Forum Discussion

sebring's avatar
sebring
Explorer
May 10, 2016

Class A versus Class C Motorhome

Hi Everyone

Well, my hubby & I are seriously thinking about going into a motorhome as setup/teardown with our 5er is taking longer and longer to do.

We have spent days (me, weeks) on the internet researching and also going to dealerships looking at units.

Then I realized I should be asking the experts!!!!

Want to downsize to 30' and probably gas. (Sure wish they'd put our GMC Duramax in these units)

Anyways, we'd sure appreciate everyones opinions, bouquets & beefs!

36 Replies

  • Both are nice and have pros and cons as stated. Dependent on your style of RVing as to amount of time on the road......locations without hookups, etc.

    The newer Cs have the six speed (not sure on the As).

    Much cheaper to replace tires on C when needed (cost of tires).

    Tow rating up to 7500lbs.

    Lower roof height (helps if kept parked under roof or tree branches when camping).

    Have, or can be ordered with auto levelers.

    Overhang above windshield provides a nice shade while driving.

    Tank size should be more than enough for two people.

    Plenty of both interior and exterior storage.

    The V10 and six speed provides plenty of power.

    The newer As and Cs both share all the nice LED lighting both in and out, modern features, ice makers, outside kitchens, outside entertainment , electric everything, etc.

    Again, the newer ones are both nice, and it all depends on your camping style, what you feel comfortable in, and what you are comfortable driving.

    Good luck, hope you find what's best for you!
  • Just went through the same thing. A was the ticket because of STORAGE, bed size ( real queen ) flat floor and for us the cabover bed is a waste of space. We needed to stay under 30' for home parking. We found a number of nice coaches to choose from. That said, the ease of coming and going is so much easier than the 5 er. Toad we are hopeing to avoid, but time will tell.
    Good luck in your search
  • We went looking for a "C" and when we found one we like the wife couldn't get from the front seat to the house without going outside. We got a used "A".
  • We started our eight month search looking at class C's. After a couple of RV shows and a dealer or two visit came to the conclusion that an A was a better choice based on interior room and storage along with the available floor plans we thought would fit our intending use. Primarily we didn't need the over cab bed and the cost difference between an A and C was pretty small. We then focused in on a particular floor plan and established our budget which set a year range for a used coach. Several months, yes months as in all winter, later found one a day drive rather than a plane ride away from home. Made a few trips to inspect and negotiate a price. Drove the coach home on the third 800 mile round trip drive and have been happy ever since.

    Searching can be a long process but just stay at it. Set a budget and determine a floor plan that fits you. At that point you can narrow down a make and model. It's what I call grunt work and there's no easy way around it. Both versions have advantages over the other. Class C has more sleeping room while a Class A has more storage as a quick comparison. Which is a better fit for you will depend on your wants, needs and intended use. May not much of an answer to the question but picking a coach can be pretty personal.
  • Keep looking and comparing. There are pros and cons to each style.

    Personally, I like the Class A. However, when I get something newer, I will look at the Class C.
    There's nothing 'wrong' with either choice.

    Look at everything and decide what is best for you. Enjoy your search and use it as a learning experience.
  • I won't recommend a particular model but if your budget allows, take the class A.

    More slides / more room
    More power to tow a toad
    Sit in the front seats and look at the difference in the view
    Almost all Class As have automatic levelers - no more backing up on boards
    More power going up the hills
    Better quality of interior
    Larger tanks - all of them
    More weight means less wind problems from passing trucks
    Dual pane windows for better climate and noise control
    Dual A/C and usually dual furnaces
    Better generators
    More batteries to last longer without hood-ups
    More storage room
    And others will add more reasons.

    Bill