With Covid-19 came a surge of interest in nomadic life. As a result, RV sales are on the rise and more and more people are turning to full-time life in an RV as an alternative to the traditional stresses of being a homeowner.
Regardless of what your long-term plans are, you’ll need a ride that’s reliable and flexible enough to accommodate your lifestyle. The Coachmen Mirada 32SS Motorhome will give you luxury with value, the Forest River FR3 30DS will accommodate even large families comfortably, and the Newman Dutch Star will have you riding in style. The best RV for full-time living will depend on your specific needs.
What Is A Class A Motorhome?
Class A motorhomes are what most people think of when you say “RV.” They are widely recognizable and are among the most popular recreational vehicles, especially for full-time RV life.
Class As offer a wide array of home’s comforts without being an unmanageable size on the road. That doesn’t mean that they’re small in size. Many of these RVs reach over 40 feet and can comfortably sleep anywhere from 5 to 11 people on the road.
Class As offer a lot of amenities that towable trailers and other RVs do not and are considered by many to be luxury vehicles. That being said, they offer the space and versatility that full-time RVers appreciate.
As far as pricing goes, there is a wide range. On the low end, they can start at $100,000 and go all the way up to over $500,000 for a high end rig.
To provide you with a good summary of what’s out there, here are 3 classic Class A RVs that cover the wide price range and versatility that this type of vehicle is famous for.
3 Classic Class A Motorhomes
Best Value: Coachmen Mirada
Most Family Friendly: Forest River FR3
Highest Luxury: Newmar Dutch Star
Best Value: Coachmen Mirada 32SS Motorhome
The Coachmen Mirada might be the most economical option on this list, but it certainly won’t sell you short on comfort. These vehicles start at $157,762, but there is no shortage of appealing and homey features.
Buyers can pick from 6 individual floorplans, with vehicle size ranging from 30-feet, 7-inches to 36-feet, 10-inches. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ranges from 20,500 pounds to 22,000 pounds.
The vehicle also includes a power entrance double-step, pass-through storage in the basement, a patio awning, back-up monitor with side cameras. Once you’re parked, expand the space with the slide-out room or head outside to enjoy the exterior Bluetooth.
Interior
Reviewers claim to sleep a family of 5 comfortably, while the manufacturer states it can house up to 6. Buyers can expect solid kitchen countertops, premium linoleum flooring, and self-closing drawers.
Travelers up front get to enjoy reclining swivel pilot seats. Once you’re parked, pull down the solar privacy shades and relax with a movie on the 40-inch TV while reclining on the sofa hide-a-bed.
Most Family-Friendly: Forest River FR3 30DS
This great vehicle is great for the family, and even comes at a family-friendly price. These RVs start at $145,679.
The FR3 is available in 4-floor plans. It can range in size from 31-feet, 8-inches to 35-feet, 11-inches. Its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating can range from 18,000 pounds and 20,500 pounds.
Interior Features
The average Forest River sleeps 7, but some can sleep up to 11! The interior includes fold-away bunks to comfortably house everyone. There is also LED lighting throughout, night shade window treatments for extra privacy, and a wrap-around dinette booth for family meals.
Once you’re parked, you can enjoy an outside shower, the outside entertainment center, and Marine-grade speakers.
Highest Luxury: Newman Dutch Star
You’ll see the Newman Dutch Star on just about every list for the best of the best when it comes to RVs, and this list is no exception. That’s because it is possibly the very best Class A RV brand out there, offering the most customization, living space, and versatility.
They come with a price tag that matches the luxury, with pricing starting at $493,650.
The Newmar Dutch Star offers 13 different floor plans and ranges in length from 37-feet, 11-inches to 43-feet, 9-inches. Their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating can range anywhere from 40,000 pounds to 52,000 pounds depending on what kind of addons you opt for.
Interior Features
The average Newman Dutch Star can sleep up to 5 people. And these RVs are definitely going to feel like a family home. They are complete with:
- stainless steel convection microwave with three-burner recessed gas cooktop
- a passenger seat workstation
- pull-out pantry shelves
- heated seats
- Kitchen tile flooring
- Designated bedroom, bathroom, and living space
Some features include keyless entry, retractable television, and even decorative ceiling options to make your mobile home feel more like a traditional house.
How Long Will My RV Last?
The average RV lifespan is around 20 years or 200,000 miles. However, this depends on a wide range of factors, including what class your motorhome is, how much you drive it, how well it is maintained, and a variety of other factors.
What Else Should I Consider Before Committing To RVing Full-Time?
There is a lot to think about before abandoning the traditional lifestyle to become a full-time nomad. Just a few of the things you’ll want to do include:
- Researching the RV Lifestyle. Is it right for you?
- Minimize your belongings. You can’t take everything with you in an RV.
- Think about finances. Are you able to work remotely?
- Research campgrounds and other places where you can park.
In Summary
Over 1 million people live in RVs full-time, and around 9 million American homeowners own and use their RV regularly. However, not everyone uses their RV all year round.
Very few take the plunge and RV full time. It takes a lot of preparation, and that includes finding the perfect vehicle for you. So take some time to check out these great rigs, and remember, there are even more out there!