available at many automotive dealerships
  • Compared to Class A, Class Cs have a somewhat limited towing capacity for hauling a cargo, trailer, or a “dingy” (the exception being the Super C, which has towing capacity rivaling many Class A motorhomes)

Ready to shop?

A Jayco Terrain camper van parked next to a river