subject: Motorhome Types - A-class [print this page] Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, delivered to the marketplace by many manufacturers in many countries. These vehicles however are generally categorised as either a panel van (vehicles that use the original body of the van) or a coach built (using a purpose built habitation area, mounted on a suitable chassis).
The A-Class motorhome is one that starts with a commercial chassis, running gear, power unit, seating,instrumentation, but without the vehicle cab. This configuration is commonly referred to as a chassis cowl, this meaning that the entire body can be constructed as an integral unit, in which the living area completely embraces the driving cockpit. Building an entire body from scratch is certainly a major task and this however is reflected in the increased price. Generally speaking a European A-Class motorhome can be as costly as the much larger and often richer in functionality, US style RV. Although is more compact design makes it much more suitable for the smaller European roads. The external looks of the A-Class are usually quite striking and matches the impressive interior as well. For reasons that are not quite clear to me, almost all European A-Class motorhomes are manufactured in the continental countries (e.g. France, Italy, Germany etc) and not by the many UK manufacturers.
There are many significant advantages to owning an A-Class motorhome. Firstly your leisure vehicle will have all the features and funcionality of a coachbuilt motorhome, with the added bonus that the cab space is integrated with the living area. Indeed many Coachbuilts try to replicate this by incorporating swivel seats in their cabs. A drop down bed over the cab seats is often fitted and this can be a great asset - meaning that a pre made up bed can be accessed in seconds, using a wind down mechanism.
There are disadvantages of A-Class motorhomes - parking the vehicle can be difficult due to it's large dimensions. As they are manufactured in continental European countries the kitchen facilities are minimal (due to them assuming that all cooking will be done on the barbecue). Cab doors are seldom fitted, therefore entrance is via the living space door. Finally the biggest disadvantage of the A-Class is it's considerable price when compared to other motorhome types.
