If you want a spacious class RV but don’t want to drive a colossal motorcoach, you need to check out one of these 10 Class A RVs in the 30-foot range.
Class A motorhome design provides a much more open and airy feel that you won’t find in a similar-length Class C. The Class A interior also feels a touch more luxurious.
We showcase the top ten models to help you find the shortest Class A RVs that are easy to drive, park, and maneuver. Short Class A RVs are ideal for all camping enthusiasts, from singles to couples and families, large and small.
Don’t assume that all Class A motorcoaches are 40-45 feet long; there are plenty of smaller versions that may be perfect for you. I’d also recommend you read this article, which covers specific class A RVs to avoid. It’s a good supplement to ensure you’re making a good pick.
In the meantime, let’s get into it.
Short Class A vs. Big Class C
Why choose a short Class A over a big Class C?
While both are easier to drive over larger motorhomes, the best small Class A RV provides the following benefits:
Smoother and More Comfortable Ride
The chassis and suspension of Class As are beefier and made with comfort in mind. Riding in Class A is often compared to sitting in a cloud!
Most Class C motorhomes drive like pickup trucks. You feel more road bumps and vibration, which gets tiresome fast.
The captain’s chairs in Class A RVs are thickly padded and have extra support and adjustments. The height of the seats above surrounding cars enables you to keep a better eye on traffic conditions.
The dash area allows ease of reading instrument panels or accessing controls. Class A’s almost always come complete with backup cameras, and the wide windshield provides a clear view, so driving and backing up is less stressful.
Ample Exterior Storage Compartments
Let’s face it. We love to bring along all the camping gear and extras we can when we travel.
The 10 best Class A RVs have a fully enclosed basement area with compartments all around. The design allows you to store and safely lock up tons of camping supplies outside the camper’s interior, yet safe from the elements.
Class Cs do have some exterior storage but much fewer compartments that are smaller in size.
The storage bays under the Class A floor add a buffer that further reduces road noise.
Bright Interior Living Space
Walking into a Class A motorhome feels spacious because it has higher ceilings and more windows than a Class C.
The design of the pilot area is broader and more open. The captain’s chairs quickly turn around into the living space, creating a homey atmosphere.
All the windows bring in more natural light, which brightens the space. Class Cs have a tighter cab area, and often, only one seat can turn around. The overhead bunk or storage in Class C also darkens the space and makes it feel more cramped.
Most Class A motorcoaches offer an upper-cab-area bunk, but the design drops it down from the ceiling on electric jacks, so it doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
With all this space, you may want to ensure you have internet, so consider a portable satellite dish.
More Convenient Camping Amenities
Whether you love to boondock or stay at RV parks, Class A has much larger storage tanks for fresh water and grey and black water, so you need to fill or empty them less often.
Most also come with a built-in generator, which allows you to camp off-grid with ease or deal with campground power outages with no fuss.
Add in auto-leveling systems that drop and lift the jacks with a push of a button, and you’ll find a small Class A RV can really upgrade your entire camping experience over what you’ll find with a Class C.
Standard Features Found in the 10 Best Small Class A RVs
Just because you prefer a shorter motorhome doesn’t mean you need to forgo the great amenities found in a large Class A.
Even the shortest Class A RV should deliver these features:
- Power awnings
- 1-4 slideouts
- Rear and side view cameras
- Bed option above pilot’s seats
- Co-pilot work station
- 1-2 televisions and entertainment centers
Now that you have a base expectation of what to find in small Class A RV models let’s look at the top brands below with details about what makes them recreational-vehicle standouts!
10 Best Shortest Class A RVs
We chose the following selection of short Class A motorhome models to get high marks from customers for quality, the practicality of the floorplan, comfort, and overall features and sleeping arrangements.
