Class C motorhomes are the Goldilocks of RVs. They’re not too big and not too small. They get better gas mileage than Class As but not as good as Class B campervans. They’re also a great choice for families and usually sleep between 4-8 people.
We’ll take a look at the size, price, and everything else you need to know about Class C motorhomes. Let’s see why they’re one of the most popular classes of motorhomes out there.
Class C RVs: What You Need to Know
Class C RVs are drivable motorhomes built directly onto a standard truck chassis. They feature a unique and highly recognizable body shape, including a hanging “attic” space. This can be used for storage or an extra bed.
Class C campers come in a wide variety of sizes and layouts. These include large, luxurious models with multiple slide-outs and diesel engines, as well as small Class C RVs that might measure just 20 feet or so. They combine the comfortable camping style of a large motorhome with the flexibility and affordability of smaller RVs. Some of the larger Class Cs can be expensive and may be difficult to maneuver down winding roadways. Because of their unique body style, Class C RVs are a great option for families with older children who want privacy. That attic bedroom makes an excellent hidey-hole or reading nook.
Also, because Class C RVs are built right into a standard pick-up truck chassis, they’re relatively simple to drive even for those who’ve never dealt with a larger vehicle. The controls and overall user experience are very similar to those you’d find in your everyday car. In fact, when you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, your Class C may feel indistinguishable from a regular truck.
| Category | Class C Motorhomes |
| Size | 20 – 33 feet |
| Weight | 10,000 – 20,000 lbs |
| Mileage | 8 – 15 MPG |
| Storage | Exterior compartments, interior cabinets, under-bed storage; typically 50 – 150 cubic feet |
| Sleeping Capability | 4 – 8 people |
| Extra Amenities | Kitchen, bathroom with shower, dinette, entertainment system, slide-outs, solar panels, backup cameras, outdoor awnings |
| Price Range | $60,000 – $200,000+ |
You can spend even less on a Class C camper if you shop used RVs instead.
Class C Motorhome Amenities
Although they’re generally smaller and more affordable than larger Class As, the best Class C motorhomes offer many of the same amenities. You’ll find slide-outs, full-sized appliances, cozy separate bedrooms, and more. And Class C diesel motorhomes do exist as well, and are some of the nicest RVs you can find on the market.
Class C Motorhome Manufacturers
Many different motorhome manufacturers offer Class C rigs. Here are a few you might recognize:
It’s important to note that the manufacturer name is not the same as the brand name. Each manufacturer generally creates a line of RVs under a specific brand, such as the Chateau or Citation lines by Thor Motor Coach. For lots more detail on RV manufacturers, check out our giant guide to RV manufacturers.
1.) Tiffin Wayfarer
Specifications:
- Sleeps 4
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,030 lb
- Overall Length: 25 feet, 7 inches
- One-piece Seamless Slide-out
- Two 12 V House Batteries (Group 27/180 Amp Hours)
- 30 Amp 110 V House Service
- 30 K BTU Propane Ducted Furnace
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 38
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 28
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 33
Tiffin gets consistently good reviews and is known for its luxury motorhomes. The Wayfarer is built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis that features noise reduction and better steering wheel adjustability. It has generously sized beds and plenty of storage including a basement area. The hydraulic leveling system makes parking at your campsite a breeze.
2. Winnebago View
Specifications:
- Sleeps 4
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,030 lb
- Overall Length: 25 feet, 6 inches
- SuperShell™ Sleeper Deck
- 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Heat Pump
- 20,000 BTU Low-Profile Ducted Furnace
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 30-37
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 41
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 41
There’s a reason Winnebago is recognized so well in the RV industry – they make a solidly exceptional, consistently well-reviewed product. This motorhome is designed more with functionality and easy travel in mind than the luxury of the Tiffin, but that makes it a great choice for families and people who want a hassle-free journey. It’s also well-appointed for camping off the grid.
3.) Jayco Melbourne
Specifications:
- Sleeps 6
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,030 lb
- Overall Length: 25.17 feet
- 153,500 BTU Air Conditioner
- 30,000 BTU Auto-Ignition Ducted Furnace
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 39-43
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 31
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 31
The Jayco Melbourne also uses a Mercedes Sprinter chassis and is available with up to two pop-outs. The Class C motorhome comes with plenty of extra storage, a residential-looking bathroom, and a kitchenette with a fridge and a 2-burner stove.
