Class C RVs are a compelling choice for anyone looking to hit the open road—whether seasoned road trippers or those getting on board with RVing. These mid-sized motorhomes appeal to many thanks to their generous living space, versatile storage areas, and middle-ground gas mileage. Not to mention they’re easier to drive, maneuver, and park compared to other larger rigs.
But C-Class motorhomes aren’t made equal. So, when it comes to buying the best Class Cs, there are plenty of options to consider, from brands, sizes, layouts, features to cost. Thankfully, we’ve put together this post to make your search for the best Class C RVs in the market a lot easier.
If you’re planning on purchasing a Class C or any other RV, make sure you try it before buying it. And the best way to try is by renting one. Book a Class C RV here on Outdoorsy to determine what brand and model is right for you and your family.
Class C RVs For Rent Near You
What’s a Class C RV?
Class C RVs are motorized recreational vehicles that are built on a truck or van chassis. You can easily recognize them by their over-cab sleeping/storage areas, which is a feature unique to them. They are also the middle ground between the giant Class As and small Class B campervans, as they combine the best features of both.
C-Class motorhomes typically come with a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and an over-the-cab bunk for extra sleep or storage space.
Wondering what the best size is for a Class C motorhome? The most popular length of a Class C is between 28 and 33 feet, but, generally, these campers can be as short as 20 feet and as long as 40 feet. Their dry weight falls between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds. Regarding the price, they’re often considered less expensive and can range between $50,000 and $250,000 for a class C.
Benefits of Class C RVs for Road Trips
Class C RVs are perfect for road trips, offering a balance of comfort and drivability. They’re smaller than Class A models, making them easier to maneuver and park, especially in city environments or campgrounds. Their compact size doesn’t sacrifice key amenities, as they usually include fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping areas. Plus, Class C RVs often get better fuel economy than larger RVs, making them more cost-effective over long distances.
Off-Grid Capabilities for Class C RVs
Many Class C RVs are equipped for off-grid adventures, thanks to solar power options, expanded water tanks, and lithium battery systems. These features allow you to camp in remote areas without sacrificing comfort or utilities. You can also upgrade your RV with additional equipment, such as portable generators, energy-efficient appliances, and composting toilets. Off-grid-ready Class C models are ideal for boondocking, letting you stay self-sufficient in remote locations.
Maintenance Tips for Class C RVs
To keep your Class C RV in top condition, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes routine checks of the engine, oil changes, and inspecting tires before long trips. Also, remember to service the generator and maintain the plumbing system to avoid leaks or blockages. Keeping an eye on the roof seals and regularly cleaning the air filters will help extend the lifespan of your RV. Proper winterization in colder months is also vital to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Best Class C RV Brands
When shopping for a Class C RV, you’ll come across trusted, household names and less known companies. But who makes the highest quality class C motorhome? To be sure you’re buying the best RV brand, here are some Class C motorhome industry leaders who consistently turn out great products.
Winnebago Industries
Founded in 1958, Winnebago Industries, Inc. is what many people think of when they hear the word motorhome. This seasoned American manufacturer builds all types of Class Cs, from relatively small and simple campers to fancy and pricey rigs.
Forest River
Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River is a mega RV manufacturer, offering more than 40 brands. Their RVs are loved for their quality, versatile layouts, and affordability. If you want a large-size Class C, you’ll find plenty of options in their Forester and Sunseeker series.
Dynamax
Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Dynamax is a legendary Class C brand that started as an independent company in 1997. It was purchased by Forest River in 2011, but they still roll out motorhomes with the Dynamax badge. Their offerings range from smaller rigs to larger and luxurious gas or diesel-driven RVs.
Coachmen RV
Another division of Forest River Inc., Coachmen is a top RV maker with an excellent reputation for reliability. It has been manufacturing RVs since 1964, and its rigs offer all the features that beginners and seasoned RVers appreciate.
