When shopping for an RV, you need to make sure you find a unit that works well for you and your family. For some people that means a towable RV. For others, it’s a motorhome of some sort. Class C motorhomes work well for many families and have for decades.
The Class C RV is a good motorhome for many families because it’s right in the middle of the motorhome market. It’s not right for everyone, but the design does offer some good advantages. Here’s a look at some of the biggest ones.
1. Affordability
If you’re in the market for a motorhome, then a Class C is going to be the most affordable option. While there are towables much more affordable than Class-C motorhomes, when compared to Class A and Class B RVs, the Class C looks like a bargain in most cases.
Class C RVs provide a good mix of what Class A and Class B motorhomes do for a fraction of the price. If you don’t want to get a towable RV, but need something reasonably priced you can get for an easy-to-handle monthly payment, then a Class C RV is the way to go.
2. Size and Weight
Class Cs are generally smaller in overall size and weight than a Class A motorhome. Even when a Class C RV is the same length as a Class A, it’s usually much lighter. This isn’t a huge concern for some people. However, if you want a motorized RV that’s larger than a Class B camper van, but don’t want to spring all the way up to a Class A, the Class C offers a happy medium.
While it might seem smart to get the most floor space possible, many people find they actually enjoy a smaller RV. Plus, many campgrounds have length limitations, which could keep you from staying at certain campgrounds if you have a big Class A.
Just because you get a Class C doesn’t mean you’ll come in under the size requirements, though. Some Class C campers are quite large, so make sure to keep that in mind when considering length.
3. Engine Access and Maintenance
Class C RVs are built on truck chassis. The basic design of the driver’s compartment and front of the vehicle is unchanged. Essentially, companies build the living quarters of the RV behind the driver’s compartment. That means the vehicle still has a typical engine bay, which is often easier to work on than the engine bay found in a Class A RV.
If you plan to do any basic maintenance task yourself, like change the air filter, all you have to do is pop the hood like you do with a regular car or truck. Once the hood’s up, you’ll be able to do what you need to do. When it comes to maintenance you’ll have to take your motorhome into a shop for, you’ll likely still have to go to an RV-specific service station, due to the vehicle’s overall size.
4. Over the Cab Sleeping and Storage Area
One of the defining factors of the Class C is the space over the cab of the vehicle. Most of the time it’s a sleeping area, but it can also double as a storage space. Many Class A RVs also have a drop down bed, but the Class C’s space is built right into the design.
This space is perfect for when you travel with guests, kids, or grandkids. When it’s not used as a sleeping space, it works really well for storage, though you’ll need to make sure you have a place for the items stored there when you have overnight guests.
What do you love about your Class C RV? Leave a comment below.
Been motor homing for many years. Kids and their friends required bigger and bigger RV’s. Suddenly just wife, me and dog Kody. Went to a class C and love it. Ford does a MUCH BETTER job of building doors, dash with wiring, etc. than RV manufacturers do, and you are surrounded with steel and sitting on steel as opposed to fiberglass or wood. Advantages when checking or servicing are huge!
I’ve owned Class C Motorhomes since my first one in 1974. Wouldn’t go any other way. Love them. I’ve downsized to a 28 footer. Plus I tow a Jeep Wrangler.
We are first timer’s and plan having a lot of fun with our grandchildren.