4.) Forest River Sunseeker Classic
Specifications:
- Sleeps 6
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 14,200 lb
- Overall Length: 27 feet, 7 inches
- TRA Certified Green
- 30,000 BTU Furnace
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 44
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 39
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 39
The Sunseeker Classic offers nine different floor plans, with options for either a Ford or a Chevy chassis. Three of those floor plans come in at under 30 feet long. The Sunseeker also has a split-level design that allows for more headroom. A few of the models also offer pop-outs for extra room.
5.) Coachmen Freelander
Specifications:
- Sleeps 8
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 14,200 lb
- Overall Length: 27 feet, 11 inches
- Family-Friendly Package
- 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 48-50
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 29-31
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 28-34
The Coachmen Freelander is a great family-friendly option for a few reasons. It sleeps more people than many other Class C motorhomes. It’s one of the more inexpensive RV options. It also has plenty of sleeping space and a private toilet.
6.) Thor Motor Coach Siesta Sprinter
Specifications:
- Sleeps 4
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,030 lb
- Overall Length: 25 feet, 10 inches
- 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Heat Pump
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 30-42
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 22-38
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 24-28
The Siesta offers four different floor plans that all come in under 30 feet long. You can choose a king bed conversion or a queen-sized Murphy bed along with other sleeping options and configurations.
7.) Winnebago Navion
Specifications:
- Sleeps 4
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,030 lb
- Overall Length: 25 feet, 6 inches
- SuperShell™ Sleeper Deck
- 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Heat Pump
- 20,000 BTU Low-Profile Ducted Furnace
- Fresh Water Tank (gallons): 30-37
- Black Water Tank (gallons): 41
- Grey Water Tank (gallons): 41
The two Winnebagos we have listed here both have insulation around the sleeper deck above the drive, which means the person sleeping above stays nice and warm regardless of how cold it gets outside. The Navion offers three floorplans with a variety of configurations for sleeping arrangements. They are also a great option for dry camping as they come with standard 200W solar, Group 31 batteries.
Renting a Class C Camper
One of the best ways to get a feel for which type of RV might work best for you and your family is to take trips in a wide variety of vehicles. No matter how thorough a dealership walkthrough might be, it can’t stand in for the experience of actually staying in your prospective vehicle. Renting an RV with RVshare allows you to try out the Class C RV you’re interested in before you buy one.
You may also want to attend an RV show to see what Class C motorhomes are out there. You can check out lots of different rigs and meet RV dealers in the area.
Tips for Camping in a Class C Camper
Here are some tips so that your camping trip in a Class C motorhome goes smoothly!
Budget for gas
Your gas mileage in a Class C motorhome will be better than in a larger rig like a Class A camper. But it won’t be as good as gas mileage in a Class B campervan. Class C campers are right in between. Class C campers get between 8 – 15 miles per gallon.
Know your dimensions
Class C motorhomes may not be as large as Class A rigs, but they can still be oversized. You’ll want to know how high your camper is to make sure you can safely pass under bridges or overpasses, and to make sure you can fit in some parking garages. You’ll also want to know your length and width to make sure you fit in the campsites you want to use.
Take it slow
Class C motorhomes are bigger than standard vehicles, and you’ll want to take it easy on highways and freeways. You may want to calculate extra driving time to reach your destination.
Arrive during the day
The first few times you set up a Class C motorhome, you’ll probably want to do it with plenty of natural light around. Plan to arrive 2-3 hours before the sun goes down, so you have lots of time to set up without worrying about visibility.
Give yourself a break
You may find yourself a lot more tired after driving a Class C motorhome than you are driving your normal vehicle. And even if not – this is your vacation! Make sure you plan plenty of easy days or days with no driving in between road trip days so you have time to relax and unwind.
Class C motorhomes are a great option for many families. They provide room for everyone in a rig that’s not very large. Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of the advantages of these campers. You can browse Class C motorhomes to rent on RVshare to experience one for yourself.
