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Buying a Class A Motorhome is the right move for many people, but there are a lot of variables that come into play when thinking about buying the right RV. One of those variables is the size.

Class A motorhomes vary in size. Size is defined as height, width, and length. These are all metrics that you need to think about when buying a Class A RV. 

Height of Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes vary little in height, running from about 11 feet to 13 feet. This keeps them manageable while driving and parking while still giving you plenty of height in the interior of the unit so you don’t feel too cramped.

Width of Class A Motorhomes

As far as width, when closed they are all around eight to eight and a half feet in width.

When open, larger ones with opposing living area slides can take up as much as an additional six to eight feet more on each side.

The width will only affect you when you’re selecting a campground spot as that will be the primary place you’ll open your slide-outs.

Length of Class A Motorhomes

When it comes to what size aspect affects you more, it’s length. The pat answer to length is simple – they run from around 25 feet in length all the way up to nearly 45 feet.

The simple numbers behind the length, however, are not going to truly help you in your overall decision when buying a new or used Class A motorhome.

Length has many factors behind it. So how do you know what length to get? Let’s take a look at some questions for you to consider.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Size

Don’t just go with your first gut instinct on size. Really think about it! Here are some things you need to consider.

Where are You Planning on Going?

If your planned adventures are to take your Class A into national parks and camp, national parks do have size restrictions either park-wide or from campground-to-campground within a particular park.

As an example, America’s oldest national park, Yellowstone, does have a wide variety of campgrounds but does not have a lot of space for Class A motorhomes. They have limited space for those who reach a maximum of 40 feet in overall length, meaning if you have a toad, count that in as part of the length.

If you are already over 40 feet just with your motorhome, plan on parking your RV outside of Yellowstone – as well as pretty much every national park – and enjoying the park via your toad.

Are you planning on taking on the Rockies? Do you need a diesel pusher to get you over Colorado’s Rabbit Ears Pass without huffing and puffing your way to the summit?

You’ll probably want to opt for a diesel. However, don’t think every Class A diesel is a massive 40+ feet behemoth. There are a select few 35-foot or so Class A diesels to consider.

Who Will Travel With You?

How is this affected by length? Simple. The shorter the motorhome, the chances are it has been specifically designed with a camping couple in mind.

For the most part, every Class A motorhome has the capability of sleeping at least 5, but really put your eyeballs on respective floorplans to see what fits you best. If you are planning on taking quite a few members of your family (or camping family as it were), you will need more sleeping spaces, ergo a longer Class A, possibly even a Class A bunkhouse.

Also, the longer the Class A, the more likely you’ll be able to get a master bedroom with a solid privacy door. When you’re taking out a large family, that will matter… as will the possibility of having a second bathroom. Bath-and-a-half models generally run 40+ feet in length.

What About Storage?

Differing sizes means storage issues in two different ways. Part one is regarding the actual amount of storage available in the motorhome.

If you decide a shorter Class A would fit you better, double-check to see if everything you plan on taking with you fits into your decision as well. Sometimes opting for a slightly longer Class A is a better choice purely from a storage standpoint.

Part two of storage is regarding how you’re planning on storing your Class A when you’re not out traveling the country. If you are a full-timer, no worries on this and congrats to you as that sounds amazing. But for the vast majority of us outdoor lovers, you will not be living in your Class A on a day-to-day basis.

As such, long-term storage may need to be taken into consideration when thinking about the length of your future motorhome.

To sum it up, Class A motorhomes vary in size. But, when you’re shopping for a Class A motorhome, it’s not the width or height that should concern you the most, it’s the length.

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If you’re interested in finding the perfect size Class A for you, check out our full inventory. 

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Have a large family who loves the great outdoors? Get yourself a travel trailer and truly enjoy being outside by going on camping trips! When you do so, you’ll build memories with your family and have all kinds of new and fun experiences.

You don’t have to go out and buy a brand new unit either. There are plenty of great used units out there. With that in mind, I wanted to look at why a used travel trailer might be perfect for large families.

Buying Used Saves You Money

Everyone knows that campers depreciate. While the level of depreciation is different than you have in a car, it’s still noticeable. That means buying new isn’t always a smart move.

