If you have ambitions to travel the country in style and luxury, there’s no better way to do it than in a Class A RV. Class A RVs are like tiny homes on wheels (and are the most luxurious RVs of any sort).
But not all Class A RVs are identical. Like with other RV types, there’s an assortment of different types and sizes of Class A motorhomes available.
Making the right choice is essential if you want to make the most of your travels (and have enough space and amenities for you and your fellow campers).
What Exactly is a Class A Motorhome?
Class A motorhomes are the cream of the crop when it comes to the RV industry. They are easily the most luxurious and expensive RV class. But with that big price tag, comes even bigger living spaces. Class A RVs rank as the largest type of RV and typically have the most storage.
Class As are also racked with luxury finishes if you weren’t already sold. From solid surface kitchen countertops to porcelain tile floors, the options are endless with luxury Class A rigs.
Class A motorhomes have flat fronts and rears and look very similar to Greyhound buses. They typically weigh over 20,000 pounds and are usually built on a bus chassis rather than a van or truck chassis like Class B and C motorhomes.
The only downside of Class A motorhomes is that you’ll have a hard time finding a good option if you’re on a budget. Most Class A RVs cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1,000,000, especially when you venture into the diesel pusher Class A rigs. Therefore, your budget must be vast (and flexible) if you’re shopping for a Class A motorhome.
Top Class A RV Brands
As with all types of vehicles, certain Class A motorhome brands are better than others. But better how? For starters, these brands tend to hold their value better over time. They also take luxury and class to the next level, never overlooking the importance of the finer details–be it luxury wall trim, cabinet hardware, or bathroom fixtures.
Here are the most coveted Class A brands on the market:
Top Class A RVs for 2024
Luxury Pick: Newmar King Aire
With a starting price of just over $1.6 million, the Newmar King Aire is easily the most luxurious Class A motorhome on the market. The King Aire is marked by outstanding interior features, including a full kitchen, stainless steel appliances, hardwood cabinets, leather furniture, granite countertops, and a full bathroom.
The King Aire is also one of the most powerful and durable Class A rigs, as it’s built on a Spartan chassis and features the best diesel Class A motor available.
You have four different floor plans to choose from with King Aire, and each one features a rear private bedroom with a king bed, extra sleeping space in the front, and an exterior entertainment center.
- Starting price: $1,615,360
- Ideal for: Full-time living, luxury travel, and retired individuals
- Features: Includes a residential refrigerator, roof-mounted electric awnings, and stainless steel convection microwave.
Image courtesy of Newmar
Best Diesel Option: Tiffin Allegro RED
When it comes to Class A motorhomes, you often have the choice between a gas and a diesel option. If you decide that a diesel-powered Class A is the way to go, the Tiffin Allegro RED is one of the best options available.
The Tiffin Allegro RED features a powerful diesel engine and a durable rear-engine diesel chassis. It can sleep up to eight people and has different floor options available, with some models featuring a full bathroom, a half shower, and a bath.
- Starting price: $300,000
- Ideal for: Perfect for families and full-time travelers
- Features: Includes a stainless steel sink, full-body paint, a king bed in the master bedroom, and a passenger seat workstation.
Image courtesy of Tiffin
Top Gas Model: Forest River FR3
If you decide that a gas-powered Class A is better for your needs, the Forest River FR3 is considered a top option. The Forest River FR3, specifically the 34DS, is spacious and powerful despite having a gas engine. With a lower starting price, it’s also one of the best budget Class A rigs on the market.
Despite a lower asking price, the Forest River FR3 has many of the same amenities as larger Class A rigs, but in a smaller package. It makes up for its slightly shorter length by having a full wall slide out, which makes the interior feel larger than it actually is.
- Starting Price: $200,000
- Ideal for: New RV owners and those with small families
- Features: Includes a fiberglass roof, master bedroom with king bed and on-suite full bathroom, extra half bath, full kitchen, and an electric fireplace.
Image courtesy of Forest River
Best Class A Motorhome for Full-Time Living: Newmar Dutch Star
Once again, Newmar enters our list of best Class A motorhomes for 2024. The Newmar Dutch Star is ideal for full-time RVers and larger families, as it can sleep anywhere from seven to ten people, depending on your floor plan.
The Dutch Star is not available as a gas Class RV, has a gross vehicle weight rating of 41,000 pounds, and is ideal for towing a vehicle. While being luxurious and spacious, it’s one of the more affordable Class A RVs that Newmar has to offer.
- Starting Price: $564,340
- Ideal for: Great for families and full-time RVers
- Features: This model features solid-surface countertops, cruise control, sleeping arrangements for up to 10 people, and handicap-accessible floor plan options.
Image courtesy of Newmar
Best Compact Class A Option: Thor Vegas 24.1
Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to Class A RVs. If you want to travel the country in style but need a compact and more fuel-efficient RV to do it in, you’ll want a shorter rig. If that’s the case, the Thor Vegas is the way to go.
Because it’s slightly shorter and more compact, the Thor Vegas is easy to drive and also the cheapest Class A rig on our list. However, it doesn’t mince in terms of luxurious amenities, as it features custom cabinetry, a full kitchen, aluminum wheels, and more.
- Starting Price: $169,350
- Ideal for: Individuals, couples, or families of three traveling the country
- Features: A modern Dash radio system, state-of-the-art Rapid Camp and Multiplex System controls, a loft drop-down bunk, and a convection microwave oven.
Image courtesy of Thor
Final Thoughts
The key to choosing the best Class A motorhome for you is considering your needs, budget, and amenities. It’s also important to decide if you want a new or used Class A rig, as plenty of RV dealers offer either option.
Once you know which motorhome you plan to purchase, you’ll also need to find somewhere to store it. Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, to find safe and affordable RV storage near you. The storage accommodations you find with Neighbor will ensure that your used or new Class A motorhome is protected and ready to go for your next outing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes the Most Reliable RV Class A?
If you’re worried about reliability, Newmar, Tiffin, Entegra, and Thor make the most reliable motorhomes of any class.
What Is the Best Size Class A RV?
In most cases, the best size Class A RV is anywhere from 35 to 45 feet. These typically have the best towing capacity, the most storage space, and adequate sleeping accommodations.
What Is the Best Motorhome Class a Brand?
The best Class A motorhome brand is generally considered to be Newmar or Thor. Newmar produces the most luxurious motorhomes, while Thor is considered the top-selling brand.
Why Not to Buy a Class A Motorhome?
There are three potential downsides to purchasing a Class A motorhome. Class A motorhomes are by far the most expensive type of RV. Additionally, they’re the tallest and heaviest RV type–which can negatively impact maneuverability and fuel efficiency. If you plan to travel outside of your campsite and need a daily driver, you’ll also need to tow a second vehicle behind you (due to parking limitations). However, if you value luxury and quality and have room in your budget, Class A rigs are the best in the business.
