Saturday, August 25, 2007

Advantages And Disadvantages of Class A Motorhomes

Author: Jim Johnson

A lot of people are choosing Class A motorhomes as their traveling vehicle over fifth wheel and travel trailers these days. You see them everywhere now. And to be sure, traveling in a Class A motorhome has a lot of advantages. But you should also be aware of some of the disadvantages too before deciding for yourself. Here is a brief look at the matter from both sides:

Advantages:

1. Class A RVs are very easy to drive on the open road.

2. There is just no substitute for the comforts and amenities that can be enjoyed in a Class A as opposed to smaller, less roomy motorhomes and RVs. If you want it, usually you can get it in a Class A.

3. No compatibility issues to worry about here. Whenever you tow your home behind you there is always a need to make sure that the tow vehicle and the RV are in complete synchronization with each other because if they are not working together you will be fighting the wheel the whole time you drive down the highway. With a Class A, it's an all-in-one package. Just jump in and go.

4. When you arrive at your destination, there is no need to even get out of your RV in the case of bad weather. When you tow a vehicle there is a certain amount of setup that has to be done initially and you have to transfer from the tow vehicle to the RV. With a Class A, you are already home when you arrive.

Disadvantages:

1. Price. Class A motorhomes can be very expensive and as more manufacturers keep packing in expensive features that trend will probably continue to grow. New units also take a serious depreciation hit, so bear that in mind when you buy.

2. If you want to get around town once you arrive, you probably will need to tow another vehicle behind you adding to the cost of this setup. It's just too difficult to setup and take down your Class A every time you want to run to the store. Of course, you may opt for bicycles instead, but then that limits how far you can go and can be difficult to travel far in bad weather.

3. If your motorhome breaks down, you will probably have to spend a night or two in a motel while it is at the RV repair shop. Most shops try to get you in and out on the same day, but if the repair is serious enough, or parts are hard to get, that just may not be possible. With a towed vehicle, you still have your home to stay in if the truck has to go in for work.

4. Class A RVs can be very long, especially the more expensive models, and that can narrow your choices of where you can stay as some campgrounds simply don't have the facilities to accommodate long rigs.

The disadvantages of owning a Class A motorhome that are listed above should not be taken to mean that you shouldn't own one. Just don't get so caught up in the advantages of Class A RVs, that you don't also consider the disadvantages as well. After looking at both sides you can make an educated decision about whether it will be the best choice for you.

Jim Johnson writes on many consumer related topics including motorhomes. You can find out more about class a motorhomes and motorhome sales by visiting our Motorhomes Review website.

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