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Not every rig is made for winter camping. In fact, RVs are notorious for being poorly insulated and hard to heat. This can pose a problem for camping enthusiasts that love cold weather. Where will they stay during their winter camping excursions? This is why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best class Cs for winter and cold weather.
Sure, not every rig will keep you warm and dry, but this lineup is bound to please any chionophile (yep, that’s someone who loves cold weather).
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Class C RV?
A class C RV is a distinct type of motorhome that’s characterized by its over-the-cab bed and storage. Most class Cs are built on a cutaway van chassis such as the Ford E350/E450, and are usually much smaller than the bus-like class A motorhomes.
While they’re typically smaller than class As, class C motorhomes come in various sizes. They can be as short as 11ft or as long as a 40ft “Super C.” They’re usually made with at least one slide-out and can be much easier to drive than other larger motorhomes.
Can I Use a Class C RV for Winter Camping?
The short answer is: yes! You can absolutely camp in cold weather in a class C RV. Nevertheless, it’s important to make sure your rig has certain characteristics. For example, the best class C RVs for winter camping tend to have decent insulation, heated holding tanks, and a good heating system.
These features let you make the most of your winter camping. After all, waking up to frozen pipes can definitely put a damper on your trip (and flushing the toilet is kind of important).
Pro Tip: You can avoid frozen pipes by buying a heated water hose. These are the Top 5 Heated RV Water Hoses You Can Get Online.
Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of winter camping in a class C.
What Advantages Does a Class C Have for Winter Camping?
There are many advantages that come with using a class C for winter camping. For one, you won’t have to leave the warmth of your RV when you want to hit the road. Unlike fifth wheels or travel trailers, you can pop right into the cab and avoid venturing outside.
Furthermore, class Cs are typically smaller than class As and even some travel trailers. And of course, a smaller rig means less space you need to heat. Not only that, but class Cs don’t have the massive windshield that class As do, which makes for difficult heating and poor insulation.
What Are the Disadvantages?
Of course, every rig has its pros and cons. Unlike class As and some travel trailers, class Cs typically have exposed underbellies (which means that the holding tanks are exposed to the elements). While not all class Cs are built this way, you’ll definitely want to keep this in mind when searching for a rig. This basement area can help with insulation, as well.
Pro Tip: If you’re a first time RV buyer, these are the tips you need to know!
10 Best Class C RVs for Winter and Cold Weather
The following rigs are some of the best class C RVs for winter camping. Each of these RVs has its own set of pros and cons, but they all have one thing in common–you should be just fine camping in the snow!
1. Jayco Greyhawk Prestige
The Jayco Greyhawk Prestige 31FP is 32’ 6” long and comes with various features. It’s built on a Ford E-450 chassis and has a 7.3L V-8 350 HP engine. You’ll also have plenty of room for the family and guests, as it sleeps up to 10 people and has one large slide-out.
This rig comes with just about everything you’d want, with a full bathroom, kitchen, and plenty of seating. We have no doubt you’ll be very comfortable in all types of weather.
The Greyhawk Prestige comes with several features essential for winter RVing. These include: heated holding tanks, heated side-view mirrors, R-24 bead-foam insulation in the roof, and a winterization drainage system. It also has a 31,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace and a 15,000 BTU A/C with a heat pump to keep you nice and toasty.
MSRP: Starting at $128,243
Pro Tip: We’re often asked if Jayco is a quality RV manufacturer, so we wrote about it! Read our response here.
2. Winnebago Minnie Winnie
The Minnie Winnie is a popular class C RV that’s perfect for families who want to camp in any weather. Made by Winnebago, it comes in six different floor plans ranging from 23’ 10” to 32’ 9” long. Built on the Ford E350 and E450 chassis, the Minnie Winnie has a 7.3L V8 Premium engine with plenty of torque to get you where you need to go.
You can feel safe driving in various types of weather in your Minnie Winnie. This rig has traction control, electronic stability control, and defrosting mirrors. It also has a 20,000 BTU furnace in the 22M, 22R, and 25B models, and a 30,000 BTU furnace in the 26T, 31K, and 31H models. Couple that with a heated drainage system and 76.14 lbs of LP capacity, and you’ll be good to go.
MSRP: Starting at $115,598
3. Coachmen Leprechaun
The Coachman Leprechaun comes in five different floor models that are sure to fit just about any family size. It’s built on a Ford F-350 and F-450 chassis and has plenty of water storage, including 50 gallons of freshwater, 39 gallons of gray water, and 29 gallons of black water.
The Coachmen Leprechaun has several features to help keep you comfortable in cold weather, including a propane furnace, 6-gallon propane water heater, and full aluminum-framed walls that won’t rot from moisture build up.
