Renting a Class A Motorhome The Full-Size Road Apartment
A Class A motorhome is the biggest RV you can drive without a commercial license in most states. Think of it as a bus converted into a fully equipped apartment. Multiple slide-outs, full-size kitchen, walk-in shower, residential fridge. Some have washers, dryers and king-size beds. They're impressive — and intimidating to drive.
Quick Specs
What Is a Class A Motorhome?
A Class A motorhome is built on a heavy-duty bus or truck chassis with a flat front (no truck cab like a Class C). The driver sits behind a large windshield with a flat dashboard — it feels like driving a bus, because structurally that's what it is. The entire vehicle from bumper to bumper is living space, with the cockpit integrated into the floor plan.
Inside, a Class A is closer to a small apartment than a camper. Full-size residential refrigerator. Kitchen with oven, cooktop and microwave. Separate bedroom with a real mattress (queen or king). Walk-in shower and sometimes a separate bathtub. Washer/dryer combos in higher-end models. Entertainment systems with multiple TVs. Slide-outs on both sides that push the walls out 3-4 feet when parked, creating a shockingly spacious interior.
Two engine types dominate the market. Gas-powered Class A's use a front-mounted V8 or V10 engine — cheaper to rent, noisier, and the engine vibration transfers through the cab. Diesel pushers have a rear-mounted diesel engine — smoother, more powerful on hills, better fuel economy (relatively) and quieter at the dash. Diesel pushers cost $50-$150/night more to rent.
The fuel economy reality: 6-10 mpg for gas, 8-13 mpg for diesel. On a 200-mile driving day, that's 20-33 gallons of fuel. At current prices, budget $60-$120 per driving day just for gas. This is the single biggest hidden cost of renting a Class A.
Should First-Timers Rent a Class A?
Honestly? Probably not.
A 40-foot Class A weighs 20,000-30,000 lbs, has no rearview mirror, no rear window, massive blind spots and needs 100+ feet to stop from highway speed. You're piloting a vehicle that's longer than most city buses. Tight turns, narrow campground roads, gas station maneuvers and highway crosswinds all demand experience.
If you've never driven an RV, start with a Class C motorhome or a campervan. If you have truck or bus driving experience, or you've driven smaller RVs before and feel confident stepping up, a Class A is manageable. Just don't learn to drive an RV in the biggest one made.
That said — if you're going to be parked at one campground for a week (lakeside vacation, beach trip) and only driving it there and back, the driving challenge is minimal and the living space is unbeatable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- → Most living space of any RV type
- → Full residential amenities
- → Multiple slide-outs for huge interior
- → Best for extended stays (1+ weeks)
- → Diesel pushers handle mountains well
- → Comfortable for 6+ people
Cons
- → Highest rental cost ($200-$500/night)
- → Worst fuel economy (6-13 mpg)
- → Hardest to drive and park
- → Won't fit in many campgrounds
- → Some roads restrict vehicles over 35 feet
- → Not suitable for first-time RV renters
Where to Rent a Class A
Fleet companies like Cruise America and El Monte don't typically offer Class A's — their fleets are Class C focused. Class A rentals are dominated by peer-to-peer platforms where private owners list their personal motorhomes.
| Platform | Class A Pricing | Selection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoorsy | $200-$500/night | Best Class A inventory | Widest selection, diesel pushers available |
| RVshare | $175-$450/night | Large P2P inventory | Good value, delivery options for less driving |
Delivery is worth considering for Class A's. Many owners will drive the motorhome to your campground and pick it up when you're done — $100-$300 depending on distance. Saves you the stress of driving it through city traffic.
Campground Restrictions
Not every campground can handle a Class A. Before booking, check these:
- → Maximum vehicle length. Many state and national park campgrounds max out at 30-35 feet. A 40-foot Class A won't fit. Check campground listings for max RV length before reserving.
- → Pull-through vs back-in sites. Backing a Class A into a site is difficult. Request pull-through sites where you drive straight in and straight out.
- → Road access. Some campgrounds have tight turns, steep grades or low-hanging branches on the access road. Call ahead and ask if Class A's can navigate the entrance.
- → 50-amp power. Many Class A's require 50-amp electrical hookups (vs 30-amp for Class C's). Not every campground offers 50-amp. Verify before booking.
Class A Motorhome FAQ
How much does a Class A cost to rent per week?
$1,500-$3,500 per week for the rental. Add $400-$800 for fuel (at 200 miles/day), $200-$400 for campgrounds and $100-$300 for insurance. Total budget: $2,200-$5,000 per week all-in.
Gas or diesel — which is better?
Diesel pushers are better in every way except price. Smoother, quieter, more powerful, better fuel economy. But they rent for $50-$150/night more. For flat terrain, gas is fine. For mountain driving (Colorado, Pacific NW), the diesel's extra torque is worth the premium.
Can I tow a car behind a Class A?
Physically yes — many Class A owners tow a "dinghy" car for errands at the campground. But most rental agreements prohibit towing. Check your rental contract. If the motorhome has a tow setup and the owner allows it, you'll need a tow dolly or flat-tow setup for your car.
Explore other camper types
Class B Campervans · Class C Motorhomes · Travel Trailers · Pop-Up Campers · Teardrop Trailers · Truck Campers
Or see our full platform comparison and individual reviews.