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Class A Motorhome Buying Tips: Choosing the Best RV for You
Millions of RVers ply the roads each year with a vast variety of recreational vehicles. Everything from the smallest towable trailers and vans to luxury diesel pusher bus-size rigs. I happen to belong to the subset of RV owners that makes up the smallest group of RV owners, according to the RV Industry Association of America), because I bought a Class A motorhome. If you are new to purchasing a Class A motorhome, I know how the shopping process can be overwhelming. It’s tough to know how to decide on a rig! But I can make the process easier, so join me for a helpful Class A motorhome buyers guide to choosing the best rig for you. In this article you’ll learn: Pros and cons of Class A motorhomes The best type of fuel for Class A motorhomes What you might expect for maintenance and cost of ownership How to pay for your new motorhome Class A shopping tips for buyers Let’s Get Started: Class A Motorhome Buying Tips for Your Dream RV When my wife and I decided to purchase our RV, we did extensive research on the different RV types. Eventually, we decided a Class A motorhome would best meet our RVing goals, which included four years of full-time traveling. As it turns out, our decision was spot-on. Our Class A RV has been perfect for us! What is a Class A RV? Class A RVs are motorized units built on a larger, heavy duty truck-type chassis, without a separate forward cab with doors. With expansive, flat windshields and a bus-like shape, Class A rigs are mostly the largest versions of motorized RVs. They are longer and taller than Class B vans, and most Class C motorhomes. Class A RVs typically fall into a higher price-point range than other types. How Many People Own Class A Motorhomes? Class A motorhomes represent the smallest market share of RV sales in the U.S. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 313,174 RVs were shipped to dealers in 2023. Only 9,806 units (about 8 percent) were Class A’s. Other types of RVs took larger shares, such as: Travel Trailers: 205,408 units Fifth Wheels: 53,699 units Class C Motorhomes: 15,512 units Class B Motorhomes (Van Campers): 11,932 units While Class A rigs appear to be the least popular RV choice, passionate owners typically choose and love them for several reasons. Let’s explore some below. What are the Advantages of a Class A Motorhome? So, why do those of us, seemingly in the minority, choose a Class A for our RV adventures? For owners like me, the advantages of Class A motorhomes include: Spacious interiors and ample storage space Higher driving position for better road view Expansive front window that emphasizes the scenery while driving (and parked) Convenience on travel days (easy access to toilet and facilities while traveling; be mindful of your safety while underway) Amenities with residential-like features and appliances (stove, washer and dryer, fridge, etc.) Ease of towing a vehicle (toad) for exploring and errands Space and features conducive to comfortable, full-time RVing Luxury Class A RV interior (Image: Shutterstock) Are There Downsides to Owning a Class A Motorhome? Yes! As with most things in life, there’s the good and the not so good to boosting your comfort level on the road. Owning a Class A motorhome can also have ownership downsides, including: Purchase prices are generally higher for Class A RVs compared other types. Maintenance and operating costs can be more expensive. Due to larger size and height, Class A motorhomes can be more difficult to maneuver. Finding RV sites big enough to accommodate larger Class A rigs is sometimes a challenge. How to Match Your RV Lifestyle to the Right Class A Motorhome Having a clear picture of your RVing style, along with your wants and needs, helps you decide which Class A motorhome will be best. How you RV is a personal experience. Consider your lifestyle by reviewing areas such as: How you want to RV What is your RV travel style? Are you a part-timer? Aspiring full-time RVer? Or strictly a weekend warrior? Where you want to RV Do you prefer RV resorts with full hookups? Or public campgrounds? Is boondocking on public land your Your ideal RV floor plan You need a floor plan that suits your needs. Do you want the extra floor space of opposing slide-outs? Are bunk beds for the kids necessary? How about bathrooms…one or two? The features you want What amenities and standard or optional features do you want in your new or new-to-you Class A motorhome? Which ones are wants versus needs? Make a prioritized list based on input from everyone who will travel with you in the motorhome. Class A RV cab overhead bunk (Image: Erik Anderson) The Importance of a Tow Vehicle (Toad) If you decide that towing a vehicle (aka a “toad”) will make things easier on your RVing journeys, research what vehicles can be towed. Review their manufacturers’ towing requirements. And get the costs to set those toads up for towing. Also, learn the laws and regulations, as well as best practices, regarding towing a vehicle behind your motorhome. Is a Diesel Class A Engine Better Than a Gas Powered Motorhome? If you spend time scrolling the RVing world on social media, you’re bound to see a classic RVing debate: Diesel or Gas, Which is Better? This can be argued until the cows come home. Let’s just say, there is no right or wrong choice. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which Class A fuel power will be best for your traveling needs. Here are a few factors to help decide on an engine type: Class A RVs with diesel engines have a higher retail cost When comparing similar model years, size, and features, diesel rigs typically command a 15-40% price premium. But diesel pusher Class A engines are more fuel efficient While it varies with many factors, it is reported that diesel motorhomes can provide up to 15% greater fuel efficiency over gas rigs. Also, consider that diesel fuel typically costs more per gallon than regular gas. The fact that diesel motorhomes require the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) additive is another cost factor. DEF must be added periodically to meet federal emissions standards for diesel engines. Class A diesel pushers have more engine power and torque Diesel engines provide superior power, torque and durability. They can push a lot of weight around. This is why diesel engines are common in larger and luxury motorhomes. But do you really need all that extra power and torque in your travels? All that power and torque in a Class A diesel pusher comes with a hefty price tag. Is the cost worth it? Only you can decide, and the answer depends on the Class A you want. Our gas Class A motorhome, while towing our Honda CR-V toad, has a cross-crossed the upper Rocky Mountain