The Best Class C RVs of 2023: Complete Buying Guide

Class C RVs are motorhomes that provide excellent value for campers. These vehicles balance space and price, often with enough room to sleep as many as seven or eight people. Compared with Class B motorhomes, they often offer more space.

The best class C RV for you depends on your needs and priorities, so it’s important to understand the features available on the market today. In this post, we’ll cover our top picks for Class C RVs, highlight their standout features, and dive deeper into this type of motorhome.

Before heading to your local Camping World RV dealership, consider the following list of our favorite Class C motorhomes.

What is a Class C RV?

Class C RVs are motorhomes that provide plenty of space and features for families on the go. They typically have a rear queen bed, a double bed over the cab, sleeper sofas, and dinettes. Many Class C RVs offer storage in the trunk and interior pantry spaces and overhead cabinets. 

When comparing the different RV types, Class Cs are typically larger than Class B but smaller than Class A.

Price	$26,999 and up
Sleeping Capacity	Range 3 to 7
Length	Range 23’ to 41’
Weight	Range 9,500 to 12,848 pounds

9 Best Class C Motorhomes for Sale

What are the best Class C motorhomes? This list combines function and affordability. Here are our favorite class C RVs:

Thor Freedom Elite 22FE

The Thor Freedom Elite 22FE offers plenty of convenience for a small family seeking a great model to take out on the open road. This model—equipped with a Ford E-450 chassis—sleeps five people in its 24-foot-long interior. With a slide-out to accommodate a queen bed and a sizable cab-over-bunk, the Freedom Elite proves why Thor is one of the best Class C RV brands.

Pros:

• Full bathroom
• Dream dinette
• Three-burner stove and full sink

Cons:

• Minimal counterspace in the bathroom
• Expensive

Forest River Forester Classic 3011DSF

The Forest River Forester 3011DSF motorhome comes in at 32’3” with two slide-outs and the ability to sleep up to seven people. One slide-out is in the main sleeping area, which boasts a 60” x 74” RV queen bed with a 12-volt TV and wardrobe closets on either side. 

The shower measures 24” x 36” and sits across from the RV toilet and vanity. In the living area, there’s additional sleeping space in the convertible dinette and sofa, not to mention the 60” x 80” cabover bunk. 

The kitchen spans the entire camp side wall in the main living area, providing excellent counterspace with a flip-up extension towards the front of the coach. Outside, there’s a 15’6” powered awning, an optional connection for a second 12-volt TV, and abundant storage underneath.  

Pros:

• Built-in step well lock box for added security
• EZ Ryde upgraded suspension system
• Side view cameras and a color backup camera with rear view monitor

Cons:

• Step up to enter the main sleeping area from the living room (tripping hazard)
• Undersized kitchen backsplash

Jayco Greyhawk 29MV

With room to sleep up to six people and an interior height of seven feet, the Jayco Greyhawk 29MV is great for families that struggle to find a comfortable RV for their taller members. The interior boasts a tri-fold sofa in the living area, but that can be swapped out for theater seating if you desire. 

Equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), power anti-lock brakes, heated side view mirrors, and a 7,500-pound tow hitch, driving this Class C RV is a breeze. You can even find the right dinghy or toad to pull behind it for day trips once you reach your destination. 

Our favorite interior amenities include recessed LED lighting, hardwood cabinets and doors, a 30,000-BTU auto-ignition furnace, and a Jayco-exclusive legless dinette table. Outside, you’ll love the marine-grade speakers, exterior utility center, LP quick-connect, and Onan® 4,000-watt generator.

Pros:

• Extra interior height for taller campers (up to 7’)
• Comes with a 200-watt solar panel with dual controller and a second house battery
• Included water filtration system

Cons:

• Single bathroom
• Only 8 cubic-foot refrigerator unless you upgrade to the 12 cubic-foot alternative

Coachmen Leprechaun 260DS

The Leprechaun 260DS comes in under 30 feet long for easier maneuverability into narrow campgrounds. Inside, you’ll have several sleeping areas for the whole family, starting with the queen-sized bed in the main sleeping area in the coach’s rear. 

