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THE (OPEN) ROAD

CLASS C MOTORHOMES FROM NIRVC

WHAT IS A CLASS C RV?

Nestled between Classes A and B in size, Class C RVs offer the best of both. They're larger and more luxurious than Class Bs, with many of the same features of Class A coaches (on a smaller scale): kitchens, living quarters, beds/sleeping areas, bathrooms and more. Class C motorhomes are available with gasoline or diesel engines, offering better mileage, maneuverability and more modest price tags than Class A Motorhomes.

Typically ranging between 24-36 feet in length and 10,000-14,000 pounds, Class C motorhomes are what many picture as classic motorhome designs, featuring the distinguishable "cab-over" area for sleeping or storage. Also unique to the Class C RV is the "cutaway" chassis, whereby the entire front end of the vehicle-including the engine, doors, dash and cockpit-is essentially that of a van or truck. For this reason, most Class C motorhomes have gasoline powered engines. This allows for a more familiar driving experience including airbags within the cockpit, designating Class C RVs as safer than Class A in the event of an accident. The living area is separately built and installed upon the rear half of the chassis. For those interested in diesel engines, you'll likely be looking into a Super C, or C+.

Class C offers quality and functionality without compromising on safety:

Dedicated kitchen Icon

Dedicated kitchen

Full bathrooms Icon

Full bathrooms

Separate lounge, sleeping areas Icon

Separate lounge, sleeping areas

Cutaway chassis allow for seatbelts and airbags Icon

Cutaway chassis allow for seatbelts and airbags

Easy to drive and maneuver Icon

Easy to drive and maneuver

Easier and more affordable service and repair Icon

Easier and more affordable service and repair

CLASS C RV FEATURES

Class C motorhomes typically accommodate between 4-8 passengers, making them a great choice for families and small groups. Fully self-contained yet easy to drive, these RVs cost less than their larger counterparts and offer better fuel economy. They feature all the comforts of home without compromising the safety of a traditional vehicle.

Popular brands of Class C RVs include Coachmen RV, Entegra Coach, Forester(by Forest River), Jayco and Winnebago, to name a few.

Feature Description Side Image
Gas Or Diesel Image

GAS OR DIESEL?

While most Class Cs have gasoline powered engines, their significantly larger counterparts in the Super C sub-category usually utilize more powerful diesel engines.

Not sure if gas or diesel is right for you? Start by considering price, power, operating costs, and resale value to find what best fits your needs.

Pros and Cons of Class C Motor Coaches

CLASS C PROS:

  • SAFETY - Their cutaway chassis allows for seatbelts and airbags
  • MANEUVERABILITY - While not as versatile as a Class B, Class Cs face fewer limitations on where they can go, including in cities, campgrounds and places with height restrictions
  • DRIVABILITY - The cutaway chassis offers familiarity behind the wheel
  • AMENITIES/LIVABILITY - Most comforts of home will be included in a Class C motorhome, just on a smaller scale. Separate quarters and sleeping areas comfortably accommodate up to 8 people
  • MAINTENANCE - Since most cutaway chassis are made by Ford or Chevy, so too are the engines which are much easier to work on

CLASS C CONS:

  • RIDE - Class C RVs don't compare to the smooth ride of a Class A coach.
  • SIZE - Class Cs are large enough to accommodate several people but fall short of the spaciousness of a Class A coach – Conversely, they're too large to function as a daily commuter or off-road explorer, thereby requiring an additional vehicle or TOAD
  • FLOOR PLANS - Smaller length Class Cs can be tight on space and may have limited exterior storage

WHAT IS A SUPER C RV?

A sub-category of Class C RVs, Super Cs are larger versions of the Class C design. They're often between 32-40 ft. in length, weigh between 22,000-30,000 pounds and are capable of accommodating 8-10 people. The floor plans are more akin to Class A designs, offering greater space, heightened luxury and additional amenities. However, the most desirable features of a standard Class C motorhome remain intact, including safety features (seatbelts and airbags), drivability and serviceability.

A Super C RV features a significantly larger, more heavy-duty chassis and a more powerful engine (usually diesel). This amounts to more living space, larger tank capacities, increased exterior storage, higher towing capacity, greater stability from its wider wheel-base and a more comfortable ride than a standard Class C RV.

Feature Description Side Image

Pros and Cons of Super C Motor Coaches

SUPER C PROS:

  • FLOOR PLANS - Super Cs are significantly larger than standard Class C RVs, meaning there's more living space, larger dedicated areas and increased accommodation
  • TOWING/CARGO CAPACITY - Super Cs are intensely powerful, able to tow 25,000+ in some cases
  • SERVICEABILITY - Like standard Cs, Super Cs are much easier to repair than Class A coaches
  • WIDE WHEEL BASE - Creates a safe and enjoyable driving experience
  • SAFETY - Like Class C RVs, Super Cs feature seatbelts and airbags in the cockpit
  • STORAGE - Most Super Cs offer exterior storage along the entire length of the vehicle

SUPER C CONS:

  • PRICE - With greater size, features and luxuries come higher price points, often ranging $150,000-600,000+
  • MANEUVERABILITY - Height clearances, turnabout space and size restrictions require added attention
  • FUEL ECONOMY - Super Cs are heavy and require a lot of power – Most get 6-9 miles per gallon
  • INTERIOR SPACE - Because of the hood and cockpit take up considerable space, Super Cs don't have quite the interior space of a similarly-sized Class A coach