A friend recently approached us, seeking an opinion. He intends to purchase an RV in the next year or so and is determined to find the RV that will work best for his situation. He’s leaning toward buying a Class C RV, so here is the information we provided.
Overview
The Class C motorhome is smaller than a Class A, but larger than a Class B camper van. The most distinctive feature on the Class C is its over-the-cab space that is usually used for a bed or storage.
Pros of Class C RVs
There are many reasons to choose a Class C motorhome over other types of RVs. Here are just a few advantages.
- Affordability. Class C’s are generally less expensive than their larger RV cousins (Class A’s and fifth wheels). Even travel trailers, though less expensive to purchase, will still ding your budget more than a Class C because you’ll need a truck to tow the travel trailer.
- Sleeping space. A Class C often offers the greatest number of sleeping spaces, especially when using the over-the-cab area for a bed.
- Drivability. The smaller size and turning radius make the Class C the second easiest RV to maneuver (the Class B van being the easiest of all). It’s much easier to drive than a large motorhome, and parking is seldom a problem for shorter Class C’s.
- Accessibility. You won’t need to crawl over a seat to access your coach, because you’ll have three entry/exit doors in a Class C RV—the two “up front” driver and passenger seats and the larger RV entry door.
- Safety. The Class C design offers greater protection in a front-end collision because the engine is situated in front of the driver and passenger, as in a pickup truck.
- Operational costs. Because Class C RVs generally weigh less than Class A motorhomes, the fuel efficiency is usually a bit better. Also, accessing the Class C’s engine is easier (just open the hood), and the C fits into standard garage bays for repair.
- RV campground sites. Often a Class C RV will fit where other RVs can’t. The C’s shorter length makes it ideal for national parks and compact RV sites. (Note: Class C RVs are available in varying lengths.)
Class C RV cons
There is no perfect RV, and although a Class C has many advantages over other types of recreational vehicles, it isn’t perfect. Here are some downsides to the Class C RV.
- Less living space. While a Class C can often sleep more people, it doesn’t offer as much living space as other RVs. If you plan to do your “living” outdoors when camping, this may not be an issue for you.
- Less storage. Along with less room to move about, a Class C often lacks storage space. Singles or couples without children will sometimes overcome this lack of storage space by placing items in the over-the-cab bed area.
- Cab space. The Class C’s cab is restricted to driving, as opposed to Class A motorhomes where the front seats swivel and can be used for extra seating.
- Limited towing capacity. Most Class C’s can tow between 3,500 and 8,000 pounds. The exception is the Super C’s, which have a much greater towing capability. That said, once you’re set up at the campground, how will you get to the grocery store or visit the nearby museum if you don’t have an additional vehicle? This, in my opinion, is the greatest downside to the Class C RVs.
Not alone
Our friend is not alone in his search for the RV best suited for his lifestyle. Many experienced RVers are looking to downsize and often do so by transitioning to a Class C motorhome. There are certainly advantages to this efficient and versatile RV.
Would you ever consider getting a Class C RV? Vote yes or no and then use the comments to tell us the reasoning behind your vote.
I have owned two Class A diesel pushers, a 40 foot Monaco Windsor and now a 42 foot Monaco Dynasty. I prefer the extra room and comfort plus the quiet ride up front versus listening to the engine roaring all the time.
I found the engine noise of the C to be much less than the A gassers we had. The C was really no more than a pickup truck. The A’s literally scream and if the doghouse isn’t properly insulated they put a lot of heat in the cab.
I agree, though, that the diesel pusher is very quiet up front.
Second Class C. First destroyed by lightning strike. Meets our needs just fine. Especially like the length, under 30 ft, fitting in almost every RV site we choose. Only the 2 of us.
After seven years towing a 5th wheel, I scaled down to a Class C and loved it. Since my preference was staying out in the boonies and shopping once a week, my big dog and I loved the C, towed nothing, and enjoyed another 5 years as full-timers .The fiver had three slides – the C, none!
We are currently in a truck camper which we love. If it gets to a point where climbing up into the bed becomes too difficult I would certainly consider a C
Love my 34 foot Class A diesel pusher with no slides. Just big enough and yet small enough to go where we want to go.
27RQ Class A here, no slides and 152″ wheelbase, right with you!
We originally were looking at class B’s, but realized class C fit our needs much better. More space, small enough to park( 24 ft) , tall enough( (husband 6’3, Class B’s his head near or hit ceiling). We have a moped and e-bikes which seems to work great if we need to get anywhere after we hook up. We just love it! Leaving next week for a month long road trip to Texas!
One comment about room the front seat in the cab of a Class C do turn around to give more seating in the front. Only limitation is the driver seat will not recline as far as the passenger seat due to the steering wheel
I’ve had to eat crow so often about things I said “never” about, that I won’t say “never” about this one. However, I prefer towables so that I can use the tow vehicle while camping.
I agree Gordon, We have a 34ft.5th wheel that we pull with a 4 door Dooley truck. The good part is that my wife loves to drive our truck, with, or without the 5er!
The maneuverability of the Class C is a strong selling point if you like to drive a lot and want to fit into the most campsites. If you spend more time parked than in motion, the benefit of maneuverability is muted and the headwind of cramped starts prevailing.
