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Bzeitham's avatar
Bzeitham
Explorer
Feb 22, 2017

Class A vs. Class C Handling

I am looking at taking a position that would place my wife and me in a location for 6-8 weeks at a time and we don't want to do the motel/restaurant thing (we like sleeping in our own mess). My wife and I would be traveling and working together. We feel that a motor home with a toad would be the ideal combination for this job. The question we have is would a Class A or a Class C be easier to handle? My gut feeling is that a Class C would be easier to handle BUT I may be wrong.

Thanks in advance...
  • Had a Class C, never again. The Class A we have is the same size, has more room, better handling, better view, and higher GCVWR then the C.
  • I'm not sure one is vastly better or easier overall for handling, though there are differences to be sure. For that matter, a diesel pusher with air suspension handles rather differently than a front-engine gas motorhome with leaf spring suspension, even when both are class A motorhomes.

    The class C's on van chassis tend to be less maneuverable than similarly sized class A motorhomes because the van chassis has a rather anemic wheel cut angle. Some people find the van-style cab with at least a stubby hood a little less intimidating to drive than a typical class A, but I think that's more a matter of perception than anything. It does take a little getting used to steering when you're over or in front of the front wheels.

    For what you're considering, I agree with the others that handling ought to be rather low on your list of priorities. Obviously you do want something that you can safely drive from place to place. (If these work sites aren't too far removed from each other, it might even end up making sense to drive the car separately rather than getting it set up for towing. That would certainly make maneuvering the motorhome in gas stations and similar places a little less stressful.)

    Also note that overall length has relatively little bearing on handling on the highway; the width and height of the vehicle are more concerning than its length. Don't choose something that's too small for you just because you think it will be easier to drive.
  • As said above, for 6 to 8 weeks neither would have to be driven at all. Get one you can live in for 6 to 8 weeks.
  • In your case I really wouldn't worry about the handling too much since you're only going to drive it every so often - you're going to live in it way more than you're going to drive it, so pay more attention to the living in it considerations. The Class A is going to give you more of everything including work surface room for the two of you.

    As a broad general statement, the Class A, especially a diesel (yes I own one) will handle better in the cross winds and truck winds because they're heavier. You'll also be able to tow a large more comfortable toad.

    Bill

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