Top 10 Things Class A Motorhome Owners Expect From An RV Park

Top 10 Things Class A Motorhome Owners Expect From An RV Park

Let’s face it, a good portion of Class A motorhome owners are not roughing it. In fact most of us are a lot closer to glamping than we are camping. Or as the Tiffin Motorhomes motto says, “Roughing It Smoothly”. Granted, this isn’t true for all Class A motorhome owners. Many of these units are toy haulers with plenty of room for ATVs, kayaks, and paddle boards. In these coaches, glam and luxury often give way to utility and function.

For equally as many, however, that 50-amp power is being used to drive multiple air conditioning units, heated tile floors, and electric fireplaces. These are often enjoyed while reclining on leather furniture next to marble countertops situated in one of multiple slideouts. 

Aside from the occasional foray into national parks or COE campgrounds, Class A owners have certain expectations of RV parks and resorts. After defining what a Class A Motorhome is, we’ll look at a few of those expectations.

What is a Class A motorhome?

Class A motorhomes are best described as looking like a city bus. These RVs are easily identified by the large windshield dominating the front of the RV and the overall square or “brick” shape.

How long is a Class A motorhome?

Available in varying lengths from 25 – 45 feet, the longer lengths are often called “diesel pushers” as they have a rear mounted diesel engine. “Gassers” have a gasoline engine situation at the front of the RV. There is some variation and crossover within these formats, however. 

How tall is a Class A motorhome?

Here again, Class A RVs can vary. Exterior heights range from around 11 – 13 feet. Typically, most Class A units are under 13 feet, whereas it’s not uncommon to find a 5th wheel that is over 13 feet tall.

What Class A Motorhome Owners Expect In An RV Park

1. Solid, reliable 50-amp power

With a big RV, it all starts with power, and that power should be safe and reliable. Though most Class A RVs have an onboard generator, you aren’t likely to use it in an RV park. That means that your microwave, induction cooktop, and air conditioners need good clean power to operate. Though some RVs have solar and lithium batteries to mitigate some of this need, right now that is the exception rather than the rule.

2. Fast WiFi

Whether you are streaming your favorite shows, trolling social media, working for a living, or roadschooling you need fast, reliable WiFi. Whether young or old, fast connectivity is crucial. This should be a primary initiative for all campground owners.

3. Excellent water pressure

While this is a desire for all campers, the Class A crowd in particular like to give those tankless water heaters a good workout with long hot showers. Having great water pressure makes that even more enjoyable.

Good water pressure is also handy when flushing out that black tank, or washing the RV, where allowed.

4. RV washing allowed

Speaking of washing the RV, in many cases this is not allowed, or is only available when you pay someone else to come do it for you. This is a complicated issue because there are water usage regulations, insurance waters to navigate, and environmental concerns. Still, it’s nice when available, especially if you are going to stay somewhere for an extended period of time.

5. Large RV site & patio area

Class A motorhome owners like a large and preferably paved RV site and patio. After those multiple slides are pushed out, you still need to have room to walk around them, preferably while not walking through mud, bushes, or your neighbor’s picnic area.

The same could be said for the patio. Many of these big RVs come with an outdoor TV. Occasionally even the glamping crowd enjoys watching the big game while grilling or relaxing outside the RV. It’s tough to enjoy that lounge chair when it’s stradling the sewer hose of the site next to you, and it’s more difficult not to infringe on the privacy of others when sites are too small.

6. Clear, paved campground roads

Parking or backing in any large RV can be a challenge. Getting through a campground with a 45-foot Class A motorhome pulling a tow vehicle raises that complexity. Trying to do it with bumpy dirt or gravel roads and overhanging trees reaching out to snag your A/C unit, TV antenna, or satellite dish make it nearly impossible.

7. Well maintained dog parks

Around 67% of RVers bring pets along. For the 58% of those that bring dogs, having clean and well-maintained dog parks is essential. Some RV parks have excelled at this, and even offer handy dog washing stations.

Dog parks should be plentiful, with good fencing, and well-managed bag dispensers and trash cans. Some parks charge an additional fee for camping with pets. While this fee is at times controversial, if that fee is used to provide stellar pet facilities, then it’s worth it.

8. On-site grill or restaurant

Glampers do a lot of cooking, whether it’s on that fancy, glass induction cooktop or the outdoor grill of your choice. There are times when you just don’t want to cook, and having an on-site grill or restaurant to grab a meal is a huge plus.

Whether it’s donning your Hawaiian shirt and khakis for drinks and dinner on the restaurant patio or biking up to the burger stand in your swimsuit, and on-site meal option is a welcome change.

9. Robust campground store

We all forget things now and then. What Class A motorhome glamper wants to ruin a great grilled lobster and filet mignon by running out of butter? Whether it’s tahini sauce or tie-downs, duck sauce or duct tape, a great camping store that has loads of common essentials is a vital part of a quality RV resort.

10. Resorts should really be resorts

Speaking of RV resorts, RV parks and campgrounds that add the word “Resort” to their names had better be just that, resorts. A real RV resort includes all of those things mentioned above. Most resort-quality parks also have a pool, a nearby golf course, a great clubhouse with entertainment facilities, pickleball, tennis courts, and fun social events (when social distancing is no longer necessary). 

Not every RV park needs to be a resort for Class A motorhome owners. However, if you are going to add Resort to your name you need to be on par with places like StoneRidge Motor Coach Village or the Resort at Canopy Oaks.

Conclusion

Not every RV park has or needs all of these things, and not every RV resort lives up to that designation. Class A motorhome owners looking to find the best RV parks, campgrounds, or RV resorts should visit CampgroundReviews.com or give RV LIFE Pro a try with their 7-day trial. 

See also: 8 Luxurious Resorts For Class A Motorhomes & Other Big Rigs