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If you are shopping for a new RV, you may be wondering what some of the best Class C RVs are on the market today. But are you familiar with Class C rigs, or are you brand new to the buying process? There’s a lot to consider, and you should be prepared!

In this article, we will address everything you need to know about Class C RVs, including what they are and what you should think about before purchasing one. Finally, we will go over our top picks for some of the latest and greatest RVs on the market today. Let’s get started and take a look at everything you need to know in Class C RVs now!

Only interested in exploring our comprehensive list of Class C RVs? Use the table of contents below to jump ahead!

What is a Class C RV?

Class C RVs are often considered the Goldilocks of recreational motor homes. They are in between the large and lengthy Class As, as well as the compact camper van Class Bs. They come in traditional gasoline fuel as well as diesel, depending on your preferences. But what makes them so special? Let’s take a closer look now.

One of the main selling points of any Class C RV is the fact that it is easier to drive than any towable rig, as well as easier than most Class A RVs, given their long length. Class C RVs average anywhere from 20-40 feet in length, making them ideal for a large swathe of the population.

There are also Class C RVs that are larger than this, powered by huge diesel engines. These are known as Super Cs, and they have grown more and more popular over the past ten years. These large rigs are ideal for full-timers, larger groups, and people interested in towing using their Class C.

Another selling feature of a Class C RV is the overhead bunk offered by all makes and models. This bunk hovers over the driver and passenger seat of the RV, offering more storage or sleeping solutions for larger families.

Not only do Class Cs give RVers a fantastically sized rig that is easier to drive- there are tons of Class C RVs on the market currently. They are extremely popular, and you are likely to find a perfect rig for you, whether it is on this list or not!

What to Consider in a Class C RV

Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or simply brand new and want to learn a bit about Class C RVs, here’s a number of things that you should consider before making a Class C RV purchase. Let’s get started now! 

Floor Plan

One of the most important things for you to consider when purchasing a Class C RV is the type of layout you are looking for. However, this can be difficult if you have yet to tour any Class C rigs, especially in person. 

Thankfully, many RV websites offer extensive layout and floor plan tours so that you can get a true feel for the rig without ever seeing it in person, if you so choose. There are 3D tours, or you may even be able to set up a video call with a local RV dealership and tour that way.

There are a number of different Class C layouts, though there are only so many ways that you can arrange such a small living space. When you consider storage as well as room for all of your RV utilities, most Class C RVs aren’t reinventing the wheel here!

This isn’t to say that the majority of Class C RV floor plans aren’t impressive, well-appointed, and thought out with camping and storage in mind. On the contrary! The majority of Class Cs are fantastic, innovative, and ideal for a number of people.

You may already know that you want a dedicated master bedroom with a walk around bed. Or perhaps you’re hoping for multiple bunk beds to sleep your family of five. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a floor plan for it- it just may take some time to find your favorite option!

Budget

Just like any major purchase, you should have a good idea of your budget before you start shopping for a Class C RV. It is rare to find any type of motorhome for less than $100k, though there are some Class Cs that hit this benchmark. However, the average price of most Class C RVs is anywhere from $100k-$400k, depending on the features and luxurious options that you choose from. 

There are many ways to budget for a Class C RV, including avoiding rigs that are billed as luxury rigs. Most RV manufacturers offer standard features or standard built RVs, alongside luxury RVs. However, with a more luxurious build comes a more luxurious price tag, so this is something to keep in mind. 

Another thing to mention is that the listed purchase price of most RVs is not the price that you end up paying. This is because there are often many desirable non standard features offered by RV manufacturers that you may or may not want included on board your rig. Some of these include solar panels, generators, added towing capacity, and more. 

It all depends on the individual make and model of RV that you’re looking at. Some RV manufacturers include a lot of fantastic features standard, though others do not. Narrow down your list of must-haves as well as your budget before shopping, as this will help speed up the process! 

