Everything You Need to Know About Class C Motorhomes (2024)

FAQs

What to know before buying a class C RV? ›

Before you buy a Class C RV, consider what features are important to you, such as sleeping capacity, amenities, engine type, and overall condition. You want to find a motorhome that both meets your travel needs and fits a realistic budget.

Class Cs are a great middle-ground when it comes to size, price and amenities offered, making them an ideal fit for a wide variety of campers and RVers. Class C motorhomes are ideal for families or campers who want something a bit more compact and easy to drive, but offer more living space and amenities.

Class C Motorhome

Model types have distinct differences and will have some impact on the RV lifespan. However, the basics of RV maintenance don't vary too much from model to model. With proper maintenance, you can make any type of RV last well beyond 200,000 miles — and even three decades.

Who Makes the Best Quality Class C RV? If you're looking for quality and luxury over affordability, Newmar and Dynamax are two of the highest-quality brands in the industry.

Generally speaking, anything over 100,000 miles can be considered high mileage for a motorhome.

Among the three main types of RVs, Class C vehicles generally hold their value best. Class A and Class B RV depreciation tends to happen slightly more quickly. If you're interested in a camper you can tow, fifth-wheel campers generally depreciate more quickly than standard RVs.

Jayco RVs are favorites of the RV service industry because of their ease of repair and overall quality. For this reason, RVDA awarded Jayco a 2022 Quality Circle Award. Jayco has eight different Class C models with several floor plans available for each model.

Class B RVs get the best gas mileage (20-26 MPG). Class C falls in between with (15-20 MPG). Regular maintenance, smart route planning, tire pressure management, and weight monitoring improve RV's fuel efficiency.

The average class C RV has a 55-gallon gas tank. At an average of 9.5 MPG, you could travel about 522 miles on one tank of gas. Class A RVs have an average gas tank size of 85 gallons. At an average of 8 MPG, one tank would tank you about 680 miles.

What RV brand lasts the longest? ›

Airstream travel trailers tend to last the longest (about 30 years) because their design is watertight and durable. With an Airstream, you won't have to worry about leaky bump-outs or easily penetrated roofing material.

Class C motorhomes can be a great option for not just weekend getaways or road trips, but are also great for full-time living. They can range from short trucks that look like extra tall vans to small school bus-sized homes.

Class C RVs are particularly prone to leaks in the cabover area. Feel the ceiling and walls in all areas of the cabover, especially along the corner seams and windows. Look for exterior signs of water damage in the sidewall material like rippling or bubbling. Bumps or bubbling in the sidewall is called delamination.

NEWMAR. Newmar Corporation, a shining star of luxury RV manufacturers in the USA, consistently ranks among the top contenders for quality, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Ideal for families and campers, Class Cs are easier to drive, fit into various parks and campsites, and offer towing capabilities. However, it's important to consider factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance, sleeping arrangements, and desired upgrades when purchasing a Class C RV.

Many drivers find class C motorhomes easier to drive than class A models. This is mostly because the cab feels like a large truck instead of a bus. To make driving more comfortable, larger motorhomes have added safety features like rearview cameras that help eliminate blind spots.

RV Class C: RV Class C vehicles sit in the middle of Class A and Class B vehicles when it comes to fuel efficiency. If you own one of these, you can expect an average of 10-15 miles per gallon.

Of all the motorized campers, the Class C vehicles depreciate the slowest. With a length of 33 feet, a Class C RV is the sweet spot between a camper van and tour bus. After five years of life with a Class C vehicle, you can expect a rate of about 38% depreciation. After another five years, that rate barely trips 50%.

Many Class Bs, Class Cs, and towable RVs won't have an auto-leveling system. This means you'll be manually leveling your RV as part of setting up your campsite. To manually level your RV, whether motorized or towable, you'll need a bubble level and blocks (or 2 x 6 pieces of wood).