Choices
There are a lot of ways to go Camping in a motorized vehicle. It’s really up to you to decide what you want or need to accomplish this.
- First, are you going out for a day, week, month or longer?
- How many people are going with you?
- How much comfort do you require?
Below we outline the different types of Motorhome’s available to help you decide what Class of Motorhome is for you.
Vans and Conversion Vans
Vans are smaller, more economical, and best for short stays. They are comfortable to ride in and usually easier to drive. Vans usually just come with passenger seating and some storage. They can be converted by the owner to add a bed for overnight stays but are pretty basic.
Conversion Vans are much different. They may come with a raised roof for extra headroom and RV style windows. Most come with very comfortable seating and a couch that folds down to a bed. There is no Plumbing for a bathroom and no cooking inside unless installed by the owner. They are comfortable for a short stay but not self-contained.
Class B Motorhome
This type of Motorhome is usually a real, but smaller version of an RV. It is usually still a Van, on a Van frame, but has been widened and the roof raised. The chassis is usually heavy-duty to support the extra weight of the RV interior. It may have a fold down or permanent bed, a small kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave and usually a small wet bathroom. They come with a fresh water tank and a dumping tank underneath to service the kitchen and bathroom.
Now that composting toilets are more popular some may have one of those or a portable one. Most will have a propane tank built in for the fridge and furnace. These smaller RVs can be used at an RV Park and be plugged in to water and hydro receptacles for the microwave, air conditioning and AC plugs scattered throughout. For two people who don’t mind being outside a lot, these smaller RVs can provide a comfortable trip or adventure.
Class C Motorhome 
This type of Motorhome is usually built on a Van, Box Truck heavy-duty frame. It has tandem wheels on the back to help support the weight of the fully functional RV. These RVs are very popular with beginners and are easier to park on side streets and parking lots. They come in a variety of sizes and are outfitted with everything one would need for an extended holiday or even a more permanent Nomad lifestyle. They usually sleep four to six people comfortably and can carry enough fuel, water, and propane to be self-contained for a few days or longer.
Most Class C’s come with a generator for AC power and battery charging when needed. Newer versions may also have solar panels and inverters to supply an alternate charge to the batteries and an AC current to the unit when not plugged in or driving. More modern Class C’s may have slide outs to increase the living space when parked. When in an RV Campground these RV’s can plug in to power, water, and sewer to become completely self-contained for as long as you wish to stay. There are an abundance of floor plans available to a buyer, but Class C’s come with all the comforts one would need for a longer or permanent stay away from home.
The Super C RV
The Super C Motorhome is the same in design as a regular Class C except it is built on a heavy-duty truck frame. Some are even powered by Transport truck diesel engines and cabs. The trucks used to power these RV’s are front engine diesel motors that are long-lasting, reliable, and easy to service.
They have incredible torque and power for pulling these heavy loads and can run for days. The RV itself is built on a larger, tougher, and higher frame allowing for more available storage around the bottom. You may find these RV’s to be a higher quality build and have more luxury features than a standard Class C. I have never owned one of these, but I often think about trading in my Class A diesel for a Super C.
Class A Gas RV
The Class A gas RV comes on a front engine Bus style chassis. They range in size from 25-40 ft and can be as high as most transport trucks. This allows for an abundance of storage behind doors around the bottom of the RV. Inside is usually very roomy with all the comforts of a home.
You sit and drive up high which allows for a very good view of the road and scenery. These units come completely self-contained and can stay out without plug-ins, water, or dump stations for quite some time. It depends on the amount of people using the RV and how much water they use, but two people could last anywhere from a week to a month without having to hook up to dump the tanks or get water.
I had a 30 ft. Class A gas RV and found it easy to get around in. Parking could be a problem in busy places but I learned from experience where to go and not go. They are great for camping if you don’t want to rough it at all. We used to visit relatives 1000 miles away a couple times a year. It made the drive easy and you could pull into a rest area and grab a nap any time you were a bit tired. Once we arrived we would plug in and stay in the RV at night so we didn’t have to unpack or sleep in someone else s bed. We had some great times in our Cass A gas RV.
Class A Diesel Pusher
This is the best Type of Motorhome of all the RV’s I have owned. The Class A diesel pusher has the engine in the back much like the transportation buses you see on the roads and hiways. It is in most ways just like a bus. It rides on cushions of air and has air brakes. With the engine in the back it is very quiet up front.
There is a ton of storage below and as much room as a small apartment to live in. With a slide out it becomes roomier and very comfortable. Mine has many of the features you would find in a home. Things like wood floors, ceramic tile, ducted heat and air conditioning, bath tub and shower, full size fridge, microwave, convection oven, Gas stove with an oven, and even a ceiling fan. For anyone who wants the full package, this is it. I am so comfortable wherever I go.