Number of Travelers

Before you make any Class C RV purchase, you need to know how many travelers you anticipate coming with you on average. This is because most Class Cs are not the largest of motorhomes out there, and they comfortably sleep an average of 2 to 5 people. However, there are always exceptions to this rule and layouts to suit families of all sizes. 

One important thing to consider when it comes to the number of travelers you bring with you is how many seat belts are on board your Class C RV. Most RVs have two seat belts guaranteed, but some RV manufacturers stop there. You may find bench seating with additional seat belts in some make and models, so keep an eye out for these if you know you need additional seat belts. 

The most important thing is ensuring that everyone has a place to sleep, though you can always pack your tent and pitch it outside. This won’t help you in times of inclement weather or winter camping seasons, though many different Class Cs offer layouts to sleep more people than you think! 

Boondocking Ability

Something else to mention about Class C RVs is their fantastic ability for boondocking. Also known as dry camping, boondocking is the concept of camping off-grid or otherwise disconnected from all RV utilities, including water, electricity, and sewer. Class C RVs are fantastic for boondocking given their size and maneuverability. 

Many people enjoy taking their Class Cs off-road and off grid, and many RV manufacturers have built their rigs accordingly. You may find that the majority of Class C RVs, even some of our best Class C RVs on this list, have boondocking features that come standard under the initial purchase price. 

However, if it is something that you know you are interested in, it is always a good idea to keep these features in mind. Some popular boondocking RV accessories and features include: 

• Solar panels
• Onboard generators
• Additional batteries built for boondocking
• Larger holding tanks, including fresh and gray water
• Energy efficient appliances to maximize your off-grid power
• Four or All wheel drive to get you to those remote locations!

Again, this may not ever be something that interests you, especially when you consider the fact that all RVs are built to be disconnected from power sources for a brief period of time. However, if you know you are an adventurer at heart and crave the freedom that boondocking allows, I recommend looking for Class C RVs that offer a number of boondocking features. 

Luxury Finishes

We already touched briefly about the concept of a luxury Class C RV, but let’s discuss luxury finishes in a bit more detail now. You may be surprised as you begin your RV search at the interior design and overall quality of some RVs versus others. Unless they are billed as luxury rigs, many RVs can feel a bit blah and understated. 

While you can always add your own character to whatever RV you own, finding an RV with a number of luxury finishes and features is something to consider should you be looking for something with a bit more of a wow factor. Additionally, luxurious finishes and RVs typically come backed with additional warranties and support from the manufacturer. Essentially, you get what you pay for, but it’s whether or not you can afford it! 

Some popular luxury finishes include: 

• Theater seating in the living area 
• Upgraded kitchen, including large residential fridge and dishwasher 
• Power lift bed in the master suite
• Frameless windows and other energy efficient perks 
• Additional air conditioning units or ducted heating
• Electric tongue jacks and stabilizers

Additionally, luxury RVs also tend to feel more luxurious in their interior design. Whether it be the color palette or the fabrics used in the upholstery, you can typically tell the difference between a standard RV and a luxury one. This is something to keep in mind as you shop! 

Fuel Type

A long-standing debate in the RV community has to do with the fuel type of motorhomes. You can get a Class C RV with either a traditional gasoline engine or a diesel engine. But what are the pros and cons of both? Let’s go over this topic briefly. 

Many longtime RV experts stand by diesel engines, especially when it comes to Class As and Class Cs. The reason for this is because diesel fuel is less expensive overall compared to traditional gasoline fuel. If you truly want to use your RV and save a little bit of money, many RVers recommend going with diesel fuel. 

However, the trade-off is that most diesel fuel Class C RVs have a higher initial purchase price compared to gasoline powered Class C RVs. Additionally, the majority of diesel fuel RVs have a level of luxury and personal touch not offered in gasoline fuel RVs. This is not always the case, especially if you choose to customize your gasoline powered RV to your heart’s content. 

Ultimately, it is up to you which fuel type suits your lifestyle best. You may find that a gasoline RV works well for you, given the fact that you only use it a few times during the RV season. However, if you are a full timer or plan on using your rig generously, a diesel engine may suit you best. 

