FAQs About Class C RVs

Class C motorhomes fall right in between Class As and Class Bs—they are smaller than Class A motorhomes but bigger than Class B camper vans. Most commonly built on a cutaway van chassis, Class Cs typically range anywhere from 25 to 35 feet long and can sleep up to eight people. However, extra large Super Class C RVs can be closer to 40 feet long and sleep 10 to 12 people. Class C RVs are most recognizable by their over-cab space that can double as additional sleeping or storage space. Class Cs can come with gas or diesel engines, and many have the ability to tow small vehicles. Some of the most notable features of a Class C motorhome include multiple sleeping spaces, smooth navigation, good gas mileage, and easy accessibility between the driving space and living space.

Class C RVs are perfect for families that want more space than a camper van but better mobility than a Class A motorhome. Since most Class C RVs range anywhere from 25 to 35 feet, you are still able to access most national and state parks. Many Class C motorhomes are built on Ford chassis, which offers easier access to automotive dealerships and service centers throughout the United States. Additionally, Class C RVs are easier to drive than some of the other, larger motorized RVs—they have a tighter turning radius and less wind drag compared to Class A motorhomes. Lastly, Class C RVs have decent towing capacities and can usually pull an average, mid-size vehicle.

While this list doesn’t cover everything, here are some important questions to ask when looking at buying a Class C motorhome:

• How many miles per gallon will I be able to get, including both city and highway? 
• Is the engine gas or diesel?
• How often will I need to replace the tires?
• How many people can comfortably sleep inside?
• Does the RV come with a warranty service package?
• How large is the propane tank? How many hours of use can I get out of a full propane tank?
• What size are the black and gray tanks?

Additionally, you should always ask if the dealer can give you a complete walk-thru of the RV and all of its features and amenities. If you discover anything that needs to be fixed or updated, ask that the dealership fix these items before you take your RV home.

There are many different styles, layouts, floorplans, and sizes to choose from when it comes to Class C RVs. 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 RVs are best known for the overhead bunk area that sits above the cab. This space can often hold up to 500 pounds, and can be used for additional sleeping or storage. Some other common features and amenities include:

• Multiple sleeping spaces, including at least one queen size bed.
• A full kitchen with a convection microwave or oven.
• A full bathroom.
• At least one slide-out for expanding living space.
• A dedicated dining area.
• Ample closet and storage space.
• An entertainment system.

The main difference between a Class C and a Class A is size—Class C RVs are typically shorter in both length and height compared to Class A RVs. Due to their smaller size, Class C motorhomes can fit into more parks and campsites, get better gas mileage, and are easier to maneuver. However, a smaller size also means less space. Class A motorhomes typically have more sleeping and storage space when compared to a Class C. Additionally, Class C RVs have a front-end engine under the hood, just like a truck or SUV, whereas the engine in most Class A motorhomes is only accessible through the RV’s interior or underbelly.

Just like with a Class A, the main difference between a Class C motorhome and a Class B camper is the size. Class C RVs are larger than Class Bs, and are built on heavy-duty truck chassis as opposed to van chassis. Class C RVs also have more sleeping and storage space, come with a full bath, and typically have at least one slide-out. Class B camper vans often only come with a wet bath and no slide-outs. However, Class B RVs get better gas mileage and are able to park in more places than a Class C due to their smaller size.

On average, a Class C motorhome can comfortably sleep between four and eight people, depending on the floor plan and length. Some of the larger Super C RVs can even sleep 10 people. Most Class C RVs have a queen-size bed that can sleep two adults, a convertible dining table that can sleep two children or one adult, and an over-cab bunk space that can sleep two additional adults.

Yes, it is common for a Class C to tow a small car or vehicle. Most Class Cs can tow anywhere between 3,000 and 8,000 pounds.

The first thing you need to figure out is your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum weight that your RV can carry, without anything hitched to it. You also need to figure out your RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum weight of your fully-loaded RV with a car or vehicle attached. You can usually find both of these numbers on a sticker in the driver’s side door or in your owner's manual. Once you have these two numbers, subtract the Gross Vehicle from the Gross Combined and you’ll have your tow weight. To be safe, the car or vehicle you plan to tow should weigh less than the tow weight.

Another important thing to keep in-mind is if your vehicle can actually be towed by an RV. Pulling a car directly behind your RV is referred to as towing flat, or flat-towed. Some vehicles are not designed to be towed this way due to the transmission and steering systems. Always check with your car’s dealer or manufacturer to confirm if your vehicle can be flat-towed. If not, you may have to tow your car with a dolly. With this set-up, the front wheels of your car are loaded and locked onto a dolly, which prevents the front wheels from spinning while being towed.

Since most Class C motorhomes range from 25 to 35 feet, there are plenty of options for parking and camping. Smaller Class Cs can fit into most national and state park campgrounds. There are also standard campgrounds, RV resorts, national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rest stops, and select public parking lots that can accommodate any size Class C. If you’re a veteran or Department of Defense employee, you may be eligible to park at a military base as well.

Parking on residential streets is a very common question for Class C motorhomes, especially for the smaller models. While some cities allow overnight parking on residential streets with a permit, other places do not allow any overnight parking. There are also specific laws about sleeping inside your RV overnight—some cities may allow it while others do not. Always check with local ordinances or law enforcement before parking in a residential area to avoid a ticket or towing. If you plan to visit friends or family and park in their driveway, be sure they have cleared it with their homeowners association (HOA) first. And if you live in an HOA community, make sure you confirm that you can park your RV in your driveway or yard when you’re not using it.

Luckily, most newer Class C motorhomes come with an automatic leveling system. If you need to level your Class C RV manually, be sure and bring leveling blocks and a hand-held bubble level. If your RV has one, you can also use the bubble level inside your refrigerator to help guide you. This is worth checking regardless since an unlevel RV can cause blockages in your refrigerator’s coolant system.

To level your Class C, place your leveling blocks behind or infront of the wheels on the side of your RV that is sitting lower, and then either back-up or pull forward to rest the wheels directly on top of the blocks. Then place your bubble level on a flat, even surface to check—the bumper or the middle of your RV floor are good options. Once your Class C is level, chock your wheels and lower any leveling/stablalizing jacks. Be sure and check your level after you’ve pulled out any slides, as this can impact the weight distribution across your RV.

Class C motorhomes can vary greatly in price depending on a few different factors. Overall, the smaller Class Cs with basic amenities can cost $50,000, while the larger Super Class C RVs with luxury features can cost upwards of $200,000. Here are some other factors that can impact the price of a Class C:

• The overall size and length
• Number of bedrooms
• Exterior materials (rubber, fiberglass, aluminum)
• Interior materials (marble countertops, hardwood, stainless steel)
• A diesel or gas engine
• Size of holding tanks
• Size of batteries

In addition to the RV features and amenities, there are a few added costs to also be aware of, including sales tax, insurance, dealer fees, and registration fees.