All About Class C Motorhomes
Motorhomes are a quintessential part of RVing. While not everyone owns one, they are still iconic to the world of RV travel. Class C motorhomes can be an excellent investment and fit the needs of many RVers perfectly. Have you seen a Class C at a Harvest Hosts location or campground and wondered about its features? If you’re interested in learning more about Class Cs, then get comfortable with your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!
Learn:
- The Difference between Class C and Class A RVs
- The Main Features and Advantages of Class C RVs
- The Typical Floorplan Options of Class Cs
Class C vs Class A
While both class Cs and class As are motorhomes, there are major differences between the two. Let’s break it down.
Size
Class As are some of the most spacious RVs out there. They’re typically between thirty and forty-five feet in length and have numerous slide-outs. They also sit significantly higher off the ground than any other RV, with some even towering over semi trucks.
Class Cs are usually built on a smaller truck chassis, thus are smaller in size. They range from twenty-four to thirty-two feet on average and usually have a few slide-outs available, as well. Because they are built on a smaller chassis, they are also much shorter in height than Class As. This is a huge advantage for most RVers, as it allows them to not be as concerned about low bridges or overpasses. Class Cs are also considerably lighter than a Class As, as well, and they’re also much more fuel-efficient.
Main Features and Advantages
Class Cs are extremely advantageous due to their smaller size and numerous options of styles. Below we’ve highlighted their many beneficial features.
Access on Travel Days
All drivable RVs have the advantage of being accessible on travel days, meaning that it’s incredibly easy to pull over to use the bathroom, grab something to eat, or access your belongings. Class Cs in particular have excellent walkways to make the entire RV accessible on travel days. Most pets are also more comfortable riding in their home-on-wheels versus being confined to a carrier in the tow vehicle for towed RVs.
Smaller Size Equals More Options
Many national parks, campgrounds, Harvest Hosts, and other locations have size limitations. Fortunately, almost all Class Cs fall within those guidelines, since they’re usually shorter than other RV classes. Because of this, Class C owners will typically have more options when choosing their destinations and stops.
Towing
Class Cs are small enough to be driven on their own which can eliminate the need for a towed vehicle. Alternatively, some Class Cs are powerful enough to tow a vehicle, boat, or trailer behind them, which can vastly expand your options.
Super C
One of the most impressive RV creations has to be the Super C. These are Class C RVs built on a semi chassis, making for the most powerful RV on the road. This model has incredible towing power, and these RVs are often more spacious than classic Class Cs. These game-changing RVs are built for long-distance travels.
Floor Plans
The floor plans of Class Cs vary greatly between makes and models and are also significantly different from the Super Cs as well. Be sure to research numerous companies to find one that best suits your needs!
Sleeping
Many Class Cs are equipped with not only a primary bed, but also a cab-over bed as well. They can occasionally also have couches that convert into beds and additional bunk beds as well. For their size, Class Cs can sleep a decent number of people, making this an ideal RV for families or groups.
Bathroom
Most RV owners prefer to have an actual bathroom versus a wet bath. (A wet bath is the name for the type of bathroom in which the toilet is situated in the shower, making for a cramped experience). However, with the introduction of slide outs and from customer feedback, most Class Cs are now equipped with full-size bathrooms.
Living Areas
Class Cs are usually not equipped with luxuriously-large kitchens, but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t a good option for long trips or even full-time living. These models of RV usually have a microwave, an oven and stove combination, a kitchen sink, and a fridge. There may not be as much counter space as one has at home, but you should be sure to tour several models of Class C to find one that works for you!
In a class C, the living room will typically include a dinette and either a couch or recliners. Class Cs are also notorious for their overhead cabinet storage, meaning that between the outside storage bays and the interior cabinets, you should be able to pack everything you need.
Class C motorhomes are an iconic RV type. While they may not be for everyone, they can be the perfect RV for many folks. If you’re thinking about purchasing a Class C, consider renting one first or touring them on the showroom floor. Every make and model is different, so there are tons of options to suit your specific needs. These easily-driven RVs are appealing to many, and it’s easy to see why!
If you own a Class C, what’s your favorite thing about it? Would you ever own a Class C? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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We first bought a pre-owned 29ft Class A from a local dealership. I had to change a good portion of the suspension system to make it drivable without being blown off the road from Semi trucks passing. Lots of living space saw a nice touch. I ran into a New 2021 Class C with only 4000 miles on it after it was traded back in so they could have a larger rig. Because it was pre-owned, we saved a lot of money. It drives a lot easier than a Class A. We were able to transfer all our gear over to the new unit even though it was 3ft shorter in length and height.
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We own our second Class C (upgraded to have a couch) and love it. We live in it 4-5 months in the winter when we camp in Arizona. It is so easy to drive and tows with no problem. We find it to be spacious and has all the features we need. Two slides increase the space. While traveling we can easily access bathroom and refrigerator and our cat has lots of places to hide away when on the road. Main benefits to us are ease of driving, a self-contained unit, excellent floor plan and reasonable gas mileage. Size allows us to go almost anywhere we want. It works for us!
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We’ve been RVing for several years. Started out with an Airstream trailer – beautiful trailer but too confining for extended travel. Sold it and bought a 36′ class A. Again, a beautiful rig but it was very stressful to drive, especially on crowded freeways! Something people should consider when considering a class A purchase is the whole driveabilty issue. We just downsized to a class C – 30′ with two slides. Very livable on longer trips and so much, so much easier to drive. The new Ford V8’s are incredibly powerful. This will likely be our last RV!
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Good article on Class C’s.
Safe Travel RV: Upgrades, Tips &Tricks has done some suspension upgrades with road test that transform the Class C from Great to Fantastic! 2 parts.
https://youtu.be/7wnEImAjyxM
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