Towing Capacity

The final consideration while shopping for a Class C RV is the overall towing capacity offered by many RVs these days. It may surprise you to hear, but towing a car or boat behind your Class C RV is extremely popular and easier than you think. However, you need to keep in mind just how heavy your car or boat is before purchasing your Class C RV. 

Many campers choose to tow a residential vehicle behind their Class C RV because it allows them to park their rig at camp and drive their typical car around, offering them more maneuverability and comfortability in that respect. Additionally, if you are adventurous and have a lot of other recreational toys such as boats and ATVs, you can likely tow them with your Class C RV. 

While it may take a bit more math and you may need to weigh your residential vehicle or boats, you need to know how much you plan on towing before making a final purchase. However, Class C RVs can tow more than you expect, especially if you end up purchasing a Super C RV powered by a diesel engine. Keep this in mind if you know you want to tow with your class C! 

Our List of the 11 Best Class C RVs in 2022

Feeling confident about everything you need to consider before making a Class C RV purchase? Do you know what layout may suit you and your family best? Let’s take a look at our list of the 11 Best Class C RVs, popular and brand new for 2022! 

Best Overall: Jayco Melbourne

• Mercedes-Benz chassis and diesel engine at an affordable price 
• Sleeps four or five people in a compact RV 
• Tons of standard as well as optional features 
• May not be large enough for big groups of people 

There are many reasons why the Jayco Melbourne takes our best overall spot. It is compact and easy to drive, perfect for small groups of people. It also offers a number of floor plans at an affordable price, making it a great starter rig as well as a well-equipped RV for the pros. Let’s take a closer look at the Melbourne now. 

Built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis and powered by a diesel fuel engine, the Jayco Melbourne is fuel efficient and capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. Priced at just under $144k, you can plan on bringing all of your gear at a fair price point. Plus, there are 3 floor plans to choose from, sleeping 4-5 people total. The whole family can fit in this compact Class C!

Jayco is one of many RV manufacturers that tries to set you up for success through their standard features as well as their optional ones. You can get the Melbourne outfitted with solar panels, an on-board generator, and an additional air conditioning unit as optional features for the adventurers out there. 

Despite its being only 25 feet in length, the Melbourne impresses consumers with its amount of storage and thoughtful planning. The kitchen feels spacious despite it not being nearly as large as a residential one, and you can expect a large rear bath in one of the 3 floor plans. So what’s the catch? It just simply isn’t large enough for big groups of people or families, and it may feel a little cramped if you want to sleep four or five people in it. Something to consider, but the Melbourne is truly impressive in many respects! 

 

Best Starter Rig: Jayco Redhawk SE

• Excellent price for all you need to get started
• Well-built Jayco frame and walls
• Multiple floor plans and rig lengths
• May be a bit boring inside

We have another Class C from Jayco as our rig for the best starter. Whether you’re switching to a motorhome from a towable rig like a travel trailer or fifth wheel, or maybe this is your first RV ever, the Redhawk has a lot to offer. While the interior design is nothing to write home about, there’s a lot of perks in this RV. Let’s check it out!

The Redhawk starts at an affordable $110k, making it ideal for just about any RVer searching for a brand new rig that doesn’t break the bank. There are three floor plans to choose from, much like the Jayco Melbourne. However, the Redhawk has 2 floor plans on 25 foot frames and a third option on a 30 foot frame!

Each floor plan sleeps up to five, and the 30 foot model seems particularly roomy for that many people. While you don’t get solar power or hydraulic leveling jacks as standard features, the optional prices from Jayco are reasonable. Plus, if this is your first RV, you may not want something too complicated right away- you have solar prep included and you can always add panels when you’re ready!

Again, the interior design of this rig isn’t much. But if you’re brand new to RVing, it may not even be something you notice! Enjoy the comfortable living spaces offered by the Redhawk- and get outside too!

 

Best on a Budget: Winnebago Minnie Winnie

• Budget-friendly price point 
• Multiple floor plans to choose from at different lengths 
• Fantastic kitchen and living arrangements depending on floor plan 
• Interior design may be a bit basic 

While it isn’t the least expensive option on this list, the Winnebago Minnie Winnie starts at $120k, making it well within a Class C budget range. This RV has 6 possible floor plans, sleeping anywhere from 4-8 people. Getting everything you could want in an RV at an affordable price? What more could you want? Let’s check out the Minnie Winnie in more detail.

Ranging in length from 23 feet all the way to 32 feet, the Minnie Winnie is a fantastic RV for the average family as well as a large group of friends. Given the number of floor plans, you can choose what you like in an RV layout, including choosing a larger kitchen versus a larger bathroom, or a master suite and a spacious dining area. 

While there isn’t any solar or solar prep included standard, you can get an on-board generator as part of your electrical system. Plus, Winnebago has a number of boondocking inventions and accessories, so you may be able to add things after the fact. One of the perks of this rig is the fact that it can tow 7500 pounds, which is more than enough for the average car or boat. 

The interior design may be simplistic, but it is just waiting for your own touch and home decor. Plus, you can choose from three different color combinations and designs to keep things interesting. No matter what, the kitchen feels spacious, the bedroom feels cozy, and the living area seats everyone for a movie night!

 

Best for Boondocking: Winnebago Ekko

• Functional floor plan with optional pop-up roof
• Heated storage underneath the rig
• AWD, four-season insulation, and tons of solar means you can go anywhere
• Compact and not suited for large groups

Just like we did with Jayco, we are hanging out with Winnebago for another moment. I already mentioned that Winnebago has created a number of boondocking accessories and perks, and the Winnebago Ekko reflects these Innovations better than any other rig they make. Let’s take a closer look at it now. 

Made out of eco-friendly materials and equipped with four-wheel drive, the Ekko is easier to maneuver than any other Class C on this list. It is designed to go wherever you want it to go, and it is equipped with boondocking gear to support that lifestyle. While it may not be particularly large, this Class C reflects much of the personality of a camper van with a bit more space. 

There’s only one floor plan for this particular rig, and it may not suit everyone. The Ekko is designed to sleep two, maybe three people- it says it can sleep four, but that feels generous. That’s how this RV stays so maneuverable and energy-efficient while boondocking: it isn’t designed to carry your entire group of friends! 

Not only is this RV equipped with double the amount of solar compared to other standard solar set ups, it also features a heated garage bay underneath the rig to keep all of your cargo and gear. Plus, this Class C RV also has insulation for all four seasons, making it a truly capable RV for just about anywhere you can imagine. 

You can get everything that the Ekko offers starting at $170k. While it may not be very large, it is a truly special Class C that ticks a lot more boxes than other Class Cs, even ones on this list! If you’re an adventurer at heart and don’t want to feel tied down, then the Ekko may be perfect for you.

 

Best for Large Families: Dynamax Isata 5

• Multiple lengths suit large families
• Powerful diesel engine tows up to 10k pounds
• Fantastic optional features makes this rig four-season and boondock ready
• Price point may be high

If all of these other Class Cs have seemed small, then the Dynamax Isata 5 may be what you have been waiting for. With three floor plans built on a powerful diesel engine chassis, this luxury RV starts at $230k. You can tell it’s a step up from the others already- let’s discover why.

Ranging in length from 31 feet to 35 feet, this Super C is impressive, both inside and out. It features a number of interior design options, all designed to feel luxurious and comfortable. You can fit a king bed in this Class C, as well as theater seating in the living room. Plus, the kitchen has a residential sized fridge and oven so that you can make food for the whole family.

There’s an optional package associated with the Isata 5. It includes a number of features to make this Class C boondock ready as well as four-season ready. You can expect dual paned windows, extra house batteries, solar panels, and heated underbelly options with that add-on. A shame it isn’t included standard, but not all of you may need these features!

In case there isn’t enough storage on board (which I highly doubt) you can tow up to 10,000 pounds with this particular Class C. This means you should have no trouble bringing along more gear or a residential car, freeing you from your Class C and giving you more maneuverability. 

What’s the catch? It’s likely the price on this one. It’s a high price, and you’re about to see that the interior design could likely be more elegant compared to other luxury rig interiors on this list. However, if you’re traveling with the kiddos, you may be looking for something a bit more practical anyway!

 

Most Luxurious: Newmar Super Star

• Stunning design throughout 
• Powerful diesel engine with a high towing capacity 
• Multiple floor plans for families and friends 
• Extremely high price tag may be too much to ask 

Speaking of a high price point, the Newmar Super Star starts at $422k. It is the highest priced rig on this list, and for good reason. The Super Star takes our most luxurious spot because of its unique interior design, the abundance of features included standard, as well as the smooth ride it offers its passengers. Let’s take a look at this luxury rig now. 

The Super Star Class C motorhome is available in four distinctive floor plans, three of which are new for 2022. It ranges in length from 37 feet to 40 feet, making it a huge Class C. While this may mean it is more difficult to drive, it offers ample room for everyone to sleep, including having a floor plan with bunk beds halfway down the rig.

It’s easy to forget you’re in an RV while touring any of Newmar’s RVs. They are extremely comfortable and intelligently laid out, with storage throughout as well as unique touches that aren’t found in very many other RVs. Some of this includes detailed wood inlays and colorful tile backsplashes, making the bathrooms and kitchens feel the same as residential bathrooms and kitchens. 

The Super Star is no exception, full of 3 interior design color swatches and up to 5 different wooden cabinetry options. You can even get a rig this large with solar panels for all of your off grid adventures, though this isn’t included as standard. However, this rig is stunning and worth checking out if you have this large of a budget! 

 

Best Diesel Fuel: Tiffin Wayfarer

• Easy to drive compact frame 
• Fair price point for everything you get 
• 5 floor plans 2 suit many different families 
• May not be large enough for everyone 

The Tiffin Wayfarer manages to make it onto just about all of our best Class C RV list articles, and for good reason. It packs a lot of fantastic features into a compact and easy to drive frame, and it starts at a fair $166k. Plus, there are a number of floor plans to choose from, making this rig well situated for a variety of people as well. Let’s check it out now. 

With 5 floor plans all set at a length of just about 26 feet, the Tiffin Wayfarer is an ideal size for couples as well as small families. It is built on a comprehensive and reliable Mercedes-Benz chassis, making it easy to drive, technologically-advanced, and extremely sturdy for a variety of road conditions and weather scenarios. 

You can choose from a number of different interior design swatches and colorings, so that you can make this rig exactly what you want it to be. It feels comfortable and tasteful in terms of its interior design, across all of the floor plans. The kitchen is spacious, and you can choose between a large bathroom as well as a comfortable living area, depending on what you’re looking for. 

I know some people who have been able to live full-time in their Tiffin Wayfarer and love it. It is an extremely versatile rig at a fair price, though it is a bit of an investment for those of you with a lower budget. However, Tiffin offers a number of warranty programs as well as customer service, making it a reliable rig for years to come. They also have a great reputation in the industry with plenty of positive reviews.  

 

Most Floor Plans: Forest River Forester 

• Tons of floor plans and multiple chassis options 
• Quality Forest River build 
• So many different options for optional features 
• Smaller and more affordable floor plans may not fit everyone 

The Forest River Forester takes our spot for the most floor plans based on the fact that you can get this RV with your choice of chassis. With 4 different chassis options and a number of floor plans per chassis, there are a total of 18 different floor plans for you to choose from. But let’s take a closer look at this rig, as well as everything that Forest River has to offer. 

Many people know that Forest River is a reliable RV brand, and the Forest River Forester is no exception. This RV comes outfitted with a variety of standard features that appeal to just about any camper, including solar prep and an abundance of storage. Plus, depending on the chassis you choose, this Class C RV ranges in length from 25 feet all the way to 32 feet. 