1. Forest River FR3 30DS
- Length: 31.8 feet
- UVW: 18,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 8
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $139,865
The Forest River FR3 30DS floorplan is washer/dryer ready, has numerous sleeping arrangements, spacious dinette seating, two slides, and a comfortable king-size bed in the master, making this one of the best small Class A motorhomes for large families.
While the RV is just under 32 feet long and the biggest model on our list, we find the small touches like the storage bay drain holes for easy washing, the long, cook-friendly kitchen counter with sink covers, and the fully retractable front-end bunk make this short Class A RV a winner.
2. Entegra Vision 26X
- Length: 28.5 feet
- UVW: 16,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 6
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $97,000
The Entegra Vision 26X floorplan meets the requirements for being one of the 10 best Class A RVs under 30 feet. The design includes more than enough interior and exterior storage space, an outdoor entertainment center, and a spacious shower stall.
We find the Integra’s exclusive E-Z Drive Elite ride and handling package make it the smallest Class A with the most comfort and control while driving. The price point is another bonus. While you can sleep up to six, this model is more suitable for couples or small families.
3. Thor Axis RUV 24.1
- Length: 25.6 feet
- UVW: 12,500 lbs
- Sleeps: 5
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Price: $127,800
The Thor Axis RUV 24.1 floorplan is the ideal solution for solo or couple RVers who like the flexibility of extra room for guests. Thor calls this small Class A RV a Recreation Utility Vehicle (RUV) and uses the same modern design and amenities found in their larger motorcoach models, such as a double-door refrigerator and soft-close cabinetry.
We find the compact yet luxurious feel of the interior works well with the choice of either a king-size bed or two twin beds in the master. The large removable pedestal table that doubles as office space and the lounging-size sofa for cozy morning coffee chats are highly functional.
4. Winnebago Adventurer 27N
- Length: 28.5 feet
- UVW: 18,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $160,515
The Winnebago Adventurer 27N floorplan, the most compact model in the Class A RV lineup, smartly maximizes space with strategic placement of the kitchen counter, bathroom, and deep slideouts. This design enhances the sense of distinct areas within the RV.
We love the attention to detail in the interior and exterior color scheme, upgrades in appliances and countertops, traffic patterns, space-saving sliding door to master, and outdoor entertainment center with HDTV.
5. Newmar Bay Star Sport 2702
- Length: 27.11 feet
- UVW: 18,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 5
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $135,702
The Newmar Bay Star Sport 2702 floorplan stretches the space by placing the couch and dinette in the living area in the deep slide. The second slide in the bedroom allows room for a dresser, wardrobe, and entertainment area without blocking natural light from the windows.
We find the no-nonsense design makes RV life efficient for two people or a couple with small kids. We like the options for interior and exterior color schemes for you to make it more personal. The company makes two more models (the 2813 and 2905) under 30 feet, which expands your shopping choices when looking for the smallest Class A motorhomes on the market.
Newmar Bay Star Sport 2702 Class A Motorhome (Video)
6. Coachmen Pursuit Precision 27DS
- Length: 28.75 feet
- UVW: 16,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 7
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Price: $110,000
The Coachmen Pursuit Precision 27DS floorplan is suitable for small RVing families, with plenty of sleeping quarters to give everyone some private space. This model is the shortest Class A motorhome the brand makes, but they don’t skimp on the quality.
We love they incorporate a dog window by the passenger seat so your furry friends can keep an eye out during travel days and how wonderfully easy the motorhome is to drive. We always appreciate one of the top 10 class RVs with an outdoor entertainment area, which increases enjoyment when hanging out under the awning or the stars.
7. Jayco Alante 26X
- Length: 26X is 28.5 feet
- UVW: 26X is 16,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 8
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: 26X is $125,500
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The Jayco Alante 26X floorplan highlights why it’s one of the best small Class A RV models out there for couples who want space to spread out or families who need plenty of sleeping quarters.
The bathroom layout is especially roomy in this small RV, making showering and changing clothes much more manageable. We also give high marks for the outdoor entertainment center and wide awning to expand the living space. The excellent handling of this RV on the road is another bonus.