If you have a large family, chances are your budget is pretty tight. While camping is affordable, you might not have tons of money to put towards a travel trailer. Going with a used option will help you keep costs down.

Sit down with your spouse or significant other and look at your budget. How much can you easily afford? That’s where you should start. Then you can start looking at the used travel trailers out there for sale.

Travel Trailers Offer Plenty of Room

You can go big with any type of travel trailer, but many people find it impressive just how spacious travel trailers are.

If you have a big family, space is important and that means you’ll need to get a fairly large travel trailer with plenty of sleeping spaces and room for the kids to lounge around when they aren’t outside enjoying the wilderness.

Travel trailers can come with slide-outs that open up space, and they can offer multiple rooms, which helps provide privacy for you and your family members. Take your time when thinking about how much space you need and the floorplan that will work best for you.

Chances are, there’s something that will work perfectly on the used market, you just have to take your time and find it.

Travel Trailers Can be Towed With a Full-Size Van

If you have a large family, you’ll likely need to have a van to move everyone from place to place. The good news about travel trailers is that they can be towed by a van easily. Even ones measuring around 30 feet long will usually be under the tow rating of a full-size or heavy-duty van.

Note that I said full-size or heavy-duty vans. Minivans are not included here. Minivans can tow smaller travel trailers, but if you’re looking for something that can easily sleep six or seven people, then a full-size van is generally the way to go.

The Ford Transit, for example, can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. You have to get the model that’s properly equipped, though. The base Transit’s towing numbers are closer to 4,000 pounds. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking of shopping for a new van, too.

If you’re not shopping for a new van and already own a full-size or heavy-duty van, look for a travel trailer that sleeps the number of people you need it to and that is well within your van’s towing capacity.

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Are you interested in a used travel trailer? Check out all of the used models available at Camping World!

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Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. And Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails.  You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in Alaska:

White Pass & Yukon Route

The Klondike Gold Rush in 1896 brought sturdy miners to Skagway, looking for a way to the goldfields. But enterprising businessmen realized there was money to be made taking supplies to and from the camps, as well. So, by 1898 construction on a railroad over White Pass was begun. Today, the White Pass & Yukon Route train has discovered there is even more treasure in taking cruise ship passengers along the original route, with more than 14 excursion trains running on some days!

Railway and Locomotive Types

The White Pass & Yukon Railroad utilizes both diesel and steam locomotives on narrow gauge rails. The engines split duties to pull several passenger coaches along this historic railway. In total, the railroad has 79 cars in its rolling stock!

Seating Options

All seating is assigned on the White Pass trains. Bottled water is offered with the price of your ticket, and each car has available restrooms onboard.

Riding Options

The railroad offers round trip service on a variety of trains, and one-way passage from Skagway to Lake Bennett. See Specialty Trains for optional trips.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad also provides hiker service on some of its routes and can combine rail service with motorcoach travel for more lengthy trips.

Specialty Trains

• Summer Excursion Train – Follow the original Klondike Trail up to White Pass, where the travelers from 1896 wore their path into the rocks, documenting a momentous expedition.
• Bennet Scenic Journey – Take the train from Skagway to Carcross, Yukon Territories, with a stopover at Lake Bennett.
• Fraser Meadows Steam Train – Ride the rails through two tunnels, over trestles and past waterfalls to Fraser Meadows.

Length of Season

The trains run from May through September, on specific dates for each specialty train. Please check the railroad calendar to find the excursion that best fits your travel plans. You may also be interested in amending your train ticket with a motorcoach tour.

Denali Star Train

As part of the Alaska Railroad, the Denali Star Train has colorful ancestry. Many towns along the route were founded as railroad communities almost 100 years ago. The railroad was built to establish villages that would provide for the needs of a growing state:  timber was used for railroad ties and building, fishing regions eventually needed to transport their catch, and miners required a way to bring minerals out of the mountains.

Today’s train runs on some of those same tracks, hauling precious cargo once again, in the form of tourists and adventurers.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Denali Star is pulled by diesel engines on a standard gauge track. The rolling stock consists of several passenger cars, dining cars, and a baggage car. On some trips, the Wilderness Express dome cars are added for all-encompassing viewing of the Alaskan countryside.

