What You Need to Know About Class C RVs (2024)

Cruising down the road in a brand-new RV is an exciting scene to imagine! But what does your RV look like? Is it a motorhome or a towable? If you picture yourself with a motorhome, do you envision yourself in the classic Class C? Keep reading to learn all about Class C RVs and decide if this is the right RV for your next adventure.

What Is a Class C RV?

Motorhomes come in three primary styles: Class A, Class B, and Class C. But today, our spotlight is on Class C. This motorhome is built on what’s called a cabin chassis and has a distinct look because of the over-the-cab sleeping area.

Having the sleeping area built-in like this means you have more living space. Many people also prefer the driving experience in Class Cs versus Class As. Driving a Class C feels more like driving a regular automobile because of the van-like design.

Class C Motorhome Details

Now that we’ve covered what a Class C RV is, we’re going to cover the primary things you need to know about it. Class C motorhomes are between Class As and Class Bs for both length and weight. They usually range from 21 to 41 feet and weigh between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds on average.

Some smaller Class Cs don’t have any slide outs. Most, however, have at least 1-2 slides to give you more living area. Since Class Cs can be quite large, they can sleep 6-8 people. Class C RVs can often sleep even more people than a comparable-sized Class A. So if you have a large family in tow, the Class C is a good choice.

Class C RVs come in a wide range of prices. Depending on the size and layout, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 for a brand-new Class C. There are options above and below these numbers, but most Class Cs fall into the aforementioned range.

Gas Mileage

RVs are not known for their fantastic gas mileage. In fact, the gas mileage is pretty lousy. A Class C motorhome has slightly better gas mileage than a Class A, but it is not as good as the Class B. Typical Class Cs will get between 10-13 miles per gallon. Most Class Cs use gasoline engines, but in the larger ones, diesel is sometimes seen.

Features and Amenities in Class C RVs

Although each RV manufacturer will offer a different layout, Class Cs usually include most of the following amenities. Typically, as a Class C owner, you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Class Cs are also known for maximizing sleeping space with adaptable RV furniture, like flip out bunks, pull out sofas, and over-the-cab beds.

Unlike a Class B, a Class C will have a complete bath with a separate shower, rather than having everything in a single stall wet-bath. The Class C also has a sizable living area (in RV terms) and extra storage or sleeping space above the cab.

They also have additional interior storage space in the overhead cabinets, wardrobes, and beneath the dinette. Plus, there is usually a small amount of exterior storage.

Class C RVs will typically come with automatic leveling jacks. It can also tow a vehicle in most cases. That way, you don’t have to worry about driving the RV around while you’re staying somewhere.

Advantages of Class C RVs

Class Cs have a lot to offer. They are hands down the best choice for traveling with a large family. They have plenty of space for everyone to sleep. And even if you have just a few people, the over cab space isn’t wasted because it is great for extra storage.

Additionally, Class C motorhomes are easy to drive while still being able to pull a toad. There are also tons of lengths and price ranges to choose from, so you can get an RV that is perfect for you. Another convenient thing is being able to access the living space through the cab. This ability is great for long road trips when you need to grab a quick snack or hit the bathroom.

Class Cs also offer the biggest bang for your buck in terms of sleeping space and amenities compared to other motorhome types.

Disadvantages of Class C RVs

Before you choose which RV to purchase, we do need to warn you of a few downsides to the Class C RV. First of all, they are more expensive than towable RVs, like a travel trailer. They also get pretty poor gas mileage, which can quickly put a dent in your travel budget.

Another downside is the limited exterior storage space. If you have gear or extra things you want to store outside the living area, a Class C may disappoint you. There is also not much variability in floor plans. So, you might be stuck compromising on the layout.

While Class C RVs offer lots of sleeping space, they frequently have lower weight limits. This means that the available cargo carrying capacity (CCC) may not be enough to pack the whole family on board safely. Be sure to check the CCC of any RV you are looking at to make sure you will have plenty of cargo and towing capacity for your needs.Otherwise, you may make a huge mistake and be overweight like we were.

Finally, a Class C has the engine and the home all in one package. This isn’t a big deal until you need work done on the engine. Then it becomes a huge deal. When your engine needs work, the entire RV has to go with it, leaving you without a place to stay in the meantime. It can definitely ruin your family vacation if this happens.

Is a Class C RV Right For You?

A Class C RV is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a motorhome that can accommodate many people. It also has plenty of interior storage and living space. For families, a Class C motorhome is definitely a good fit. This type of RV also gets slightly better gas mileage than a Class A while still towing a car.

The Class C Motorhome Is A Classic RV Choice

A Class C motorhome is a great option for a lot of reasons. If you need more space than a Class B, while having something more “driver-friendly” than a Class A, the Class C RV is a perfect choice. Hopefully, this overview leaves you feeling more confident about knowing if the Class C is the rig of your dreams!

Want to explore more RV types? Read What Does RV Stand For? The Most Popular Types next!

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