The best type of motor-home for you depends upon how you would enjoy using it most. And that’s different for every person. Hopefully, this article will explain the differences between all the most common types of motor-homes available in the United States at this time. Along with pros and cons, and best use-case for each one. Also, be aware that the pros and cons of each should be considered in relation to each other. For example; when comparing the interior build quality of a Class-B RV, a Class-A or Super-C will always have higher available build quality due to the relative lack of weight restrictions. And hopefully by the end, you will have a much better idea what the best type of motor-home to buy is for you.

There are basically 5 types of motor-homes:

Now let’s see if we can help you to decide which type is the best for you.

Class-A

This is the largest and most expensive style of RV. The primary feature of the Class-A motor-home is that they are built upon a bus chassis and are often called “diesel pushers”, because they can have large diesel engines mounted in the rear of the coach. Class-A motor-homes are also available with gasoline engines and with the engine in the front of the chassis as well. These are available in sizes varying from 25 to over 40 feet long. You probably wouldn’t want to choose a Class-A motor-home if you were intending to any serious wilderness boondocking. Also, if you’re looking for something with impressive fuel economy; you should probably look at another smaller class of motor-home. These behemoths are made for gobbling up mile after mile of pavement and doing so comfortably. Speaking of comfort; the level of amenities available in this class of coach can be nothing short of palatial! With features such as marble flooring and fine hardwood interior surfaces; their luxury has few rivals in the motor-home space.Likewise; Class-A coaches are the top of the heap in regards to space as well. Whether it be for storage or living area. Most commonly, Class-A coaches are equipped “with “slide-outs” or “tip-outs”; which are large sections of the outside walls that are designed to expand outward creating increased living space. In some cases effectively almost doubling the available living area.

Class B

This is the smallest class of motor-home, also known as camper vans. They are perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking a compact and maneuverable option. They are passenger or cargo vans that have been modified or converted into living quarters. Even though they are the smallest and most economical of the motor-homes, some of them have most of the comforts of home (except for extra space). Most commercial camper vans are equipped with what is known as a ‘wet bath’, which is a shower surround and pan with an toilet built in. Although, others even have a dedicated shower (known as a ‘dry bath’) with a separate toilet. A Class B may or may not be easily identified from the outside as recreational vehicles at all. Often times these will be the choice of someone who prefers fuel efficiency and mobility or possibly stealth. There are some who enjoy ‘Stealth camping’ on city streets and other public places and the camper van would probably would be the best choice for them. Obviously, the camper van is the most space limited of the RVs, therefore more compromises must be made when compared to the other options. Although it does exist; it is very rare to find a Class-B RV that includes a slide-out. I’ve heard it said that van dwellers in general are those that prefer to live outside and use the van for storage, cooking and sleeping and shelter only when necessary. These are definitely the most mobile of the RVs. Some van chassis’ are even available with 4-wheel drive, making them an excellent choice for those preferring deep wilderness boondocking.

Class C

I know that “Class-B+” should come before “Class-C” alphabetically, but since the ‘B+’ is actually a special version of “Class-C”; it makes more sense to tell you what a Class-C is and compare them afterwards. Whereas a “Class-B” motor-home is manufactured using a passenger or cargo van as a platform; the Class-C motor-home is begins its life as a “cutaway” or “Cab and Chassis”. Think of it as a van cab with nothing behind it but a frame, drive-train, suspension, and wheels & tires. The RV manufacturer purchases these chassis’ and then they build the ‘home’ portion which is usually significantly wider than the cab, providing significantly more interior space and storage than the Class-B. Also, it is very common for this class of motor-home to include a slide-out to increase available living space. Most often, the Class-C motor-home is built on a heavier version of the van chassis in order to provide increased weight carrying capacity. A notable feature of the Class-C motor-home is the overhead loft, which juts out over the top of the vehicle cab, which is usually designed as an additional sleeping area. But it is often used as a storage area if not needed for sleeping.

Class B+

The ‘B+’ class is a smaller variant of the Class C motor-home. These are commonly built on a smaller chassis such as a Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Ram Pro Master, or Ford Transit. They are usually more streamlined and less ‘boxy’ than the average Class-C. Often the B+ will lack the over-cab loft. In a nutshell, think of the “B+” as the half-way point between the Class-B and Class-C motor-homes in terms of storage and interior space. The B+ is our RV of choice because It offers similar fuel economy to a Class B, while offering nearly as much storage and floor space as a Class-C. As with the standard Class-C; slide-outs are quite common in the Class-B+ as well. The motor-home pictured above is our personal rig. It is affectionately known to us as, “Harvey”. It is a 2010 Phoenix Cruizer 2400, built on a 2008 Dodge (Mercedes) Sprinter cutaway chassis. For us, Harvey has checked off almost all of the requirements because it gives us adequate living space and storage area, while providing diesel fuel economy in the high teens consistently. The compromises we’ve had to make are minimal; making our full time RV lifestyle very enjoyable for over 6 years now.

Super C

The Super C is second to the Class A in storage and size. It is superior to the Class A in durability due to the chassis. Although it is effectively still a “Class-C”; the chassis chosen for this class is a heavy-duty commercial truck chassis. Based upon this, the Super C can have the highest towing capacity of all motor-homes. The space and amenities offered in many Super-C motor-homes often rival the most luxurious Class-A models. Some feel that; due to it’s extended front-engine design; the Super-C may be an even safer alternative to the Class-A. Like its Class-A and Class-C relatives; slide-outs are more commonly installed in this style of RV as well.

To learn more about the things you should consider if you’d like to be a full time RVer, read the following article: