Wondering whether your class A RV will meet the required size met the regulations of your park, or whether your state allows such gigantic monsters on the road, read this article.
The class A RV is the largest, most comfortable, spacious, and homelike vehicle. You’ll enjoy all the home comforts on every trip, and make your adventure memorable whether you’re alone or with the family.
These types of recreational vehicles come with two to four slide-outs –thus increasing the available area by a few feet.
Some of them can accommodate a family of five comfortably, an RV with beds and bunkers and chairs that can be converted into beds.
See the latest brand of RVs here.
Most probably you don’t want your trip ruined because you cannot slide out your slide out when you want to, because of its width, or get turned away because the regulation by the authorities refuses such large vehicles.
How to Know Your RV Size
Knowing the size of your RV will probably help you by not being in the wrong hand of authorities, especially when reversing, negotiating sharp turns and bends, passing tunnels, and low over-hangs.
You should consider the width and average size of your RV when choosing your travel location.
Can I open my RV slide-outs while in the garage to check on its condition before that trip, or have that camping experience in a local public park without inconveniences or spoiling your slide-outs, or injuring myself or others?
These large vehicles require utmost care while driving; they may even require you to get an additional driving license for those types of vehicles.
This includes getting extra training or hiring an experienced driver who can handle your RV with the utmost care.
How Wide is Class A RV With Slide Out?
The standard width of an RV is 8 feet wide with the slide-out in, each slide adds about 1 1/2 inch of space when open totaling 3 feet of additional space that facilitate movements and also allows for the re-conversion of chairs to beds at night.
The additional space saves one the trouble of lying down on a mat in that camp shelter or a hammock that had the perfect camping experience before the invention of the recreational vehicle.
The average length of a class A RV is about 40 feet long, think of it like you are carrying with you a standard family home made of metal with beds, bathroom, kitchenette, dining, sitting room, washrooms, all these which come to life when you slide out your slide outs.
On average, a standard class A RV weighs about 34,000 pounds. This is a lot of weight to move around — thus it’s preferred that you use only the paved roads to keep the truck stable.
The truck’s engine is designed to haul or push the motorhome. That is, if you prefer the noise of the engine not to spoil your cool country music as the roads take you home to the place where you belong, some models have engines at the back.
If you’ve never had a modern motorhome, you’ll be amazed by the size and comfort they offer to their occupants.
Can my Engine Haul all This Weight?
RV comes equipped either with a 362 horsepower gasoline-driven engine or a 450 horsepower diesel engine.
The engine is the heart of a car, it provides the energy required to operate all the functions in the car, this includes charging the batteries and producing power to haul or pull the weight.
There is no spoiler than having your engine fail in the middle of nowhere, with your minimal mechanic’s skills and no network coverage to call for help.
Comparison between the types of RV Engines
- Mechanical problems: Diesel engines have a rather complex system and are thus not easy to repair as compared to the gas ones which you can do yourself or consult a mechanic.
You are more likely to find gasoline mechanics at filling stations, though it is advisable to carry with you a full toolbox in case a need arises to put on your overalls.
- Burning fuel: A gasoline engine is more effective at burning fuel as compared to a diesel-powered engine.
- If no filling stations are along your way it is advisable to carry extra fuel for long journeys for diesel engines.
For an environmentalist who does not will to destroy the same nature, they are visiting a gasoline-powered engine is preferred.
In the long run, both engines are designed to haul the motorhome provided you do not overload it.
- Dog space: The diesel engine does not have a dog area thus you will have to leave your emotional comfort animal at home which might be hard at times, this is because the engine is located at the back, the area that houses a dog pit in gasoline-driven engines.
- Tow car: With the massive size of your RV it is impossible to ferry you in your portable home all across the jungle as you enjoy the countryside, a towed car is required which adds to the weight of the RV. A diesel-driven engine is required as it provides more power as compared to a gasoline-powered engine.
Although you have the option of having someone drive ahead of you which is also advantageous because they can map the road in front and report through radio calls, you also get a little sauce, by acting out that part you saw in a movie or read in a book for a little bit insight.
Why Most RV Owners Prefer Diesel Engines
1. Increased power: As compared to gasoline engines which offer only 457 lbs. a diesel engine can offer about 12000 of power.
2. Higher towing capacity: The high amount of power provided by the engine can carry wider loads.
3. Air braking and suspension systems: Drum brakes found in class A RVs with springs are more effective as compared to disk brakes in gasoline-powered engines.
4. Quieter: The diesel engines are located at the back of some trucks according to manufacturers and consumer preferences.
5. Last longer: A diesel engine lasts for a longer time as compared to a gasoline or gas engine; this is attributed to the ability of diesel engines to run at a lower RPM than gas. This is because for the same weight it would strain a gasoline tank more than a diesel one.
Tips to make your engine last longer
- Regular checking of the oil helps by keeping your engine well lubricated, avoiding tearing of parts due to friction.
- Replacement of plugs and wires.
- Follow up when warning signs show on the dashboard, this helps to correct it before it becomes bad.
- Checks the cooling system regularly, remove any debris that might be blown in there, add water to the radiator if it is low, and replace fan belts and fans.
- Replace the air filter regularly.
- Check for leaks to ensure that your engine does not leak or produce unnecessary smoke.
Conclusion
You should always consider the width of your slide before extending them; this will help you to avoid destroying them in limited spaces.
You should always make sure you’re on a flat surface when sliding out your slide-outs; take care of your RV for it to take care of your pockets.
