Class A Motor HomeAn introduction to recreational vehicle types This is a brief introduction to the Class A Motor Home type of recreational vehicle, intended to provide essential information for choosing the best RV type. (Looking for Class A Manufacturers?) Tip: Not sure if this is the right RV type for you? Please take a look at Getting Started. Definition![]() Photo courtesy of Gulf Stream Coach The Class A motor home is a recreational vehicle built on a stripped truck chassis where the driving compartment is an integral part of the RV interior. Class A motor homes look like busses. Unlike the Class C motor home, the chassis of a Class A does not come from the factory with a driving compartment (or cab). The chassis includes the following major components: frame, engine, fuel tank, axles, drive train, wheels, tires, steering column, engine and braking controls, and dashboard instruments. Other terms used for Class A motor home:
Sub-TypesThe Class A motor home has one sub-type: Bus ConversionThe name gives it away—a bus conversion is a commercial passenger bus that has been converted into an RV. Some bus conversions are easy to spot because their previous skin is mostly intact. Often these look like a Greyhound bus. Some bus conversions undergo major remodeling inside and out, and are more difficult to see their origin. One of the most used platforms for luxury conversions is the Prevost bus. Though not sub-types, people often refer to some Class A's as a pusher or diesel pusher. A pusher is a motor home with rear mounted engine for the purposes of better accommodating large engines. Two other benefits of having the engine in the rear is the reduced engine noise and the ability to install the main door near the front of the vehicle. Class A Motor Home Pros
Class A Motor Home Cons
RV ChecklistsThe following RV checklists on our web site are applicable to Class A motor homes:
Other ResourcesA list of recommended Class A motor home resources on our web site: |