With so many different kinds of motorhomes out there, it can be tough to choose which is best for you. Size, space, storage, mpg, and comfort are all factors that play into which RV you ultimately choose.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at all the different types of drivable RVs and determining which ones are easiest to drive, which ones offer the most space, and more.
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Drivable RV?
Drivable RVs, also called motorhomes, are RVs that you drive rather than tow. There are three main types, or classes, of drivable RVs.
Motorhome sizes vary from very large to very small and just about everywhere in between.
The largest motorhomes come in lengths of 45’ or longer, and the shortest are the size of a regular pickup truck or van.
Types of Drivable RVs
There are three main types of drivable RVs called “classes.” Each class of RV has a very specific look, so once you become familiar with the terms, it’s easy to tell them apart.
Pro Tip: Unsure what RV class type is right for you? Learn more about the The Pros and Cons of RV Class Types.
Class A
Class A RVs are the largest of all drivable RVs. These motorhomes look similar to a bus. A class A motorhome is a tall and long RV with a big flat front and large windshield.
Class A gas RVs have an engine in the front, and class A diesel RVs have an engine in the back and are sometimes called “diesel pushers.”
These RVs have the most space for living and storage of all the drivable RV types.
Class B
The class B RVs are the smallest of all the drivable RV types. These RVs are basically campervans. Built in a van body, these small RVs are nimble, can fit in a regular parking spot, and get better gas mileage, too.
They have the smallest living space and least storage of all the driveable RV types.
Class C
These RVs are drivable RVs with an area that sits over the cab of the vehicle. The cab of Class C RVs looks and feels similar to a pickup truck or large van, and the cabover area juts out over the roof.
The cabover area will either have a bed, cabinets, or an entertainment system.
Class C RVs are smaller than class A RVs, but they can still come in lengths greater than 35’.
The smallest class C RVs come in lengths of around 20’.
Do I Need a Special License to Drive an RV?
In the majority of U.S. states, you don’t need a special license to drive an RV.
The states that do have special licensing requirements only do so for very large RVs. Arkansas, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming require a special license if your RV is more than 26,000 pounds.
California requires one if your RV is longer than 40’.
The Easiest RV to Drive: Class B
Class B RVs are undoubtedly the easiest type of motorhome to drive.
These RVs sit on a van body, so driving one feels just like driving a tall van. They’re easy to maneuver, and most class B RVs can fit in a regular parking space.
These RVs also get the best gas mileage out of any drivable RV on the market, anywhere from 15 – 22 mpg.
Benefits of Class B Motorhomes
The versatility and great gas mileage are some of the top benefits. These RVs are comfortable to drive and have all the comforts of home in a very small space.
Class B RVs make great weekend road trip vehicles and full-time RVs for those who don’t mind living tiny.
Disadvantages of Class B Motorhomes
Since class B RVs are so small, there’s limited space inside for movement and creature comforts. Some class B RVs don’t have bathrooms, and many have a modular space that you have to rearrange for living or sleeping.
There’s not a lot of storage in a class B RV, either.
Finally, one last disadvantage of class B RVs is that you typically don’t can’t bring along a tow vehicle.
This means that you have to break camp every time you want to run errands, which can be a major hassle.
Is It Easier to Drive a Class B Than Tow an RV Trailer?
Driving a class B RV can be easier than towing an RV trailer, depending on how big the trailer is.
With the right truck and trailer combo, many RVers say they don’t even notice the trailer behind them. The real answer to this question lies in how comfortable you are with towing a trailer.
Pro Tip: Ready to buy a Class B RV? We found The Most Affordable Class B RV in 2021.
Tips for Safely Driving a Class B Motorhome
Driving a class B RV is easier and more comfortable than other drivable RV types. But that doesn’t mean that you can just drive it like it’s a regular car! Here are some tips.
Always make sure your cargo is secure. In the event of a hard brake or other sudden movement, belongings inside the RV can become projectiles and cause damage to you or the RV itself.
Always make sure everything is tucked away before driving.
Stay one step ahead of tire problems by using a tire pressure monitoring system. These devices monitor the temperature and pressure in your tires to help diagnose and prevent tire issues and blowouts before they happen.
Take it slow! Just because your RV is small doesn’t mean it’s not still an RV. Class B RVs are heavy and take a bit longer to come to a complete stop than regular cars.
And they can feel boxy and top-heavy, too, so be sure to take it slow around corners and curves.
Drivable RVs Are a Great Choice
When it comes to choosing the best RV for you, the question between drivables and towables is more about personal preferences than “which is better.”
Drivable RVs are a great choice for those who don’t have a large truck for towing or want to access the RV while in transit or at rest stops.
Each class has a learning curve, but you’ll be driving comfortably once you get used to it.
Which type of drivable RV appeals most to you? Drop a comment below!
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