Seating Options

Seating on the train is assigned within two different classes of service:

• Goldstar Service – Passengers ride in luxurious dome railcars. On the lower level is a full-service dining room, and all tickets include meals, soft drinks and 2 adult beverages for those over 21 years of age.  A tour guide offers narration and a viewing platform is available in the car.
• Adventure Class – Passengers ride in comfortable coach cars and have the freedom to move from car to car. Food and drink are available for purchase in the Wilderness Café car.

Riding Options

The Denali Star Train runs in two directions. The northbound train leaves Anchorage in the morning, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali before arriving in Fairbanks at 8:15pm. Passengers can load or unload at these stations and catch the train on another day to return.

The southbound train leaves Fairbanks at 8:15am, stopping at the same stations and arriving at Anchorage by 6:15pm. Fairbanks passengers have the opportunity to ride the train to Denali, spend a few hours at the park, then catch the northbound train at 4:00pm back to Fairbanks.

Specialty Trains

• Fur Rondy Express – Celebrating Alaska’s Fur Rendevous Festival, the train takes riders from Anchorage along scenic Turnagain Arm. Enjoy drummers and dancers from Alaska Native Heritage Center, crafts and music.
• Easter Train – Kids will marvel at a magic show, treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny, as the train explores Turnagain Arm before returning to Anchorage.
• The Great Alaska Beer Train – With your engineer as a designated driver, passengers are able to enjoy a wide selection of local microbrews, along with a multicourse meal, as the train wanders from Anchorage to Portage and back.
• Kid’s Halloween Train – Pull out the costumes and come enjoy a howling good time, with magicians, crafts, balloon animals and lots of treats. The ghoulish railroad takes passengers from Anchorage to Indian before returning, providing a spooky-good time!
• Holiday Train – The entire family will delight in a Christmas train, where Santa, carolers, magicians, and treats all culminate in a festive experience.

Length of Season

The Alaskan Railroad runs from mid-May through mid-September, with northbound departures leaving Anchorage and southbound departures leaving Fairbanks.  For pick-ups along the way, please check the train schedule.

McKinley Explorer

The McKinley Explorer train covers ground that has exceptional views, landscapes, and geology. Running on a part of the Alaskan Railroad tracks, it encompasses vast forested lands, rushing glacier-fed rivers and the tallest mountain in the United States.

Passengers never tire of the endless vistas or the countless wildlife spied along the way. The dome cars on this train offer a unique way to see Alaska’s wildness while riding in luxury!

Railway and Locomotive Types

Diesel locomotives pull the railcars on standard gauge tracks, with trains consisting of McKinley Explorer dome cars for prime viewing opportunities of the majestic lands between Talkeetna and Denali.

Seating Options

Seating on the McKinley Express is all assigned and only one class of service is offered. Passengers have dome car seats on the second level of the train, with an outdoor viewing platform available, as well as a fully stocked dining room below. Ticket prices do not cover food or drink, but both are optional purchases that can be made onboard.

Riding Options

The railroad runs from Anchorage to Talkeetna, then on to Denali, with return trips. Passengers can purchase one-way or round-trip tickets, catching a train back to their departure point day(s) later, if desired.

Specialty Trains

The McKinley Express has no specialty trains available. However, if passengers will be in Anchorage, several event trains run from Anchorage to Turnagain Arm on specific dates. Please refer to the Denali Star Specialty Trains for descriptions and schedules.

Length of Season

As part of the Alaska Railroad line, the traveling season for the McKinley Express runs from mid-May through mid-September.  Check the train schedule for specific dates and times of departure.

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Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip.  Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.

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Oil, unlike wine, does not age well. Its viscosity – a measure of the resistance of a fluid to deformation at a given rate – does not take long to break down.

Oil thins as it heats up but thickens as it cools. The thicker it gets, the longer it takes to warm up and flow throughout the engine. As such, your motorhome engine’s oil is similar to all of us, it can’t just sit around without being active.

This also goes for the rest of your motorhome as everything needs to function to stay viable, but for this article, we are going to focus on the engine oil.

How Oil Goes Bad

Exactly how does your motorhome’s oil die? In a few faster-than-expected ways.

First, there’s the simple breakdown known as oxidation. Those little unseen oxygen molecules mix it up with your engine oil’s molecules and break them down over time, just like Ali did to Foreman.

