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There is an entire world out there to be discovered and what better way to discover it than in the comforts of your own "hotel on wheels." A Motor Home, or RV (Recreational Vehicle), is perfect for anyone who enjoys traveling in comfort and at their own pace. In addition to covering hundreds of miles in a day, with a Motor Home, you can sit back and read a book, watch a movie, play with the kids or pets, sleep, cook dinner, or take a hot shower.
Different Types of Motor Homes
There are many makers of Motor Homes, with ultimately three different models to choose from. Class A Motor Homes are described as a bus-type custom body on a truck chassis. Class B Motor Homes are normally conversion vans. Class C Motor Homes contain a custom body on a van or pickup chassis.
There are three different types of motor home engines to choose from. These include a front-based gas engine, a rear-based diesel engine (known as a "Diesel Pusher"), or a "bus conversion." A bus conversion is a special kind of diesel pusher that comes from a modified greyhound bus. It is quite expensive and is only necessary if you require thousands of miles of weekly travel, month after month. Diesel engines are noisier and more expensive when it comes to maintenance, but they are also more durable and have better fuel economy than a gas engine. Although diesel engines are noticeably slower in terms of passing acceleration when compared to a well-built gas engine, a diesel engine will probably be have extra torque, something that could come in quite handy if you are towing another vehicle.
Which Motor Home to Choose?
When purchasing or renting a motor home, it is important to consider the differences between the different class types. Class B conversion vans are nice because they are short and can be parked almost anywhere. On the downside, these conversion vans are usually limited in terms of comfort and space available. The vehicle may contain a miniature style toilet, shower, storage facility, and water container. Because of this, living for long periods of time in a Class B motor home may prove difficult and uncomfortable.
Class C Motor Homes are quite well designed for families. They are basically two bedroom apartments on wheels with one bedroom in the rear, and the other in the front, over the van cab. Class C models are the safest because of their designers (Ford and GM), and they do offer a very natural, car-like driving position. The biggest complaint about Class C models is that the two front seats are on a different floor level than the rest of the unit and they can't swivel around. This becomes problematic when the vehicle is parked.
Class A Motor Homes are like a one bedroom apartment on wheels, with the bedroom in the rear of the vehicle. The biggest advantage to a Class A model is the feeling of openness that it provides. In contrast to Class C models, the front seats do swivel around. This means that when parked, the drivers can become part of the living room. And, because of the height of the driver's seats, an excellent view of the road and traffic is available. The biggest complaint that consumers usually have about Class A model motor homes is usually related to safety. Because they are built out of aluminum and fiberglass, the motor home is less durable in the event of an accident. Many Class A motor homes also lack air bags, which increases the chance of injury in an accident.
By Jamie Ward
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RV Consumer Group
This site provides the reader with a breakdown of the different types of motor home, the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and a buying and renting guide.
Motor homes
In addition to discussing engine and model types, this site also provided pictures and discussed security, insurance, and motor home dealers.
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