The cabover sleeping area measures 57” x 95”, and there are two more sleeping areas in the living space. The 62” sofa and the convertible J-lounge – which measures 44” x 76” – provide additional space for rest and relaxation. 

The galley boasts a recessed, three-burner cooktop, a flip-up countertop extension, and a round, single-basin sink. There’s also plenty of storage in overhead cabinets throughout the kitchen and living area, along with a small pantry next to the entry door.

Pros:

• Upgraded 6” mattress on the queen bed
• 5,500-watt generator with a key fob
• Solar prep at the roof and entry cabinet

Cons:

• Minimal kitchen counterspace
• Single A/C unit (although a second unit in the bedroom is optional)

Jayco Redhawk 29XK

Jayco consistently builds excellent products, which helps cement them as another of the best class C motorhome brands. The Jayco Redhawk 29XK is a front-living model that offers plenty of living space thanks to its single slide-out, which has ample room for a U-shaped dinette and sofa. This 32.5-foot-long Class C RV sleeps up to seven people. The Ford E-450 chassis and engine will get you where you need to go on your next outdoor adventure.

Pros:

• Ample kitchen counterspace
• Bathroom with shower
• Queen bed in a separate living compartment
• Swivel chairs
• Off-white cabinets and lots of natural light

Cons:

• Shower separate from the bathroom
• Expensive 

Thor Daybreak 24DB

The Thor Daybreak is a compact 25.5-foot-long Class C RV with a Ford E-350 chassis. It sleeps five people thanks to its cab-over-bunk sleeping area and the queen bed at the vehicle’s rear. With a single slide-out, dual closets, and a full bathroom to accommodate your crew, the Daybreak is another outstanding Thor RV with plenty of potential for fun.

Pros:

• Plenty of sleeping space
• 40” TV in cab-over-bunk
• Full bathroom with medicine cabinet
• Booth dinette

Cons:

• Small fridge
• Limited counterspace in the kitchen and bathroom

Winnebago View 24G

Winnebago is a leader in the RV space, and the View 24G is no exception. This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model has two slide-outs and sleeps up to six people. With a full bathroom, dinette, TrueComfort Sofa, and TV area, this model is perfect for adventurers who want to hit the open road without leaving the comforts of home behind. For those who want a compact model, the View 24G is one of the most reliable Class C RVs.

Pros:

• Spacious kitchenette with plenty of prep space
• Queen bed in rear slide-out
• Space for mounting multiple TVs

Cons:

• Requires diesel
• Two-burner stove

Jayco Greyhawk 31FS

The Jayco Greyhawk 31FS is another great gas-powered option and one of the top Class C motorhomes. Its Ford E-450 chassis is powerful enough to haul a whole family on a cross-country trip. Two slide-outs, bunk beds, and cab-over bunk allow eight people to sleep comfortably. The dinette and kitchenette offer ample space to prepare and enjoy a meal, making this excellent 32.5-foot-long RV your (mobile) home away from home.

Pros:

• Plenty of comfortable sleeping space
• Two slide-outs
• Excellent bathroom with plenty of counterspace

Cons:

• Expensive

Renegade Villagio 25QRS

The Renegade Vellagio is a Class C RV that sleeps up to four. Perfect for smaller families, this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter RV has a front living room, rear queen bed, kitchenette with a two-burner stove, and a roomy bathroom with plenty of counterspace and a full-sized shower.

Pros: 

• Spacious bathroom and shower
• Queen bed in the rear with privacy curtain

Cons:

• No dinette
• Runs on diesel

Class C Motorhome License Requirements

Do you need a special license to drive a Class C motorhome? The answer is usually no. 

Because Class C motorhomes fall under the 26,000-pound weight limit most states use to determine licensing requirements, you should be okay. While some RVs weigh more than 26,000 pounds, their recreational status often allows their drivers to get around the need for a special license.

Note: Some states require special licenses or endorsements for specific vehicles, such as towed fifth wheel campers weighing over 10,000 pounds. Other states may have different terms for their vehicle or license classes. Always check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles before you purchase, drive, or tow an RV to ensure you comply.

Who Are Class C RVs Best for?

