FAQs about Class A RVs

Class A motorhomes are the largest type of motorized RV. They look similar to buses and are built on commercial bus or truck chassis. Sometimes simply referred to as motorhomes or motor coaches, Class A RVs can range anywhere from 26 to 45 feet long and can sleep up to ten people. Class As are known for their luxurious, home-style amenities, large storage spaces and open floor plans. Class A motorhomes come with either gas or diesel engines. With a diesel engine, Class As are either classified as diesel pushers or diesel pullers depending on where the engine is located—diesel pushers have an engine in the back and diesel pullers have an engine in the front. Some Class A motorhomes come as toy haulers, meaning a portion of the wall towards the back of the RV can lower down into a ramp and lead into a garage space.

We searched for over a year before finally deciding to buy our Entegra Aspire. We had an extensive list of things we wanted our dream RV to have, a lot of which centered around being full-time RVers. Since we would be using this RV as our primary home, we knew we needed ample space for our entire family (two adults, two kids and a dog). Compared to other RV types, Class A motorhomes come with the most storage, the most open space and the largest living accommodations. Class A RVs are also built on extremely sturdy chassis and made with high-quality materials to support their large size. These two factors are ideal for anyone considering full-time RVing or for someone who plans to use their RV regularly. Here are some additional factors that led us to buy a Class A motorhome:

• Automatic leveling system
• Enclosed pipe system
• Large tanks
• Smooth, quiet ride
• Entertainment system
• Washer and dryer
• Large tow capacity; can tow a car behind it

After years of RVing and owning different types of RVs, we were surprised at the learning curve when we first purchased our Class A. Due to their larger size and robust features, Class A motorhomes can have high-tech features and have more advanced systems compared to other RVs. There are the driving, braking and towing systems, as well as leveling, heating/cooling and power systems. Have your dealer walk you through all of the different systems, and then take some time to read through your owner’s manual and get a feel for everything. It may take you a while to understand how everything works, but once you know, you’ll find that Class A motorhomes are relatively easy to operate. Because most systems and features in a Class A are automatic, setting-up and taking-down doesn’t take very long—it only takes us about 30 minutes. This is a huge bonus, especially if you’re constantly on the move. 

The wide range of amenities is one of the main reasons we chose a Class A, as they typically come with many comforts of home. Inside a Class A, you can find features like:

• A residential refrigerator
• A washer and dryer (some also have dishwashers)
• Solid surface countertops
• Real wood cabinets
• Leather furniture
• Heated marble floors
• Multiple bathrooms

And the exterior amenities of a Class A are equally as impressive:

• Automatic leveling system
• Onboard generator
• Electric awnings
• Outside entertainment system
• Substantial storage bays

The most significant difference between a Class A and a Class B RV is size. Class B camper vans are typically between 18 and 24 feet long, while Class A motorhomes can range anywhere from 30 feet to 45 feet. Class A RVs are built on heavy-duty, commercial bus or truck chassis, whereas Class B camper vans are built on van chassis. Class B RVs are smaller and often more affordable, they get better gas mileage and they are easier to maintain. But a Class B camper van is limited in size and would be best suited for one or two people, based on the configuration. 

The main difference between a Class A and a Class C RV is the size. Class C RVs are built on box van or truck chassis and are shorter and narrower—Class Cs average about 35 feet long, while Class As average about 40 feet. Class C RVs can be easily identified by the over-cab sleeping or storage area and a cockpit that is separated from the main living area. In a Class A, there is no over-cab space and the cockpit is directly attached to the living area. Similar to Class A, Class C’s are available with a diesel or gas engine. 

One of the best things about Class A motorhomes is their size and space. Class A RVs can sleep anywhere from two to ten people. Our Entegra Aspire can comfortably sleep six people—we have a king bed in the main suite, bunk beds in the hall and a queen sofa bed in the living area. Bunk beds can be hard to find in Class A motorhomes but they are available in some models and great for families with kids. Most Class As come standard with a king-size bed in the back, and a main living space with multiple different sleeping arrangements.

