Are you looking forward to taking advantage of all the incredible camping opportunities in Idaho and Montana? Whether you’re new to the RV market or want to buy a new camper, understanding the different RV classes can help you make the most of your search.
You may find the classification system confusing at first, especially because it doesn’t always follow the order you’d expect. But deciding which RV to buy will be much easier once you learn to distinguish between a Class A, B, and C motorhome. With locations in Boise and Nampa, Idaho, and Billings and Missoula, Montana, our Bretz RV & Marine team is here to help you start your journey.
RV Classification Overview
The first thing you should know about RV classification is the difference between motorized and towable RVs. As the names suggest, motorized campers have an engine, and you can drive them to your chosen location, while towable vehicles require a truck or crossover to hitch them up to. Motorhomes typically have more interior features and luxuries than towable trailers, which are usually smaller. But there are exceptions to this rule. For example, you can find large towable trailers with ample interior space and many home comforts to make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
Motorized campers fall into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A fourth B+ classification is a relatively new addition to the list and has gained ground over the past 10 years or so.
Class A RVs are the largest on the market. Unexpectedly, Class B campers are the smallest motorized RVs, and most of them have a limited number of interior features. Class C campers make up the middle ground between Class A and B. The Class B+ classification refers to RVs that are slightly larger than Class B vehicles but don’t quite make it into Class C.
Class A RVs
You should focus on Class A vehicles if you want an RV with the largest possible interior square footage. They’re often between 29 and 45 feet long, which means they have room for more impressive features, such as awnings, slide-outs, and a full bathroom and kitchen. RVs in this class can generally accommodate between six and eight people, making them a great choice if you have a large family or enjoy camping with a group of friends. In terms of cost, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80,000 to over $100,000 for an RV in this class.
Class A RVs have the widest array of interior features, making them feel like a small apartment. You’ll have a long list of customizable options to choose from, including various built-in appliances and different floor plans. You may like all the choices available or prefer a smaller camper. Keep in mind that a Class A camper will limit your campsite options to some degree since you’ll need to find an RV park that can accommodate larger vehicles.
Class B Motorhomes
A Class B motorhome is at the other end of the spectrum from a Class A model. Class B RVs are the smallest type, and they can often look like a large passenger van. In terms of measurements, they range from 18 to 24 feet long. Sleeping capacity in a Class B camper tops out at four people. Models in this class have a much more affordable price tag than their Class A competitors, with a Class B camper often costing somewhere in the range of $50,000.
Although you’ll have much less space to work with, Class B RVs are attractive for campers who like to travel off the beaten track. You’ll find it much easier to locate a parking spot for your camper, and you’ll use less fuel to travel than if you were driving a larger model. But these RVs don’t have as many features as larger motorhomes, meaning fewer storage areas and bathroom comforts. For example, a Class B RV typically has a wet bath rather than the stand-up showers you’ll find in larger motorhomes.
Class B+ models fall somewhere between Class B and Class C campers. Unlike Class B models, B+ RVs often have a stand-up shower and bath. You’ll also likely find more features in the kitchen than you would in a Class B. As you’d expect, the price goes up a little, with the average starting cost being somewhere between $50,000 and $65,000.
Class C Campers
A Class C camper combines all the luxuries you’d find in a Class A model with a more compact design. The size of a Class C ranges from 30 to 33 feet long, and there’s a cabin above the driver’s and passenger’s seats to create additional space for sleeping or storage. A Class C model can sleep up to eight people, so it’s a great choice for a medium family or group of friends. With prices starting at around $65,000, this option will give you that extra space but without the additional cost of a Class A model.
Towable RVs
If you own a sturdy truck or SUV with a strong towing capacity, you can purchase a towable RV, also known as a travel trailer. These range in size from large ones that can compete with a Class A motorhome to smaller pop-up models that compact crossovers can tow. You’ll need to make sure that the trailer you buy is suitable for your vehicle’s towing capacity. For example, a crossover with a 1,500-pound towing capacity can usually only pull a small pop-up trailer.
Choose Your Next RV at Bretz RV & Marine
We hope our guide to motorhome classes has helped you in your search for a new RV. Are you ready to explore our dealership’s exciting range of campers? Browse our online inventory, and check out our financing options to help fund your purchase. If you have any questions about vehicle classes or want more information about the RVs you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Here at Bretz RV & Marine, our team of camper experts is standing by to help you have an enjoyable buying experience and an even better outdoor adventure.
Image by Hanson Lu is licensed with Unsplash License
