Class A or Super C: A Buyers Decision Guide
If you’re ready to go motorized and want to step up to the larger models available, perhaps you’re weighing whether or not to go Class A or get a Super C. In many ways these two types of RVs have a lot of similarities. However, they also maintain some significant differences. Each has certain strengths and weakness, pros and cons that might make one preferable for certain kinds of buyers. (You know, like you.)
So, if you’re in the process of comparing the two, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll briefly take a look at the characteristics of each type. Then we’ll share eight questions that can help determine which motorhome is right for you: Class A or Super C.
Basic Differences Between Class As and Super Cs
What is a Class A?
A Class A motorhome is sort of like a bus in that the entire body of the rig is built by one company from tip to tip. This can be someone like Tiffin Motorhomes, Entegra Coach, or Newell Coach. (Or whomever.) These bodies are built on top of commercial chassis provided by companies like Freightliner and Spartan for diesel-fueled Class A motorhomes and by Ford for gasoline-fueled motorhomes.
Typically, you enter both the driving and living space of a Class A through a passenger-side door. When you do, there is basically one large space. (Although with walls to segregate bathrooms and bedrooms in most cases)
What is a Super C?
A Super C takes a commercial “cutaway” chassis from companies like Freightliner, International, Ford, or Ram and builds the RV on the back of this. Because of this methodology, the cab of the RV carries the dynamics and build provided by the chassis manufacturer. From there, the RV manufacturer builds a large box on the back that has all the camping-related pieces in it.
There are many RV builders who take advantage of existing four-wheel-drive systems offered by these chassis builders. They either leave them as is from the factory. Or, nicely, they add more pieces to make the four-wheel-drive systems even more capable at off-roading.
This can be the sole deciding factor for some people. There aren’t really any Class A RVs with four-wheel-drive. (And definitely none that are well-suited for off roading and squeezing into remote spots.)
8 Questions When Choosing Between a Class A or Super C
“How big — and wide — of a motorhome are you comfortable with?”
Even smaller Class A motorhomes tend to be larger vehicles overall. So, for those who want to explore some national parks or other more primitive campgrounds, a Class A may be less well-suited to the experience. Add to this that many Class As don’t have a lot of ground clearance for less well-developed roads, and the decision may be clear.
Super Cs are still available in shorter packages than even the smallest current Class A motorhomes. In contrast, many Class A motorhomes are built to the widest widths allowable by law: 8 feet 6 inches. (Which can also make them a bit more challenging to navigate through smaller or older campgrounds. Many of which are at national parks.) Sure, there are also Super Cs that wide, but it’s not as common.
“What’s your ideal driving experience?
The Class A Driving Experience
Driving a Class A is a whole different experience. The driver and passenger are almost invariably seated ahead of the front axle, which is especially true of diesel-fueled Class A motorhomes. Ahead of the driver and passenger is generally an enormous windshield with an unobstructed view of the road and the scenery ahead. Typically, the side windows, too, are tall and rather large. So, the view of the scenery is generally fantastic. (Assuming, of course, that that scenery is fantastic.)
Because you’re ahead of the axle, this space can feel a bit bouncy depending on how well the chassis or RV builder configured the suspension and handling of the vehicle. For those choosing a Class A based on Ford’s gasoline-powered chassis, the handling and suspension are generally regarded as being quite uncomfortable. That is, unless the motorhome manufacturer took steps to improve this environment with upgrades including suspension and steering. (Mental note: Something to ask a seller about.)
For those choosing a diesel-powered Class A, these typically place the large commercial diesel all the way at the back of the rig. (For the record, that’s why they are referred to as diesel pushers: The engine is back there pushing the rig along.) And, because the engine is all the way at the back, it can be quite unobtrusive. So, that large diesel engine generates just a quiet hum from inside the RV itself. On diesel pushers in particular, ride technology and ride comfort can be very strong suits of the vehicle.
The Super C Driving Experience
Driving a Super C, even one built on a Freightliner or International chassis, is similar to what it’s like driving a large full-sized pickup. This is especially true of those Super Cs that are based on either the Ford, Ram, or GM chassis. Every touch point is like what you’d get in those company’s full-sized pickups.
There’s some degree of comfort for some drivers in knowing that there’s an actual hood. (Under which is a beefy engine and transmission ahead of the cockpit.) Know that any vehicle over 8,500 pounds gross is not subject to crash testing. However, since much of the cockpit of the Ram, Ford, or GM models is carried over from their pickup truck family, the air bags and other passenger safety systems are also part of the picture.
In many Super Cs, there is a bunk or cargo space that is carried over the cab of the truck. In some cases, this can block a portion of the view of scenery ahead and feel almost like an eyebrow over the cab.