This is truly one of the most versatile rigs you can take a look at on this list, given the fact that it has so many different floor plans. You can truly prioritize what you want, whether it be bunk beds for the kiddos or a large chef’s kitchen. You can even find floor plans with master suites and wardrobe setups if you plan on living full-time in your Forester. 

What’s another fantastic perk to the Forest River Forester? It has to be the fact that the smallest make and model comes in at a fantastic price point, less than $100k. That is impressive, especially when you consider everything that you get. However, the size of that rig may not be perfect for your large family. No matter what, you can expect the Forester to offer a number of budget friendly RVs and floor plans! Forest River also has a great industry reputation and plenty of great reviews behind them.

 

Best for Four Seasons: Coachmen Cross Trail

• Multiple floor plans to choose from 
• Fantastic price points depending on the size 
• Eco-friendly and built for every season 
• Interior design may be lacking 

With a fair price point and a dizzying amount of floor plan options, the Coachmen Cross Trail may give the Forester a run for its money. Starting at $103k and ranging in length from 23 feet to 33 feet, the Cross Trail is built to handle just about any family or situation. This includes all four seasons- let’s take a closer look.

With 9 floor plans depending on the length of RV you want, the Cross Trail is a fantastic choice for those of you looking for a rig that’s easy to drive as well as easy to understand. Not only is this RV eco-friendly and capable of traversing a number of terrains, the Cross Trail has tons of exterior storage compartments.

This rig has so much storage that many RVers can bring along their kayaks and bikes without a need for a rack. It has spacious kitchens, master suites- you name it, the Cross Trail has it. Plus, all of this is surrounded by heavy duty insulation and Azdel walls, keeping you warm and dry, season after season.

 

Best for Full-Timers: Entegra Coach Accolade

• Large and spacious interior 
• Comes outfitted with features perfect for full time RV living 
• Diesel engine gives you a high towing capacity 
• High price point may mean this rig is inaccessible 

If you are hoping to live full-time in your RV and have a healthy budget to support that, I recommend that you check out the Entegra Coach Accolade. This RV is large enough to be considered a Super C, built on a powerful chassis and powered by a fantastic diesel engine. It really feels like you are stepping into a home on wheels! 

This Class C RV has 4 available floor plans, many of which offer optional laundry facilities for those of you hoping to live in this rig. Not only that, all of the interior design is outfitted elegantly and luxuriously, but it never feels unapproachable or unlived in. Plus, every floor plan is 37 feet long, making it large enough for everyone but not impossible to drive. 

You can find stainless steel kitchens, electric fireplaces, spacious master bedrooms with wardrobes, and inviting bathrooms in any and all of these floor plans. Plus, given the powerful diesel engine that you have, you have enough towing capacity for just about any recreational vehicle, car, or boat. 

So, what’s the catch? If you haven’t already guessed, it’s definitely the price. This rig starts at $325k, and there are loads of optional features that you may want to add. If you have a good budget, check this one out. 

 

Runner-Up: Thor Four Winds

• So many floor plans to choose from 
• Fair price point for all that you get 
• Multiple lengths makes it easier to drive 
• Interior design could use some updating 

Our honorable mention Class C RV has to be the Four Winds from Thor. This RV is fantastic for groups of up to 7, and it ranges in length from 24 feet all the way to 32 feet. One of the main reasons this RV is so fantastic for a great number of people is the fact that it has 12 different floor plans. You’re likely to find one that you love! 

You can choose from three different interior design choices, though the general feel of this rig is a bit cold. It needs a personal touch, but that’s easy to add. Plus, this RV starts at $140k, making it more affordable than many others on this list. With ample storage, a high towing capacity, and so many different options to sleep everyone, this is another Class C to take a look at in more detail while you shop around. 

Final Thoughts

Finding a Class C RV that suits your family and lifestyle is easier than you think! With so many options on the market today, you should have little trouble finding something that works for your budget, family, and camping needs. All you need to do is take a tour, take a test drive, and hit the open road in one of the best Class C RVs of 2022!