Continental Divide 13 times. It performed like a champ. Could we have gone up and over a little faster, maybe a little quieter? Sure, but for us, the extra cost of a diesel powered Class A rig hasn’t been necessary. Class A diesels have better suspension and noise reduction Generally, diesel Class A motorhomes provide superior ride quality due to most utilizing air suspension systems. Additionally, they are quieter in the cab since the diesel engines are mounted in the rear. But gas engine Class A RVs have lower maintenance costs and more techs Gas Class A motorhomes generally have less expensive maintenance compared to diesel rigs. Finding specialized diesel service and repair shops can also be challenging while traveling. Diesel truck engine repair (Image: Shutterstock) Which motorhome class has better resale value: gas or diesel? Diesel motorhomes tend to hold their value better than gas rigs. This is primarily due to the long-lasting durability and performance of their diesel engines. When you consider all these purchasing factors, deciding between buying a gas or a diesel Class A motorhome involves some deep thought. Once you decide on an engine type, it’s time to go shopping. Class A Motorhome Buying Tips: Let’s Go RV Shopping! Whew! This is a lot to consider before you even start your RV shopping adventure! But, now that you know your needs and preferences, the following steps will help you navigate the RV shopping process. Research RV Manufacturers and Models Armed with the knowledge of your ideal motorhome, narrow the field to the manufacturers and Class A models that tick off all or most of your checkboxes. Read as many reviews as you can on the RV models you prefer. Ideally, get real-life owner testimonials based on their experiences. Ask questions in online forums, like iRV2, and social media groups geared toward your top picks. Attend Major RV Shows This strategy really helped me and my wife nail down our Class A motorhome choice. There’s nothing better than going to major RV shows and seeing your top RV choices inside and out. Jumping back and forth between models at these shows can be incredibly helpful. Shopping at a recreational vehicle show (Image: Shutterstock) Inspect the RV Thoroughly For any motorhome purchase, whether you’re shopping at RV dealerships or private sellers, inspect the rig thoroughly. Check for any signs of excess wear or damage. Test all appliances, standard RV features, and aftermarket upgrades or additions. Make sure everything is in good working order. Even brand-new RVs can have issues. Not comfortable inspecting a Class A motorhome yourself? Then consider hiring a professional RV inspector. Yes, it can be expensive, but a professional inspection could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. How to Budget for a Class A Motorhome Dream Machine The most common question aspiring RVers have is: what’s better to buy, a new or used Class A? Admittedly, buying a brand new motorhome with the latest features and technology can be nice. On the other hand, many experienced RVers claim that buying a used Class A motorhome that’s in fine condition, can save you a great deal of money and repair hassles. The truth is: there are advantages and disadvantages to buying new or used RVs. Buying a well cared-for, pre-owned motorhome means you avoid the significant RV value depreciation that occurs once you drive a new rig off the dealer’s lot. You may also get a good deal on a used motorhome, based on the probability that the first owner has dealt with any first-year RV warranty issues or other bugs that often pop up on new models. Lastly, a pre-owned Class A motorhome will have a lower purchase price, likely resulting in less taxes and registration fees paid (depending on the state/county in which you purchase). What to Expect with Class A Financing For most people, the high MSRP of a Class A motorhome requires financing. Unfortunately, the best RV loan rates may not be through the dealer. Research RV loan rates and payment terms before you head to the showroom. Talk to your bank or credit union. Look for lenders specializing in RV financing, too. “A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan which will save money buying a new RV,” says Helgeson in his RV buying guide “How to Save Money Buying a New RV: Tips from an RV Industry Pro.” The truth about dealer financing Most people don’t know that if you say yes to the dealer’s financing offer, you are almost guaranteed more negotiating power on the price of that rig. An RV dealer is always happy to negotiate if you take on their payment terms. This is because RV dealers aren’t really in the business of selling RVs. They make more profit by selling you long-term RV financing. Most dealers won’t negotiate on the MSRP of a new or used RV if you tell them you are buying that rig with cash. But they’re happy to negotiate if you use their lender. The sticker price isn’t set in stone. There’s often room for negotiation, especially in the current world of RV sales. Since MSRP is typically 140% of the dealer’s invoice, don’t hesitate to haggle with the seller or dealership to secure a better deal. Come prepared with research and comparable listings to justify your offer. – Dave Helgeson, former RV dealer Just do the math to find out if that negotiated price still saves you money after committing to their lending terms. If not, look at your options to refinance the dealer loan without penalties. Or, just pay off that loan as quickly as you can. How to Negotiate the Best Class A Deal Scour the new and used RV internet sales platforms and groups to get a good feel for what Class A RVs are selling for. Narrow down models and years that fit your budget range. Watch out for any hidden fees or unexpected dealer add-ons like an additional pre-delivery inspection (PDI) fee. Question them and only pay for what you need. Lastly, a pre-owned Class A motorhome will have a lower purchase price, likely resulting in less taxes and fees paid (depending on the state/county in which you purchase). Have Fun RV Shopping! I hope these Class A motorhome buying tips help you choose the best RV for you. Doing your preparation, from defining your RVing style to prioritizing features and understanding current motorhome pricing, will help you find and purchase your new Class A adventure vehicle. Enjoy your RV travels! Meet Other Motorhome Owners: Join an RV Forums Community Crossroads Owners Dutchmen Owners Forest River Forums Gulf Stream Owners iRV2 Forums Jayco Owners Luxury Coach Lifestyle My Grand RV – Grand Design RV Owners Sunline Owners Club Thor Forums Winnie Owners Forum The post Class A Motorhome Buying Tips: Choosing the Best RV for You appeared first on Let's RV.
Motorhome Madness! New and Used Class A’s from $72k to $299k (RV Trader Monthly Roundup)
