From A to C: Understanding The Different Motorhome Classes

If you are thinking about buying a motorhome in the near future, you are not alone. Touring holidays have become immensely popular in recent years, and owning the right vehicle will open the door to a world of adventures.

Before making a purchase, though, asking “What are the different motorhome classes?” is essential.

This guide will answer all of your key questions, such as;

• What are motorhome classes?
• Which motorhome class is right for you?
• How can you fund your motorhome purchase?

What are motorhome classes?

Research shows that around 12,000-15,000 new motorhomes are registered in the UK annually, but they are not all the same. 

The term motorhome defines any self-contained, recreational vehicle (RV) that is used for both transportation and temporary living. They can vary greatly in size, cost, and features.

When asking “What are motorhome classes used for?”, the simple answer is that they are a tool to help differentiate the various types of motorhome.

Understanding them will instantly give you a better understanding of a specific model, allowing you to navigate the new or used marketplace with ease.

The three motorhome classes explained

When buying an RV, you must first consider whether to buy a motorhome or a campervan. While the latter falls into its own class, the former can be broken into three main classes, which are;

• A-Class Motorhomes (Integrated motorhomes)
• B-Class Motorhomes (Van conversions)
• C-Class Motorhomes (Coachbuilt motorhomes)

A-Class Motorhomes (Integrated motorhomes)

Class A motorhomes, also known as integrated motorhomes, are luxury RVs that are often the largest but most expensive (upwards of £100,000) type.

They are highly regarded for bringing a host of home comforts to your travel adventures, thus making them the preferred choice for families and larger groups.

You will need an appropriate licence (C1 will usually suffice) to drive an A-Class motorhome. Meanwhile, the defining characteristics of this RV class are;

• Weighs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
• Average dimensions of 30ft x 13ft x 8ft 6in.
• Built-on chassis.
• Entertainment and living spaces.
• Self-contained bathroom.
• Integrated cabin.
• High-quality interiors and full kitchen.

Class A motorhomes are heavy-duty RVs that will have low fuel efficiency. However, touring holiday enthusiasts will find that the added quality of amenities, added space, and safety features will vindicate the purchase. Not least because it can make the holiday memories even more special.

B-Class Motorhomes (Van conversions)

B-Class motorhomes are essentially a more modest but significantly cheaper sibling to A-Class motorhomes. They have become popular with casual camping enthusiasts, especially those who just want some home comforts while spending a short time away. They also make a great choice for couples and solo explorers.

Also known as conversion vans, van campers, or campervans, they use the shell of a van or panel truck (hence the name van conversions) and feel very similar to driving a small van. Other key attributes to consider include;

• Weighs under 3.5 tonnes( often around 2 tonnes), meaning a standard licence is fine.
• Average dimensions of 19ft 6in x 8ft 4in x 6ft 3in.
• Fewer amenities but a washroom and kitchenette area included.
• A place to sleep. 
• Increased fuel efficiency.

While B-Class motorhomes are readily available, many owners enjoy converting a van themselves. This allows them to maximise the use of space by focusing solely on the amenities needed by the travel party.

C-Class Motorhomes (Coachbuilt motorhomes)

Class C motorhomes are often the middle solution in terms of size and cost, with RVs in this category starting at around £55,000.

They feature a cut-away chassis or cab (hence the name) and are often designed for groups of 2-6. They are seen by many as a closer option to Class A, as they are designed for longer or more frequent trips. Still, there is a little less luxury.

They can be broken down into subcategories of low profile or over-cab bed styles. Some of the key features include;

• Weighs between 3 tonnes and 5 tonnes.
• Available in various dimensions, like 20ft of 28ft.
• Can feature curved skylights for natural lighting.
• Includes beds, living spaces, and additional storage space.

Driving licence requirements will depend on the size and weight of the RV model. However, like A-Class motorhomes, this category offers great versatility in both the new and used marketplace.

Financing your dream motorhome today

Finding a suitable motorhome starts with looking at the class before subsequently checking the manufacturer, model, and pros and cons of a new or used solution. Following this, the next step is to get the right deal. Whether you have bad credit or simply don’t have the cash to buy the RV outright, Auto Finance Online is here to help.

To secure an affordable loan on your new or used motorhome purchases, contact our friendly advisors or use the free quote box to find out more.