Everything You Need to Know About Class C Motorhomes (2024)

FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Class C Motorhomes? ›

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.

Most class C's are around the same size and shape of a moving truck or van. While a class A motorhome can reach lengths of up to 40 feet, the smaller class C's typically top out at about 28 feet. The shape of the class C resembles a van cab with an attached camper in place of the class A's bus-like figure.

Class C RVs are terrific vehicles for getting into RV life, as well as for keeping a family comfortable while camping. They're more affordable, drivable, and flexible than other RV classes, and there are so many different floor plans that you should be able to find the perfect one to fit your needs.

Class C Motorhome

Model types have distinct differences and will have some impact on the RV lifespan. However, the basics of RV maintenance don't vary too much from model to model. With proper maintenance, you can make any type of RV last well beyond 200,000 miles — and even three decades.

Class C RVs are particularly prone to leaks in the cabover area. Feel the ceiling and walls in all areas of the cabover, especially along the corner seams and windows. Look for exterior signs of water damage in the sidewall material like rippling or bubbling. Bumps or bubbling in the sidewall is called delamination.

However, that doesn't mean class A and class C motorhomes require much more skill and expertise. Most are longer and heavier than camper vans, requiring more braking time, wider turns, and advanced route planning. Even for new RVers, these considerations are easy to overcome, especially in highway driving.

Class C motorhomes can be a great option for not just weekend getaways or road trips, but are also great for full-time living.

CON: RVs can be high maintenance

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tired are inflated. Then of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

Is an RV a Financial Investment? The short answer is no. With the exception of some in-demand vintage models, the value of an RV depreciates over time. An RV is an investment in a lifestyle, but you can mitigate the expense by renting it out when not in use through a third-party rental site like Outdoorsy or RVshare.

How much does it cost to maintain a Class C motorhome? ›

Motorhome maintenance costs about $100 a month. Utilities tend to cost between $100 and $300 a month. Camper storage, for those who can't keep their motorhome on their property, ranges from $30 to $400 a month.

Class C rigs are your next safest bet because the driver and passenger airbags and seatbelts will be factory-installed, but Class C motorhomes aren't as safe for passengers outside the primary front cabin.

What is high mileage for a motorhome? If you're in the market for a used motorhome, one with mileage between 100,000 and 200,000 is considered high.

Class C RVs are normally built on a truck or van chassis from Ford, Chevy or Mercedes Benz. Some of the bigger Class C manufacturers, like Dynamax, use Dodge Ram chassis. And because they are bigger than Class Bs, they generally provide more storage and living space.

Determining when to replace your RV tires is a critical aspect of tire care. While visual inspections are crucial, age is a significant factor. Regardless of the remaining tread depth, consider replacing your tires every 6-10 years.

Class C rigs are your next safest bet because the driver and passenger airbags and seatbelts will be factory-installed, but Class C motorhomes aren't as safe for passengers outside the primary front cabin.

Class C motorhomes can be a great option for not just weekend getaways or road trips, but are also great for full-time living.

Despite their different sizes and layouts, the average cost of Class B and C RVs is fairly similar, at right around $80,000 to $100,000. However, because Class C RVs are typically bigger, you have more customization and layout options and could end up spending between $150,000 and $200,000.