XML RSS
What is this?
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Home
The RVers Blog
RV Newsfeeds
RV Book Store
Camping Planner
Types of RVs
Rent An RV
Diesel or Gas?
Buying a RV
Used RV Inspection
RV Loans
Camping in the USA
Camping in Canada
The Gazette
Share Our Site
Search Our Site
Contact Us
Sitemap
 

Class A Motorhome, the classiest of RVs

Camping World

class a motorhome

 

The Class A Motorhome is the "Top Dog" in the Motorized RV category.

 

They are literally houses on wheels and can have any option you want (for a price). In this section we will describe what's available and give you the pros and cons of the Class A.  

The Class A RV is known by many names such as; Motor Home, Motorhome, Motor Coach, Motorcoach, Coach, Bus or Rig. We are sure that there might be other names out there, if we missed any, please Contact Us and we'll add them in.  

In this section we will discuss the following topics The Class A Sub-Types, How a Class A is builtEquipment that comes standard on a Class A.  Optional Equipment Available, The Pros and Cons of a Class A and finally a section with our personal recommendations on Clubs you can join to get great discounts on Camping.


RV loans

The Class A Motorhome Has Two Sub-Types

Bus Conversion

A passenger bus that is converted into a home on wheels. They gut the bus interior and add all the amenities you can think of to transform it into a livable space. Picture in your mind the classiest hotel suite you ever stayed in and you've got a pretty good idea of what to expect from a Bus Conversion.

It is by far the most expensive Class A available. A new one can cost well over 1 million dollars. Quite a few NASCAR drivers and musical entertainers use these to travel the country in style to get to their races or concert appearances.

Your key to shopping for a bus conversion is; "if you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can't afford it".

If these are too pricey for you, your alternatives are to become a NASCAR driver, become a successful rock/country star or move on and start looking at motor homes you can afford.

Diesel Puller

This a newer sub-category to the Class A Motorhome group. The diesel puller does not look so much like a bus, but more like a diesel truck. It has a truck front end.

In fact there is debate if this is a Class A at all, some have said that these should be in the Class C group. We don't have the time or desire to get involved in this debate, so we put them here.


How A Class A Motorhome Is Built

With the two exceptions above, the Class A is built on a special chassis from truck manufacturers that are designed exclusively for Motorhome use.

The bare chassis includes; the engine (diesel or gas), fuel tank, frame, transmission, axle assemblies, wheels, tires, braking system, instrument panel and steering assembly.

They also throw in a folding chair so that the bare chassis can be safely driven to the Motorhome manufacturer.

The Class A Motorhome manufacturer takes the bare frame and starts constructing the house. They add the tanks for fresh water, grey water and black water (all RVers have a love/hate relationship with the black water tank), they add the floors, the walls, the room slides, the appliances and furniture. Once they complete the interior they paint or coat the exterior.

The completed Class A Motorhome can be anywhere from 25 to 45 feet long. The majority of the Motorhomes have one to six room slides, that can be opened up while camping to add additional living space.

Back to Top

Bass Pro Shops

The Equipment That Comes Standard In A Class A Motorhome

Standard Equipment can include but is not limited to:

R  Living room/ and Bedroom Furnishings

R    2 TVs (at least)

R    Stove, Oven and/or Microwave Convection Oven

R    Water Heater

R    Refrigerator

R    Heating and Air Conditioning Units

R Generator (for electricity while roughing it in the wild)

R    Hydraulic or Electric Levelers

R    Toilet, Shower and yes, even the Kitchen Sink

R Holding and Storage Tanks

Back to Top

Free Shipping on Orders Over $250 

Optional Equipment Can Include, But Is Not Limited 

(except by your wallet) To

R Inside/Outside Home Theater System,

R Tile or Wood Heated Flooring

R    Granite Countertops

R    Dishwasher,

R    Trash Compactor

R    Wine Cooler

R    Washer and Dryer

R Jacuzzi Tub

R    Central Vacuum Cleaner

R    GPS System

R Satellite TV System

R Satellite Internet System

R Automatic Awnings

R Automatic Leveling System

R    Pool Table  (OK we just wanted to see if you were paying attention).

You also have a choice of either a gas or diesel engine (we have dedicated a whole section of this site to this important option).