Since you are behind a large engine in a Super C, you get to share this space with that piece of machinery. It can be noisy, depending on the engine and how well the RV and chassis manufacturers mitigated that sound. There are also Super Cs that carry over-air suspension for the seats to mitigate the harshness of the truck chassis on which they’re based.
“How much interior space do you want?”
Class As are generally wider, taller, and have larger slide-outs. The latter offer a residential, open-floor feel with expansive “basement” storage. Super Cs can be a bit tighter, often utilizing an overhead bunk over the cab to maximize sleeping capacity in a smaller footprint. The interior of a Class A is often like a very nice condo and feels more residential than mobile.
Combining the very large windshield in a Class A with what is often taller sidewalls — and, by extension, taller windows — a Class A can offer a more open feel. (Although a lot of this is dependent on how the coach is configured.)
“Is off-grid — or off-road — camping a part of your camping style?”
While it might seem more obvious to consider a Super C — with its aggressive styling and potentially 4WD platform as a better choice for off-grid camping — that’s not always strictly the case.
Many Class A motorhomes, especially the larger models, have enormous holding tanks. In fact, freshwater reserves of over 100 gallons are not unusual. Further, they are very frequently outfitted with large battery banks and very capable on-board generator systems. Because of this, Class As can be absolute boondocking champions with an ability to easily spend quite a few days off the grid before having to come in to refresh holding tanks. Going off-gird is not a problem. But going off-road does introduce another dimension.
Of course, there are some Super Cs that are very purpose built for off-grid travel and have extensive solar and battery systems, an on-board generator and other systems to support not having to hook to shore power.
“How much cold-weather camping is on your radar?”
Once again, the appearance of a Super C might tell the story of being able to camp where the weather is less than optimal. Even so, Class As come back with a number of surprises that may put them in the lead here.
We recently had the opportunity to review at several 2027 Class A offerings. Many of those either came with, or were available with, things like heated tile floors, heated holding tank bays, electrically heated holding tanks, and up to five roof-top air conditioners. These features can keep the interior of a motorhome remarkably comfortable. (Even when the weather outside might otherwise make you want to pick up and head out)
There absolutely are Super Cs that are very well-suited to weather conditions that make you want to come indoors, but the way a Super C is configured can vary more widely.
“Have you compared the costs of ownership?”
This is where a Super C may have the win over a Class A motorhome. Tires, oil changes and any other routine maintenance on a Class A is always going to be pricey. Further, you almost always have to take the rig to a specialized commercial repair facility. Even a minor mechanical issue on a big diesel pusher is never going to be inexpensive and some things that may seem minor can turn out to be pocket pillagers.
Consider that it would take a special commercial service to even swap a tire on a Class A and Class A motorhomes almost never have a provision for a spare tire so you have to buy the replacement on the side of the road if you’ve damaged one of your tires.
However don’t let the fact that a Super C looks like a normal pickup chassis mean that you can take it to the neighborhood Ford or Ram dealership. Many local vehicle dealers, even those that sell Ram or Ford trucks, are not equipped to handle even routine maintenance on these heavy-duty commercial versions of the trucks on their lots. Of course some are but not all.
“Do you value good storage or incredible storage?”
One of the things Class A motorhomes have is incredible storage. This is particularly true of diesel pushers. Their commercial chassis are built such that the under-floor storage spans the full width of the chassis. Often times, there are multiple very large storage bays on a Class A that span the width of the coach. Add to this that many of these diesel pushers have incredible cargo carrying capacity. (You could almost use a diesel pusher to provide household moving services when your’e not traveling.)
Super Cs may also have good basement storage, but the chassis provided by the manufacturer of the cab and chassis essentially runs the length of the vehicle underneath. So, it’s not possible to provide side-to-side unobstructed space.
“Do you plan on towing with your motorhome?”
One of the many reasons a lot of buyer choose a Super C is the fact that they’re quite good in the towing department. For those who might want to bring boats or horses or race cars or whatever, many choose the Super C for just this reason. In many cases a Super C can tow up to 20,000 pounds. (With many thousands of pounds of capability in terms of cargo and hitch capacity.)
However, Class A diesel pushers, too, are quite capable in towing. So, on this regard, they two motorhome type are quite comparable.
Class A or Super C: Which Is the One for You?
Many factors in deciding whether a Class A or Super C is the right one for you depend on where and how you enjoy RVing — and what and who is coming with you.
The good thing about the wide diversity of options and configurations in these rigs is that you can shop your way into the perfect RV for how you like to experience this great nation. With as many choices as there are, the shopping experience can be a lot of fun, and it might be a good idea to start at an RV show to get the adventure going.
Marketplace Inventory
Tony Barthel
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