Motorhome Styles…Easy as A, B+, C

The decision to purchase a Motorhome excited and elated both my husband and me. There are three distinct styles of Motorhomes from which to choose: Class A, Class B+, and Class C. Following is a description of each type.

Usually, the Class C Motorhome is in the middle in size; between the Class A and Class B+; although occasionally a Class A is shorter in length. The Class C Motorhome is one which has the van-type driving cockpit with an overhead compartment. The overhead compartment can be a large, open storage area; house an entertainment system including television, VCR/DVD, and stereo; or serve as a bunk bed. The living area of the Class C is compact, yet functional. The bathroom is small, but useful. Often, the Class C has a separate bedroom, but not always, depending on the floor plan.

The Class C Motorhome is perfect for weekend get-aways and tail-gating at football games. It is also a wonderful size in which to travel to destinations with questionable roadway conditions; i.e. winding, narrow, mountainous roads. The only downside I see in owning the Class C motorhome is the difficulty in leveling because it does not have automatic leveling jacks. One way to overcome this obstacle is to make certain your campsite is level or use leveling devices to drive the wheels onto when parking at an unlevel campsite.

The Class B+ Motorhome is the smallest of the three styles of Motorhomes…think over-sized van. Its sleek style and versatility more than make up for its compact size. Within a few short steps, everything you would ever need is within easy reach. Almost everything inside has a double use. The sofa/dinette makes into a very comfortable bed. The small cooktop range has a cover for extra counter space. The cute little sink is ideal for storing, as well as washing, a few dishes at a time. The bathroom consists of a basin, toilet bowl, and hand-held shower hose and everything can be wiped down efficiently for convenience.

Like the Class C, the Class B+ is very comfortable for your shorter excursions. It is aerodynamically designed to drive through the roughest terrain and the heaviest of traffic with the most comfort and ease. Because of this design, as well as the modern conveniences, it is typically a bit more expensive than its Class C counterpart; and sometimes costs more than its Class A competitors.

The Class A Motorhome is typically the largest of these three styles. It has ample headroom and a huge windshield, offering a bird’s-eye view of panoramic scenes, glimpses of wildlife, and unobstructed views of traffic ahead. It is roomier than the other two styles, and often has slide-outs to increase the size of the living space when camping. The Class A Motorhome is a virtual “condo on wheels”. Automatic jacks stabilize and level this RV with ease. Ample space under the floor for storage is accessible through lockable “basement doors” which are easily accessible from ground-level outside of the RV.

Although a little more difficult to maneuver, safe driving habits and a well-planned route which is RV-friendly create a very comfortable and enjoyable trip. In fact, driving this size Motorhome can be compared to driving a school bus: If a school bus can do it, so can we. Prices of The Class A Motorhome range from just a little more than a well-equipped van or truck to quite expensive, indeed, depending on the make, model, size, and floor plan you choose.

No matter which type of Motorhome fits your personal needs and style, they are all a comfortable way to travel and camp. Now that we own our Class A, we wouldn’t want to travel any other way!

By Laura Weaver