Motorhome Classes Explained: A, B, & C - Which is Right for You?

For years, people have been ditching holidays abroad and choosing to hit the road in a motorhome instead. The van lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive to holidayers who want to save money, plan spur-of-the-moment trips, and create unforgettable memories with friends, family, or a partner.

However, choosing the right motorhome for your needs, budget, and preferences can be challenging and overwhelming. You'll need to consider different layouts, amenities, and classes. 

In this guide, we will explain the key motorhome classes so that you can confidently choose the right motorhome for your lifestyle and holiday goals. By the end of this guide, you'll better understand the sizes, costs, pros and cons, and practical tips for each type.

Key Takeaways

• Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious option, ideal for longer trips with larger families.
• Class B motorhomes are compact and fuel-efficient, perfect for solo travellers and couples going on shorter trips.
• Class C motorhomes strike a good balance between space and affordability, making them ideal for families.
• Your budget, travel style, comfort, and vehicle size should influence your decision.
• Consider ongoing costs like fuel, maintenance, and campsite fees.

Understanding Motorhome Classes

Motorhomes are categorised into four main classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C (Coachbuilt). These classes are based on the motorhome's size, construction, and features. 

Motorhome classification matters because it helps buyers budget, plan parking, manage fuel efficiency, and choose the right lifestyle fit. For example, Class A motorhomes are large, luxurious, and bus-like, making them great for buyers with a bigger budget and longer time on the road. At the same time, Class C motorhomes are generally mid-sized with a cab-over bed, which is perfect for shorter trips.

Class A Motorhomes

A Class A motorhome is a self-propelled motorhome with either a diesel or gas powertrain. They often come with many amenities and luxuries, such as a kitchen, living area, sleeping area, toilets, and more. 

Class A motorhomes are the longest class, averaging 28-45 feet, and are spacious enough for up to around 8 people. 

Pros

• Comfortable living area for good sleep and an overall comfortable living style.
• The large living space suits larger families.
• They come with amenities like bathrooms, heating, air con, fridges, and even TVs, making them a fully equipped home on the road.

Cons

• Class A motorhomes are less fuel-efficient.
• Their large size can limit parking availability. 
• They are the more expensive option.
• Some areas may be restricted.

If you’re looking for luxury, space, and an overall incredible trip, Class A motorhomes are the number one choice. However, you must choose the right size based on the space you need and the type of journeys you will be making, as some restrictions may apply. 

Are you interested in a Class A motorhome? We have many incredible new and used models available to view. 

Class B Motorhomes

A Class B motorhome is the smallest type of motorhome available (generally 18-20 feet long and 7 feet wide) and is usually built on an automotive van chassis. Although they are small, they feature well-thought-out design and engineering that still provide individuals and small groups with everything they need for storage and comfort. They’re ideal for people who want to take shorter trips. 

Driving and manoeuvring are much easier in Class B motorhomes because of their compact size. This means they fit in most parking spaces and face fewer restrictions than Class A motorhomes. Most Class B motorhomes come with the latest technology, a small kitchen, a double bed, and even a bike rack. 

Pros

• Easy to drive and fit into most motorhome parks.
• They can be used as an everyday vehicle.
• Lower maintenance costs.
• Good manoeuvrability on streets and narrow roads.
• More fuel-efficient.
• Ideal for stealth camping.
• Perfect for solo travellers.

Cons

• Not ideal for larger groups.
• Not enough interior space to pack for long trips.
• Limited sleeping capacity.

There’s a reason Class B motorhomes are the best seller: they are affordable but still offer enough room for your needs. They generally fit about 4 people, so if longer trips with a larger group are more up your street, this may not be the perfect fit. 

Overall, a Class B motorhome is ideal for exploring the great outdoors with friends and family.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C, also known as Coachbuilt, motorhomes are a type of motorhome that is smaller than Class A motorhomes (usually between 20-32 feet and between 8 and 9 feet wide), but tend to have more features than Class B. For example, they often include a kitchen, queen-size bed, slide-outs, awnings, and a range of other features and amenities for incredible comfort on your trip.

Class C motorhomes are popular with couples and families who want to experience ‘van life’ without breaking the bank. They’re more affordable than Class A models, offer more features than Class B models, and can sleep around 6 people. 

Pros

• Easy to navigate.
• Class C motorhomes generally have a safe structure.
• The living area is accessible from the driving area.
• A good balance of Class A and Class B motorhomes for people who want something in between.
• They are much more affordable than Class A motorhomes but still offer some luxurious features.

Cons

• Restricted manoeuvrability compared to smaller motorhomes like the Class B.
• They offer less storage than Class A motorhomes.
• Maintenance costs are generally lower than Class A but higher than Class B.
• Limited sleeping capacity.

Overall, Class C motorhomes are perfect for families who want to spend more time exploring during their trips. They offer comfortable living spaces, luxurious features, and enough amenities for your entire trip.

What to Consider When Choosing a Motorhome

Now that you understand the different classes, it’s time to think about which motorhome is best for you. Beyond class, other factors matter. This is a big purchase for any family, so you'll want to consider preferences, nearby campsites, and storage needs. Here’s a list for you to consider:

1. Budget - your budget will be the main decider. Beyond the initial purchase price, consider ongoing costs like fuel, insurance, road tax, maintenance, and campsite fees.
2. Travel style - are you planning to use your motorhome on weekends, for longer trips throughout the year, or full-time? 
3. Comfort - not everyone is comfortable driving a 40-foot motorhome. Think about your confidence level when choosing the size.
4. Sleeping and storage - larger families won’t fit in a Class B. It’s therefore important to consider how much luggage you will take and how many people will need somewhere to sleep. 

Taking the time to consider these will help you decide which motorhome best suits your needs. And if you need more help deciding, our team at AMC Motorcaravans can help. We have many new and used motorhomes from Class A to C ready to view.

We’ve sold hundreds of motorhomes, so we know what you might not have considered. Contact us today with any questions about classes or to arrange a visit.

FAQs

Which motorhome class is best for beginners?

Class B motorhomes are easiest to drive and park, making them ideal for first-time owners.

How many people can each class sleep?

• Class A: Up to 8 people
• Class B: Up to 4 people
• Class C: Around 6 people

What’s the most budget-friendly option?

Class B motorhomes typically have lower purchase and running costs, making them the most affordable option.

Which class is best for long-term travel?

Class A motorhomes are best for extended trips because of their space, comfort, and onboard amenities.