Class A vs. Class C RV: Which Is Best for You?

It’s a tough choice: do you go with the size and amenities of a Class A bus, or the balanced features and ease of the Class C?

Before you decide, it’s important to know the difference between each. It’s also important to know all your options, as there is a middle ground between the two that might be a better fit for you. 

Below, we break down the difference between Class A and Class C RVs, from size to interior space, storage, maneuverability and drive, and much more.

Read on to find out which is the best fit for you in our Class A vs. Class C RV comparison.

Class A vs. Class C RV: What Is the Difference?

A Class A bus is the largest type of RV, typically ranging from 30-45 feet in length.

They’re essentially luxury on wheels, offering every possible feature an RV can have. Common amenities include:

• King-sized private suite
• Large living area with multiple slide-outs
• Full kitchen with stainless steel residential appliances and a dedicated kitchen island 
• And enough space to sleep 8-10 passengers

A Class C RV is the iconic mid-sized RV, the most common RV class on the road, built on a truck chassis.

The Class C offers the most ideal balance of size and features, having a relatively spacious interior, good amount of storage space, amenities, and moderate MPG.

You can tell a Class C by the classic truck cab in the front, while a Class A is a literal bus.

Class A vs. Class C RV: Quick Comparison

Now that you understand the overarching differences, let’s take a look at a quick comparison of both Class A and Class C RVs.

Class A motorhomes:

• Price: $80,000+
• Length: 30-45 feet
• Luxury on wheels, largest number of amenities
• Most storage and interior living space
• High maintenance requirements compared to Class C
• Worst maneuverability

Class C motorhomes:

• Price: $65,000+
• Length: 25-33 feet
• Moderate amount of interior space, fit for 4-8 passengers
• Decent number of amenities, from base level to more luxurious Super Cs
• Much easier drive than Class A, fewer issues with clearance and parking

Class A RV: Pros and Cons

Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons of each type of RV to get a better picture of where they excel and compare. 

(When you’re done, check out our latest buyer’s guide: 5 Best Class A RVs of 2024)

Here are the pros and cons of Class A RVs:

Pro: Spacious interiors 

If interior space is your priority, nothing beats Class A floor plans.

Fit for 8-12 passengers on average, most Class A buses can hold a large family or two separate groups traveling together.

Beyond that, if you simply want to feel like you’re traveling in a home away from home (i.e. not feel like you’re crammed into an RV despite being in an RV), pretty much only a Class A can give that to you. 

Pro: Lots of storage space

Being the largest class of RV, Class A’s also naturally have the most storage space.

You can never have too much storage in an RV. Even Class C’s can feel like you don’t have enough for everything. 

Class A’s can often have unique storage areas not found in Class C’s, such as:

• Walk-in closet
• Walk-in pantry
• Dinette storage
• And additional exterior compartments

Pro: Luxury amenities

One of the major pros of Class A RVs, they’re not just large but truly luxurious.

Class A’s often have everything from a kitchen island to a king-sized suite, fireplace, entertainment area, full residential appliances, dry bath with walk-in shower, electric awnings, and even heated flooring. 

If you can dream it, there’s likely a Class A RV out there that has it– and much more.

The one major downside that comes with that is… 

Con: Most expensive RV class (by far)

Class A RVs are more than just… a little less affordable when compared to Class C’s. 

They’re often several times more than the average Class C RV, reaching easily into the hundreds of thousands all the way up beyond a million dollars. This makes Class C RV’s the most economical choice between the two (all things being equal). 

In addition to this, adding to the price is the fact that the maintenance costs are highest on a Class A compared to any other RV due to the size, quality, and number of high-tech components.

With that said, if the interior space is your main want you can consider buying a more affordable model used from a few years back to maximize your savings. 

Con: A pain to drive

Class A RV’s are huge. Every larger class of RV is difficult to drive, but Class A’s take the cake.

In addition to the size, you’re sitting above the front axle while driving which leads to a very different drive than a Class C, which has its engine and front axle in front of the driver like in a typical truck, SUV, or sedan.

With a Class A, you’ll need to call ahead of time before arriving at a campground to ensure they can accommodate your size of RV, as many campgrounds don’t. 

You’ll also find it very difficult to pull into any parking lot or generally find parking of any kind outside of a campground. 

Class C RV: Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of Class C models:

(When you’re done, check out our latest buyer’s guide: 5 Best Class C RVs of 2024)

Pro: Great value for money spent

This one is essentially two benefits in one. One part ample space for most needs, one part the monetary savings vs. purchasing a Class A.

Class C RVs typically have around two-thirds the interior space of a Class A, but they’re also half or less than half the price (when comparing used or new RV vs. the same).

If you have anywhere from 4-6 passengers, you’ll likely find a Class C fit for your needs. If you have closer to 8 passengers, however– which many Class C’s say they can hold– you may feel a little cramped.

One option for meeting halfway here is to consider purchasing a used Class A. 

You’ll need to be careful to get the RV inspected and you may not get all the features of a new model, but you’ll get the space you need and interior comfort you want.

Pro: No issues with clearance

Class A RVs may be more luxurious in general, but they’re incredibly hard to maneuver.

Class Cs, however, can get into any campground (with the exception maybe of some Super C’s) and are much easier to drive and park.

Pro: Lots of options and variety

Class C RVs being the most common RV on the road means there are an endless number of different brands and models on the market.

If you love having options during the shopping process, you’ll love the sizes, styles, interior layouts, and various other features you can find among Class C’s.

Con: Can’t compete with the amenities of a Class A

More of a head-to-head con when choosing between the two, but one of the most notable differences so it’s worth mentioning.

The typical Class C RV doesn’t have nearly as many amenities as a Class A, and those amenities included aren’t as large or high-quality. 

For example, many Class C’s have a queen-sized bedroom (with varying degrees of privacy depending on the model). Most Class A’s, however, have a fully private suite with a king-sized bed.

It’s worth noting Super C’s here, which are a sort of “1.5” class of RV that strives to provide something like a Class A luxury interior experience in a Class A body.

Super C’s strive to give something close to a Class A experience. However, they’re also far more expensive than the average C (or even many Class A’s) so they shouldn’t be considered in the same category if budget is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a Super C RV over a Class A?

A Super C, a class of RV, is a premium version of the standard Class C RV, typically with a similar interior experience and amount of space to a Class A.

What makes them different is how they drive. A Super C is worth considering because they’re easier and more pleasant to drive. 

Class C RVs, including Super C’s, have their engine and front axle in front of the driver’s seat. Class A’s, however, have their front axle below the driver’s seat. This results in a much different drive that doesn’t feel as nice to many drivers.

Make sure to test drive each first to get a feel before deciding which you prefer.

What is better, a Class A or Class C motorhome?

Class C RV’s offer an easier drive and a good balance of interior space and storage. 

Class A RV’s offer a larger interior and more luxury experience at the expense of a less pleasant driving experience and harder time maneuvering and fitting into campgrounds (and anywhere else really).

What is better, Class C or Class B motorhomes?

A Class B motorhome is the smallest class of RV. They’re camper vans built on a van chassis and are ideal for solo travelers and couples who don’t need much space or want to RV but don’t want to be bogged down by a large vehicle. They also have better fuel economy than any other RV.

They’re not fit for large families who need lots of space, however. If you’re looking into Class A and C RVs, you likely want a bit more space. If interior space is important to you, Class B RVs likely aren’t the right RV for you due to their smaller size.