Class A Gas RVs
- Class A RVs are built on larger,
longer chassis that are designed specifically
for RVs or larger vehicles. These are the
"Big Boys" that look similar to buses.
All of the benefits of owning a Class A Gas RV
also apply to Class A Diesels, however the Gas
versions do have a few more drawbacks than the
diesels.
- The Good News
- Larger interior space.
Since these RVs are not
modified versions of some other
class of vehicle, they're
built with RVing
exclusively in mind.
- Like 5th Wheels,
Class A RVs have several
slide-out options,
giving you the
opportunity to add more
living space while
you're parked.
This greatly increases
your floor plan options
as well. Check out
the full-side slide on
the new Fleetwood
Pace
Arrow 36D
or the interesting
configuration of
Winnebago's new
Adventurer 38T plan!
The driver &
passenger seating area
is
incorporated into the
living room. While
you're parked, you can
turn the two seats
toward the interior of the
RV so that you have more
seating in the living
area.
Larger bedrooms,
kitchens, and bathrooms
are all advantages of Class A
RVs.
Full-size appliances
are, for the most part,
standard, and there's
usually no problem
finding a place to
install an optional
washer/dryer combo.
There's plenty of
room for passengers to
spread out and move
around while you are on
the road.
Ceiling height is
usually tall enough for
anyone at 7' or higher.
Abundant interior and
exterior storage are standard.
There's room for everything you
might hope to take on your
trip...even over-size objects
like skis or outdoor tables and
chairs.
Class A RVs have larger tank
capacities than any other class
of RV. That means larger
fresh/gray/black water tanks,
larger LP Gas tanks, and larger
fuel tanks too. You'll have the flexibility to
dry-camp or "boondock"
more easily and more often, and
you won't have to make as many
trips to the dump station or the
gas pump.
Generator space is included.
While manufacturers and dealers
refer to generators as "optional
equipment," they're typically
installed before the units hit
the lot for sale.
Towing ability is usually
adequate, so you can tow a boat,
a small car (toad), or other trailers.
Exterior amenity options are
vast: exterior showers,
awnings, entertainment centers.
You have far more custom choices
available with a Class A.
Vehicle lengths vary from 26 to 39
feet...one for every need and
budget--priced new from the low
$70s to around $140k.
There's nothing quite like
looking through the windshield
of a Class A RV! I've
often said that even when
they're parked on a dealer's lot
and the only view is of a brick
wall or another RV, I can still
"see the world" through the
dash-to-ceiling windshield.
Better suspension = smoother
ride.
Auto-leveling is, for the
most part, standard. All
you have to do is pull into your
campsite and push one button.
The leveling is done
automatically as opposed to the
cranks, levers and blocks
required to level most other
classes of RVs.
- The Bad News
- Gas mileage is a tough pill to swallow. Don't expect anything better than
single-digit MPG.
- Moving to a Class A RV means more interior room. Why do they typically sleep fewer
people than cheaper trailers and Class C RVs? I don't know the answer, but this may sometimes
be the case. If you plan to travel with a large family, make sure you select an RV with plenty
of room for everyone to sleep.
- These are large vehicles that are usually powered by the best gas engines on the market: Ford
6.8L Triton V10s or Workhorse 8.1L Vortec V8s. That being said, these are gas engines in huge
RVs. You may experience challenges in
mountainous driving conditions or while towing. This is
a weakness that Class A
Diesels overcome.
- The engine is practically inside the cabin, between the two front seats. This may contribute to
heat and noise in the cabin area.
- Driving vehicles this large can be a challenge for some, although it is much easier than you may think.
My wife's biggest objection to a Class A was that she was afraid of
becoming a "white knuckle wife."
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