October 8, 2021October 8, 2021

Class A Motorhomes: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Want to travel the rolling hills of the midwest, the majestic mountains of the west and the diverse city terrain of the east all while enjoying the full comforts of home? A motorhome might be the perfect RV for you. Motorhomes are a classic yet modern RV that is a fantastic option for a low-maintenance, relaxed RV experience.

There are multiple different types of RVs that differ based on their design. Motorhomes, specifically, are unique because they are driven, not towed, like travel trailers or fifth wheel RVs. If you’re interested in travel trailers, you can read our ultimate guide to buying travel trailers. And if you want to explore all RVs, you can read our guide to buying RVs.

Key Takeaways:

There are three types of Motorhomes, Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A Motorhomes are the largest and most expensive motorhome type, but they offer every amenity you could ever want out of an RV.
Most New Class A Motorhomes cost between $100,000 and $200,000
Prepping and driving a Class A Motorhome might be easier than you thought.

Table of Contents

What is a Motorhome?

Motorhomes are completely self-contained RVs that require little to no setup and have room for your passengers to move about while on the road. There are 3 different classes of motorhomes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

The phrase ‘motorhome’ and ‘RV’ (recreational vehicle) tend to be used interchangeably, however, many people say RV when they actually mean motorhome.

RVs are any recreational vehicle – Class A Motorhomes, Class B Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Toy Haulers, Travel Trailers, Teardrop Trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, Hybrid Trailers, Pop Up Campers, Truck Campers, and Towables.
Motorhomes are types of RVs that you can camp in and drive while also having space to move around. Driving a motorhome can take some practice because you have to change your driving techniques to accommodate for the extra length and weight.

What is a Class A Motorhome?

Motorhomes come in many different shapes and sizes. A Class A Motorhome is probably the most classic RV, and by that we mean, when you picture an RV in your head, a Class A is likely what comes to mind. Here’s an example of what many Class A’s look like today:

Class A motorhomes are not only the largest and most expensive, but they are also the most common RVs, which is why these big, boxy bus-style rigs are most preferred by full-time RVers.

Class As are built using a heavy-duty frame that is built on either a commercial bus chassis, a commercial truck chassis, or a motor vehicle chassis. There is also room to move around while you’re on the road and usually a minimum of two slide-outs to increase living space at the campsite.

Class A motorhomes can comfortably fit 4-8 adults, but some can hold up to 10 or 12, especially if some of the passengers are children. Usually, there is a master bedroom in the back as well as couches that fold down into beds in the living area and sometimes lofted sleeping areas in the front or back of the rig.

For quality and luxury, the Class A motorhome is the way to go, as they not only offer more living space, they offer more storage space as well. Let’s take a look at the benefits of owning a Class A motorhome.

What are the Advantages of a Class A Motorhome?

The most motivating reason to get a Class A Motorhome is convenience, comfort, and space. These really are hotels on wheels. Passengers can move about the motorhome freely while the vehicle is in motion. This means it is closer to riding on a private train or airplane than traveling in a traditional car.

There is tons of storage in Class As. Most of them have a full king sized bed in their master suite as well as standard kitchen-sized refrigerator and oven for cooking. Most Class As have at least 1.5 bathrooms if not two full bathrooms so there is never a line to use the facilities.

Many Class As even have pop-outs to make the living and sleeping areas even more spacious for the passengers. There are tons of reasons to love a Class A Motorhome, but sipping on a coffee and watching TV while someone else drives you around the country is a pretty good one.

Benefits of a Class A Motorhome:

Ample space and roomy interior
More power and towing capability
Better visibility due to height
Smooth ride
Plenty of storage
Large tank capacity
AC and Heat
Built in Laundry facilities
Smart floor plans that utilize space
No need to worry about a hitch or towing

Class A Typical Weight: 33,000-36,000 pounds

Class A Typical Length: Up to 45 feet

What are Some of the Best Class A Manufacturers, Models, and Brands?

Now that you understand exactly what a Class A is, let’s talk about the folks making them. From retro-style Airstream to family-owned Tiffin, there are so many RV manufacturers, brands and models available in the industry, it can be overwhelming at first. It was hard for us to narrow down the list, but we’ve rounded up some of the top Class A Motorhome manufacturers and brands in the industry to help you get started.

