Finding the right motorhome for your trip can be a challenging task. If you are a first-time buyer, the amount of information may seem overwhelming. Do you need class C, class B or class A vehicle? What size? What price? There are many things to consider while buying or renting a motorhome. Read below and find a handful of important information that is useful to collect before visiting a motorhome dealer.
The Basic Questions Are:
- What is your budget?
- What kind of trip or trips do you plan?
- How many people will be included?
- How much space do you need?
- Do you want to buy a new vehicle or a used one?
- Where do you want to go?
Once you know the answers, you should be able to choose a motorhome of your dreams. For shorter journeys, such as weekends, you can easily go for small vehicles. However, if you plan to travel for several weeks or months, you might need more space and a larger motorhome. Before purchasing, also think about the number of beds you need and where you want them to be located. The unnecessary mistake many people make is to choose a motorhome with beds for both their children and grandchildren, while in reality, it is rarely more than four people who travel at the same time.
Different Types of Motorhomes
Before you make a decision, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the different types of motorhomes that exist. No matter which type, you don’t need to worry about driving too slow - today’s motorhomes have more than enough power to keep the speed limits on both highways and hills. Here you get some info and overview of the benefits of the different motorhome classes.
Class C (also known as alcove motorhomes)
The alcove motorhome is a traditional model that is often seen along British roads, with the bedroom above the driver’s seat and living room behind it. Motorhomes with alcove are the optimal motorhome for families with children or for a large group of friends travelling together. They have much space inside, often with bunk beds for the children and a large double bed for the adults. Thus, children can have a separate bedroom from their parents, while the seating area can be used together. The most commonly used models are Fiat and Ford, but there are also alcove motorhomes of Renault and Iveco.
Size: 20 to 30 feet, Weight: 10,000 to 13,000 pounds
Class B Vehicles (semi-integrated)
Semi-integrated motorhomes can be delivered in different weight classes and are the most popular type of motorhome in the market. The most commonly used are Fiat, Mercedes, Ford and Renault. These city cars are relatively small, easy to drive and useful in cities and areas with dense population. Class B motorhomes have accommodation for 2 to 4 people, so they’re the best option for couples who travel without children.
Despite the small size, modern semi-integrated motorhomes are almost as well equipped as the larger models. These cars are also easier to unleash, as they are not so eye-catching in the terrain. Their small size also makes it easy to park them. Another feature of class B motorhomes is their small weight, as these cars usually have a total weight of 3,500 kg. Urban cars have seen tremendous growth in Europe in recent years, and more and more people are now investing in convenient multi-purpose vehicles.
Size: 17 to 23 feet, Weight: 4,000 to 9,000 pounds
Class A motorhomes (also known as Integrated)
In this class, you will find premium motorhomes only. These are often motorhomes that are well equipped, and very few of these have a total weight below 3,500 kg. Integrated motorhomes also have a very spacious driving environment, since the car has full width all the way. Most class A models also have a large, spacious lower bed over the driver’s seats and a large bed at the back. These models will perfectly suit adult couples who want to take their grandchildren for a trip, but this type of motorhome is also great for a family with children. These cars are in a higher price layer than the other types.
Another pleasing fact about A-class motorhomes is that the manufacturers build the cab themselves. This provides better utilization of the space and good possibilities for the decor. The body is usually from Fiat, Ford, Mercedes, Iveco, MAN or Renault. Integrated motorhomes also come in different weight classes.
Size: 26 to 45 feet, Weight: 13,000 to 30,000 pounds
What to Consider When Buying or Renting a Motorhome in China
Choose the type of motorhome depending on the number of passengers you want to see during your trip. If you travel with your significant other only, consider buying Class B motorhome. It has enough space for two people, and it is easier to drive since it is not as big as Class A motorhome.
Before you hit the road, practice driving with an experienced RV driver. You need to know your turning radius and get used to the fact that you might not be able to see areas behind your vehicle while changing lines on the road. Practicing is crucial since China is famous for its busy roads, so stay concentrated and increase the confidence behind the wheel.
When buying a motorhome, choose the one with air conditioning. Summers in China can get muggy and hot, even if you are traveling up to the north.
Conclusion
Have you picked the right model of motorhome that suits you? We hope that now you can easily distinguish differences between motorhome classes. Good luck with picking the right motorhome for your trip. The West Country to Highlands and way further are waiting for passionate motorhome travellers big and small.