8. Winnebago Intent 28Y
- Length: 28.11 feet
- UVW: 18,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 5
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Price: $118,000
The Winnebago Intent 28Y floorplan creates a nice buffer between the master and the main living area, giving parents a chance for some quiet relaxation. Pop the kids into the studio loft for bedtime, and you can shut your door and watch TV without disturbing their sleep.
We think this short Class A RV is an excellent value for the price with the high-quality amenities and features and fits the top 10! The view from the cab area is more expansive than other motorhomes, and the seats turn and transform into a small seating area with a table. The incredible amount of storage completes the package.
9. Thor Windsport 29M
- Length: 30 feet
- UVW: 18,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 8
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Price: $158,850
The Thor Windsport 29M floorplan creates a cozy seating and eating space upfront where the whole family can gather for meals, games, or hanging out. The full-wall slide makes the interior of this smallest Class A RV feel even more open and airy, and the fixtures, furniture, and appliances add a level of luxury to the design.
We like how the bathroom and kitchen separate the master from the living space and how the coffee table between the captain’s chairs increases the surface area to dine or work. The best part is the coach has an outdoor kitchen and an entertainment center for fun campsite gatherings.
10. Fleetwood Flair 28A
- Length: 29.3 feet
- UVW: 16,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 8
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
- Price: $116,200
The Fleetwood Flair 28A floorplan can sleep up to eight, but the layout is better for a full-time traveling couple as the bathroom is part of the master suite. The kitchen that extends to both sides of the motorcoach is very efficient, while the more centralized entry door keeps traffic flow under control.
We must admit we love the 50-inch TV in the outdoor entertainment center, the enormous pass-through basement storage compartment, and direct hookup for a propane grill to avoid dragging along a separate tank. The cabinetry and color scheme are sleek and contemporary, adding a crisp finish to the interior design.
Short Class A Wrap-Up
When you want an RV with the most space yet a smaller profile, buying one of the 10 shortest Class A RV models on our list above will deliver more storage, light, headroom, and features than you’ll find in a comparable-size Class C motorhome.
Check out our suggestions at your nearest RV dealership and see the differences for yourself. Please don’t forget to take a test drive to learn why owners rave about the handling and comfort Class A RVs provide!
Related Questions
- What are the key differences between a Class A and Class C RV, and why might someone prefer a shorter Class A RV?
Class A RVs, known for their size, luxury, and array of features, may present challenges in maneuverability and higher fuel consumption compared to Class C RVs. The latter are more compact, simpler to handle, and generally better in fuel efficiency.
Someone might prefer a shorter Class A RV for its blend of luxury and compactness, making it easier to handle on the road while still offering the comfort and amenities of a larger RV.
- How does the design of Class A RVs contribute to a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to Class C RVs?
Class A RVs, often built on a commercial bus or truck chassis, offer a smoother and more comfortable ride due to their larger size, heavier weight, and more robust suspension systems, which can better absorb road imperfections.
Additionally, their design often includes higher-end amenities and features such as air ride suspensions and hydraulic leveling systems, which contribute to a more stable and comfortable journey compared to Class C RVs.
- What are some of the standard features that can be expected in the 10 best small Class A RVs?
The top 10 small Class A RVs typically feature compact yet comfortable living spaces, including a kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping area, and often a small dining area.
They also often include modern amenities such as air conditioning, heating, a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and sometimes even advanced features like solar power capabilities, Wi-Fi boosters, and integrated entertainment systems.
- How do the amenities and features of small Class A RVs enhance the overall camping experience?
Small Class A RVs offer a compact yet luxurious camping experience, providing amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable sleeping quarters, and often even entertainment systems, which can significantly enhance the overall camping experience.
Their smaller size also allows for easier maneuverability and access to a wider range of campgrounds while still offering the comforts and conveniences of home, making the camping experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
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