How Long is a Class A RV?
When considering buying a Class A RV, there are many factors to consider. For starters, the length of your vehicle will play a very important role. So exactly how long is a Class A RV? These models can come in sizes as short as 22 feet and as long as 50 feet.
What is a Class A RV?
So what exactly is a Class A RV? Class A RV’s offer the most luxurious of amenities and are built on a large bus or sometimes truck chassis. They are easily recognizable by their large boxy shape. This is usually the full-timers RV of choice because it offers lots of space. Travel trailers and fifth wheels can offer ample space as well, but the idea of a second vehicle is often undesirable for full-timers.
Why I like Class A’s
When my husband and I first considered going fulltime we looked at probably three hundred different models. We looked at fifth wheels, travel trailers, Class C’s, and Class A’s. Out of all the models, we consistently liked the Class A’s compared to any other model. We liked the abundant space that Class A’s provided and that we wouldn’t need to purchase a truck to tow it.
Out of the Class A models, we fell in love with the Thor Motor Coach Vegas 25.2. We liked that model specifically because it was sleek and big on the inside but only 24 feet long. The driver and passenger’s seats were extremely comfortable. Unlike the Class C’s driver and passenger seats, who are built on a truck chassis and have truck driver seats, the Class’s A had Lazy Boy feel to them. We liked that they could swivel around and use them as extra seating for inside the home.
My favorite part of Class A’s are the window shields. They are enormous and offer a panoramic view of your surroundings. We are also traveling with two senior dogs and liked that they can sleep on the bed behind us while we chug along. The whole layout is homey and comfortable. Some RV’s are including electric or propane fireplaces that truly cozy-up the environment.
Furthermore, storage is very important when full-timing, going on longer trips, have a big family, or if you’re bringing lots of toys! Class A’s definitely trumped the other models when it comes to storage space. If storage space is important, check out this article on 14 Storage and Organizing Tips that will help you out.
Where are you going to park it?
When you’re at the dealership that 40 foot Winnebago Forza is absolutely gorgeous and has all the bells and whistles you could ever hope for. However, where do you plan on parking your new rig after you take it off the lot?
Is it going to fit in your 20-foot driveway? Probably not. Are you going to pay for a storage space on top of your already monthly finance payment? Or are you going to store it under an overhang at home? The longer the RV the more expensive overhang you’ll need to buy. In fact, everything will be more expensive.
What’s your budget?
Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend. With a bigger Class A, expect to pay more for everything. There are more amenities meaning more things to stop working and be of inconvenience. Some of the larger Class A’s have two bathrooms. Meaning twice as much plumbing than a standard one-bathroom RV.
With two bathrooms you’re doubling the water fittings, increasing the risk of leaks. In addition, you’re adding two extra tanks; one black and one gray. Maintaining one black tank is bad enough, but with a second bathroom, you are literally doubling your workload. RV living is meant to be less complex, not more.
What’s your goal?
Depending on what you desire to achieve with your RV will reflect how long of vehicle you need. If you’re hoping to cruise on the side of luxury, a 40 foot Class A will offer a ton of amenities. Whereas a 25 foot, offers the more basic features.
Furthermore, if you have a family of 6, going larger may sway to your advantage for the sake of privacy. A larger rig will offer some separation from the kids after a long day of driving. It’s in these circumstances that a second bathroom would come in handy and be worth the extra effort to maintain two extra tanks.
Will you fit into National Parks?
If your plan is to take your family to National Parks, make sure you look up size limits. Most National Parks have length restrictions on RV’s. Depending on the campground, some may have restrictions for the entire grounds, or just on specific campsites. A good rule of thumb is to stay under 35 feet in order to be eligible to stay at most National Parks.
This is a great article with a full list of popular National Park Campgrounds and their length restrictions. Bear in mind, not all campgrounds have the same size restrictions. Be sure to do your research if you want to visit specific parks. It would be awful if your life dream was to visit the Alpine Forest and you’re turned away because your Class A is too big for the campgrounds.
Class A’s 22 — 49 Feet:
Here’s a nice sized list of popular brands of Class A’s and their length in feet. Keep in mind that sometimes RV’s are labeled as 24 feet, but in actuality, it may be 25.5 feet. Bring your own tape measure along with you if you’re looking for a specific length.
