My wife and I are entering the "serious research" phase in shopping for a Class A motorhome, with the expectation that we will spend between 9 months a year and full time upon my retirement in two years.I understand that choosing a floorpan that works for our lifestyle is super important. But even before that, I'd like some feedback on the benefits and liabilities of larger verses smaller coaches. The obvious benefits of a larger coach are more living area, and of a smaller coach better fuel economy. But I've seen many people suggest that before they started looking they'd decided on 34' or less, or even 30' or less. What are the benefits of staying below 34'? Or, in your experience, is bigger just as good when it comes to RV living?

Smaller coach advantage = You fit in more spacesLarger coach advantage = You can carry more "stuff" (especially if you have a tag axle). I can think of no reason that 34' is the magic size to stay below.

IMHO, for long(er) term living (we do 4-5 months), nothing trumps size.Bigger allows more room for convenience item like washer dryers, big fridge, separate ice make, more food prep area, larger pantries, closets, and the list just goes on an on.Bigger gets more bay storage, larger shower enclosures and etc.The only downside is the occasional, very occasional of limited RV sites.As far as optimal size....I would say 40 to 42 ft preferably with a tag axle.

We are at 32' or 33' bumper to bumper.It fits in two end to end parking spots at WM. You can go about anywhere an UPS dually truck can go. It has a good size bath with tub and a walk around bed.We have no slides so today a 28' class A might have more room. If we had slides they would have to permit usage if never opened. Hey in the end only you will have the best idea of what will work for you. Took a trip by truck this month and saw a lot of new like Class A's that were generally much shorter than 10-20 years ago.

We have averaged five months a year since 2010. First in a 35' fiver and now in a 35' Class A. Both times we chose what we thought was the best floor plan for our needs. My only real comment would be to get the largest RV you can afford. I say this because small is really not conducive to happy marriages. Close quarters can be difficult. We all need our own space. RVs are inherently close but small RVs can be very confining.

We full-timed for 8 years in a 33' 5th wheel and another 8 years in a 40' motorhome. We fit in exactly the same or same kinds of sites. Absolutely no problem. The reason we switched to a motorhome was that we got tired of driving the big truck around and Jeeping gave us much more enjoyment siteseeing in the boonies.We prefer public parks vs. private RV parks. Our 40' fit in many national parks, state parks, national forests, COE, county and city parks. We boondocked on national forest lands and BLM lands and also fishing access spots in the West.My suggestion is to find a good manufacturer, then select a floorplan from what they have to offer. It doesn't do any good to find a floorplan with a RV that is not reliable and cheaply made if you're going to full-time. You will be living and traveling 365 days a year for years.

Ideal length for Class A | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

afrescopXx
Explorer
Aug 29, 2015
We have averaged five months a year since 2010. First in a 35' fiver and now in a 35' Class A. Both times we chose what we thought was the best floor plan for our needs. My only real comment would be to get the largest RV you can afford. I say this because small is really not conducive to happy marriages. Close quarters can be difficult. We all need our own space. RVs are inherently close but small RVs can be very confining.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
Aug 29, 2015
We are at 32' or 33' bumper to bumper.

It fits in two end to end parking spots at WM. You can go about anywhere an UPS dually truck can go. It has a good size bath with tub and a walk around bed.

We have no slides so today a 28' class A might have more room. If we had slides they would have to permit usage if never opened.

Hey in the end only you will have the best idea of what will work for you.

Took a trip by truck this month and saw a lot of new like Class A's that were generally much shorter than 10-20 years ago.
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Aug 29, 2015
IMHO, for long(er) term living (we do 4-5 months), nothing trumps size.

Bigger allows more room for convenience item like washer dryers, big fridge, separate ice make, more food prep area, larger pantries, closets, and the list just goes on an on.

Bigger gets more bay storage, larger shower enclosures and etc.

The only downside is the occasional, very occasional of limited RV sites.

As far as optimal size....I would say 40 to 42 ft preferably with a tag axle.
GMandJM
Explorer
Aug 29, 2015
Smaller coach advantage = You fit in more spaces

Larger coach advantage = You can carry more "stuff" (especially if you have a tag axle).

I can think of no reason that 34' is the magic size to stay below.

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Ideal length for Class A

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