You remember your ABCs, right? If you remember the first three letters, you’re already ahead of the game in naming and learning about the different types of motorhomes. The three types of motorhomes are: Class A, B, and C. Though they’re all called motorhomes, their similarities and differences make each class unique. Let’s learn the differences and similarities between Class A, B, and C motorhomes, so you know what type is right for your adventures on the road.

Class A Motorhomes

When most people think motorhomes, they think Class A. The Class A motorhome, also known as a motorcoach, is the biggest of all motorhome classifications. You can instantly tell Class As from other motorhomes due to their size and lack of a nose.

Size: There are no set guidelines of length or width for Class A motorhomes, but they can range anywhere from 20 to 60 feet with most falling around 20 to 40 feet in length.

Sleeping: Class As range anywhere from 20 to 60 feet so how many people a Class A can sleep depends on the motorhome. Most Class As can easily sleep four to eight people, but some can sleep upwards of twelve or more.

Features: Large Class A motorhomes are essentially apartments on wheels, so you bet they will have the amenities for a happy life on the road. Class A motorhomes are typically outfitted with a queen to king size mattress, full kitchens, full baths, an entertainment area, ample storage, and much more depending on your choices and customization. Class As are the crown jewels of motorhomes and are produced by many manufacturers in several styles.

Pros and Cons of Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the largest and have the most amenities, but those size and amenities come at a cost. Class A motorhomes are the most expensive motorhome option and are the most difficult to drive, navigate, and park. City streets in a Class A motorhome can be a disaster.

Class A motorhomes are also fuel guzzlers. You can expect to fill your tank often and for hundreds of dollars each time. Class A motorhomes are excellent for long trips with many people but if you prefer a flurry of short road trips or have a small family – you’ll be better off with a different type of motorhome.

Class As are the most functional for temporary or seasonal living due to their size and features. Many snowbirds and retirees drive their Class As to their favorite parks at the beginning of the season, put out the stabilizers, and keep the motorhome parked until summer returns in their home state.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B is the smallest of all motorhomes. Class Bs are more popularly known as “camper vans” since the chassis is constructed on a full-size van chassis. Class B motorhomes are an excellent match for a couple or a solo road tripper looking to lay down the miles at a low cost.

Size: Class Bs are compact and can park in most normal-sized parking spaces. While their Class A cousins can span several yards, most Class B motorhomes are no longer than 20 feet.

Sleeping: Most Class Bs can sleep one to four people though we recommend one to two occupants for Class B road trips. Trying to cram a family of four into a Class B for a long road trip isn’t the best idea.

Features: Don’t expect a world of amenities in your Class B compared to Class A motorhomes, but the Class B isn’t featureless. You can expect a fold out or drop-down sleeping arrangement, a kitchenette, a wet bath, storage options, entertainment options, and more.

Class B+ Motorhomes

Though it’s not a truly established class of motorhome, many dealers have split the Class B into two categories: Class B and Class B+. As the name implies the Class B+ is like the Class B, but with extra room and more amenities like slide outs and full kitchens. The driving and living areas in a Class B+ are partitioned by a curtain or barrier, unlike a traditional Class B that is open throughout.

 Pros and Cons of Class B and B+ Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are compact, fuel efficient, and an excellent motorhome choice if you’re constantly on the go from destination to destination.

They are the smallest of motorhomes, but small families and couples can get more out of the added slide-outs and an additional room of a B+ motorhome if needed.

Since they are the smallest motorhome on the market, Class Bs are not suitable for large families if you need lots of elbow room, or if you’re looking for tons of features and amenities.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes look like a combination of Class A and Class B motorhomes but with a nose. The signature of the Class C motorhome is the sleeping area directly over the cab which has earned the Class C the nickname of “cab over motorhome.”

Size: Class Cs aren’t as big as Class A motorhomes, but they’re bigger than camper van B-style motorhomes. Class Cs commonly span 15 to 30 feet.

Sleeping: Class C motorhomes can sleep approximately two to eight people, thanks to the cab over sleeping option. Most families will have enough to room to live and move around a Class C, but more than six people will get crowded.

Features: Class Cs aren’t as big as Class As but aren’t as small as Class Bs so you can expect the amenities and features somewhere between the two. Class Bs can be outfitted with private or open sleeping quarters, half to full bathrooms, kitchenette to a full-size kitchen, and plenty of entertainment options like sounds systems, TVs, mood lighting, and more. You can use many options in a Class C that you would see in a Class A in a smaller package.

Pros and Cons of Class C Motorhomes

Class C’s unique size and features mean it can ditch many of the drawbacks from Class A and B motorhomes while still enjoying their respective advantages. Class Cs are big, but not giant like Class As motorhomes or tiny like Class Bs.

Class Cs are more fuel efficient than class As but not as efficient as Class Bs.

If you are struggling with deciding between the size and amenities of a Class A and the efficiency of a Class B, dig out the middle and choose a Class C.

Use the list above and visit our local RV Sales and motorhome lot to find the right match for your own road trips.