As an example of oxidation, think of what happens to a peach once you break its skin. Oxygen molecules come swooping in like a turkey vulture on a carcass and will turn that peach brown practically before your eyes. Regarding oil, oxygen increases your motorhome oil’s viscosity, thereby making it perform worse from an efficiency standpoint.

Second, this leads back to oxidation, but say you took your motorhome out and towed a vehicle for a short trip and that was it for the camping season. Merely towing a vehicle makes your oil worker harder. Oxidation can, and will, double for every 20°F the engine’s heat goes up. Plus your motorhome’s engine runs hotter when towing.

Third, water contamination. It doesn’t matter where your motorhome is parked. Inside or out, swings in temperature cause condensation and condensation affects your engine. Condensation forms inside your motorhome’s engine and those droplets of water get into your oil and contaminate it.

When you take a trip of a good enough length you will see drips coming off your tailpipe. That’s condensation coming off the engine and those drips are a good thing to see. Plus, water getting into the oil can lead to sludge. I once knew someone who didn’t realize engine oil needed to be changed at all. Condensation and oxidation made the ‘oil’ so thick in the bottom of the pan you could stick the dipstick into it and create a sweet twangy country instrument.

Other Factors

What else can cause your motorhome’s oil to lose its effective viscosity? Gasoline.

Gas needs to volatilize and make its proper exit through the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system. Short trips, or no trips, don’t allow your engine to heat up enough and get to normal operating temperature. Therefore, any gas hanging out in the piston and valve area didn’t wash through and therefore, gets into the oil and contaminates it.

Fuel dilutes oil, making it less effective and promoting the build-up of sludge. Sludge is a byproduct of overall contamination.

Changing Your Oil

And what oil should you use when you change it? If your motorhome is new and still under warranty, whatever the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s an older motorhome, chances are you will be better off with a synthetic-based oil. Synthetic oils are scientifically designed to last longer.

In summation, change your oil regardless of whether you drive your motorhome a lot, a little, or not at all. Not sure who coined this phrase, but oil literally is the “lifeblood of your engine.”

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Any question or comment regarding your motorhome’s oil? Drop us a note in the comments below! Need your oil changed? Contact our service department. 

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The House of the Sun is an apt name for a place that hosts the world’s most stunning sunrises. At …



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Your RV’s tires are extremely important. I’ve discussed tire care before, but I wanted to address what you should do to your tires before you put your RV away for the season. It’s that time of year, and you should be prepping your RV already if you haven’t done so. 

With that in mind, here’s what you’ll need to do to your tires before you put it in storage.

Clean Your Tires

Among the many things you should do to winterize your RV, one of them is to clear your tires. I recommend cleaning your entire RV, inside and out. While doing that, make sure to get your tires good and clean.

Wash them like you would the rest of your RV’s exterior and then apply a special tire cleaner or conditioner. Something like the 303 Tire and Rubber Cleaner will do the trick. You simply spray it on, let it sit and then wipe it off.

Pump Up the Tires

Before you put your RV away for the colder winter months, you need to think about the air pressure in the tires. Your RV tires should be neither over-inflated or under-inflated as each can cause issues.

Read the proper tire pressure on the tire’s sidewall and inflate your tires to the maximum pressure. This will ensure your tires are distributing weight appropriately.

It’s also smart to make sure you check your tire’s air pressure periodically during the time it is in storage. Cold air makes the air inside the tires denser and this can reduce the tire pressure. By checking it regularly, you’ll ensure it doesn’t get too low.

Use Wheel Blocks or Tire Cradles

Putting something between your RV’s tires and the ground or pavement where you park it can help keep your tires in good condition.

Wheel blocks or tire cradles are the best option here. They will ensure that you RV’s tires rest evenly and help ensure weight is properly distributed.

Use Tire Covers

Tire covers can help keep your tires from feeling the negative impacts of the weather. Rain, excessive sunlight, wind, and snow all impact tire life. By covering your RV’s tires while it’s not in use, you’ll increase their longevity.

Tire covers are inexpensive and easy to install. They can even sometimes be color-matched to your RV, to give your rig a streamlined look even when it’s not in use.

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Keeping your RV’s tires in the best condition is important. If you have any questions, reach out to Camping World’s service department.

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