What Is A Class C RV? Everything You Need To Know

A Class C RV is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a bit of extra space but doesn’t fancy driving something huge. If you’re on the hunt for a motorhome, then you may have encountered the RV class system, which is a bit confusing. Class C RVs that we’re looking at today are bigger than Class B RVs, which is a sprinter van sized camper, but smaller than the giant Class A RVs.

What Is A Class C RV?

A Class C RV is recognisable from the outside thanks to its over-cab sleeping area. This shape creates the image that most people imagine when they think of campervans. The Class C RV ranges in length from 21ft-41ft, which is larger than a sprinter van style camper. Some Class C RVs do have slide-outs, which can make them even larger, although some do not. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Class C RV?

Good Intermediate Size

A Class C RV is a good in-between size; not as small as a sprinter van but not too large that it starts to cause problems. Being in the middle, a Class C RV will be able to go most of the place that a smaller camper could get to, and parking options are not too limited. You would still be able to park in a parking lot easily, but you may need two spaces!

Can Sleep More Than Two 

Thanks to the over-cab sleeping area, a Class C RV can easily sleep more than two people. One fixed bed can stay overhead at all times, ready whenever you are. Downstairs, the main living area can be arranged to sleep an extra two or four people, depending on the length of your camper. 

A Class C RV may even be big enough to have a second fixed bed downstairs. If it isn’t then convertible seating creates more beds so more people can come along for the ride. This size of motorhome is a fantastic choice for any families hitting the road, as there is more room to spread out. 

Where you might struggle to bring the kids along on a long term road trip in a Class B (sprinter van) motorhome, there is more than enough room in a Class C motorhome. 

Can Tow A Car Behind 

Class C RVs have a towing capacity large enough to bring a separate car along with you. So, even if there is somewhere off-limits to a camper your size, you can still take a day trip there in the car. Having a car is especially useful if you want to access somewhere with busy parking or areas that are difficult to reach in a large vehicle. 

Still Easy To Drive 

Although a class C RV is big enough to host a full family and tow an extra car, they are still easy to drive. Their medium size means that almost all roads are open to you as you’re still not as big as a bus or delivery truck. Not having to think about the route you take, due to your size, can help to make a road trip stress free. 

Has Everything You Need 

There are not many compromises that you need to make when you travel in a Class C RV. There is room for everything; kitchen, bathroom, seating area, dining table, fixed bed. You name it, and you’ll probably be able to fit it in. This is one huge bonus compared to a sprinter camper van when you have to choose between amenities because of a lack of space.

Having everything you need with you wherever you go it such a great feeling. No matter where you are on your journey, you can pull over to use the bathroom, grab some food or take a nap. Bliss. 

Can Buy Second Hand and Renovate 

DIY conversions are becoming more and more popular, but the sheer amount of work is often underestimated. Unless you are a carpenter, electrician, mechanic and plumber, a van conversion is hard work. The excellent news with a Class C RV is that the hard work (plumbing and electrics especially) is already done for you. 

Buying an older class C RV to renovate is a budget-friendly way to get a camper. Something with a dated interior but is mechanically sound is a good option for DIYers. Often a lick of paint, fresh upholstery and new tiles is enough to rejuvenate and old RV. 

Different Class C RVs

1. Coachmen Freelander 

The Coachmen Freelander is our first example of a class C RV. This RV gives you an idea of the size you can expect a Class C RV to be and how luxurious they are. The Freelander currently comes in 16 different floor plans. With so much choice, you’re bound to find a layout that suits you.

The layout is so variable thanks to the amount of space, and the use of slide-outs. Slide-outs are a great way to gain more inside room, without having to drive a bigger RV. They’re a convenient way to make your rolling home larger, allowing you to have an extra seating area or a bigger bedroom.

Most Coachmen Freelander can sleep at least four people, with two in the over cab bedroom and two down below. If you need to accommodate more people, you can work your layout around this, with convertible seating options.

Depending on the options you choose, you’re looking at around $17,500 for the Coachmen Freelander. 

2. Winnebago View 

The next Class C RV on our list is the Winnebago View, a fantastic motor home that will take you on many adventures. Winnebago is a popular RV company, thanks to the high spec and quality they offer in their vehicles. It’s always good to buy from a brand with a good reputation. 

This RV is built on a dependable sprinter chassis, making it super easy to drive. However, the boxy body and over cab sleeping area provides way more living space than a regular sprinter van. With the Winnebago View, you get the best of both worlds, a smooth drive and plenty of space. 

The View comes in three different layouts, making this a versatile choice. Each design has a slide-out, in various sizes, giving you a bit of extra space to spread out. All three interiors come with everything you need for a comfortable road trip, including beds, kitchen, seating areas and a bathroom with shower. 

This camper starts at $161,421, so it isn’t exactly a budget option. But, you get what you pay for, and this is an Rv you could be proud of! 

3. Jayco Greyhawk Prestige 

If you’re looking for something larger but still in the Class C category, then the Jayco Greyhawk Prestige could be the RV for you.

This motorhome is ideal for large families as there is a separate double bedroom, two bunk beds, and the over cab bed. These different sleeping areas allow space to spread out and to have some privacy away from each other. 

As well as the bedrooms, the Jayco Greyhawk Prestige has plenty of seating options. The front swivel seats rotate so you can use them in the living area, and there is a dinette and sofa. Following on from the seating areas are the well-equipped kitchen with fridge, microwave, sink and hob. There is also a bathroom with shower. 

This RV achieves so much interior space thanks to a full side slide out, that provides you with extra space when parked. The Jayco Greyhawk Prestige starts at a price of $136,643. 

4. The Rolling Mammouth 

For a lot of people, a brand new Class C RV may be well out of budget, but this doesn’t mean you can’t find a second-hand model that can offer you the space you need. 

Second hand Class C RVs are often mechanically sound, thanks to the low mileage they are often driven by owners who only holiday in them a couple of times a year. This means that the engines have plenty of life left in them. However, the interior is likely to look dated and in need of an upgrade. 

If you’re a crafty DIY-er, then a dated interior is an excellent opportunity to start afresh, remove what’s there and add your own touch. The Rolling Mammouth have completely rebuilt their camper, and the results are stunning.

No longer old and dark, their RV is bright, spacious, modern and homely. A large kitchen, dinette, further seating and a bathroom take up the space, with a bed over the cab. The beautiful wooden feature wall really makes this RV stand out from the crowd. 

A DIY Class C RV is a great way to get precisely what you want, on a smaller budget. What would your dream RV look like? 

Final Thoughts… 

If you’re looking for a bit more space and don’t mind driving something larger than a Sprinter van, then the Class C RV is for you. They allow you to get out there and explore, without needing to compromise on comfort. For more vanlife tips and inspiration, join the Van Clan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

More Content From The Van Clan Team 

• If you think that the Class C RV might be too big for you, then check out our article on the smaller Class B RV.
• Or maybe you want something even bigger. If this is the case, take a look at this monster, Mercedes camper.
• Looking for a new adventure rig? Discover the ten best RV brands to help you start your search.