Class A’s 22+ Feet:
- 22 feet — 2019 Jayco Precept Prestige
- 22 feet — 2018 Jayco Redhawk 22J
- 24 feet — 2018 Thor Vegas 24.1
- 24 feet — 2019 Forest River RV Georgetown 3 Series 24W3
- 24 feet — 2019 Nexus Maybach 32M
- 25 feet — 2018 Thor Vegas 25.6
- 25 feet — 2019 Thor Motor Coach Axis 25.6
- 26 feet — 2016 Fleetwood Flair
- 26 feet — 2016 Trek 26HMD
- 26 feet — 2016 Jayco Alante 26Y
- 27 feet — 2016 Winnebago Brave 27B
- 27 feet — 2016 Winnebago Itasca Sunstar LX 27N
- 27 feet — 2016 Coachmen Pursuit 27KB
- 28 feet — 2018 Forest River FR3 28DS
- 28 feet — 2014 Fleetwood Storm 28MS
- 28 feet — 2019 Entegra Coach Vision 26X
- 29 feet — 2013 Thor Motor Coach ACE 27.1
- 29 feet — 2015 Fleetwood RV Storm 28 MS
- 29 feet — 2018 Jayco Alante 29S
Class A’s 30+ Feet
- 30 feet — 2018 Holiday Rambler Admiral XE 30U
- 30 feet — 2018 Winnebago Sunstar 29VE
- 30 feet — 2019 Thor Motor Coach ACE 29.3
- 31 feet — 2019 Newmar Bay Star 3124
- 31 feet — 2018 Forest River Georgetown 31B3
- 31 feet — 2018 Coachmen Mirada 31FW
- 32 feet — 2018 Winnebago Intent 31P
- 32 feet — 2017 Winnebago Vista 31B
- 32 feet — 2018 Coachmen Pursuit 31SB
- 33 feet — 2018 Forest River Berkshire 34QS
- 33 feet — 2018 Thor Palazzo 37.4
- 33 feet — 2017 Tiffin Motorhomes Phaeton 40AH
- 34 feet — 2017 Tiffin Motorhomes Allegro Open Road 32SA
- 34 feet — 2018 Newmar Ventana 3412
- 34 feet — 2018 Forrest River FR3 32DS
- 35 feet — 2019 Forest River Georgetown 5 Series GT5 31L5
- 35 feet — 2018 Newmar Baystar 3401
- 35 feet — 2016 Forest River Georgetown 329DS
- 36 feet — 2018 Thor Aria 3601
- 36 feet — 2019 Coachmen Mirada 35BH
- 36 feet — 2014 Itasca Sunova 35G
- 37 feet — 2018 Newmar Canyon Star 3710
- 37 feet — 2016 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36DBT
- 37 feet — 2018 Winnebago Forza 36G
- 38 feet — 2017 Forest River Berkshire Cummins ISB 340HP
- 38 feet — 2019 Forest River RV Georgetown 5 Series 36B5
- 38 feet — 2018 Tiffin Allegro 36UA
- 39 feet — 2015 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38DBT
- 39 feet — 2015 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw M-37MD
- 39 feet — 2018 American Coach American Revolution LE 39B 450-HP
Class A’s 40+ Feet
- 40 feet — 2018 Thor Venetian S40
- 40 feet — 2017 Tiffin Motorhomes Phaeton 40 AH
- 40 feet — 2017 Newmar Dutch Star 4018
- 41 feet — 2017 Sportscoach 407FW
- 41 feet — 2014 Fleetwood Discovery 40G
- 41 feet — 2013 Winnebago Journey 40U
- 42 feet — 2013 Entegra Coach Aspire 42DLQ
- 42 feet — 2018 Entegra Coach Anthem 42RBQ
- 42 feet — 2015 American Coach Tradition 42G
- 43 feet — 2018 Newmar Dutch Star 4369
- 43 feet — 2014 Forest River Charleston 430BH
- 43 feet — 2013 Entegra Coach Aspire 42DEQ
- 44 feet — 2013 Fleetwood Providence 42P
- 44 feet — 2013 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 44B
- 44 feet — 2018 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 44H
- 45 feet — 2016 Newmar Essex 4553
- 45 feet — 2016 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 44MT
- 45 feet — 2016 Winnebago Grand Tour 45RL
- 46 feet — 2019 Entegra Anthem 44F
- 46 feet — 2011 Newmar Essex 4524
- 49 feet — 2012 Fleetwood Providence 42M
- 49 feet — 2017 Entegra Coach 44
Conclusion
In short, there are a variety of different sized Class A vehicles. Depending on what kind of adventures you’re planning to go on and how you will store your Class A between those adventures will determine how long of vehicle you should buy.
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