Setting out on a cross-country trek on the open road with your window down, enjoying the scenery, taking in the smells of newly mown hay, with easy access to all the comforts of home is a dream many among us would love to fulfill. Class A RVs represent the epitome of extravagance and expediency in the modern world of recreational vehicle camping. “Glamping” is another term for it. These “Land Yachts”, are for all intents and purposes rolling mansions that come with expansive interiors, lavish facilities, and the call of never-ending adventure. But as with any purchase, a Class A RV comes with its own unique set of benefits and concerns that potential buyers must seriously consider. In a previous post, we’ve covered the basics on each of the various types of recreational vehicles. Now we’ll dig a bit deeper to take a look at the specific intricacies of the Class A RV, taking time to examine both the advantages and potential disadvantages in an effort to assist you in making an informed decision.
Advantages of Class A RVs
1 – Class A RVs are distinguished by their luxurious interiors, resembling small, well-appointed homes on wheels. Featuring plush seating and top-quality appliances, these so-called “land yachts” spare no expense in delivering travelers a well-appointed “glamping” experience. Huge living quarters, featuring entertainment systems, provide relaxation and enjoyment during long trips. Premium finishes and upscale fixtures contribute to a setting of class and comfort that matches many upscale hotels.
Spacious Interiors
One of the most distinguishing advantages of Class A RVs is their large living space. These rolling mansions often feature multiple slide-outs which drastically increase the available space. This is particularly important for larger families and groups traveling together. With all that room to move about, you and your companions can enjoy freedom and mobility not available in smaller classes of RVs. Full-size kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, along with laundry facilities combine to make this truly a home on the road.
Extensive Amenities
State-of-the-art entertainment systems, such as flat-screen televisions and surround sound speakers offer up entertainment options for your crew to enjoy during long drives as well as quiet evenings indoors. Modern kitchen appliances, such as full-size refrigerators, gas stoves, convection ovens and microwaves, enable you to prepare gourmet meals with ease. Believe it or not, some of these units even come with heated floors, king-sized beds, and spa-like bathrooms combine to bring your RV experience up to an entirely new level of luxury.
Enhanced Storage Capacity
Ample storage space for your equipment, provisions, and personal belongings is a feature synonymous with Class A motorhomes. Large exterior compartments and basement storage areas allow you to pack whatever you need for longer trips without the need to sacrifice living space. This abundance of storage space is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts who have to bring along equipment for activities such as hiking, biking, golf, hunting or fishing. Some Class A models offer advanced storage solutions, such as slide-out cargo trays or pass-through storage compartments to maximize logistical efficiency.
2 – Superior Towing Capacity
Class A motorhomes are built on heavy-duty chassis platforms providing them with remarkable towing capacities, allowing RV travelers to bring along additional recreational vehicles, trailers, or boats, expanding their recreational options. You have the option of going into the rough country with your off-road vehicle in tow or enjoy waterfront activities with your boat in tow. As a Class A RV owner, you can benefit from the flexibility to customize your adventures from one trip to the next, depending upon to your own particular interests.
3 – Considerations When Choosing a Class A RV
The spaciousness of Class A RVs is no doubt a selling point. That said, it also presents challenges in terms of size and maneuverability. Class A vehicles can be daunting to navigate through narrow streets, tight parking lots, or congested campgrounds. The limited visibility from the cockpit seat, along with the need to be extra cautious during tight maneuvering require a degree of skill and confidence behind the wheel. Potential buyers need to evaluate their comfort level with regard to the handling of such large vehicles and think about the logistical implications of touring in Class A RVs.
4 – Fuel Consumption and Operating Expense
The massive size and weight of Class A (and Class C) RVs result in higher fuel consumption compared to smaller RV classes. Travelers should anticipate increased expenses associated with fueling these vehicles, especially during long-distance journeys. My research tells me to expect between 6 to 10 mpg. When I drove my Class C, my average was 8 mpg.
As you soon come to realize, your maintenance and operational costs for Class A RVs can be substantial, especially when you factor in such expenses as insurance, registration fees, and routine servicing. Budget-conscious purchasers need to carefully evaluate the long-term financial impact of owning and operating a Class A motorhome.