Tiffin Motorhomes is a family-owned private company that offers smooth and quiet rides with smart driving and features that are built for experiences. The luxurious Allegro Bus is their most popular model for those who enjoy full-time RV living. Tiffin’s Class A products include the Allegro, Allegro Breeze, Allegro Red, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr.
Thor Motor Coach is one of the most popular brands in the industry. They offer many different sizes, layouts, and pricing for Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Popular Thor Motor Coach Class A models include the Tuscany, Venetian, Challenger, Axis, and Palazzo.
Winnebago offers a wide range of RVs to choose from. From quality construction Class A diesel motorhomes with spacious living to a number of comfortable Class C motorhomes, they all offer a wide range of Winnebago’s key features to keep you comfortable. Popular Class A Winnebago motorhomes include the Adventurer, Vista, Forza, Journey, and Sunstar.
Entegra manufactures luxury Class A and Class C motorhomes that run on gas or diesel fuel. They have been a part of the Jayco family since 2008. Just this year, Entegra launched an all-new Class B Camper RV to their already impressive lineup. A new Class A from Entegra runs anywhere between $330K all the way up to over $800K for some models.
Newmar hand-builds each coach one by one and they have been for 50 years. They offer luxury, diesel, and gas Class A motorhomes and their mobility lineup features the world’s leading wheelchair-accessible Class A coaches. Explore the Newmar luxury motorhome lineup, which includes King Aire, Essex, London Aire, and Mountain Aire. Other popular Newmar models include Ventana, Bay Star, Canyon Star, and Dutch Star.
Forest River is one of the largest manufacturers of quality RVs who offers a variety of models and floorplans. They offer a wide range of motorhome brands to choose from so you can find one that fits your needs. Popular brands include Coachmen, Georgetown, and Forester.

How Much Does a Class A Motorhome Cost?

Class A Motorhome pricing is strongly influenced by size. You can safely assume that the longer and heavier a motorhome is, the more it will cost. However, in general, Class A Motorhomes are one of the most expensive categories in the entire RV space. They are the largest of the Motorhome style RVs, and they include much more space and technology than a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.

On average a Class A Motorhome will cost around $100,000 to $200,000+.

Prices can vary depending on how new the motorhome is, what brand or manufacturer it is from, who is selling it, the amenities, special features, upgrades etc. Here are some examples of new and used Class A prices currently available:

RV Make and Model	New or Used	Length	Price
2005 Fleetwood REVOLUTION LE 40	Used	40 ft	$80,000
2017 Tiffin Motorhomes ALLEGRO RED 33AA	Used	35 ft	$198,500
2015 Newmar LONDON AIRE 4553	Used	45 ft	$316,000
2022 Thor Motor Coach Vegas RUV 24.1	New	26 ft	$132,900
2021 Winnebago Vista 31B	New	31 ft	$178,769
2021 Forest River Georgetown 7 Series GT7 36D7	New	38 ft	$233,556
2022 Entegra Coach Aspire 40P	New	41 ft	$488,880

*If you are going custom, prices are unlimited.

If you are considering making the leap and investing in a Class A Motorhome, most of us will need to finance these behemoth vehicles. Find out the best tips and tricks to get the best possible loan rates with our Finance Guide. Worried about your credit and how it might affect your loan for a Motorhome? We’ve got you covered. Just because your credit isn’t in the best shape doesn’t mean you can’t afford a Motorhome. Learn more with our Guide to Getting a Loan with Bad Credit.

How to Finance a Motorhome

A motorhome can cost a pretty penny. Most people will need to take out a loan in order to purchase one. If you do take out a loan, you want to make sure you get the best possible loan rate, so that you owe as little interest as possible. Searching for good loan rates and negotiating pricing can be daunting. Luckily, we have a Definitive Guide to RV Loans that goes over everything you need to know about how to finance an RV.

Concerned about your credit and how your score might affect your ability to finance or purchase a motorhome? Educate yourself on how to use the tools in your shed to still get the best rate possible with our Guide to Bad Credit Loans.

How to Buy a Class A Motorhome

If you are interested in purchasing a Class A Motorhome, you have one choice to make first: new or used. There is no wrong answer, but it does impact where you look for your dream motorhome. If you are interested in a new Class A, finding a RV dealer in your area or reaching out directly to your manufacturer of interest is the best place to start.

If you are open to new and used, you can check some of these places for available inventory:

Craigslist
eBay
Facebook Marketplace
Newspaper Ads
RV Dealerships
RV Trader
GoRollick Buying Experience

Just like cars, motorcycles and boats, new RVs are sold through franchised RV dealers. Simply head to google and search for Class A Motorhome dealers in your area. Remember, most dealers will only sell one or two brands, so consider deciding which brand you want to purchase before visiting a dealership.

If you are feeling ready to search inventory, we recommend you start with GoRollick’s nationwide network of new and used inventory.

GoRollick works with the best dealers in the country who are dedicated to price transparency and a great buying experience. With GoRollick you can get an upfront price and a special offer on your next golf cart, plus savings on after-purchase products. Then when you’re ready, you can shop at one of our Certified Dealers. GoRollick also ensures that you get access to all available manufacturer incentives. If you’re curious about what’s currently available, you can check out our incentives page here.

Not quite sold? Maybe this will help. Use our guide on How to Take Advantage of Powersport and RV Manufacturer Incentives on Your Next Vehicle Purchase to get the most bang for your buck, and when you are ready to buy, check out our list of the latest available manufacturer incentives to ensure you are getting the best price available.

Where Can I Park My Motorhome When Traveling?

