There are significant differences between the two most popular types of motorhomes: Class A and Class C. Rather than go into the specifics of each here, let’s dive straight in with the below examples. In this article, I’ll share the 21 reasons Class C RVs may be better than Class A RVs.
#1 – Extra Space to Sleep
For more Class C RVs, you’ll be awarded more sleeping space. This is because of the placement of the bunk over the driver and passenger seats. Who can disagree with a more comfortable sleep? I know I sure can’t!
However, it should be noted that this feature is also making its way into Class A RVs because of its popularity.
#2 – More Comfortable Living Space
Because of the bed placement, Class C RVs offer a much more laidback and comfortable living quarters over most of the Class A models. Extra space means more fun on your trip, so this is something I really enjoy.
#3 – Class C Is Much Cheaper
On average, you will save around $15,000 when purchasing a Class C recreational vehicle.
#4 – Rent It Out!
Because of the price difference, many people buy Class C RVs and rent them out. They can earn much more money this way than spending extra on a similar sized Class A vehicle.
#5 – More Ways to Enter and Exit the RV
Class C RVs have three doors: driver’s, passenger’s, and a door in the middle of the living quarters. This feature is standard because of safety but adds convenience too.
#6 – Better Gas and Brake Pedal Placement
It is an annoying feature that the standard gas and brake pedal location on Class A RVs is more right-orientated than a Class C RV or standard motor vehicle. At least I found this extremely annoying and hard to adjust to the first several times I stepped behind the wheel of my Class A. I quickly got the hang of it, of course, but I definitely prefer the more normal placement of these pedals on the Class C RV models.
#7 – Lighter Than Class A
Class C RVs are much lighter than the Class A varieties. A standard Class A of around 30 feet will have an average weight of around 18,000 pounds. The Class C RVs of the same size weigh much less at around 14,000 average pounds.
This weight differential is offset by the extra towing power present in the Class A because of their extra bulk. If you consider towing with your recreational vehicle, forget this feature.
#8 – Closer to the Ground
Beyond the weight difference, Class C RVs are usually lower to the ground. For a novice driver, this lower position makes maneuvering much easier. They are also lower to the ground when measuring the bottom of the coach, which makes driving Class Cs similar to driving a truck.
#9 – Less Rolling Potential
Because they are lower to the ground, the Class C RV is much less likely to topple over and roll around should you hit a tight corner at a high speed or turn the steering wheel more than you should.
#10 – More Fuel Efficient
Because of the lower weight, Class C RV models are also slightly better when it comes to fuel efficiency. I should tell you that the difference is nominal, but it does exist. An average difference between the two RV types is between 2 or 3 more miles per gallon for Class C over Class A.
#11 – Easier to Repair
Class C RVs have a much easier pathway to engine maintenance than the Class A models. In truth, I really do hate having to mess around with my Class A’s engine because of how it is located between the front and inside the home itself.
#12 – Mechanics Prefer Class C
Many of my closest mechanic friends also turn down Class A RVs for repair because they share the same worries of engine accessibility. The placement of the Class C engine is in the same location as where you’d find it on a pickup truck.
#13 – Safer in Front Impact Collisions
When driving a Class C RV, you and your family are MUCH safer. In the event of a head-on collision, or any front impact for that matter, the engine will drop. There is also a massive crash box in front of the driver and passenger that absorbs most of the damage, so you and your loved ones don’t have to.
#14 – More Safety Features
Extra safety features are always a win. Class C RV airbags work in the same manner as those found in any normal car or truck. Class A RVs do not have any airbags.
#15 – Cooler When Driving
Because of the massive windshield in the Class A RVs, the driver’s box can get extremely hot on long treks. The windshield on the Class C types is the same as those in a truck, so you will stay much cooler on the road.
#16 – Easier to See When Driving
The windshield of the Class A is not only bigger, it is in a weird shape, chopped flat and right in front of you as you drive. Also, as mentioned, the Class Cs are lower to the ground. When combining these two components, you will see much more of the road behind a Class C RV’s steering wheel.
#17 – Campsite Access
Class A RVs are generally bigger and always heavier than the Class C types. This makes accessing campsites a real drag sometimes, as they can easily surpass the weight and length limits of most campgrounds and state parks. Kiss these worries goodbye when driving a Class C RV.
#18 – Easier to Turn
I should tell you that no recreational vehicle is quite “easy” to turn around corners and all have a difficult turning radius. That said, Class C turns tighter because the wheel base is more upfront. This means they are not only safer, but generally much more fun to drive at high speeds. Again, they are also less likely to topple over, so you can have more driving fun pushing these RVs to the limits, whereas you must drive with extreme caution in a Class A (also because they are much more expensive and harder to repair!).
#19 – Less Drag from the Wind
Because Class C RVs have a lower ceiling, it becomes less likely that the machine will catch drag from the wind. Now remember that Class A RVs are harder to turn, can topple over easier, much heavier, and harder to repair. Then you will see why this safety feature is one of note for many drivers.
#20 – Be Different!
As mentioned, most RV owners actually own Class A vehicles. Do you want to be like everyone else? Well, maybe if you prefer the features, look, design, and possibilities a Class A RV will afford you. Then, go right ahead. If you are on the fence, then why not try something different? If you agree with all of the reasons why a Class C RV COULD BE better (from my perspective and remember that I own both!) then go ahead and buy one now. There are some seriously positive features of both, but the lower price could be a reason why you experiment tomorrow.
#21 – Try an RV for the First Time
As I mentioned numerous times throughout this piece, Class A RVs come with a steeper learning curve. This relates to the placement of the gas and brake pedals, the heavier weight, it is harder to turn and easier to flip over, the difficulty in repairing them, and more. If you are a first-timer in the exciting world of recreational vehicles, it may be better to step into the kiddy pool before you stand atop the diving board. Sure, Class A RVs are more popular for as many reasons as I listed Class Cs COULD BE better. But maybe Class C is better for YOU. At least on your first foray into RVing.
