Owner guides
Motorhome classes explained
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If you’re thinking of buying a motorhome, you’ve probably heard of motorhome classes A, B and C. But you might be unsure of what exactly the difference is between each class?
Well, you’re in luck! Because we’re about to explain these categories in a way that makes sense to the casual camper. No need for a degree in engineering or motorhome manufacturing - we keep things simple!
If you’re new to van life, we also suggest checking out our beginner guide to motorhomes, which will get you up to scratch in no time!
The different motorhome classes explained
In New Zealand, the term ‘motorhome’ includes several different types of vehicles. You can think of a motorhome as any driveable vehicle that has self-contained living quarters purpose-built onto a van, truck or bus chassis. It has an engine at the front or rear of the vehicle and the accommodation module is permanently attached to the base vehicle.
A motorhome differs from a campervan, which is usually a smaller commercial van that has been equipped or converted to have a bed and a basic kitchen. Campervans often lack some of the features that motorhomes have, such as a built-in toilet or shower. See our article on campervan vs motorhome for more details.
There are three different classes of motorhome, which are differentiated by size, construction and features:
Class A: the largest class of motorhome, whereby the entire motorhome body (including the cab) is built as one superstructure around the chassis. Resembles a bus.
Class B: the smallest class of motorhome, whereby the body of a van is retro-fitted with an interior and the roof raised. Second most popular motorhome class in New Zealand.
Class C: the mid-sized class of motorhome, whereby the motorhome body is built onto the back of cutaway cab chassis. Includes a bed over the driver’s cab. The most popular class of motorhome in New Zealand.
Motorhome Class A
A Class A motorhome is a motorhome whereby the entire body (including the cab) is purpose-built as one superstructure around a specially-designed chassis or a commercial bus chassis. This is different to a Class C motorhome, whereby the body is built and then fixed to the back of a chassis.
Class A motorhomes typically cost more than other classes of motorhome because the engineering and manufacturing process is often more advanced and involves more materials.
Class A motorhomes are also longer and larger than other motorhome classes. They resemble a bus or a coach because they have a flat front end with a large window. The engine is normally positioned in the front.
In New Zealand, Class A motorhomes are the least popular motorhome class. They are often built on Mercedes or Fiat Ducato base vehicles. Some overseas models of Class A motorhome may be too long to register in New Zealand.
Benefits
Large and spacious: Class A motorhomes generally provide the most space internally and some even have slide-outs so that the interior can be expanded. Most Class A motorhomes can sleep 6 or more people, making them a great choice for large families.
Higher specifications: Class A motorhomes offer the utmost in luxury and features, such as a king-sized bed, large bathroom, laundry, fully equipped kitchen and oversized couches and dining area.
More cargo space: Class A motorhomes often have more storage space than other motorhome classes.
Considerations
More expensive: Class A motorhomes are typically more expensive to purchase than other motorhomes because of the complicated manufacturing process and greater size.
Require more fuel: Class A motorhomes have large fuel tanks and usually aren’t quite as fuel-efficient as other motorhomes, meaning they can be less cost-effective at the bowser.
Motorhome Class B
A Class B motorhome is a motorhome whereby the body of a large van is retro-fitted with an interior and the roof raised. This is different to a campervan, which is usually a smaller commercial van that has been stripped out and converted to have a bed and basic kitchen.
Class B motorhomes are the most affordable class of motorhome because the manufacturing process is relatively simple. They are also the smallest class of motorhome.
In New Zealand, Class B motorhomes are the second most popular motorhome class. They are often built using a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit van.
Benefits
Easy to drive: Class B motorhomes are smaller and more manoeuvrable than larger motorhome classes. This makes it easier to navigate tight streets and reverse park.
Easy set-up: It only takes a few minutes to set up a Class B motorhome. And they can access campsites that larger motorhomes may not be able to get to, making them great for freedom camping.
Fuel-efficient: Because Class B motorhomes have a smaller fuel tank and are smaller in size overall, they are generally more fuel-efficient and less costly at the bowser.
Affordable: Due to their simple design and manufacturing process, Class B motorhomes are usually more affordable to purchase.
Considerations
Smaller interior: Class B motorhomes don’t offer quite as much space as other motorhome classes. However, they still come with everything you need and are normally a suitable size for 2 to 3 people.
Fewer features: Other classes might offer more fancy features than Class B motorhomes, such as large beds, a clothes washer, dryer, dishwasher and other large appliances.
Try before you buy
Hire one of these Class B motorhomes and try it out before buying your own:
The Transit - Freedom (Christchurch, sleeps 2)
Te Ora (Picton, sleeps 2)
Just Right (Auckland, sleeps 3)
Motorhome Class C
A Class C motorhome is a motorhome whereby the body is built and then fixed to the back of a cutaway truck, bus or van chassis. The body of the motorhome includes a bed that sits over the driver's cab, known as a luton peak.
Class C motorhomes are smaller and therefore often more affordable than Class A motorhomes, but larger and usually more expensive than Class B motorhomes.
In New Zealand, Class C motorhomes are the most popular motorhome class. They are often built upon a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato or Iveco Daily base vehicle.
Benefits
Extra sleeping berths: Class C motorhomes include a bed over the driver’s cab, which can add up to two extra sleeping berths and free up space in the living area. If you don’t use the luton peak as an extra bed, you can use it for storage or as an entertainment area!
More features: Most Class C motorhomes have features and comforts that smaller Class B motorhomes don’t have, such as a fully equipped kitchen and larger bathrooms and beds.
Cutaway cab: A cutaway cab means that there is no wall between the driver's cab and the body of the motorhome. This is more convenient and allows you to move freely between the cab and living area without ever leaving the vehicle.
Easy to drive: Class C motorhomes are smaller than Class A motorhomes and are therefore typically easier to drive, manoeuvre and park.
Affordable: Class C motorhomes are generally less expensive than Class A motorhomes.
Considerations
Less streamlined: Due to the bed over the driver's cab, Class C motorhomes are not as streamlined as Class B motorhomes and as a result can be slightly less fuel-efficient.
Not quite as spacious as Class A: Although Class C motorhomes have most of the same features as Class A motorhomes, they may be lacking some of the added luxuries like a clothes washer, dryer and oversized couches due to the smaller size.
Try before you buy
Hire one of these Class C motorhomes and try it out before buying your own:
Dreamers Motorhome (Auckland, sleeps 6)
Funmobile (Auckland, sleeps 4)
Italian Roller (Christchurch, sleeps 6)
Aggie (Christchurch, sleeps 4)
Into the Wild (Porirua, sleeps 6)
Zeffer (Waimate, sleeps 4)
Kiwi Burrow (Tauranga, sleeps 6)
Road Tripper’s Dream (Orewa, sleeps 6)
Make a return on your motorhome by hiring it out
Want to buy a large Class A motorhome but worried about the cost? Maybe you want to buy a slightly smaller Class B or C motorhome but you don’t think you’ll get enough use out of it?
Well, we’ve got great news!
There’s a way to earn a return on your investment with minimal effort and expense - when your motorhome’s not in use, rent it out on Camplify!
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhomes through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your motorhome, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused motorhome!