Due to its large size, driving a Class A motorhome requires some extra practice and getting used to, especially since the weight distribution is different compared to a standard car. However, as long as you take it slow and steady, you can maneuver your RV with comfort and ease. Additionally, Class A motorhomes are very aerodynamic and have great windshield visibility. Many newer Class A motorhomes also come equipped with multiple cameras so you have a complete view of your surroundings.

Here are a few tips and suggestions when driving a Class A motorhome:

• Take turns wide and slow, especially through major cities and narrow streets
• Slow down through curves and turns
• Give yourself plenty of time to brake; avoid sudden stops
• Always use your mirrors when changing lanes (you can even add side-view mirror extensions to help)
• Reference your rear-view camera when backing up
• Use truck driving navigation apps to help ensure your route is suited for your Class A, they take into consideration turn radius, height and road weight restrictions

To practice driving your Class A, find an empty parking lot or open space and set up some cones to help you turn and back up. If you’re not familiar with driving an extra long vehicle, the cones will help you gauge the amount of space and distance you’ll need to turn and merge.

If you’re wondering if you can drive a Class A motorhome with your current driver's license, the answer is both yes and no. The state where your driver's license was issued can dictate whether you need to have a particular type of license to drive your motorhome. Most states do not require a special license for an RV, no matter the size or weight. However, some states do require a special license if you’re driving an RV that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. If your current driver’s license is issued from a state that does not require a special license, you are still allowed to drive your RV across state lines. Always check with your state's DMV to see whether or not you are required to get a special license to drive your Class A motorhome.

Class A motorhomes are not the most fuel-efficient RV option. Driving a 50,000 pound motorhome at 60 miles per hour won’t give you the best gas mileage, but the ability to bring your lodging, clothes, food, and car along with you will help make up for it.

A few different factors can impact your Class A’s fuel efficiency, including the total weight of your RV, how much cargo you’re carrying, tire pressure, driving speed, headwinds or crosswinds, and the terrain you’re driving on. To help improve your Class A’s fuel efficiency, here are a few things you can do:

• Drive on a ¾-full tank of gas, as opposed to a full tank
• Empty all of your tanks (gray, black and fresh) before driving
• Avoid driving with roof racks or exterior cargo boxes
• Turn off appliances while driving, especially your air conditioner
• Maintain a steady, consistent speed as much as possible

Many Class A motorhomes have a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, but this number can go down or up based on the size of the engine and the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR). Be sure to ask your dealer, or consult your owners manual, to find out what your Class A’s tow capacity, GCWR and engine type is. A heavier GCWR—the total weight of your RV with all fluids, passengers and gear onboard—can mean a decreased towing capacity, so it’s important to understand the difference.

If weight and towing capacity are important to you, consider buying a Class A motorhome with a diesel engine. Diesel engines, compared to gas engines, will significantly increase your towing capacity. For example, our Entegra Aspire has a tow capacity of 15,000 pounds and comes with a 450 horsepower (HP) diesel engine, both of which allow us to easily tow our Jeep Wrangler and all of our belongings.

Class A motorhomes can be more expensive compared to other RV types, but that’s mainly due to the features and amenities that come onboard. Prices can easily range from $75,000 up to $800,000 depending on the brand, model and extra add-ons. Luxuries like electric awnings, heated floors, robust entertainment systems, and dishwashers can add a lot to the final cost. However, with most of these extra amenities, the quality is high and the products are well-made, so you get what you pay for.

Another big price factor for Class A RVs is the engine—a diesel engine will cost significantly more than a gas engine, but there’s a reason. A Class A motorhome with a diesel engine will have a larger towing capacity, get better gas mileage and have a better, smoother ride. With a  diesel pusher engine, the engine is located in the very back of the RV and is much quieter. Diesel pushers also provide more torque for climbing hills and pulling tow vehicles, and have better braking and air ride suspension. A diesel puller engine offers many of the same benefits but is located in the front of the RV and, therefore, is much louder.