Class A vs. Class B vs. Class C RVs: What’s The Difference?

Motorhomes come in all different types, shapes, and sizes — but at baseline, they can be separated into three distinct categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A RVs are large, bus-shaped motorcoaches, whereas Class B RVs are smaller and more nimble (sometimes known as camper vans). Class Cs are somewhere in the middle: they can be large, but they’re built into a traditional pickup truck chassis, making them relatively easy to drive for beginners.

Of course, the real question isn’t just what the differences are between these styles of motorhomes. It’s how to determine which of these different types of RVs might work best for your travel needs. (Psst: One of the best things about renting an RV on the peer-to-peer market is that you can choose from a wide variety of styles and classes, so you can try out all the different classes.)

Class A vs. Class B. vs. Class C RVs: At A Glance

While we’ll dive deeper into the specific differences between these types of rigs below, here’s a quick at-a-glance comparison table to get you oriented.

What is a Class A RV?

Class A RVs are large, often luxurious motorcoaches (meaning you can drive them rather than tow them). They generally measure between about 26 feet and 45 feet long, though they’re most commonly between 35 and 40 feet.

Class A RVs are usually built into commercial truck or bus chassis, which means they have lots of power to haul around the weight of all their luxurious features. (And we do mean luxurious: Class A RVs have been known to offer multiple bedrooms, granite countertops, working fireplaces, full-sized bath tubs, king-sized master beds, and more.) 

However, vehicles this large can sometimes be challenging or intimidating to learn to drive for some RVers. They also may not be able to navigate into certain campgrounds, where space is limited or access roads are too narrow for a turnaround.

But for campers who are mostly looking to enjoy luxurious, private accommodations in developed RV campgrounds with hookups, Class A RVs are the top pick for comfort. They also make it easy to travel with a family with older children, where some privacy and separation could be a comfort. They’re a good pick for big traveling parties of friends, too, and can sometimes sleep up to 10 campers or more (if you’re willing to share beds).

When is a Class A RV Best?

Class A RVs are for campers who want to pack a punch in terms of luxury and comfort — for travelers who truly want to feel as though they’re road tripping with their whole home along for the ride.

On the other hand, if you’re hoping to explore remote, off-grid locations that may only be accessible via unpaved, narrow roads, a Class A RV may cut off your access. Many undeveloped campgrounds and boondocking sites simply can’t accommodate such large vehicles.

What is a Class B RV?

A Class B RV is a smaller motorhome, often otherwise known as a camper van or sleeper van. These RVs are, as their alternate names suggest, often built onto commercial van chassis, or converted from an existing van like a VW van, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster.

Class B RVs are, perhaps obviously, small. Many of them don’t contain onboard bathroom facilities, and there isn’t room for lots of fancy extra features, necessitating a more rugged experience. But for solo travelers, couples, or families with one or two small children, a Class B RV can make it possible to get out into the wilder parts of the country relatively easily and affordably. They are also popular among young, solo full-timers who favor a more adventurous lifestyle, camping in and around state and national parks.

When is a Class B RV Best?

Class B RVs are best for solo travelers, couples, and small families that don’t mind cramped quarters. They’re also good for shorter-term trips and those that require navigating down narrow or unpaved roads, or camping in remote, off-grid locations (such as boondocking on BLM lands).

What is a Class C RV?

Class C RVs are something like a happy medium between Class As and Class Bs. They’re large-ish, often measuring up to 33 feet long, and they often have some luxury features, such as queen-sized beds with plush mattresses, full kitchens, onboard bathroom and shower facilities, and more.

However, Class C RVs are usually built into a traditional pickup truck chassis, making them relatively easy to drive for beginners. They also have a handy (and iconic) over-cab area that is often set up for either extra sleeping space (perfect for kids) or storage. 

When is a Class C RV Best?

Along with the other ways they land in the middle between Class A and Class B RVs, Class C RVs are also a perfect middle-way choice for camping trips that can benefit from the creature comforts of home but also require a vehicle with a little bit more capacity to get out there, so to speak. In other words, they’re really adaptable to most travel styles.

Class C RVs are, therefore, a common choice for a first RV for younger families, and are also often more affordable than Class A RVs to rent or own.

What Other Types of RVs Are There?

The classes we’ve described above pertain specifically to motorhomes, which are drivable RVs. There’s a whole ‘nother category of RVs, too: towable RVs, otherwise known as travel trailers. 

While almost all towable RVs can be referred to simply as travel trailers, there are also some specific types, such as fifth wheel travel trailers (the largest and most luxurious of the bunch — sometimes even larger and nicer than Class A motorhomes!). However, trailers run the gamut from tiny, soft-sided pop-up trailers to sprawling towable mansions on wheels.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent Different RV Classes?

Along with their other differences, it’s true that there are cost differences between the RV classes. As you might expect, Class A RVs tend to be the most expensive, while Class B and Class C RVs are sometimes available more affordably. (However, there are some fancy Sprinter Vans out there that break the mold in this regard!)

Not every traditional rental outfit offers access to all the different RV classes, but on RVshare, you can find Class A, Class B, and Class C RVs for rent, all at affordable prices. You may find that the most luxurious Class As come at a higher price than a more modest Class C, but it’s usually possible to find any of these RVs for rent on our platform for between $150 and $300 per night.

How Do You Choose Which Class of RV is Right for a Trip?

Every trip is different, as is every traveler. Each RV is best suited for specific types of adventures — and adventurers. But here are some quick guidelines.

• If you’re most interested in luxurious accommodations or traveling with a lot of people, a Class A RV may be the best bet — provided you’re not hoping to travel into rugged or off-grid territory.
• If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road option perfect for families and adaptable to many different travel destinations, a Class C RV could be the right option for you.
• Finally, if you’re interested in more adventurous, stealthy, or out-there travel and are traveling either solo or as a couple, a Class B RV might make sense.

Key Takeaways

• Class A RVs are the biggest and most luxurious motorhomes, built onto commercial truck or bus chassis
• Class B RVs are also known as camper vans, and are built onto van chassis (or converted from existing vans)
• Class C RVs are the middle of the road between the two extremes, and are built onto heavy-duty pickup truck chassis

All three types make excellent vacation vehicles. It’s all about choosing what’s right for you in the moment — so shop around for the perfect rental RV in your area today!

Class A vs. Class B vs. Class C RVs: Frequently Asked Questions