As much fun as the drive itself might be, there is usually an equally as exciting destination awaiting your arrival. When you get there, or on your way, you will need to stop and park your RV somewhere safe and legal. For more information on RV traveling tips check out 6 RV Rules You Didn’t Know About.

There are several places you can park your motorhome while you are on the road. Many of these places are safe, free and available for temporary parking, you just have to know where to look. One of the best and easiest places to park for an overnight break from driving is a truck stop, but these can fill up quickly. Also look at places like Walmart, K-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Cabelas, and Camping World for quick, overnight, dry camping.

Pro Tip: Dry camping means there are no hook-ups for water, gas, or electricity. You will only have what is already onboard your RV and you will not have a place to dump your tanks when dry camping.

If you are looking for a stop along your trip, there are literally hundreds of beautiful state parks, national parks and RV campsites for RVs to set up for anywhere from a night to a few weeks, dry or wet. Check out Campendium or GoodSam or to find RV parks and campgrounds and to check their price, availability and amenities.

If you need some more concrete ideas on where to park your motorhome while you’re on the road, check out our list of the Top 10 Best RV Parks in America and plan your next trip! There is a wide variety of RV Parks and campgrounds across the country that range from $15 a night to $45-$50 a night.

Common Questions About Motorhomes

Even though motorhomes are the most common RV you might think of, something about them can seem intimidating if you aren’t already familiar with motorhomes. Especially the massive size and power of a Class A. You might have some (totally normal) logistical questions about what you need to know before you rent, drive, or buy one of these bad boys.

Below are some of the most common Class A Motorhome questions:

Do I Need a Special License to Drive a Motorhome?

The requirements for a special license are dependent on two factors:

Where you live and are planning to visit
How much your RV weighs

You can just use your regular drivers license to operate RVs that weigh less than 26,000 pounds. However, in certain states (listed below), if your RV is over 26,000 pounds, you will need a special license to operate the rig. Usually this is a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), which is something many states require for heavier vehicles, such as 18-wheelers or vehicles towing large trailers.

The following states require special licensing for rigs over 26,000 pounds:

Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Kansas
Maryland
Michigan
North Carolina
New Mexico
New York
Nevada
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Washington, D.C.
Wyoming

Some of these above states require a traditional CDL while other have more unique license requirements such as a Class A, B, C, or E addendum to your regular driver’s license.

In order to get a CDL, you will need the following:

21 years or older
A spotless driving record
A valid driver’s license

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that some states require different license classes and have different length and weight requirements. It’s always a good idea to check your state’s specific laws or local DMV before you hit the road. If you want to be sure to avoid any confusion with licensing, choose a smaller RV such as a Class B or C. Here is a link to the CDL State-by-State requirements.

Do I Need Insurance for a Motorhome?

Most state laws require motorhomes (and all vehicles) to have minimum liability insurance coverage if you are driving on the road.

Liability Coverage Includes:

Bodily injury liability
Property damage liability

If you travel often or are living in your RV full-time, you should consider additional insurance coverages. You should also consider additional coverages if you took out a loan to finance a motorhome or if your RV is a rental. Additional coverages can include things like collision, roadside assistance, uninsured/underinsured, total loss and more. Learn more about RV coverages here.

Can I Claim My Motorhome as a Residence for Tax Purposes?

Yes, you can claim your motorhome as a residence for tax purposes, but there’s a catch.

The IRS allows taxpayers to designate only one residence only as a main home at any one time. That means that the “main home” must be the one where you ordinarily live most of the year — and if that’s your motorhome it must have all of the proper facilities.

Most people claim their motorhome as their secondary residence if it qualifies as a second home. The benefit of treating your RV as either a primary or secondary residence on your tax forms is to take allowable homeowner tax deductions that can decrease your overall tax bill.

Pro Tip: As long as your RV is security for the loan used to buy it, you can deduct mortgage interest paid on that loan.

Check Out More Helpful RV Guides and Articles

RVs and Motorhomes are a fantastic way to travel as a group. They allow you to bring your home, and all the comforts that go with that, anywhere you like. The US in particular has some of the most stunning national parks and hidden gems to visit and utilizing an RV or motorhome makes for the perfect vacation full of memories.

If you are interested in purchasing, selling, or upgrading an RV, we have all the information you need. Below are some articles and guides we’ve curated to answer any of your RV questions so you can move forward feeling confident you made the right choice for you and your family.

GoRollick Marketplace – Find the Perfect Motorhome

When you’re ready to find your next Motorhome, be sure to check us out at GoRollick.com.

You can:

See nationwide inventory, specs, and incentive information
Get an upfront, transparent price on your desired Motorhome
Receive special offers on both the Motorhome as well as additional accessories
Take advantage of Bonus Savings plus the option to Buy From Home from select Certified Dealers
Shop at one of our Certified Dealers who are committed to providing an exceptional buying experience

Check out and Subscribe to the GoRollick YouTube Channel to watch reviews, test rides, and more!

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