There is a downside to all this though. Being 40 ft. long you can’t just go anywhere. City driving can be challenging for some at first. It is hard to find public parking for these beasts until you get your bearings. There is a lot of weight to them as well so grassy and sandy areas could allow you to sink in a bit. Just don’t go where others don’t go and you will be fine. For anyone who is new to the RV lifestyle then maybe start with a Class B or C until you get used to the size and work your way up.
School Bus RV
School Buses are getting very popular with the RV nomad lifestyle. People are buying old School Buses and converting them into home made RVs. They are heavy-duty and most come with diesel engines. For anyone who wants one, you may find a used one that someone has converted, but you may be buying someone else’s dream and end up spending thousands to make it your own. These vehicles are made to last a long time and carry quite a bit of weight. They can be bought fairly cheap but seem to be getting a lot more popular. A conversion might cost anywhere from $10,000. to $75,000. depending on what you want. Maybe a used one already converted might be the way to go for your first attempt at this kind of Rig.
Conclusion
It is totally up to you what type of Motorhome suits your lifestyle. The best thing to do is figure out your budget then go looking at the different options. For anyone who wants to buy one, start pretty basic, then you can learn how all the systems work as you upgrade to more complicated units. RV repairs are expensive compared to cars and a lot of things are not that hard to do yourself if you learn as you go.
Owning a comfortable, self-contained unit can change your life for the better if you like to travel or camp in the outdoors. The cost of Hotels and Food on a vacation can help to justify this wonderful way to travel. We love to travel and the RV has become a big part of our lives.
Great post! Very informative for those of us not knowing where to start!
Hey there Steph…Thank you for commenting on my very first post. I will be publishing a lot more information on RV’s in the future. If you are interested come back and take a look. …Thank you so much
Tons of value to be found on this post on classes of motorhome to choose. This is a great and simple to follow guide. You laid it all out clearly and showed series of examples that helped emphasize your various points. This guide will be very useful for me.This is the most comprehensive review I have ever read on different types of motorhome. I am a great fan of this class c and super cand I have been using it for months and I can attest to the fact that it is not too expensive and highly durable. I have heard of the creators and they do have a good reputation according to many people that left comments in different places on the internet.
Hello Ola…Thank you for commenting on my very first post. I am glad you liked my Post. I am also happy to hear you like your RV. I can’t wait for our snow to melt so I can get on the road again. Thanks again for your great revue.
This is a really super cool post. I have never gone on vehicle camping before. This really looks and sound fun. Going in this kinda camping, I think it will be advisable to go with something economical. I will surely go for Van. I will definitely go far Class B because it really suits the profile of what I really want while going camping
Hi Kehinde…Thank you for commenting on my very first post. The Class C’s seem to be the most popular RV’s. They do come with just about everything you need for a quality vacation. The Class B is more popular with two people because of space. They are easy to park anywhere and easy to maintain. Its all up to you and what your needs are. You may want to try renting one first to make sure before spending your hard earned money. I wish you luck on your travels.
We are a family of 6, 2 adults and 4 kids. The type of motorhome we need is obviously, to fit us all in but also not to be too big. We want to be able to park on regular streets and to use it to visit little villages. It also definitely needs to have the most convenient toilet!
How big are the class C motorhomes? Are they big enough for my family?
Hey there Hollie…Thank you for your comments and questions on my first post. The C Class RV is perfect for families of your size. They have so many sizes and layouts to choose from. Some not only have the overhead sleeping but even have bunks for kids. They range from around 20 ft. to 35 ft. in length so its just a matter of choosing what works for you. All Class C’s I have seen, come with a bathroom of some size, a toilet, sink, shower and waste or holding tanks that you dump out when full. My Class A has ceramic tile, a porcelain toilet, a bathtub, a shower and a sink. Just like home. A larger Class C would probably have the same.
Thanks for this interesting post, in my point of view The Class C motorhome is the compromise between the Class A and the Class B. They are built with a cabin chassis. They are easy to pick out by their overcab sleeping area. The location of the sleeping area allows for more room in the living area. more than 4 to 6 people can live in one Class C motorhome.
Hi Seun…Thank you for your comments on my first post. I agree, the Class C is the best all around choice. They are easy to drive and can come with tons of room if needed. Kids love the overhead sleeping quarters which means they can be put to bed earlier and you can still do other things. Thanks again.
I for one have had series of experience with the van and convertion vans as it’s is what is mostly used here when we go camping. Even though it might not be as comfortable as the class c van box truck heavy duty frame, it still does the job whenever we go camping and it saves us money for accommodation. Personally I would love to try the super C one if these days because I’m sure the experience will be a whole lot different from what I’m used to. Road trips are the best and that’s why we sure need one of these classes of motorhome. Nice piece
Hello Seyi…Thank you for your comments on my first post. Although I have a 40 ft. Class A I kept my Conversion Van for short trips or tight spaces. I too am interested in the Super C. Maybe one day I will trade in the Class A for one. Thank you again.
