Hi Dave,
I have a Class C and was looking into getting a Class A RV but I heard that these style motorhomes are not as safe as a Class C because there is not much of a buffer between driver and front bumper like there is with a Class C. What is your perspective on this subject? Thank you, Dave. —Jerry, 2021 Thor Chateau 22B, Chevy frame
Hi Jerry,
In my opinion, it depends on the brand of Class A and how they design the driver and passenger cab area. Typically the Class A will have steel A pillars at the corners where the front cap meets the sidewall. Some manufacturers use a wood framing for the dash and upper cross member. Others, like Winnebago, use steel. The windshield is bonded with automotive-type sealant to a steel perimeter in the Winnebago. Others are zip stripped to the fiberglass molded front cap. This would be a good question to ask the manufacturer and find out what type of structural integrity their unit has.
Comparison between Class A and Class C build
Granted, the Class C would have the front grill, drivetrain, and firewall in front of the driver and passenger. However, with the Class A, the driver and passenger compartment is above the engine so a head on crash would most likely be at the engine height. As long as the driver and passenger are properly seat belted, I believe it would be safe.
One issue that most RV buyers do not know is that anything above a certain weight, which I believe is 10,000 lbs., is not required to be crash tested. Winnebago did conduct a few drop tests over the years, but I do not believe they have done this for over 20 years. And there never was a crash test by any manufacturer that I am aware of, so there is no data on the structural integrity of the front cab when it comes to a head-on crash.
In my opinion, a steel cab structure with embedded automotive glass has the structural integrity to provide peace of mind for me. However, I’ve never had to test the theory, thankfully!
Let’s see what other readers are thinking.
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I believe that what was to hit you head on would be a deciding factor. As example, a tractor trailer versus a Nissan Versus. The size of the opposing object would have a great impact on the outcome of damage. If we were to worry about the things that could possibly happen we could not enjoy life . Car, truck, motorcycle, boat, bicycle, or RV. Pay attention to your surroundings and remain defensive and alert in everything you do.
Defensive driving and proper maintenance, no matter what you’re driving. Be prepared but try not to worry about the things you can’t control so you can enjoy the ride.
Truck drivers will tell you that when you drive a cabover tractor (class A), you are the first one to the crash site.
Exactly what my comment was going to be!
I drive a Newmar class A, but I have no illusions on being the first to the scene of the accident. The only superior-constructed class As are the Prevost Bus shell. On the news we sometimes see commercial bus crashes and it’s still recognizable as a bus. Virtually all of the serious class A crashes I’ve seen pictures of are nothing short of a pile of rubble.
On the other hand…when the cheaply constructed class C box comes crashing in around you, I suspect it’s only marginally better.
Had a Château class C and then a newmar London Aire. The class C cabin is original and is built to truck standards. The box behind is not any stronger than a moving truck which is average. I backed up slowly in a tree and had a dent on the back cap.
The London aire which cost a fortune is made of really thin walls and is separately added during construction. It’s all built up and could fold to smithers in an accident! I would face a $10,000 repair bill if I’d back into a tree!
I visited the factory in Indiana twice (really worth it) and there is only a long platform with a steering wheel at the front and a motor at the back. Everything else is 1″ x 1″ wooden walls with fiberglass. Not much else….
My vote for safety goes to class C.
My wife’s vote for luxury is Newmar! 😂
Scary thought, Tommy!😲
The cab area of a C class has to meet very strict safety standards developed and enforced by the federal government. This includes crumple zones, air bags, and safety belt attachment. Compare that to an A class with minimal standards and a safety belt that might be attached to just a wood floor. Worlds of difference.
Exactly! There is no comparison between the automotive safety standards provided in Class B and Class Cs and literally no safety features other than seatbelts provided in Class As. If you’re in a bad accident in an A, luck plays more of a role in the outcome than safety features (or the lack thereof).
If you buy a quality unit from a reliable manufacturer you will be as safe as possible considering the vehicle you are driving and the vehicle you hit. As others have said it all depends on the circumstances. We had a Mountain Aire from Newmar that had a steel cage construction around the driver/passenger area. Other cheaper manufacturers just use lumber in their builds. As Dave said most crashes with a car you’ll be above the car if that’s any consolation.
Good to know this about Newmar. We drive a LondonAire.
RV manufacturers don’t have to crash test, but the, for example, F250 cab was crash tested by Ford.
Having a steel cage doesn’t mean much. Watch comparison crash tests between steel cars from decades ago and modern steel cars…modern cars are so much safer it’s not even close.
Love my class A. but I guess over a certain weight they don’t use airbags on Ford F53 chassis.
Airbags are required on all passenger vehicles to reduce injuries and make the occupants more safe. I cannot understand why this alone isn’t enough to convince people that a class B or C are safer than an A. Sitting behind a huge picture window of glass without any airbags to help stop your forward motion into the large panes of glass. I will take the crumple zones and the airbags anytime.
Everyone makes their choices on what they consider best for them, with any associated risks.
Having owned a Bluebird Wanderlodge (1987 model) I can tell you that it is a SOLID HEAVY DUTY MONSTER of a piece of equipment and safer than almost any other rv on the road! everything else is Sticks and staples!
You certainly have a classic, Jim! I have seen a few in campgrounds over the years. They invariably catch my eye as we walk our dog around the campground. Such beautiful rigs!
Jerry makes a great point. I have seen videos and/or read blogs where the creator/author makes this point. We bought a class A to get greater storage, a higher perspective, and the panoramic view from the large windshield. We also tried to buy a well-made class A. Lastly, I try to drive conservatively when piloting our class A. Although I can do nothing to make other drivers behave, I can do all that I can to keep us safe. Given how much time our rig is parked relative to the amount of time it is driven, I am comfortable with our choice of a Newmar New Aire on a Spartan chassis.
My next up grade is a dash cam. Insurance policy against the scumbag insurance companies and not so honest other drivers. We drive a 40′ DP.
Another reason to love my 1988 Winnebago 27 RQ Super Chief. Also the steel bumper, not plastic!
AS everyone out there I don’t have any desire to test it.
Lucy’s nephews were the one’s doing the drop test, she thanks them…That’s what she told me……………(;+)……
This video is interesting to watch. Skip to 4 minutes in to see the safety tests that Sweden has done on RV crashes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdrw5dsey0Q