Is a Class C RV worth it? (5 pros & cons)
In today’s article, we will speak about: Is a Class C RV worth it? We will explain what is a Class C RV and what are its advantages and disadvantages. We will also describe Class A and Class B RVs, to better understand the difference between the three types of motorhomes.
Is a Class C RV worth it?
Class C RVs are among the most affordable motorhomes and are definitely worth it for many users. Class C motorhomes are larger than Class B and smaller than Class A. They are built on a regular truck chassis (e.g. an F450) and have a space above the cabin that serves for storage, entertainment centre or to sleep.
Class C RVs are medium-sized motorhomes, most recognizable from the sleeping area above the cabin. This feature creates additional sleeping area and space for the living area, storage, kitchen and a bathroom larger than a class B.
Let’s see the pros and cons of Class C RVs, and decide whether they are worth the investigation or not.
The Pros and Cons of Class C RVs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| They tend to be cheaper than Class A RVs and Class B RVs. | They have very limited outdoor storage. |
| Due to their size, they offer similar comforts to Class A RVs. | You will probably still need a small vehicle to transport you and many models do not have towing capacity. |
| They are easier to drive than a Class A RV, they feel similar to a truck or large van. | The cabin tends to be noisy. The engine is big and the air conditioning is heard much more. Due to its structure and construction, the suspension tends to suffer, for this reason, you will feel more irregularities and bumps in the road. |
| They are small enough to allow a flexible travel style. | Instability. Many drivers of Class C RVs report that they feel a weave at the rear of the motorhome. This sense of loss of control increases as the body extends beyond the rear wheels, leading to increased stress and worry when driving. |
| Many class C RVs have opposing extensions that greatly expand the living space. | Because the cabin of C-Class RVs is lower than the living space, the captain’s seats do not rotate to become part of the living room. Once you’re done driving, the cabin will become a completely wasted living space. (In some new models this disadvantage is already solved) |
| It has designated spaces for three adults to sleep comfortably. | Some models are more prone to water leakage in the cab area due to bends and joints |
| Decent size freshwater, grey and black water storage tanks. | It is usually more difficult to find a larger parking space, and if you go to a downtown area, parking is virtually impossible. |
| Easier to heat and/or cool due to a smaller windshield and a separate cabin area. | Class C tends to achieve poorer gas mileage than a Class B motorhome, but somewhat better than larger Class A models. |
Everything about the Class C RV
The Class C motorhome is larger than some types of recreational vehicles, although it is not the largest type. It does not require a separate vehicle to pull it. The C-Class is built into the engine compartment and looks like a “cockpit” as part of a truck or van. A wide range of brands offer these types of motorhomes, with some using diesel and others using gasoline.
Compared to Class A and Recreational Vehicles B, the characteristics of a Class C motorhome present several significant advantages and disadvantages.
Security. Considering the differences in the impact area and the number of passengers between types of motorhomes, it is important to compare the safety of different classes of motorhomes. Class C motorhomes offer greater safety than the larger Class A, according to the RV Consumer Group.
This is due in large part to the van “cockpit” style design, which reduces the chance of injury in a car accident. Class Cs also prove easier to drive than larger RVs, helping to avoid accidents in the first place.
Fuel. Any motorhome is going to consume a great deal of fuel, but class C vehicles make considerably less use than the bus, as a class model. Some Class C campers travel up to 13 more miles per gallon than “A” motorhomes, according to the Roaming Times.
For example, consider the cost of fuel for a 1,200-mile round trip at an average of four dollars per gallon. An “A” motorhome would consume about 185 litres, while a moderately efficient “C” vehicle would consume about 67 gallons. This translates to a total cost of approximately $ 472 less.
Space. The C-Class motorhome offers several advantages and disadvantages with regard to passengers and cargo space. It offers much more cargo space than a B Class motorhome. The comparison with the interior space Class A motorhomes remains debatable.
Although “A” vehicles are longer, “C” models typically provide bedrooms for more people, according to JR Consumer Resources. Class C RVs typically feature a bed above the driver’s cab, unlike the “B” or “A” models. This adds to the capacity without increasing the length. The “C” requires much more parking and garage space than a “B” model.
Cost
Although it is still very expensive, the C-Class motorhome compares favourably with another type in relation to the purchase price. It will cost you less to acquire than Class A, according to JR Consumer Resources. A lower price also means less expensive insurance and taxes. Poulsbo RV indicates that the “C” generally offers more interior space for the money than a “B” motorhome.
