As we continue to highlight the important things to consider when purchasing a Class A motor home (read our other First Time Buyers Guide articles here), we would be remiss if we failed to mention the importance of living space. You will most likely either be traveling alone, as a couple, with a large family, or any combination of people depending on the occasion. Knowing this, it’s important to find a coach that has an appropriate amount of living space so you and your guests can travel comfortably.
If you’re looking for maximum living space, then a diesel pusher is going to be the way to go. Class A diesel’s will typically have an average length of around 36’ – 40’ and a width of slightly over 8’. However, that 8’ width can be greatly increased when the slides go out which means your total living area is increased. Almost every manufacturer of diesel pusher motor homes builds models that have 3-4 slideouts, and that should be where you start your search. The more you can extend the width of your coach, the more open of a floor plan you’ll get which will allow for more/larger dinette’s, couches, recliners, etc. If you’re regularly on long trips with around 8 people, you’ll be happy you opted for a unit with more sitting space. Also, make sure to find out the interior height of the coach you’re interested in as well. That way, you can calculate the square footage (a Forest River Berkshire 400RB has approximately 285 sq. ft. of living space without the slides open). Use this simple calculator to find out the square footage.
Not every coach is going to have full-length slides and be over 40’ in length, however. As a matter of fact, those things may not even be necessary if you’re traveling alone or as a couple the majority of the time. In those situations, most Class A gas models will be more than suitable. The Coachmen Mirada bunkhouse measures in at just less than 37’ long and has an interior height of about 6’8”, giving an overall square footage of around 245 sq. ft. (without the 2 slides open). In a motor home, the difference of 40 square feet is quite a bit (compared to that of the Berkshire), but many of the same creature comforts still exist in a smaller coach. There is still a full kitchen galley, booth dinette, leather furniture, and a master suite separate from the cabin. Sure, bigger, diesel motor homes may have 2 large couches, but if you’re on the road alone how many couches can you sit on anyway?
As we’ve always said, the coach you purchase will come down to a combination of personal preference, needs, and wants…but mainly preference. Do lots of homework online, visit a reputable dealer or two, and get inside as many units as possible. You won’t truly know what you like until you’ve experienced it first hand.
Do you have questions about purchasing a new or pre-owned motorhome or just about the luxury motor home lifestyle in general? If so, please contact us so we can answer all of your questions and concerns!
