With modern life being a hectic whirlwind, it can be nice to hit the road and escape it all. In fact, nothing beats being on vacation with good company, whilst having the comfort and convenience of home life. One of the most popular ways to do this is via a motorhome. While there are a wide variety of motorhomes currently on the market, if you’re traveling with large groups or want to travel in luxury, a class-a motorhome would be the best option. This guide will be looking at the best A-class motorhomes on the market today and how to choose the correct one for your specific needs.
Also see our: Best Travel Trailers Guide | Best Class C Motorhomes
The Benefits of Class-A Motorhomes
The a-class range of motorhomes is MASSIVE, and for very good reason as there are many benefits to owning a class-a motorhome. For starters, this type of motorhome is large and luxurious.
The two biggest benefits of a class-a motorhome are just how spacious and luxurious they feel. They typically have premium-quality fixtures and fittings that aren’t found in other types of motorhomes.
Want the luxury, but without the sheer size? Luckily there are a few manufacturers that offer slightly narrower models. We would recommend looking at both Hymer and Pilote manufacturers.
A-class motorhomes typically have enormous windscreens, which are mostly a good thing. These wide screens offer unbeatable views of the road, which is essential when driving such a large vehicle, although the screen is expensive to replace.
Well-insulated rooms are another great benefit of a-class motorhomes, which are especially needed when traveling in winter conditions and at night. With that said, some heat will be lost through the large windows.
This type of motorhome usually includes a drop-down double bed above the lounge area, which is perfect for allowing extra guests to stay the night. This is a luxury not found in every RV.
Regardless of the obvious advantages of a class-a motorhome, be sure to have a test drive before making a big decision. You may see all the benefits, and then think this type of motorhome is best for you, but in practicality, you may be uncomfortable driving something so big.
Renting vs. Buying Class-A Motorhomes
Now, class-a motorhomes certainly aren’t cheap. By providing both transportation and comfortable living space, the cost of a class-a motorhome is unsurprisingly high.
The entry-level class-a motorhomes have basic amenities, such as a toilet, kitchen, and bedroom. The more expensive models have luxurious interiors that include extras, such as dining rooms, hot tubs, closets, and desks.
The average cost of motorhomes means that there is a very active rental market for class-a motorhomes. This market allows users to take advantage of luxury vacations, without having to splash a load of cash at once. However, you’re not out of the woods just yet, as rental prices are still high. The more luxurious class-a motorhomes can cost around $300 per night, and that’s before other travel costs are taken into account. Renting directly from a private owner on the peer-to-peer market is the best way to go, as this cuts out the middle man and allows you to deal directly.
With that said, buying a motorhome can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you take frequent vacations. Before buying a motorhome, it is still recommended to rent the vehicle before making any big investments. Doing this allows you to test the waters. In fact, you could even rent a few different types of class-a motorhomes, which will allow you to find the perfect one for your specific needs.
The 2021 Lineup of Reviews for The Best Class-A Motorhomes
The Newmar Dutch Star 4369 Review – Best Overall
As the best-selling class-a motorhome on the market, the Newmar Dutch Star is our top pick, and it is not hard to see why. A simple look inside will tell you everything you need to know. The Newmar Dutch Star is a luxurious class-a motorhome that is built to an exceptional standard. In fact, Newmar pays great attention to detail on all of their vehicles. As such, they are some of the priciest RVs that you can find. Some of the custom-designed class-a motorhomes have been sold for over one million dollars!
Alongside its fantastic build quality, the motorhome has great mileage. In fact, it gives 11 miles per gallon, which is impressive for a motorhome of this weight.
The Forest River FR3 25DS Review – Best Small Class-A Motorhome
It is rare to find class-a motorhomes that are small in size. With that said, there are a couple of choices, with the Forest River FR3 25DS being our number one choice. This is a class-a motorhome under 25 feet long, but with enough space to still offer comfortable living. As the best class-a motorhome under 35 feet, it even has a slide-out king-sized bed! In regards to mileage, it gives 8 miles per gallon, which increases to 12.5 miles during better conditions.
Are you on a budget? The Holiday Rambler Navigator is the one for you. The motorhome offers the usual comforts of a class-a, but at a fraction of the price. It offers excellent comfort and great value for money.
Although it is a relatively cheap class-a motorhome, the Holiday Rambler Navigator has all the comforts of your regular home, while allowing you to travel with class.
Fleetwood Discovery 39G Review – Best Class-A Motorhome for Families
If you will be traveling with your family, you may want to check out the Fleetwood Discovery 39G. In fact, it is a great class-a motorhome for kids. The reason we like it so much is due to the impressive sleeping arrangements. The RV has seven areas for people to sleep, which is much more than the typical maximum of four. The unit also comes with a range of helpful amenities, like a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
Coachmen Mirada 35BH Review– Safest Class-A Motorhome
From one of the fasting growing manufacturers in the space, we need to mention the Coachmen Mirada. Available in three different paint jobs, we love the look of this motorhome. It has a unique angled dash that gives the driver a superior vision of the road. It also has cameras just above the tires to see oncoming traffic. These two features make this one of the safest class-a motorhomes.