Are Class A RVs better than Class C RVs?
Class A RVs are those that are built on the chassis of a truck, bus or bus. Many have extensions making the storage and living space very large. Among the three categories, this is usually the largest of the motorized lot. The quality and/or price will vary a lot depending on the brand and model you choose to buy or rent.
The Pros and Cons of Class A RVs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Ideal for families or people who work remotely while travelling. The living spaces, office, dining room, etc. are usually spacious and comfortable. | This is the kind of RV that will be the most expensive for insurance, maintenance, and repairs. |
| The kitchen is usually residential, the closets are very spacious. They have a separate double suite and in the living/dining room fold-out beds for up to several people. | Due to its large size, you will not have access to some campsites, (especially in the National Parks) |
| Most include washer and dryer connections, and the largest and most luxurious have a dishwasher and up to two full baths. | Difficult to park and manoeuvre in cities and/or certain roads. |
| Both the fresh water tank, as well as the grey water and black water tanks are large capacity. Ideal if you want to do boondocking or dry camping for longer. | Will require an additional car for greater mobility. (You will have to think about the maintenance of two vehicles) |
| The finishes and materials used in Class A RVs tend to look a lot like a traditional house. The most expensive and luxurious ones have ceramic tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms and the furniture is very resistant and of very good quality. | They consume a lot of fuel and the MPG (the number of miles per gallon) is very low. |
| It has a great panoramic view, which will guarantee you a great travel experience. | Windshields that provide epic panoramic views can make it harder and more expensive to heat or cool the space. |
Are Class B RVs better than Class C RVs?
Class B motorhomes have many names. You may know them as conversion vans, camper vans, B vans, or Class B RVs. These motorized RVs are small in that they are built on a van/truck or van chassis. (Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and some others).
They are ideal for people who want to enjoy nature without negotiating certain luxuries and comforts. They have a small kitchen, a wet bathroom, and designated eating and sleeping spaces.
The Pros and Cons of Class B RVs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Of all RVs, this is the easiest and most comfortable to drive. | The price per square foot is the highest of all recreational vehicles and even more expensive than many class A or class C motorhomes. |
| They are a great option for short trips and/or people travelling alone or as a couple. | Most Class B RVs do not have a permanent bed. Having to assemble and disassemble the bed to gain living space can, in the long run, be exhausting and exhausting. |
| They can fit in a parking lot or regular parking lot. | Bathrooms in Class B RVs are very limited in size and look more like a small closet than a real bathroom. Some will only have a toilet, others a wet bath, which means that the entire bathroom is also the shower. |
| They have very good mileage per gallon. (Better than Class C Rvs) | The capacity of the tanks is very limited, they have the smallest capacity of the three classes. |
| Maintenance is not expensive, similar to that of a truck or van. | The storage space is very small. (For weekend trips or vacations this may not be a problem). But if you are planning to move and/or live full time in your RV, you will have to get rid of most of your belongings, adopt an ultra-minimalist lifestyle and Be very creative with the use of spaces. |
| This RV class will allow you to access remote areas and drive on scenic and winding roads. (You will not have any problem with tunnels, bridges, narrow roads, etc.) | With rare exceptions, this vehicle will be your only means of transportation as it does not have towing capacity. |
Conclusions
Buying a motorhome, especially a used vehicle, can be a tedious and overwhelming process; it requires intelligent and strategic thinking, as well as the intelligence to get a reasonable offer based on quality.
If you have any questions, comments or tips on acquiring a Class C motorhome, let us know!
FAQ on Is a Class C RV worth it?
Which is easier to drive, Class A or C?
When it comes to driving comfort, Class C RVs are definitely easier to drive. The difference in size between Class A and Class C RVs really makes the difference in this case. Class A motorhomes can be 40 feet long (thus harder to manoeuvre) while Class C motorhomes generally cut around 28 feet!
Is it hard to drive a Class C RV?
Driving a Class C RV can be difficult, especially for new drivers. With Class C RV travelling at a speed of 55 mph, the brakes will provide the same force as if they had to stop a load of 320,000 kg. It is as if the weight of the vehicle is multiplied by 32.
Why does Class B cost More Than Class C?
Class B costs more than Class C because they are made differently, usually from more expensive materials, and also because there aren’t so many models on the market.
Other FAQs about Class C Motorhome that you may be interested in.
How do I back up my Class C motorhome?
What is the average width of Class C RV?
Is driving a Class C motorhome difficult?
