What is a Class C RV?

Ever wonder what is a Class C RV? From advantages to disadvantages, here’s everything you need to know before deciding if a Class C is right for your family.

Class C motorhomes are similar to Class A’s, but there are also significant differences.

Both are drivable and have a living space attached to the chassis. The Class A sits up much higher since it is on a bus chassis, and a Class C’s front end is made up of the engine block and front seats of a commercial van with the living directly behind the front seats.

The Class C averages 30-33 feet in length but can reach 40 feet, and while it is smaller than a Class A, it still manages to sleep, 4-6 people.

They typically start around $50,000 and have an average price of $65,000. A Class C is more suited for someone that wants the convenience of not having to tow an RV and also doesn’t want to spend the money that a Class A requires.

Class C RV Advantages

You will notice many similarities here since a Class C is a condensed version of a Class A with slight differences.

No Tow Vehicle Needed

Much like the Class A, one concern that you won’t have here is that you will not need another vehicle to pull your Class C. You can simply jump in, turn it on, and be on your way to whichever destination you choose.

This makes for a large convenience when choosing to attend events such as a sporting event that would allow you to tailgate. You will be on the road much faster and can pull right into your space to set up.

Size

Class C’s aren’t quite a big as Class A’s, but you will still have large living areas with a decent amount of storage. This space will include a dedicated kitchen and could potentially have an outdoor kitchen on select models.

You will have plenty of areas for people to sleep which will have a bedroom which can be enclosed or separated by a curtain.

There is also space above the cabin that has a bed for someone to sleep. Otherwise, couches that fold down are the typical sleeping arrangements.

Easy Setup

Class C’s also have an incredibly easy time when setting up your campsite. Much like the Class A, getting your camper level and setup is very convenient. You will be set up and begin your camping experience faster than if you decided to purchase a towable RV.

Maneuverability

While I listed this as a disadvantage for the Class A, I actually see this as an advantage for the Class C. Driving a Class C from one place to another isn’t much more difficult than driving a large truck.

My truck is 22 feet in length by itself, so another 10 feet added onto the back wouldn’t require much more than taking turns a little wider. This will provide an easier time when making your pit stops along your route.

It is going to be a little wider, so getting used to a smaller clearance on either side is something that will require practice.

Class C RV Disadvantages

Looking at everything that you get with a Class C, you have to give up more of the amenities that you may get with a larger RV while still paying the premium price that comes with having a drivable RV.

Cost

Like Class A’s, some can be more pricey, but not to the extent of the Class A. One area that you would typically see major differences is in the front end.

You could go with a more basic Chevy or Ford front end, or you could have a much nicer Mercedes front end. This is where you can see a huge jump in price.

If you go with more basic options, then your price will drop and it won’t seem quite as bad as a Class A.

Features

There are areas of a Class C that don’t live up to that of a Class A, Fifth Wheel, or larger Travel Trailers.

One area is the sleeping arrangements. While the Class C does sleep a decent number of people, it doesn’t always do so in a convenient way. One bed is exposed to the living space, located just above the cabin. T

he main bed might have to be stowed when not in use to provide more ample living space. The amount of privacy that you will have in a class C is also diminished due to being in closer quarters and having exposed sleeping quarters. 

Your overall living space, while still a decent amount of room, won’t be near the size of the larger RVs previously listed. The bathrooms will still be full but will be tighter than desired when on longer trips.

Your kitchen will also pale in comparison. Like a Class A, your ability to travel locally when at a campsite will be diminished unless you tow another vehicle behind your Class C.

TL;DR Bottom Line

Class C’s allow you to camp without the tow vehicle, but there are a number of things that you will give up compared to your other options. The interior can still be nice and shiny, but privacy and space will be an issue for you.

Did we pick it?

We didn’t choose to buy a Class C for many of the same reasons that we didn’t buy a Class A. One major downside that we saw is that it just didn’t have the room that we were looking for. A family of 4, two of which are young children, plus a dog just wouldn’t comfortably fit and travel with everything needed for our trip.

When camping, there will also be times when all you’ve done is spend time with your family, and you just need a moment to isolate yourself for a few minutes to take a breather. You won’t get that with a Class C due to the limited amount of privacy available to you.