Our first motorized RV was a new 29′ 1998 Fleetwood Tioga. Simple, no slides, go virtually anywhere. Many days I wish I had that simplicity and ease of maintenance back. One does not get the panoramic views enroute with a small windshield and typical large overhang.
I would say that we would consider a Class C again, but the 32′ 2010 Newmar Baystar Class A we had for 8 years was every bit as versatile and easy to drive. We had more room and certainly storage. But the cost of these 14 years later is insane with MSRPs in the $250K+ range while similar sized C’s are $100K less.
I’ve had every kind of rv except ones with an engine. No interest in motorized rvs.
SuperC- yes
I’m 6’7” 240+/- pounds with size 16-17 shoes (depending on style). Due to the front wheel hump there is literally no room for my legs and especially my feet in a class C. So we drive a class A diesel pusher, I can extend my legs out completely and lots of room for my big feet! 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 We opted to rent and buy class As. We rented what was readily available where we were and it happened to be, on both occasions, a class A gasser. Once we were actively looking to buy our first RV, the large interior space and the large outside storage areas biased us toward class As. When we downsized from RV #1 (43′ DP) to RV #2 (36′ DP), we stayed with class As because of familiarity. If we downsized further, then we’d more likely go to a class B as a travel vehicle and stay in hotels rather than campgrounds.
My biggest reluctance with class A or C is paying for a powertrain that is both pushed hard and sits idle most of the time. And a class B might be just as bad. Plus separating the powertrain from the living space gives you a place to be while the powertrain is being serviced, and vice versa, transportation while the living space is not being used. Of course, having a pivot point in your road gear carries a different challenge.
We went from a travel trailer towed by a gas pickup to a fifth wheel towed by a diesel pickup to, currently, a small Class C Sprinter diesel with no toad. My wife did not like driving either truck while towing, but did not mind driving the trucks when not towing. When shopping for a motorhome, she was uncomfortable driving a Class A, but had no problem with a Class C. She said it was just like driving the big diesel pickup without the fifth wheel. So Class C it was! At our advanced age, having her be comfortable driving the RV is very important in case of a medical emergency. Plus the steel cab surrounding the “cockpit” provides more feeling of security and the engine is easier to work on.
Have actively looked at the Super C series but cannot find a floor plan we like enough to switch it up from our class A. The appeal for us starts with driving compartment comfort including 2 front doors with windows that roll down and captain seats that are truly designed for driving pleasure. 600+/- ponies and lots of outside storage a plus but can’t find a builder with a floor plan that compares to our A for kicking back on rainy days.
My first RV was a 21′ Class C. I was newly divorced and had 3 young children. We all loved it! It was so easy for me to drive and get used to the RV style of camping. We used that camper every other weekend and for a few weeks vacation during the summer for 10 years. There are times I miss having that smaller size (my husband and I now have a 36′ Class A) but for full-timing, it’s better to have gone bigger. If we ever get rid of this one, I’d go back to the smaller Class C again.
With any type of motorhome, you have to pull another vehicle behind. Any type of sightseeing without a vehicle means unhooking and re-hooking upon returning.
No, you don’t. Our 25′ Class C fits in any visitor center, museum, rest area, grocery store, or shopping center parking lot. It also fits in all but the very oldest national or state park, monument, Forest Service, or recreation area campground. When dry camping or boondocking (without hookups), we merely drive it to a water fill or dump whenever they are needed. And it’s the same length as the garage wall of our house that it is parked beside when we are not on the road. So, it’s the perfect size for us to take anywhere we need to go, without a toad. But, we do have E-bikes!
BUT if you are in a campground and need to go 30 miles to the grocery store or the attraction you want to see you need a toad vehicle or you disconnect and go. I don’t want two sets of engines, trans, electronic systems etc to have to take care of so I tow my 26′ TT and I have an Ebike.
Also after you get it down, hooking and unhooking my Samurai can be done in just under 5 minutes or less if in a hurry. I’m retired so no hurry and we all know being in a hurry can cause problems…
After a 40’ diesel pusher then to a 22’ class B we decided on a class C. The class C is a good fit for us. To each their own.
A class C would work for us but DW hates going to a laundromat for half a day doing laundry, so we are currently looking for a class A with washer/dryer. We had one 5 years ago and miss it.
Maybe a super C but not a class C.
When the time comes to replace our current 34′ class A, a class C would definitely be considered, along with maybe another class A. Floor plans will be the deciding factors.
Been RVing for 40 years and have owned 8 Class A’s counting our current one. For us it is the huge storage bays and looking out a 96″big screen tv” windshield as we go from point A to point B. It’s all about the views for us as we travel.
Like my travel trailer and my Ram 2500
We had 2- both were great!
The over the cab rigs always seem to leak and rot in the overhead bunk areas.
No Thanks..
Plus I and my late wife love-loved our Class A Winnebago!..1988 was a good year.
I admit I love my 45 ft behemoth, as my friends call it. However, the wife and I have discussed buying a smaller used Class C to drive to Alaska and back and then selling it afterwards. That idea may be cheaper than renting one and my DP gets 7-8 mpg. Also, the thought of driving our beautiful DP with its full body paint on the Alaskan highway is less than appealing.
I’m a cheapskate- after all I’m of Scottish descent When driving my Citadel Carship Enterprise on own get 25-28 mpg. With the 17 ft fiberglass molded LilSnoozy hooked up we get 22-25 mpg