Lazy Daze
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Montclair, California, Lazy Daze is a staple of the camping world. The quality of workmanship on their C-Class RVs is unbeatable, and each rig is built to last. Unlike other companies, they offer a factory-direct buying experience, which allows buyers to save money.
Best Overall Class C RV: Tiffin Wayfarer
Offering upscale comfort and luxurious details, the Tiffin Wayfarer is every RVers dream motorhome. Built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis and measuring 25 feet 8 inches long, this rig ticks all boxes, no surprise we rank it as the best overall Class C. It comes in four different floor plans, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for everyone.
The kitchen has a propane cooktop, single-bowl sink, a convection microwave, and a 2-door 5 cubic foot fridge. When it’s time to retire for the night, there are two twin mattresses that convert into a king bed. Some other exciting features include a wardrobe, inverted outlets for a CPAP machine, LED reading lights, a stereo system, and heated holding tanks.
Best Class C RVs for Beginners – Winnebago Minnie Winnie
The best entry-level Class C motorhome is the Winnebago Minnie Winnie. There are up to 7 floorplans, but the 22R model is the most beginner-friendly. That’s because it’s just 23 feet long and the smallest in the line, making driving a breeze. Traction control and electronic stability control also make it easy to maneuver it.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful kitchen design with a cooktop, a convection microwave, and a U-shaped dinette. Despite its compact size, this gas-powered Class C RV has sleeping space for up to five people. It also has a bathroom with a separate shower and toilet, meaning two people can use it at the same time while keeping their privacy.
Best Class C RV Under 25 feet: Winnebago Outlook 22C
Measuring 24 feet 8 inches, the Winnebago Outlook 22C is one of the best Class Cs with a compact footprint. It starts with a Ford E350 Chassis that offers excellent handling and great fuel economy. The 22C model is similar to the 22E, except it has a slide-out.
The rear slide-out houses the queen-size master suite, giving you extra elbow room while you’re parked. It has a chef-friendly kitchen with a three-burner stove, 2-door fridge, large two-bowl sink, and a spacious dinette table. When you need to freshen up, there’s a generous bathroom with a separate stand-up shower and toilet.
Best Luxury Class C RV: Entegra Coach Accolade XL
If you’re looking for a Class C motorhome that stands out for its classy features, check out the Entegra Coach Accolade XL. Measuring 39 feet, 4 inches long, this Super C is like a residential apartment on wheels equipped with superior technology. You have three floorplans to pick the interior design specifications you yearn for.
The 37k floorplan sleeps 5 and has a large master bedroom in the rear that’s equipped with a TV and bathroom. On this glamping rig, you’ll also find an on-demand hot water heater, as well as two efficient rooftop ACs, an electric fireplace, and a spacious living room.
Best Class C RV for Winter and Cold Weather: Dynamax Isata 5
What is the highest quality Class C RV for winter camping? Consider the Dynamax Isata 5 optional all-season Xplorer package. Built around the Dodge Ram 5500 diesel chassis and equipped with off-road capabilities, this camper is loaded with all the cold-weather features you can imagine.
It has an engine block heater and heated water tanks as standard features. The four-seasons option also has dual-pane windows, enhanced insulation in walls, floors, and roof, and a powerful onboard generator. Of course, the rig has an equipped kitchen, full bathroom, ample storage, and a king-size bed.
Best Class C RV for Full-time Living: Jayco Greyhawk
Whether you want a Class C for full-time living or a camper that has all of the conveniences of home, the Jayco Greyhawk is the perfect match. Greyhawk has a high-level built quality and comes standard with either a Ford or Chevy gas-powered engine. It offers several floorplans and ranges between 29′ 11″ – 32′ 6″.
If you travel full time with a big family, the Jayco Greyhawk 31F may suit you best as it’s on the longer side and can accommodate up to 8 sleepers. This roomy coach has a dual bathroom, functional kitchen, Wi-Fi/4G antenna, LED HD TV in the living room, backup and side-view cameras, hardwood cabinet doors, frameless windows, and decorative kitchen backsplash.
