Motor homes are divided into three classes, depending on their frames and chassis: A, B and C. A Class A motor home is a large vehicle that can extend up to 40 feet in length. Class A homes are usually the costliest and are recognizable by their bus-like appearance. They can be designed to accommodate large families or just a few people, but they are usually luxurious and contain the most amenities. Class B motor homes are made of converted vans and handle on the road just like a regular van does. Class C motor homes are essentially Class B motor homes with an extended foundation to accommodate more interior room.
A Class A motor home, sometimes called a motor coach, usually has a diesel engine, which can be placed at the front or the back of the vehicle. Some Class A motor homes are created by converting a bus into a home. Many states require a commercial driver's license to operate a Class A home. This type of motor home can be used to tow other vehicles, including cars.
Many Class B motor homes have extended roofs to accommodate walking upright, but they are the size of a large passenger or commercial van otherwise. Class B motor homes are often called camper vans or conversion vans. A conversion van usually means, as the name implies, a van that is converted into a motor home. This type of motor home is usually the cheapest of the three types and doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license. However, because of the size, Class B homes usually are used for short trips of a week or so.
Class C motor homes are bigger than Class B but not as big as Class A homes. To make a Class C home, the chassis of a truck or van is cut away and the home is built on this frame. This type of home usually looks like a moving truck with a bed compartment over the cab. The Class C usually is rated a safer motor home than the Class A and does not require a commercial driver’s license. It can be used to tow vehicles.