You’ll get 8-9 miles per gallon with the Mirada 35B (7.5 with a tow). The interior isn’t the most luxurious when compared to the Newmar Dutch, but this is a reliable motorhome that can be found at low prices.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorhome
Before choosing the right class-a motorhome, we need to consider a few important factors. A good idea is to make a list of all the features and requirements you want from your motorhome, with careful consideration paid to the following factors:
- Size
- Exterior
- Interiors
- Amenities
These four factors need to align with your own personal needs. For example, if you’re a large family, you will need a large class-a motor home that has enough beds for everyone. You can always make alternations and decorate your motorhome, just like you would with your house.
How Much Does a Class-A Motorhome Weigh?
The average class-a motorhome weighs between 3.5 and 7 tons. For anyone that has ever been inside this type of motorhome, this will not come as a surprise. Before committing to a class-a, you should check your license entitlements to make sure everything is okay.
For those that need a class-a motorhome under 3.5 tonnes, there are a few manufacturers, like Hymer, that offer just what you need.
Interior and Exterior Quality of a Class-A Motorhome
Where class-a motorhomes really shine is in the quality of both the interior and exterior. But it is important to pay close attention to the quality compared to other models and manufacturers. The basic interior features you should expect are a kitchenette, toilet and bath, living area, and spaces to sleep.
This research includes finding out which materials were used to build the structure of the home. For example, finding out whether the coatings are prone to rust or can they withstand extreme heat or cold. You should also check out the current condition of the windows, especially if you are purchasing a second-hand class-a motorhome.
All good homes must have a good source of light. So if you want a motorhome that has good lighting, ensure there are large windows that can be revealed when needed. On a similar note, are the curtains effective enough at preventing light when you would prefer darkness?
What Is The Typical Class-A Motorhome Gas Mileage?
As we have mentioned, class-a motorhomes are large vehicles that are stacked with premium amenities. Unsurprisingly, this comfort isn’t always a good thing, as this type of RV has low miles per gallon. Some a-class motorhomes have no more than 4-6 miles per gallon, which significantly increases fuel costs and how often you need to stop. Fortunately, there are some manufacturers that create more fuel-efficient class-a motorhomes. We like the Newmar Dutch Star.
Lounging space in a Class-A Motorhome
No vacation would be complete without some relaxation on the road. Fortunately, almost all motorhomes have communal areas for the whole family to relax and unwind. Although some have fold-out sofas, most class-a motorhomes have complete sofa areas that allow you to lie down. Owners can make changes to the sofas and other furniture, just like in the living room in their own home.
Class-A Motorhomes with Entertainment Hubs
If you’re traveling with children, entertainment is a must. Even for us adults, a TV is a very welcome feature and essential for many. Fortunately, most class-a motorhomes come with TVs and other entertainment systems. The more luxurious motorhomes will have a radio, CD player, Bluetooth, USD ports, WiFi, DVD players, and widescreen televisions – among other things.
Cooking and Dining in a Class-A Motorhome
Unlike camping, motorhomes have sophisticated cookers that allow you to cook a wide variety of meals. With that said, different motorhomes offer different kitchen utilities.
You need to make a note of what you need from a motorhome in regards to cooking and dining. For example, if you’re vacating with a large family, you will likely want a large kitchen that can easily handle large cooks. If you’re planning to do bulk shops, you will need to ensure you get a class-a motorhome with a fridge.
As a general rule, invest in a motor home that at least has a sink to wash, stove to cook, countertop to prepare, and fridge for storage. You will likely also want a microwave.
As luxury motorhomes, class-a motorhomes typically come with a table and chair area near to the kitchen and a large window, this provides an ideal place for family dinners.
Sleeping Space in a Class-A Motorhome
One of the biggest benefits of having a motorhome is the quality of sleep that you can get. Unlike camping outside or in uncomfortable hotel beds, a class-a motorhome allows users to sleep in comfort.
When looking at which class-a motorhome to buy, you should take the bedroom space into account. This type of RV usually contains multiple bedrooms and a large lounge area, but make sure to shop around to find one that suits your needs the most. For example, you may want to install your own bed, you may require a king mattress, or you may need extra bed space for your kids.
Toilet or Bathroom in a Class-A Motorhome
Class-A motorhomes typically include large bathrooms and toilets. This is good news for people who appreciate extra space when washing and taking care of personal matters. Many of these types of motorhomes even include showers. If not, you may want to consider a portable shower, as one of these.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed reading this class-a motorhome buyer’s guide. With such an array of motorhomes on the market, it can be difficult to pick just one. Before making your purchase, it is wise to read all available information. You should make a note of your exact requirements. You will need to figure out the space needed and how much you’re willing to spend – among other things. By reading through this guide, you should have a good idea of which motorhome is the correct one for you.
See Also: Best Smart Home Safety Apps (Top 10 Roundup)
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