Best Class C RV for Couples: Jayco Redhawk 24B
Jayco’s legendary construction and unique standard features make their RVs to be popular. And the Redhawk is no different. This rig is just 26 feet long, but it’s brimming with everything a traveling pair could yearn for. You’ll find a queen-sized bed, a large bathroom, an exclusive legless dinette table, and a modern kitchen.
Apart from the spacious living environment, the rig has entertainment options such as the LED HDTV, a 16 feet awning, high-output exterior speakers, and porch lights. You can monitor and control key RV systems in the palm of your hand with the JayCommand technology.
Class C RVs For Rent Near You
Best Class C RV for a Family of 4: Thor Chateau
Measuring 32 feet long, the Thor Chateau has all the room a family needs to spread out and enjoy their travels. It sleeps 7, including a rear private bedroom which has a queen bed, a closet, and a dresser. There’s also a spacious bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a two-burner cooktop and a double-door refrigerator.
Enjoy meals together on the spacious dream dinette and relax on the jackknife sofa. If you’re searching for a rig that has plenty of bells and whistles, this coach won’t disappoint. It has a 7-inch touchscreen dash radio, backup monitor, 39″ TV with swivel, an onboard generator, and tankless water heater.
Best Class C RV for Boondocking – Winnebago Ekko
Without question, the best Class C for off-grid camping and off-road exploration is the Winnebago Ekko. This 23 foot rig is not just a new model for Winnebago—it’s an entirely new type of RV in the industry. It’s an invention that combines the efficiency of a camper van and the capacity of a Class C coach—coupled with all-wheel-drive capabilities.
This adventure vehicle has large storage compartments for your outdoor gear, a modern cooking space, a dry/wet bath, and sleeps 4. When you’re off the beaten path, there are three solar panels to keep the lithium-ion batteries charged, plus a massive 50-gallon freshwater tank. All-season insulation in the exterior makes cold-weather camping a breeze.
Best Class C Diesel Motorhome: Jayco Melbourne Prestige
Looking for the reliability and long-term savings of a diesel engine? Go for the Jayco Melbourne Prestige—a premium and small Class C RV. This camper is about 25-feet long, sits on the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and has an average gas mileage of over 12 miles, which is pretty decent.
The Melbourne comes with sleeping areas for up to five passengers, including a standard queen-size bed and a bunk over the cab. Some of its desirable features include leather swivel driver and passenger seats, indoor and outdoor showers, suburban 2 burner cooktop, plus backup cameras.
Best Class C RV Under $100k: Coachmen RV Freelander 21RS
From a seemingly endless number of features to its budget-friendly price, the Coachmen RV Freelander 22XGChevy 3500 ranks as the best Class C under $100k. Although just 24 feet long, it will win you over with its perfect balance of beauty, design, and amenities.
The interior is well-appointed with a modern kitchen, a versatile lounging space, a separate master bedroom, ample room for six sleepers, a bathroom with a skylight, and lots of storage for your clothes and gear. You’ll also appreciate the hardwood cabinet doors, premium vinyl flooring, and pleated nightshades.
Best Selling Class C Motorhome: Coachmen Leprechaun
Wondering what’s the best selling RV in the Class C market? Look no further than the Coachmen Leprechaun. Since debuting in 1973, this rig has won the confidence of generations of campers, and it’s still a favorite for many RVers today. There are 14 different floorplans, plus you can choose between a Ford or Chevy chassis and lengths ranging between 24′ 3″ – 32′ 11.
Every model has superior construction, a well-appointed interior, and a long list of safety and convenience features. It has hardwood cabinets, high airflow tinted windows, a jackknife sofa, plenty of water storage, a propane furnace, 6-gallon propane water heater, full aluminum-framed walls, and sleeps between 6 and 8.
