DID YOU KNOW:Origin in the 1950s: Class A motorhomes, often referred to as "land yachts," originated in the 1950s. They were initially built on the chassis of old buses. The first Class A motorhomes were designed for wealthy travelers. They featured luxurious amenities like fine woodwork, plush interiors, and even chandeliers.
Brand #1: Tiffin Motorhomes
Tiffin Motorhomes is renowned for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. They offer a variety of Class A motorhomes, but the Tiffin Allegro RED 37 BA caught my eye for its bunk bed floorplan. (The Tiffin Allegro is one of the most iconic Class A motorhomes and has been in production since 1972. It's known for its quality craftsmanship and has a dedicated fan base.)
Pros:
- Quality Build: Tiffin is known for its high-quality construction and durability, which often results in a longer lifespan for their motorhomes.
- Spacious Interiors: The Tiffin Allegro RED 37 BA provides ample living space, ensuring comfort during long trips.
- Excellent Customer Service: Tiffin has a reputation for excellent customer service and support.
Cons:
- Higher Price Tag: Tiffin motorhomes tend to be on the more expensive side.
- Limited Availability: Finding a Tiffin motorhome with the exact floorplan you want may require some patience.
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DID YOU KNOW:
World's Smallest RV: The "Collapsible Micro RV" holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest RV. It's just 2.4 meters long and 1.2 meters wide when collapsed, making it easy to tow and store.
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Brand #2: Fleetwood RV
Fleetwood RV is another well-established brand known for its luxurious Class A motorhomes. I explored the Fleetwood Bounder 35K model.
Pros:
- Luxurious Features: Fleetwood RVs are often equipped with high-end amenities and stylish interiors.
- Innovative Design: The Fleetwood Bounder 35K has an intelligent floorplan with a bunk bed, half bath, and over-cab bed.
- Good Resale Value: Fleetwood RVs tend to hold their value well over time.
Cons:
- Pricey: Similar to Tiffin, Fleetwood RVs can be expensive.
- Maintenance Costs: Some owners report higher maintenance costs due to the luxury features.
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DID YOU KNOW:
RVs in Space: NASA has used RV-like vehicles for space exploration. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was essentially an RV designed for the moon, used during the Apollo missions to explore the lunar surface.
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Brand #3: Winnebago
Winnebago is a well-respected name in the RV industry, known for its diverse lineup. I considered the Winnebago Adventurer 30T for its bunk bed floorplan.
Pros:
- Variety of Options: Winnebago offers a wide range of Class A motorhomes, making it easier to find a model that suits your needs.
- Reliable Reputation: Winnebago has a long history of producing dependable motorhomes.
- Competitive Pricing: Winnebago motorhomes often offer good value for the features provided.
Cons:
- Interior Quality: Some owners have noted that the interior materials and finishes may not be as high-end as some other brands.
- Resale Value: While Winnebago motorhomes have good initial pricing, their resale value may not be as strong as other brands.
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DID YOU KNOW:
The Biggest RVs: Class A motorhomes can range in length from around 25 to over 45 feet. Some of the longest models can have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and even garages for small vehicles.
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Brand #4 Thor Motor Coach
Thor Motor Coach is a significant player in the RV market, offering a variety of Class A motorhomes to suit different needs and budgets. They often feature innovative floorplans and designs, making them an attractive choice for those seeking modern amenities at a competitive price.
Pros:
- Wide Range of Options: Thor offers a variety of Class A motorhome models, catering to different needs and budgets.
- Competitive Pricing: Thor's pricing is often more competitive than some other high-end brands.
- Good Value for Money: You can get a well-appointed RV with many features without breaking the bank.
Cons:
- Quality Variability: While Thor offers some fantastic models, there have been reports of quality control issues with certain units.
- Resale Value: Thor motorhomes may not hold their value as well as some other brands.
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DID YOU KNOW:
Monaco Coach Corporation: Monaco Coach Corporation, founded in 1968, played a significant role in popularizing Class A motorhomes. They introduced innovations like slide-out rooms, making these vehicles more spacious.
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Brand #5 Newmar
Newmar is a top-tier brand known for its exceptional quality and luxurious features. While they cater to the high-end market, their commitment to customization and craftsmanship ensures that every Newmar motorhome is a unique and top-notch product.
Pros:
- Superior build quality and construction.
- Wide range of luxury features.
- Customization options for a personalized RV.
- Strong resale value.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons:
- Premium price range.
- Limited entry-level options.
- Smaller dealer network compared to some competitors.
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DID YOU KNOW:
Haunted RVs: There are rumors and legends of haunted RVs, with owners and campers claiming to have experienced paranormal activity while staying in certain recreational vehicles. These stories add a spooky twist to RV camping.
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After extensive research and visits to RV dealerships, we have narrowed it down to three.
The Thor Motor Coach due to its family-friendly layout, reasonable price point, and spacious interior.
Winnebago Adventurer met all our criteria, including sleeping seven with a bunk bed, a bath in a half, and an over-cab bed.
Tiffin Motorhome The luxurious interior, attention to detail, and reputation for craftsmanship won me over.
While all the Class A motorhomes we considered had their own set of pros and cons, it ultimately came down to finding the perfect balance for our needs, budget, and preferences.
If you're on the hunt for your own RV motorhome, I encourage you to take your time, do your research, and visit dealerships to see the options in person.
Ultimately, finding the perfect RV is a personal journey as well as a personal choice, and I hope my experience and insights help guide you toward making the right choice for your own adventures on the open road. Happy travels!
Once we make the selection I will post a video. Stay tuned!
CLICK HERE for some RV Living Books! Enjoy
Thanks
Rick