Whether you’re new to the world of luxury motor homes or you’ve been in the game for a number of years, you know that when shopping for a new coach there are seemingly an infinite amount of options. There are so many manufacturers, floor plans, color schemes, and amenities to choose from that it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. We will say this, however, if you’re lucky enough to be shopping for a new coach at all, there are worse problems to have!
Instead of starting your buying process by going into all of the specific details of what makes each motor home a good or poor option for you, let’s first figure out what class of coach is going to be the best fit for your needs (if you already know which class you want, give our blog on choosing between diesel or gas a read). For the purposes of this article, we won’t be providing any insight on Class B motor homes, which are the smallest of the three classes and very rarely include what we would refer to as “luxury features”. Rather, we’ll take a look at choosing between a Class A and Super C rigs.
Super C motor coaches have come a long way in matching their Class A counterparts in terms of the amenities offered and the quality of the living space. If you’re looking for a rig with a full kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full bathrooms, a fireplace, and inside and outside entertainment centers, both classes will certainly fit the bill. The key difference will be in the size of the living space. Class A coaches will typically have roomier accommodations than Super C’s. Both classes have slide outs to increase the square footage of the cabin and bedroom, but if space is what you’re looking for, then give a slight edge to the Class A.
When it comes to power, there’s little room for a comparison. Super C coaches are first and foremost, trucks. They are built with durability and towing capacity in mind, especially if you happen to be looking at a garage coach model (check out this 45’ Show Hauler garage coach for a great example). You’ll find in many cases they come with 600HP diesel engines and up to 20,000 lbs. of towing capacity, if not more. If your family has a boat, car, ATV’s, or any other toys that will be traveling along with you, a Super C is going to be a better option for you.
In terms of availability and overall options, Class A’s definitely have a leg up. There are far more manufacturers producing Class A coaches and more dealers selling them which creates a few different advantages to buyers. Perhaps the most important of those advantages is the effect on price…the more supply, the lower the demand. Think simple economics; if there are more units for you to choose from and more dealers selling them, you’ll have a better opportunity of negotiating a lower price. This doesn’t at all mean that there is a shortage of Super C coaches and that it’s impossible to get a great deal on one, it just means that on average, if you’re shopping between a Class A and a Super C with similar features, you’ll probably end up paying a little more for the Super C.
When evaluating drivability and fuel economy, you’ll probably find yourself leaning more towards a Class A. Because the Super C coaches are much bulkier and heavier (primarily because they are designed more for towing and power), they will take a larger toll on your wallet at the gas pump. Some Super C rigs have two 60-gallon gas tanks, and while fuel economy is an area that manufacturers have worked to improve over time, it’s not like exactly you’re driving a Prius. Class A’s aren’t a picnic on gas mileage either, but they definitely have an advantage here.
With either class of motor coach you choose, you can’t go wrong. Like everything else in life, it will come to personal preference, needs, and wants. Both Super C coaches and Class A’s are manufactured with quality and luxury in mind, so regardless of what you buy, you’ll be living the good life!
Dylans RV Center is your luxury motorhome authority. We carry a full line of Class A gas and diesel pushers, as well as a complete inventory of Super C motor coaches. If you have questions about purchasing a new or pre-owned motorhome or just about the luxury motor home lifestyle in general, please contact us so we can answer all of your questions and concerns!