Class C RVs are great for all folks, from families to solo adventurers. Because they’re built on a van or truck chassis and share many amenities with Class A motorhomes, they balance maneuverability with function.

Families will love the sleeping space for the whole crew, while solo travelers will appreciate the smaller size and ease of use. Everyone benefits from bathrooms, a dining area, and small kitchenettes that make meal prep less hassle.

Pros and Cons of Class C Motorhomes

Like any motorhome, even the best Class C RVs have pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a new RV, consider the following:

Pros of Class C Motorhomes	Cons of Class C Motorhomes
More space Plenty of amenities Easy drivability Suitability for long trips	Cost Parking challenges Fuel efficiency

Pros

• More space: Class C RVs offer more living space than Class B models, making them an excellent choice for families. These models often include separate sleeping quarters, dining areas, and even bathrooms with showers. 
• Plenty of amenities: Class C motorhomes bring the comforts of home to campers. Some models include full-size beds, kitchenettes with sinks and stovetops, microwaves, and small refrigerators.
• Easy drivability: Class C motorhomes are smaller and easier to drive than their Class A counterparts. They typically don’t require a special license, either.
• Suitability for long trips: Their size and amenities make Class C RVs an excellent choice for longer trips or extended stays at campsites.

Cons

• Cost: Class C motorhomes can cost more than Class B campers, depending on their size, brand, and available features. RV financing is typically available and can help you find the right model for your budget.
• Parking challenges: Even though they’re smaller than Class A RVs, finding a parking spot for a Class C motorhome can still be challenging. Because it’s a camper, your HOA or city may have rules regarding where to park it when it’s not in use. 
• Fuel efficiency: Class C RVs tend to have lower fuel efficiency than smaller class B RVs or passenger vehicles because they are bigger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class C RVs

Let’s take a few moments to answer commonly asked questions about Class C motorhomes:

What does Class C mean in RVs?

Class C refers to any motorhome built on a van or truck chassis. They’re usually smaller and less expensive than Class A models. Class C models tend to share one distinct feature: a sleeping area over the cab. They also have smaller footprints than other Class A models.

Is a Class C motorhome worth it?

It depends on your needs. Class C motorhomes offer more living space than Class B models. They also provide more amenities than pop-up campers but less than most travel trailers and fifth wheel models. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your RV, the amenities in a Class C motorhome might be worth it. Class C motorhomes tend to hit a “sweet spot” in pricing between Class A and B options.

Is a Class B or Class C RV better?

Like with most types of RVs, the answer depends on your needs. Class B models, or camper vans, are the smallest type of motorhome and are usually easier to park and maneuver. They are great for solo travelers or couples prioritizing mobility over space. Class C RVs are larger and offer more living space and amenities. Class B models do tend to be less expensive, however. 

Which is easier to drive: Class A or C?

Some people argue that Class C RVs are easier to drive because they closely resemble vans or trucks, which may offer a familiar driving experience. The driver’s seat is above the vehicle’s front wheels, giving you a better sense of the dimensions. This helps maneuver in a tight space.

Class A RVs are built on custom chassis that can be larger and more difficult to handle. The driver sits up higher and farther back from the wheels, which might make it hard to judge distances in narrow roads or parking lots.

Ultimately, both RVs require patience and practice to drive safely. Go slow, stay alert, and follow all traffic laws. 

Can a Class C RV tow a car?

Many Class C RVs can tow cars behind them, but the specific capacity depends on the make and model. Some Class C RVs might require additional equipment or modifications. Many models can tow a small car or SUV without an issue. Have questions about towing vehicles or RVs? Check out our tow guide.

If you’re considering towing a car with your RV, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limits or other details. You might have to buy additional equipment like tow bars, base plates, or braking systems to tow your car safely and legally.

Hit the Open Road in a Class C Motorhome

Class C motorhomes are a fantastic way for campers to hit the open road. They combine many of the comforts of home, like bathrooms and kitchen prep space, with the ability to enjoy the great outdoors. They’re also more wallet-friendly than their larger Class A cousins.

Camping World has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a new or used Class C RV. We can help you find the most reliable Class C RV for your budget. Visit your nearest location to see available models up close or shop for Class C RVs online.

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