Are you thinking of buying a motorhome? Or just curious about them? If so, you might wonder what it would be like to live in one. Motorhomes are an excellent option for those who like the idea of being able to hop into the cab and drive away at a moment’s notice. But what does the inside of a motorhome look like? And will you be able to function comfortably within it?
Below, we explore what a motorhome is, the inside layouts, and some epic features that could make you a fan for life. Let’s dig in!
What Is a Motorhome?
A motorhome is an RV that you can drive. While there are various types, they all have a cab area, or “cock pit,” in the front of the RV from which you can navigate.
Diesel pushers have the engine in the back of the motorhome while gas motorhomes the engine is typically in the front of the vehicle with the living space in the back. Many motorhomes also have slide-outs and bunks for additional square footage and sleeping space.
Motorhomes have three different types: Class As, Class Bs, and Class Cs. At first glance, it’s hard to tell the difference between the three.
Class As are the largest of them all, and they usually have a bus-like shape with a flat front and a large panoramic windshield. These large motorhomes can either be gas-powered or “diesel pushers” with the engine in the back.
Class Cs, on the other hand, have a distinctive truck or van front with an overhead bunk. They are typically smaller than Class As, although there are diesel-powered “Super C’s” that could house a small army.
Lastly, there are Class Bs. Class B motorhomes are the smallest of the three because they’re on a van chassis. Many people consider them a “camper van,” but for this article, we felt it was necessary to mention them. They look similar to Class Cs, but they’re usually shorter with a smaller overhead bunk.
Once you are familiar with motorhome classes, it’s not hard to tell the difference between them.
What Is Inside a Motorhome?
Now that we’ve looked at the fundamental differences between motorhome exteriors, let’s take a look at their insides.
Cab Area
The cab area will be slightly different depending on the type of motorhome you buy. In general, you can expect the cab to be similar to a truck or van. It should have two seats (the driver’s and the passenger’s), seat belts, a steering wheel, speedometer, gas tank capacity, RPMs, window controls, door locks, and all the standard controls of any vehicle.
The cab area is also significantly different between Class As and Class Cs. In Class Cs, you typically have to step down into the cab from the living space, making it a separate area. Class As have an open cab on the same level as the living space. They also have that large, panoramic windshield that many Class A owners tend to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Considering getting a Class A motorhome? You might be wondering Is Driving a Class A Motorhome Hard? Don’t stress! We’ll break down everything you need to know.
Living Area
In most motorhomes, the living area is directly behind the front cab. Depending on the size of the RV, there will usually be at least one couch, an entertainment area, a dinette or seating area, and a kitchen.
In small Class Bs and Cs, this area has a small seating space and kitchen, but in motorhomes between 25′ and 40’ long, you can expect a comfortable place to lounge, eat, and cook.
Kitchen
As mentioned above, the kitchen is often in the main living area. This layout can make cooking convenient while you socialize with others. The amenities in your RV kitchen will depend on how big your motorhome is and how luxurious it is.
Small Class Cs and Bs might only have a sink, small refrigerator, cooktop, and a little bit of storage, while large Class As may feature a full-sized fridge, a full stovetop and oven, ample amounts of storage, counter space, and even a dishwasher!
Bedroom
The bedroom is typically in the back of the RV. Most Class As, Cs, and Bs all have the main bedroom to sleep at least two people. Depending on how big your motorhome is inside, this might be a completely separate room with a queen-sized (or even king-sized) bed, a TV, and plenty of closet space.
Smaller RVs may feature a simple area with enough room for a bed. Furthermore, some very tiny Class Cs may have no bedroom at all, with the main sleeping area located above the front cab instead.
Bathroom
Almost all motorhomes feature a bathroom. In large Class As and Cs, the bathroom is typically past the kitchen and toward the back, near the bedroom.
Sometimes the bathroom is a small room with a sink, toilet, shower, and closet space. Other times, the bathroom has two rooms – one for the shower and another for the toilet.
In small Class Cs and Bs, the bathroom is a tiny area for the toilet and maybe even a small shower. More minimalistic rigs might use an alternative toilet, like a composting or cassette toilet, to save on resources and space.
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Storage
Where are you going to put all your stuff? RV manufacturers have plenty of practice finding ingenious spots to place storage space. The bigger the motorhome, the more storage space you’ll have.
Nearly all motorhomes have outdoor storage space along the bottom. These bays are extremely useful for holding tools, outdoor furniture, and other equipment you’ll need on the road. This space may be limited in small Class Bs and Cs. Many large Class As have ample amounts of outdoor storage, sometimes even spanning the entire basement area of the RV!
In terms of storage inside the motorhome, you’ll typically find cupboards lining the top of the living space, some essential kitchen storage, a small closet or two, and bathroom storage as well. This may vary depending on the size of the rig.
Features
Let’s talk features! What else can you expect to find in your home on wheels?
Unlike travel trailers, motorhomes have one critical feature: a built-in generator. And because they come standard with the RV, they can power the entire electrical system as if you were plugged into shore power. Sometimes, you can even start your generator with the push of a button from inside the motorhome!
Most motorhomes also have at least one slide-out for added square footage in the RV. These are typically in the living area or the back bedroom, but some small Class Bs and Cs won’t have any slides at all.
You can also expect amenities like air conditioning, sometimes on the roof and occasionally ducted through the ceiling. There should also be a water heater and a furnace.
Basically any comfort you have in your home a motorhome can have too. Yes we even have a dishwasher and washer and dryer!
Features Inside Luxury Motorhome That Would Shock You
Not all motorhomes are made the same. The more money you spend, the more luxury features you’ll enjoy. So, what amenities can you expect if you decide to shell out the dough?
Some high-end motorhomes have heated, porcelain tile floors, hard-wood cabinetry, and comfortable, plush furniture. Other luxuries include automatic leveling, top-notch safety features, automatic awnings, and even a cozy fireplace.
Pro Tip: Ready for a life of luxury? We found the 6 Top Luxury Motorhome RV Brands You Won’t Believe
Can You Live In a Motorhome All Year Round?
If you think these motorhomes sound better than your own house or apartment, you’re not alone. It begs the question: Can you live full-time in one of these drivable homes?
Absolutely! Many people decide to live full-time inside their motorhomes and love it. However, if you’re going to stay in cold temperatures, you’ll want to make sure your motorhome is rated for all four seasons and factor in the amount of fuel you’ll need to keep your place warm.
The best thing about living inside a motorhome all year round is that you can move! Take advantage of your home on wheels and chase those ideal temperatures. After all, life wasn’t meant to live in one place!
What’s inside your ideal motorhome? Let us know in the comments!
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