5 – Campground Site Accessibility
Despite their popularity, Class A RV owners may from time to time come upon restrictions with campground accessibility. Some campgrounds, have size restrictions or limited accommodations for large motorhomes. Travelers with Class A RVs may occasionally find it difficult to obtain suitable campsites or negotiate narrow roads going to their desired destinations. Pre-planning, researching facilities and securing reservations are important steps toward ensuring a smooth experience and avoiding possible problems.
6 – Parking and Storage Considerations
When you are not using your Class A RV, you will need a place to store it, either at home or in a dedicated storage facility. Unlike smaller RVs that might fit in your driveway or garage, Class A motorhomes frequently require specialized arrangements for storage because of their size and height. Your options for storing your Class A RV might possibly be limited if you are in an urban or otherwise congested area, requiring you to carefully plan for alternative parking solutions. Potential buyers need to assess storage needs and look for accessible options.
7 – Initial Purchase Price and Depreciation
The purchase price of your Class A RV can be significant, if not prohibitive, with the most luxurious models commanding six-figure price tags or more. While these RVs offer unequaled comfort and amenities, you as the buyer must carefully analyze your budget and financing options to determine if it is within your budget. Class A RVs are subject to depreciation, and values diminishing over time due to factors such as wear and tear, technological advancements, and changes in market demand. Prospective buyers should research resale values and consider the long-term financial implications of RV ownership before making a purchase decision.
With all that in mind, it might be worth considering pre-owned Class A RVs
8 – A Few Tips for Finding Affordable, High-Quality Used RVs
In your search for an affordable yet well-maintained quality used Class A motorhome, there are a number of strategies that can help you successfully navigate the market. It is imperative that you conduct thorough research. Utilizing online resources such as classified ads, auction sites, and specialized RV marketplaces can improve your familiarity of pricing trends and available stock.
Not to come across as predatory, you might be able to find a good quality RV following the death of an owner when the heirs are settling the estate, either by private sale or auction. You can contact auctioneers in your area, let them know what you are in the market for, and ask them to email you details of any upcoming auctions that would be of interest to you. Or you could consider doing the same with estate lawyers who handle disbursal of assets on behalf of heirs. Keep your eyes open as you drive through the country or through a campground. You never know when you will find something parked at the end of a driveway or in a camping site with a FOR SALE sign in its window. And of course, there is the easier way, checking websites of RV dealers for units that have been traded in.
When appraising potential Class A motorhomes, it’s important to look closely at both the exterior and interior. Check for signs of mechanical issues, water damage, or structural problems. Additionally, paying attention to the vehicle’s maintenance history and mileage if that information is available can provide you with invaluable understanding of its overall condition and durability.
If you are willing to consider older models or those with higher mileage, you can often realize significant cost savings, IF they have been well-maintained. Keep in mind that it’s crucial to balance initial purchase price affordability with the long-term dependability and serviceability of the RV.
Your negotiation skills will play a crucial role in getting a good deal. You have to know going in what the RV is worth and what you are prepared to pay. And you have to be willing to walk away if the price isn’t right or be ready to negotiate. An auction is a different scenario altogether, but the same principles apply. Do your homework before the auction. Know what the market value is – and it is VERY important to know the mechanical condition of the RV before you make any assumptions about its value. Once you know what the market says it’s worth, ask yourself what it is worth to you, and that is your bidding limit. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, the heat of the moment, and get drawn into a bidding war. Discipline yourself, or don’t go to the auction.
An auction presents two interesting prospective outcomes. If the RV is a good one, and you are the only one there who is ready and able to bid anywhere close to its market value, you may come away with a great buy. So remember to start with a low bid. You can always come up. On the other hand, you can get into a bidding war over an RV that, once you paid too much for it, you find out it has a lot of expensive-to-fix issues. The thing about an auction is, it is happening fast, and you need to have already done your thinking before the bidding begins. Any other way of buying will normally allow you enough time to do your homework and have someone in the know to look it over. If not, you can go on down the road to the next one.
Exploring your financing options and considering purchasing from private sellers can sometimes offer you a better deal as compared to buying from dealerships.
Last, but not least, investing a small amount of money in a professional inspection before finalizing your purchase can provide you with peace of mind by uncovering potential issues that may not be readily apparent at first glance.