Table of Contents Show
One of the most popular types of motorized recreational vehicles is the Class C motorhome. It is simple to drive for many new to the RV life, and it offers plenty of space for family travel. The Class C is relatively inexpensive to purchase and can fit into most campsites. You may see this coach traveling all across the country. Let’s take a closer look at this well-loved classic.
What Is a Class C Motorhome?
You can spot a Class C motorhome by looking for a truck cab with a bed over it. These RVs are built on a truck chassis, making them easier to drive than their Class A big brothers.
Most campers in this group can sleep four to six people, with the bed over the cab adding a good deal of space. Class Cs usually have a decent-sized kitchen and a full dry bath, meaning you’ll have a designated enclosed tub or shower. You should find plenty of storage inside, with overhead cabinets, under-bed storage, and even medicine cabinets in many models.
Many Class Cs have slideouts, increasing living and bedroom areas. Even though their footprints may start as 24 by 8 feet, the extra expansion can feel pretty luxurious, as you can find sliding entertainment walls, oversized dinettes, and king-sized beds in upper-end units.
Most Class C RVs range in length from 24 to 32 feet with some exterior storage but have no basement space like a Class A. Their price range typically stretches from $45,000 to $100,000, and it’s not unusual to find models with one to three slides.
What Is a Super C RV?
You can immediately recognize a Super C motorhome by its cab. This motorized RV has a diesel engine, with many having a Ford F550 chassis. In these cases, a bed over the cab comes standard. However, semis can power some Super Cs.
Each model still has the same floorplans as a typical Class C, only bigger, longer, and heavier. These “RVs on steroids” usually come with high-end amenities and cost $200,000 to $500,000. And because of its enlarged size, a Super C typically has much more power than its somewhat smaller counterparts.
Is it Hard to Drive a Class C Motorhome?
If you can drive a pickup, you probably won’t have difficulty maneuvering a Class C around. The truck chassis enables you to handle it much like a truck. You’ll find the biggest difference in longer RVs, as you’ll need to consider the hangover behind the rear wheels when turning corners and parking.
Can a Class C RV Tow a Car?
Most Class C motorhomes can pull a TOAD (a towed vehicle). However, if the RV has slides, the towing capacity usually decreases to 3,500 lbs or less. Without slides, many Class Cs can pull up to 5,000 lbs.
To figure out the actual amount of weight an RV can tow, you must look at the GCWR — the gross combined weight rating. This number will tell you the maximum weight of your RV with a trailer attached to it. It includes the weight of your RV, all the items (and liquids) inside, the people riding along, the vehicle or trailer you are pulling, and the weight of the items on that trailer or in the TOAD.
Pros of Class C Motorhomes
You will see many Class C motorhomes on the road because of their popularity. Here are some of the benefits.
Easy to Drive
You can easily drive a Class C. For those that have driven a pickup truck, driving this type of camper will be a piece of cake. The challenge comes in the difference in the length of the recreational vehicle, as opposed to the truck. Drivers need to familiarize themselves with the wider turning radius if they have a long RV, as the section behind the rear wheels may overhang on corners.
Variety of Sizes
Class C motorhomes come in a variety of lengths, usually ranging from 24 to 32 feet. Additionally, you can find many models with one, two, or three slides, giving RVers a vast selection of vehicles to choose from.
Can Pull a TOAD
Almost all Class Cs can tow a vehicle behind, whether the toad is flat-towed, on a dolly, or a car hauler. The RV must have a tow hitch, and you will need to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions on GCWR.
Cons of Class C Motorhomes
You’ll also need to consider a few drawbacks to selecting a Class C motorhome.
Less Storage than Larger RVs
Most Class Cs have storage inside the coach, as they don’t have basements like their larger counterparts, the Class As. Some exterior storage does exist, but models with many popular amenities like exterior TV entertainment areas and outside kitchens limit that availability.
Lack of Variety in Floorplans
Most floorplans in this type of RV are pretty straightforward. They can have a bed over the cab, a bedroom area in the back, and the kitchen and dining areas in between.
Some newer model designs include unusual slideouts with mattresses that fold down or bump out the vehicle’s back. A few have beds that lower from the ceiling over the dinette.
Enjoying Trips with Loved Ones
When looking for a coach that can handle a family camping trip, consider the Class C motorhome. Its driving maneuverability makes getting to your campsite worry-free, and the interior space will give you room for everyone to eat, sleep, and play comfortably. You will find Class Cs that fit almost any budget. You can have an enjoyable time with loved ones on each outing.