Is a Class C RV worth it?
So, is a Class C RV worth it? As the middle ground between the massive A-Class and nimble B-Class, the Class C is definitely worth it for many campers. It’s fairly affordable, has relatively good gas mileage, is easy to drive, and is cheaper to own, and maintain compared to other motorhomes.
In addition, driving and parking a Class C isn’t stressful, and it can fit in most camping spots. Generally, every C-Class comes with all the highly sort-after features, including a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and three separate holding tanks.
The Class C RV: A Versatile Mobile Dwelling
As you can see in our list above, there’s a perfect Class C for every camper’s lifestyle. All the above brands are reliable and have been in the industry for quite some time. So, you only need to decide what price, size, features, and layout best fit your needs.
However, determining what the best Class C motorhome is for your specific needs isn’t always smooth sailing. That’s why we recommend trying before you buy. Rent a Class C motorhome on Outdoorsy to discover the features that are a must-have for you so you can make an informed choice when you head to the dealership.
Class C RV FAQ
See below for answers to the most common questions about Class C RVs.
How long do Class C RVs typically last?
Class C RVs, with proper care and regular maintenance, can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or up to 200,000 miles. Key factors include engine health, regular servicing, and interior upkeep. Regular checks of tires, brakes, and engine components are essential, along with seasonal maintenance like winterization. Keeping an RV covered when not in use also helps prevent wear and tear from exposure.
Can I drive a Class C RV with a regular driver’s license?
In most states, a standard driver’s license is sufficient to operate a Class C RV, as they usually weigh less than 26,000 pounds. Some states might have different regulations for larger or heavier Class C models, so it’s important to verify local licensing requirements. For particularly large Class C rigs, or if towing an additional vehicle, it may be beneficial to check for any special endorsements or regulations.
How fuel-efficient are Class C RVs?
Fuel efficiency for Class C RVs typically ranges from 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), depending on the engine size, model, and driving habits. Newer models with fuel-efficient engines or aerodynamic designs may perform better. Factors such as wind resistance, driving speed, and the weight of any towed vehicles can affect fuel consumption, so planning routes and driving at moderate speeds can help optimize fuel use.
Is a Class C RV suitable for winter camping?
Many Class C RVs can be used for winter camping if they are equipped with features such as upgraded insulation, double-pane windows, and heated holding tanks. Models designed for four-season use are ideal, as they are built to handle extreme temperatures. Additionally, it’s important to winterize your RV by insulating water pipes, using antifreeze, and installing skirting to reduce exposure to cold air.
What is the average price of a Class C RV?
Prices for new Class C RVs typically range between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on size, brand, and features. Luxury models with high-end amenities can exceed $200,000. Used Class C RVs are available at lower prices, typically between $30,000 and $80,000, depending on age, condition, and mileage. Be sure to factor in ongoing maintenance costs, insurance, and fuel expenses when budgeting for a Class C RV.
Can a Class C RV tow a vehicle?
Yes, many Class C RVs are capable of towing, with towing capacities typically ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds. This allows RVers to bring along an additional vehicle, trailer, or boat. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model to ensure it can handle the weight of your towed vehicle without straining the engine or transmission.
What size Class C RV should I buy?
Class C RVs come in various lengths, typically ranging from 21 to over 35 feet. The best size depends on your travel needs—smaller models are easier to maneuver and park, making them ideal for couples or solo travelers, while larger models offer more living space and storage, better suited for families or longer trips. Think about where you’ll be driving, the number of passengers, and how much space you’ll need for comfort.
Class C RVs offer an ideal balance of comfort, size, and convenience, making them a popular choice for both families and solo travelers. With a range of models designed to fit various budgets and needs, Class C RVs provide versatility for road trips, camping, and off-grid adventures. Whether you’re a first-time RVer or a seasoned traveler, their manageable size, ease of driving, and home-like amenities make them a smart choice for hitting the road in style.
