Searching for a perfect Class A can be overwhelming. There’s a lot of money on the line, and with so much information to sort through, it’s hard to know if you’re truly getting a good deal. Because of this, we want to make your search a little easier.
Below, we discuss what red flags to look for, including five Class As we’d scratch off our list. Let’s get started.
What Is a Class A RV?
A Class A RV is one of the largest types of campers out there. They’re motorhomes (which means they’re driveable), characterized by their flat faces and large windshields. Class As are definitely hard to miss. They’re typically between 30 ft and 40 ft long and run on gas or diesel.
They’re also known for their height and average around 13 ft tall. Because of this, owners benefit from ample storage in the “basement area” of their RV and a fantastic view of the road.
It’s true that Class A motorhomes can be intimidating to many people, but there are just as many people who love them.
What Are the Benefits of a Class A RV?
Number one is their storage. Because of their size, Class As seem to have unlimited storage, both inside the motorhome and in the outside storage bays. This makes them extremely popular for full-timing, as they truly seem like houses on wheels. What’s more, their enormous windshield can be reason enough to buy one.
There’s nothing like parking your Class A to face the ocean and relaxing with that panoramic view many people would pay millions for.
Another benefit is the fact that your home is also your vehicle. You can just hop in the driver’s seat and leave at a moment’s notice if you’re in a sketchy situation. It also makes pit stops that much easier – all you have to do is walk a few yards to your bathroom!
Why Would You Want to Avoid Certain Class A RVs?
Cheap Materials: Despite their grand appearance, not all Class As are made the same. Because of this, make sure to take a look at the fine details inside. Are the floors warped? Are the cabinets misaligned? Does the toilet seem like it’s going to tip over? These are definitely signs of cheap materials.
Poor Ride Quality: This is your reminder to give your Class A a thorough test drive before buying it. If you find that it rides rougher than you expected, or if you feel uncomfortable in any way, just imagine how you’ll feel driving across the country!
Odd Floorplan: With their high ceilings and massive windshields, it’s hard to make a Class A feel claustrophobic. Nevertheless, some manufacturers have managed to achieve this (unintentionally, of course) with poorly laid out floorplans. So, if the layout of a Class A feels awkward, try and imagine actually living in it. You may find that it’s just not the RV for you.
Shoddy Construction: Have you noticed that wavey look that some RVs have? This is called delamination, and it happens when the fiberglass walls separate from their luan backing. If your RV is fresh off the lot and has questionable construction, you might want to think twice about buying it.
Lousy Warranty: Some warranties sound great, especially when a skilled salesperson explains them to you. Unfortunately, many prove to be virtually worthless when an item that breaks isn’t covered, or you can’t find any shops in your area the warranty approves of. This is why it’s so important to read the fine print. You want a manufacturer that stands behind its product.
Pro Tip: We uncovered The Best Class A RVs for Holding Value to help you ensure you buy the perfect Class A RV.
Our 5 Least Favorite Class A RVs This Year
Below are our least favorite Class As this year. Keep in mind that many of these RVs may seem great on paper, but the reviews prove otherwise. Let’s take a look at what makes them so undesirable.
#1. Thor Windsport 34J
About: If you’re looking for a Class A motorhome with enough sleeping space for your kids, you might be tempted to get the Thor Windsport 34J. In addition to the king bed in the back, this motorhome also has bunk beds and a drop-down overhead bunk. And at 35 ft 9 in long and 12 ft 6 in tall, it’s spacious enough to accommodate a large family.
Why We’ll Pass: So, why do we avoid this Class A? Two words: online reviews. Buyers complain of appliances without proper wiring, damaged parts, leaks in the plumbing system, cracks in the gel coat, and overall cheap components.
What’s more? Reviewers also report having little to no warranty support either. As one person put it, “Once sold, you are pretty much on your own.”
#2. Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS
About: At 29 ft long, the Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS is one of the smaller Class As on the market. It has a freshwater tank capacity of 50 gallons and a grey and black water tank capacity of 31 gallons each. Like the Thor Windsport, the Coachmen Pursuit also has a drop-down bunk over the cab. But there’s one major differing factor: this one doesn’t have a slide.
Why We’ll Pass: The fact that the Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS doesn’t have a slide might be the biggest negative for some, as it makes the space feel much more claustrophobic. However, judging by the reviews of the other Coachmen Pursuit models, its lack of slides is probably a good thing.
Some buyers complain of poor quality and shoddy construction. That includes leaking black tanks, pinched propane lines, broken microwaves, faulty generators, and little to no customer support when dealing with these issues. We can only imagine the issues that would come up if it did have slides!
#3. Forest River FR3 30DS
About: The Forest River FR3 30DS Class A motorhome is 31 ft 8 long and 12 ft 5 in high. It has a GVWR of 18,000 lbs and a 52-gallon freshwater tank capacity, with 42 gallons in black and gray water tanks. The layout looks relatively spacious, with a king bed in the back and an overhead bunk in the front. There are also two slideouts – one that spans the entire living room and another that opens up the bedroom.
Why We’ll Pass: Unfortunately, some buyers of this Class A complain of problems from day one. Common complaints include poor drivability, a loud A/C, a toilet that stops flushing completely, a leaking kitchen sink, and tires that are out of alignment.
Like with many RVs of poor quality, warranty support is also limited.
#4. Jayco Precept 31UL
About: The Jayco Precept 31UL is another Class A motorhome that we think you should avoid. At first glance, it doesn’t look too bad. It’s 33 ft long, 12 ft 10 in high, and has plenty of freshwater capacity (72 gallons). It sleeps up to seven people and has three slides, making the interior feel spacious. It also has a gray water capacity of 40 gallons and a black water capacity of 50 gallons. So what’s the problem?
Why We’ll Pass: Once again, poor quality and insufficient warranties are some complaints you’ll hear from Jayco Precept owners. One reviewer wrote that it was the “worst investment ever” after a leaking slide-out (that both the dealer and manufacturer refused to fix) left their new RV in storage, unable to be used.
Other reviewers report loose trim and panels, warped furniture, insufficient supports around the sink (causing it to completely fall in), and a weak braking system. Yikes.
#5. Winnebago Forza 38W
About: At a glance, the Winnebago Forza 38W truly looks amazing. It’s 39 ft 10 in long with an exterior height of 12 ft and plenty of slides (one slide-out spans almost the entire length). It also has two bathrooms and can sleep up to eight, making it seem like a fantastic full-time Class A for families. So what gives?
Why We’ll Pass: Sadly, some Winnebago Forza owners have had their fair share of problems with this seemingly amazing RV. One reviewer wrote that their Forza “has been in the shop more than on the road” due to frequent breakdowns.
Another owner complained of crooked cabinets and walls, with multiple trim pieces and shade rods falling off. What’s more? Winnebago Forza owners also report numerous appliance and electrical problems, with little help from the warranty.
Pro Tip: Not sure if a Class RV is right for you? These are 5 Reasons to Avoid Class A RVs.
These 2022 Class A RVs Aren’t Worth It!
There are good quality Class As out there, but unfortunately, you won’t find them on this list. As we’ve found out through many reviews, tell-tale signs of poor workmanship are often found in the fine details. Does the furniture seem cheap?
Is the trim falling off before you even drive the RV off the lot? These can indicate much more serious underlying issues. So, if you’re searching for a good quality Class A, you’ll probably be able to tell right away by closely inspecting the interior.
And as always, research, research, research, and read reviews. You can’t solely rely on what the salesman says!
Do you own any of these Class A RVs on the list? What’s been your experience with it? Tell us in the comments!
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