MSRP: starting at $98,188
4. Dynamax Isata 5
Looking for a class C that can tow up to 10,000 lbs? The Dynamax Isata 5 is a diesel-powered motorhome with three models that range from 31’ 2” long to 35’ 11” long. This rig makes our top 10 list of the best class Cs for winter camping because of its impressive heated water tanks that hold as much as 78 gallons of fresh water. Let’s take a look at its other cold-weather features.
In addition to its heated holding tanks, The Dynamic Isata 5 has a furnace-heated utility compartment, heated exterior mirrors, and a 42,000 BTU furnace with electronic ignition. Without a doubt, you’ll stay warm and toasty in this impressive class C.
MSRP: Starting at $235,618
5. Thor Motor Coach Outlaw
Interested in a class C motorhome with a garage in the back? The Thor Motor Coach Outlaw is a class C toy hauler that spans 31’ 2” in length and can tow up to 8,000 lbs.
Whether you’re full-timing or taking a winter vacation, the Thor Motor Coach Outlaw is equipped to handle any kind of weather. With heated mirrors, holding tank heating pads, and block foam insulation, you’ll be just fine staying up north long after the snowbirds have flown away.
MSRP: $153,150
6. Tiffin Wayfarer
If you want a compact class C to take you anywhere your heart desires, look no further. The Tiffin Wayfarer comes in four floor plans, all of which span 25’ 8” in length. It’s also built on the well-trusted Mercedes Sprinter Chassis, which comes with several safety features such as attention, lane-keeping, and collision prevention assists.
You won’t have to worry about moisture build-up in this rig, as it comes with a condensation drainage system within the roof. It redirects water underneath the motorhome (genius!). It also has high-performance thermal insulation, a 3,000 BTU propane ducted furnace, and heated holding tanks.
MSRP: Starting around $166,523
7. Jayco Redhawk 26XD
The Jayco Redhawk is a great class C if you want a practical rig to get you where you need to go (comfortably, of course). Its overall exterior length is 28’ 8” and it can sleep at least seven people. There are also seatbelts in every designated seating location, making this an excellent rig for larger families.
The Jayco Redhawk 26XD makes our list of the best class C RVs for winter because of its build. It’s made with a stronghold vacuum-bonded laminated roof, floor, and sidewalls, allowing it to withstand all types of weather. It also has R-24 bead-foam insulation in the roof, a 31,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace, and a 41lb propane tank to keep you and your family warm.
MSRP: Starting at $99,893
Keep in Mind: Your RV furnace can create a deadly situation if used improperly. Learn how to stay safe but remain warm at the same time.
8. Winnebago EKKO
If you’re looking for an ultimate adventure rig to take you anywhere you want to go, check out the Winnebago EKKO. It’s 23’ in length and combines the efficiency of a campervan with the features of a class C. It’s also cold-weather certified by Truma.
Let’s take a look at its unique features.
The Winnebago EKKO comes with a thermal cab divider wall panel to keep your living space nice and toasty, a Truma VarioHeat furnace, heated holding tanks, and a heated gear garage. Clearly designed by people who go winter camping themselves, you’ll definitely stay comfortable in this noteworthy class C.
MSRP: Starting at $171,845
9. Forest River Forester LE
The Forester LE comes in 14 different floor plans built on both the Chevy Chassis and Ford Chassis. They range anywhere from 23’10” to 32’3” in length and come with a variety of features that make the Forester LE cold-weather ready.
The features that make this particular rig stand out include the 30,000 BTU furnace, heated and enclosed holding tanks and valves, block foam insulation, and 41 lbs of propane capacity. Regardless of which floor plan you choose, you can rest assured that the Forester LE was made for winter RVing.
MSRP: Starting around $89,998
The Winnebago Navion comes in three different floor plans that all span 25’ 6” in length. This luxury class C has a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis with a 3.0L 6-cylinder, 188-horsepower, turbo-diesel engine. It can also tow up to 5,000 lbs and has plenty of cold weather features for when you head out in the winter.
The Winnebago Navion has heated seats, power mirrors with defrost capability, a 20,000 BTU ducted furnace, a winterization package with a water heater bypass valve, and a heated drainage system. Not only will you be driving in style, but you’ll have a toasty behind during the ride!
MSRP: Starting at $180,734
Stay Warm Out There!
No rig is perfect and each RV has its own advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, if you have cold-weather camping in mind, there are certain class Cs that offer more features than others. Each of these motorhomes is outfitted so its occupants remain comfortable during all four seasons, and this is what makes them stand out as the best class Cs for winter and cold weather.
Now tell us, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
How about the Big Foot Artic Fox unit or Attic Fox other products?