4 Motorhome Classes: What Class of RV Is Best for You?

If you’re purchasing a new RV, knowing the types of motorhome classes can help you find just the right RV or trailer for you and your needs.

Every motorhome class has its pros and cons, and which you prefer will depend on a variety of factors.

We’ll talk more about what those factors are as well as tips for choosing which type of RV later. 

First, let’s dive into a quick breakdown of each motorhome class and what makes them unique. 

How Many Motorhome Classes Are There?

The term “motorhome” refers to all types of self-propelled recreational vehicles (hence where “RV” comes from) designed to be like a mobile home, often with a kitchen, bed, and other amenities. 

There are 3 primary motorhome classes along with one newer “subclass”:

• Class A
• Class B
• Class B+
• and Class C

In addition, there are two closely related trailer types which are often used for similar purposes:

• Travel trailer
• And fifth wheel

Let’s talk about the difference between each: 

Class A Motorhome

Class A motorhomes are the luxury vehicle of the RV world.

If you’ve ever watched a movie about a family going on an RV trip with a huge interior, that was a Class A. 

Class A motorhomes are:

• The most expensive, typically priced starting at $80,000+
• Biggest class of motorhome at 30-45 feet in length
• Largest interior space, storage, and passenger capacity
• Largest number of amenities including standard-sized refrigerators, full-sized couches, and more
• Highest maintenance 
• Lowest fuel efficiency

If you want an RV that truly feels like a luxury travel experience, this is it. 

Just keep in mind that they use up more gas, require more regular maintenance, and are more difficult to drive. 

If you can deal with that, you’re in for an incredible experience.

Class B Motorhome

This is where motorhome classes get confusing, so stay with me.

Class B motorhomes are the smallest motorhome type. Yes, the smallest, not the next in size despite what the class names would imply (*confusing*). 

Class B motorhomes are sometimes referred to as “van campers” as that’s what they look like: extra large vans. 

Prices can range greatly in Class B motorhomes, with the mid-to-high-end vehicles offering incredibly comfortable interiors: 

Class B motorhomes are:

• The most affordable, typically priced starting at $50,000+
• 18-24 feet in length
• Smallest interior space and passenger capacity
• Least number of amenities, though typically still include a bed, small kitchen, and a bathroom/toilet
• Easiest to take care of in terms of maintenance 
• Smaller size makes them easier to maneuver in campgrounds and on the road
• Highest fuel efficiency being the smallest

Class B+

Class B+ motorhomes are a recent development, not so different from the tiny house craze.

They’re often slightly bigger and offer amenities you wouldn’t typically find in standard Class B motorhomes, often including:

• Fuller bathroom with a stand-up shower
• Larger designated sleeping area
• Sofa bed

In terms of specs, Class B+ motorhomes are:

• Typically priced starting at $60,000+
• Similar size or slightly larger than Class B
• Similar fuel efficiency and maintenance to Class B given their similar size

Class C Motorhome

Class C motorhomes are the “medium” of the RV world: they’re larger than Class B but smaller than Class A.

Confusing, I know– stay with me. 

Class C motorhomes are similar in appearance to Class B motorhomes, appearing to be an even larger van camper. Typically, that size goes towards larger sleeping space and storage. 

Class C motorhomes are:

• Typically priced starting at $65,000+
• 25-33 feet in length
• Medium interior space and passenger capacity, perfect for families or groups of 4-8
• Similar amenities to Class A RVs just without the size 
• Medium of the road for fuel efficiency, but closer to the smaller Class B

Travel Trailers

Let’s finish by covering travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Travel trailers are “RVs” which can’t propel themselves. They’re trailers that offer much the same in terms of structure to an RV but need to be towed by a truck. 

This makes travel trailers typically the most affordable “RV” option, with the one contingency being that you need to own a truck or SUV to tow it using a trailer hitch. 

Travel trailers are: 

• Typically priced starting at $20,000+
• 13-40 feet in length
• Similar interior space and passenger capacity to Class B – B+
• Significantly less maintenance given no engine components

However, don’t be mistaken to think that they skimp on amenities or quality. Many modern travel trailers are surprisingly comfortable and spacious. 

Fifth Wheels

Fifth wheels are similar to travel trailers, except they’re much larger and towed using a specific type of horseshoe hitch. 

However, to keep it simple, think of them as the Class A motorhomes of travel trailers. They can be quite large and come with all the latest amenities you’d come to expect from a luxury RV.

Fifth wheels are:

• Typically priced starting at $30,000
• 29-45 feet in length
• Fit for large groups of 8-11 passengers
• Lots of amenities including multiple beds, ample storage, entertainment systems, appliances, and more
• Minimal maintenance similar to travel trailers

Which RV Should You Choose?

Now that you know your options, which is the best fit for you?

Deciding that right away isn’t easy (or necessary). Take your time and visit local dealers so that you can see the difference between each class of RV and type of trailer with your own eyes.

For example, seeing “X number of feet” and thinking that would be enough is one thing, but actually stepping inside of a Class B motorhome and realizing it’s not nearly large enough for your needs is another. 

Here are some things to think about when deciding what type of RV is best for you: 

Size

We touched on size already so I won’t talk about that much more, but keep in mind that size is a key consideration.

Not only with regards to the amount of space within the interior of the RV or trailer but also with regards to the size of the vehicle and whether you’re comfortable driving a larger Class A rig or if you’d prefer something smaller. 

Amenities 

What is a deal breaker for you? What can you not live without? 

Amenities vary greatly depending on the class of motorhome, so nailing this down is about figuring out what you can do without vs. what you absolutely need or want. 

Initial price + ongoing cost

The initial price of your RV or trailer is one consideration that doesn’t need much explanation.

However, don’t forget the other side in terms of RV cost: ongoing cost via gas and maintenance.

Look up online reviews and forum posts about users who own the RV or trailer you’re considering purchasing.

Do they mention how much they pay in gas and maintenance? Can you estimate what your ongoing cost would be? And is this a price you’re comfortable with? 

Trailer or RV

Do you want to drive your RV or do you mind hitching it to your truck or SUV?

Some don’t feel like they’re getting the full RV experience if they hitch a trailer, while others don’t mind and prefer to save on maintenance and gas (the ongoing savings can add up).

Ready to set out?

No matter what type of RV or trailer you choose, we hope this guide helped you get clarity about your options and make a more informed decision.

Make sure to go to a local dealer in person to see the class and brands you’re considering purchasing to get a feel for what you like and don’t like.

Be patient and don’t pull the trigger until you’ve found something that checks off all the boxes for you.

An RV is a big purchase and you want to make sure you love it before taking the leap. 

Once you find the RV that calls to you, you’ll be glad you took the time to find something just right– and you’ll enjoy your travels that much more.