Nothing beats the enjoyment of travelling in an RV. It’s the perfect way to soak up the beauty of nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and get away from it all.
But where do you start? To bring your vision to life, you need to know the basics. There are many different motorhomes, and it can be a bit overwhelming to a first-time buyer.
But that’s why we’re here. Let’s go back to the basics. Here is GNR’s RV guide to motorhomes.
Guide to Motorhomes: Motorhome vs. Trailer
Your first decision is whether you should purchase a motorhome or a trailer. So, what’s the difference?
Trailers are detached and cannot be driven on their own, so you’ll need to tow it along behind your vehicle. Trailers are much more affordable than motorhomes, although you need a truck to tow them. The price is comparable to a motorhome if you need to purchase a truck and a trailer.
Being stationary, trailers offer the convenience of allowing you to leave your campsite without disrupting your setup. You can drive elsewhere while keeping your trailer set up and in place.
If a trailer sounds like what you’re looking for, see our special on the 2022 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH.
On the other hand, a motorhome is a vehicle that does not need to be towed. They’re pricier but usually offer more storage, space, and amenities than a trailer.
Pretty straightforward, right? Yes – but there are actually three types of motorhomes. Class A, B, and C. Let’s examine the differences.
Guide to Motorhomes: Class A Motorhomes
Class A Motorhomes are built on a commercial bus or a truck chassis. Class A motorhomes are the most spacious and luxurious, usually equipped with slides that expand the living room once parked and all the comforts and amenities you could want in a home.
Class A motorhomes are ideal for full-time RVers who plan to spend a lot of time in their RV or want all the home luxuries while out on the road. Of course, Class A motorhomes tend to be on the more expensive side.
However, due to their large size, they can cause some inconveniences. Not all campsites will allow the large size of some Class A motorhomes, and some drivers find them inconvenient to maneuver. Campers often tow an extra vehicle so they can leave the campsite without having to bring the entire motorhome.
Are you interested in a class A Motorhome? See the new 2022 Jayco Alante 27A
Guide to Motorhomes: Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, known as ‘campervans,’ are built on top of vans. They’re typically smaller than a class A motorhome, meaning they’re also more affordable. This has a few perks, like more flexibility regarding where they can park or camp and being easier to drive.
However, this also means that your living space will be more compact and less luxurious. Class B motorhomes are ideal for those looking for weekend getaways, short trips, or campers on more of a budget.
Are you interested in a class B motorhome? See the new 2022 Leisure Travel Wonder 24RTB.
Guide to Motorhomes: Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are like a combination of class A and B, as their foundation can be either a van or a truck, and their size is usually between A and B. They’re the most recognizable motorhome, with their iconic over-cab sleeping area.
While you can drive these without a separate vehicle, because they’re generally a bit bigger than class B, consider towing another car for more convenient transport.
Are you interested in a class C motorhome? See the new 2022 Jayco Melbourne 24L.
Guide to Motorhomes: Things to consider when buying a motorhome
Now that we know the varying types of motorhomes, you should consider your lifestyle and which RV will suit your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
What’s your budget?
If budget is no issue, class A motorhomes can offer the height of luxury. Those on a tighter budget could opt for a class B motorhome – or, if you already own a truck, a trailer can be quite affordable in comparison. If you don’t have a truck, then a trailer and truck will be equally expensive as a motorhome.
Remember, motorhomes also require more maintenance, which can be an added cost.
How far are you going?
Consider the distance you plan to travel with your RV. If you plan on taking lengthy drives, having access to your supplies, bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom might be more critical, so a motorhome might be your best bet.
How long are you staying at the campsite?
If you want to stay at one campsite for longer than a couple of days, it will be more convenient to have a trailer that you can leave at the campsite if you need to run errands. With a motorhome, especially a larger one such as class A, lugging your entire motorhome around with you might be too inconvenient.
Who are you taking with you?
If you’re travelling with your family, remember that driving with children and pets in a trailer is safer, as they will be in their own seats during the travels. While you won’t have access to the amenities, it is safer to do this with young children.
How comfortable a driver are you?
Towing a large trailer or driving a vast motorhome can be troublesome. It could be even more overwhelming with a lot of wind or weather. Make sure you are comfortable driving a large vehicle or towing a large trailer before purchasing one. Opt for a smaller trailer or a class B motorhome if you need more confidence.
Guide to Motorhomes: Talk to a professional
Picking the right RV for you and your lifestyle can be overwhelming. We hope this motorhome guide has given you a better idea of what you might be leaning toward, but we always recommend talking to an expert before committing to an RV.
All of us at GNR Camping World RV Centre are here to help. Contact us today, and we’ll help you pick the perfect RV for all of your adventures.