Here’s a review of a Newmar Super C. They build great RV’s
I will definitely like to consider the Vans and Conversion Vans category, as i don’t always stay too long in one place while camping. Most of my camping are short stays.
Moreso the small sizes of these vans and relatives cheaper maintenance cost fits my budget. Moreover these vans are !ore economical. I once own a more bulky class c built on Van-Boxtruck, this I could not maintain. Thanks for the easy to understand analysis.
Hi Olalekan…Thanks for commenting on my first post. I know what you mean about Vans and Conversion Vans. Even though I have a Class A diesel, I still keep my Conversion Van for short trips or city trips. I love driving it too.
Thanks for this educative post on Motorhome. Though i have never used a motorhome but from your post, and considering the size of my family, class C would be my choice. Based on your post and my findings , Class c would provide us with the comfort we can get from class a or b. Class C is easier to pick out by their over cab sleeping area. Moreso, the location of the sleeping area provides for more room in the living area. We are 5 all together, which makes it the ideal class type for us.
Tolu…Thank you for commenting on my first post. Class C would definitely be a good choice for you. Kid’s just love the overhead sleeping space and there is usually a couch and a queen size bed as well. Perfect for five.
I definitely prefer Rving when camping. Booking hotels is so costly and coming prepared with all you need is far better. Actually, My family has always gone rving since I was a kid so I am comfortable and used to it. We always have a Class C Van and it is perfect for a small family of 4-6 people. Nice post
Aweda…Thank you so much for your comments on my first post. Class C’s are perfect for almost anyone, since they come in so many sizes and layouts. I am so glad you like yours. Thanks again.
Thanks a lot for the informative and insightful post. Thanks a lot for sharing from your own experience which adds more value to this post. To be honest, being a traveller I always dreamed of owning a Recreational vehicle but because of the expensive price and my budget I am not able to afford it. But I got great insights from your helpful post.
For those who are living a RV life style (Or want to own a RV) and for those who are willing to live a RV life style your post is going to be inspiring and motivating.
Converting a School Bus into a RV is an eye-opener and great idea. Two of my friends are living a RV life style and I am going to share your post with them and I am sure they gonna find helpful insights. Also I am going to book mark your post for my future reference.
Much Success!
Paul
Hi Paul… Thank you so much for your positive comments on my very first post. I do plan to do many more posts on RV related topics, so please check in once in awhile. Thank you as well for sharing with your friends as I am sure they may find the topics I want to cover helpful for upgrades in power and solar, appliances, heaters, and on and on. Your comments made my day and inspire me to start more posts right away. Thank you. I really hope to hear from you again.
This article is very interesting about motorhome good for camping. My best choice is conversion van, it is design for camping and looks good on its own design,it comes with a comfortable bed and couch ,it’s also design for a short stay. It helps to reduce and save more for the cost of hotel and food during camping. Thank you for this informative article. Best regards
Hi there Adamuts….Thank you so much for commenting on my very first post. You are right about Conversion Vans. Even though I have a Diesel Class A RV, I still keep my Conversion Van for short trips or nights out. You can park one almost anywhere and sleep for a night. They are very comfortable for trips or even daily driving. Thanks again.
Excellent topic & Excellent description included.
After going through, one question arose in my mind is What is the difference between Recreation Vehicle ( RVs ) & Campervans? Are Campervans are cheaper than the Motorhomes?
Another question is What is Class A, B & C? What is the real difference? Can you elaborate more on this?
It will be better if you add the price range of RVs on your site. Then people can estimate their yearly expenditure on hotelling & eating outside & then decide whether to go for purchasing or not.
Can these RVs available on rent? One can think in that direction also.
To make your article more interesting you can add the above information.
Thanks!
Hi Chandrashekhar…Thank you for commenting on my very first post. I love all of your suggestions. Before I answer your questions, I wanted to mention that this is only the first of many posts on RV’s that I plan to do. I will be covering RV rental vacations and their costs as well as financing an RV. Also many things to improve your RV like solar power, batteries, appliances, heaters, water filters, etc. I’d like to cover places to stay for free as opposed to RV parks. The difference between RV Parks and RV resorts. Many, many topics. If you come back to my posts in time I think I can eventually cover each Class of RV in more detail with price comparisons and compare new to used.
I can update this post to make it more interesting and add more posts to cover a better range of specific information. Thanks again for taking the time to look at my post and for giving me ideas to make it better. I wish you all the best and hope to hear from you again. Thank you.