RV units are perfect for those who constantly seek adventure on the road. In case you feel like replacing your unit, though, having driven it for too much and too long, there are certain considerations you’ll have to make to ensure that your new purchase will be worth every penny.
Brent Peterson, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing, Third Edition, breaks down the three most common classes of motorhomes in use today. Class-A motorhomes are the bus type, Class-B motorhomes are the wagon type, and Class-C motorhomes are the cutaway type. Here’s an inside look at each class of new and used motorhomes for sale.
Class A
The bus-type RV is the largest of the three, designed for expanded families or large groups. The fact that its huge size allows it to house a vast array of amenities and its chassis—usually based on a semi—means it can support all that weight. Some Class-A motorhomes have partitions that stick out called slide-outs to increase interior space.
Operating a Class-A, however, requires a change in driving habits. Driving a vehicle roughly as long as a semi requires a bigger turn and driving along the slow lane of highways.
Class B
The van-type RV is the smallest of the three but the most versatile. Not only can it be used as an RV, Peterson writes, a Class-B motorhome can double as your everyday vehicle. You can drive it to work or pick up the kids from school. These RVs are made using the chassis of typical family vans.
Being the smallest, Class-B motorhomes are easier to drive. If you want maximum comfort in a Class-B, however, get no more than one companion.
Class C
The cutaway-type is an RV with the head and chassis of a pickup, and the body of a custom-made cabin. Typical Class C motorhomes lie somewhere in the middle in terms of amenities, size, and maneuverability. If living space is more important to you than amenities, a Class-C motorhome is best for you.
Some Class-C motorhomes, however, have a long overhang, mainly due to the bedroom placed there. You may need to keep tail swinging in check while driving to prevent accidents.
So, what will your first (or next) RV be: the RV manor, the compact life, or the middle ground? If you still can’t decide, professional dealers like Johnson RV can help.
(Source: “Choosing the Right RV,” Idiot’s Guides)