Back to Top


VIP Insurance from The Good Sam Club

Class A Motorhome PROS and CONS

PROS

J  The most luxurious of the motorized RV category. Remember the more luxurious it is the more money you are going to spend.

J  Lots of living space, the more room slides you have the more space you have.

J  You can use all the facilities and appliances while going down the road (not recommended if you are the driver).

J  Has the most optional equipment available. The more options you choose the more money you will spend (are you starting to see a trend here).

J  A lot of available storage space (especially in the diesel versions)

J  Because of the height of a Class A Motorhome, you get a much better view of the roadway and scenery.

J  The ride can be very smooth and quiet. (gas powered motor homes may be a bit noisier because the engine is located in the front).

J  The Class A Motorhome is ideal for the person who is planning to be a full-time (full timer) RVer .

J  Also a place to go if your in "the dog house" with your spouse (far more comfortable than a couch) :-)
 

CONS

L  The most expensive type of recreational vehicle.

L   Once your camp is set up, it is not easy to use a Class A Motor home for running errands and short site seeing trips. You either have to tow a vehicle with you or use the local transportation for the area that you are in.

L  Fuel mileage can be anywhere from 6 to 10 miles per gallon (your fuel mileage may vary). You must factor this in when considering which RV is right for you.

L  Not as maneuverable as your personal car or truck (this will become apparent to you the first time you end up at the end of a dead end street and realize you now have to back up for a mile).

L  When not in use a Class A Motorhome requires a large parking or storage area. If you have a long driveway and regulations in your area allow RVs to be parked in a residential driveway or street, you will be OK. If not, you will have to find an RV storage lot near you (which means spending more of your hard earned money).

L  Dependant on the length of your Motorhome, you will find that some campgrounds and RV Parks will not accept an RV over 35 feet in length (as time goes on this limitation is fading away).

L  Due to the higher profile of a Class A Motorhome, low branches and low bridges are a concern. You need to know the exact height of your vehicle when traveling, in particular on surface streets (otherwise you may end up with a new sunroof on your coach).

Back To Top

Join the Good Sam Club!


ARE YOU LOOKING FOR DISCOUNTED CAMPING 

 Here is where we recommend you look

 

CampClub USA:  Save 50% off campsites at more than 750 top rated RV Parks and Campgrounds.  When you join you get a free Campground Directory. The Annual Directory includes detailed information on each campground such as amenities, turn by turn directions, GPS coordinates, contact information and more.   Save 50% at Top Quality Campgrounds – Join CampClub USA today

Good Sam Club:  Over 1,000,000 RVers already enjoy the many wonderful benefits that come with membership in the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club is a must have for any RV owner!  The Good Sam Club 10% camping discount at 1,700+ Good Sam affiliated RV Parks and Campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada  

They also have lot's of other benefits such as Free Subscription to Highways Magazine, $0.02. per gallon discount on gasoline and Free RV Trip Routing. Click Here to Join the Good Sam Club  

The Happy Camper Club:  The Happy Camper club offers 50% off at RV Parks to their members As a member, you can stay at over 1,200 quality RV parks on a full hook-up site for half price; and unlike other memberships, it requires no contracts, no home parks, and no point systems. At just $49.95 per year - Happy Camper pays for itself on your first vacation.

KOA (Kampgrounds Of America):  With KOA's NEW Value Kard Rewards, you'll still receive a 10% discount when you camp KOA. AND, you'll also earn points towards FREE camping at KOA with every stay.

Get a free KOA Directory and points good for savings + 10% off daily registrations with KOA Value Kard Rewards!

Back To Top

Hopefully, the above information will be helpful in steering you in the right direction. If you have decided that a Class A Motorhome is the right type of RV for you, you should now head over to the Buying a RV section of this web site to get some more helpful hints.

If you are still not sure, continue browsing the other Types of RVs that are available. One thing is for sure you will never regret becoming an RVer regardless of the type of RV you choose.

If you have any questions or suggestions please Contact Us and help make Everything-About-RVing.com better.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy RVing.

Back To Top


                      

Subscribe to

The Everything About RVing Gazette.

our free monthly E-Newspaper 

Camping World

Subscribe Here

Email

Name

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you The Everything About RVing Gazette.

Return to Types of RVs page from Class A Motorhome page



footer for class a motorhome page