The Best Class C RVs | Outdoorsy.com

Class C RVs are a compelling choice for anyone looking to hit the open road—whether seasoned road trippers or those getting on board with RVing. These mid-sized motorhomes appeal to many thanks to their generous living space, versatile storage areas, and middle-ground gas mileage. Not to mention they’re easier to drive, maneuver, and park compared to other larger rigs.

But C-Class motorhomes aren’t made equal. So, when it comes to buying the best Class Cs, there are plenty of options to consider, from brands, sizes, layouts, features to cost. Thankfully, we’ve put together this post to make your search for the best Class C RVs in the market a lot easier. 

Keep reading to discover the perfect Class C RVs for beginners, couples, big groups, glampers, boondockers, and even winter travelers.

Shopping for a Class C RV? Check out our post on the best class C motorhomes in 2022 for every camper’s lifestyle.

If you’re planning on purchasing a Class C or any other RV, make sure you try it before buying it. And the best way to try is by renting one. Book a Class C RV here on Outdoorsy to determine what brand and model is right for you and your family.

What’s a Class C RV? 

Class C RVs are motorized recreational vehicles that are built on a truck or van chassis. You can easily recognize them by their over-cab sleeping/storage areas, which is a feature unique to them. They are also the middle ground between the giant Class As and small Class B campervans, as they combine the best features of both.

C-Class motorhomes typically come with a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and an over-the-cab bunk for extra sleep or storage space.

Wondering what the best size is for a Class C motorhome? The most popular length of a Class C is between 28 and 33 feet, but, generally, these campers can be as short as 20 feet and as long as 40 feet. Their dry weight falls between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds. Regarding the price, they’re often considered less expensive and can range between $50,000 and $250,000 for a class C.

Best Class C RV Brands 2022

When shopping for a Class C RV, you’ll come across trusted, household names and less known companies. But who makes the highest quality class C motorhome? To be sure you’re buying the best RV brand, here are some Class C motorhome industry leaders who consistently turn out great products.

Winnebago Industries

Founded in 1958, Winnebago Industries, Inc. is what many people think of when they hear the word motorhome. This seasoned American manufacturer builds all types of Class Cs from relatively small and simple campers to fancy and pricey rigs.

Forest River

Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River is a mega RV manufacturer, offering more than 40 brands. Their RVs are loved for their quality, versatile layouts, and affordability. If you want a large-size Class C, you’ll find plenty of options in their Forester and Sunseeker series.

Dynamax

Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Dynamax is a legendary Class C brand that started out as an independent company in 1997. It was purchased by Forest River in 2011, but they still roll out motorhomes with the Dynamax badge. Their offerings range from smaller rigs to larger and luxurious gas or diesel-driven RVs.

Coachmen RV

Another division of Forest River Inc, Coachmen is a top RV maker with an excellent reputation for reliability. It has been manufacturing RVs since 1964, and its rigs come with all the features that beginners and seasoned RVers appreciate.

Lazy Daze

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Montclair, California, Lazy Daze is a staple of the camping world. The quality of workmanship on their C-Class RVs is unbeatable, and each rig is built to last. Unlike other companies, they offer a factory-direct buying experience, which allows buyers to save money.

Best Overall Class C RV: Tiffin Wayfarer

Offering upscale comfort and luxurious details, the Tiffin Wayfarer is every RVers dream motorhome. Built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis and measuring 25 feet 8 inches long, this rig ticks all boxes, no surprise we rank it as the best overall Class C. It comes in four different floor plans, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for everyone.

The kitchen has a propane cooktop, single-bowl sink, a convection microwave, and a 2-door 5 cubic foot fridge. When it’s time to retire for the night, there are two twin mattresses that convert into a king bed. Some other exciting features include a wardrobe, inverted outlets for a CPAP machine, LED reading lights, a stereo system, and heated holding tanks.

Best Class C RVs for Beginners – Winnebago Minnie Winnie

The best entry-level Class C motorhome is the Winnebago Minnie Winnie. There are up to 7 floorplans, but the 22R model is the most beginner-friendly. That’s because it’s just 23 feet long and the smallest in the line, making driving a breeze. Traction control and electronic stability control also make it easy to maneuver it.

Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful kitchen design with a cooktop, a convection microwave, and a U-shaped dinette. Despite its compact size, this gas-powered Class C RV has sleeping space for up to five people. It also has a bathroom with a separate shower and toilet, meaning two people can use it at the same time while keeping their privacy.

Best Class C RV Under 25 feet: Winnebago Outlook 22C

Measuring 24 feet 8 inches, the Winnebago Outlook 22C is one of the best Class Cs with a compact footprint. It starts with a Ford E350 Chassis that offers excellent handling and great fuel economy. The 22C model is similar to the 22E, except it has a slide-out.

The rear slide-out houses the queen-size master suite, giving you extra elbow room while you’re parked. It has a chef-friendly kitchen with a three-burner stove, 2-door fridge, large two-bowl sink, and a spacious dinette table. When you need to freshen up, there’s a generous bathroom with a separate stand-up shower and toilet.

Best Luxury Class C RV: Entegra Coach Accolade XL

If you’re looking for a Class C motorhome that stands out for its classy features, check out the Entegra Coach Accolade XL. Measuring 39 feet, 4 inches long, this Super C is like a residential apartment on wheels equipped with superior technology. You have three floorplans to pick the interior design specifications you yearn for.

The 37k floorplan sleeps 5 and has a large master bedroom in the rear that’s equipped with a TV and bathroom. On this glamping rig, you’ll also find an on-demand hot water heater, as well as two efficient rooftop ACs, an electric fireplace, and a spacious living room.

Best Class C RV for Winter and Cold Weather: Dynamax Isata 5

What is the highest quality Class C RV for winter camping? Consider the Dynamax Isata 5 optional all-season Xplorer package. Built around the Dodge Ram 5500 diesel chassis and equipped with off-road capabilities, this camper is loaded with all the cold-weather features you can imagine. 

It has an engine block heater as a standard feature, as well as heated water tanks. The four-seasons option also has dual-pane windows, enhanced insulation in walls, floor, and roof, plus a powerful onboard generator. Of course, the rig has an equipped kitchen, full bathroom, ample storage, and a king-size bed.

Best Class C RV for Full-time Living: Jayco Greyhawk

Whether you want a Class C for full-time living or a camper that has all of the conveniences of home, the Jayco Greyhawk is the perfect match. Greyhawk has a high-level built quality and comes standard with either a Ford or Chevy gas-powered engine. It offers several floorplans and ranges between 29′ 11″ – 32′ 6″.

If you travel full time with a big family, the Jayco Greyhawk 31F may suit you best as it’s on the longer side and can accommodate up to 8 sleepers. This roomy coach has a dual bathroom, functional kitchen, Wi-Fi/4G antenna, LED HD TV in the living room, backup and side-view cameras, hardwood cabinet doors, frameless windows, and decorative kitchen backsplash.

Best Class C RV for Couples: Jayco Redhawk 24B 

Jayco’s legendary construction and unique standard features make their RVs to be popular. And the Redhawk is no different. This rig is just 26 feet long, but it’s brimming with everything a traveling pair could yearn for. You’ll find a queen-sized bed, a large bathroom, an exclusive legless dinette table, and a modern kitchen. 

Apart from the spacious living environment, the rig has entertainment options such as the LED HDTV, a 16 feet awning, high-output exterior speakers, and porch lights. You can monitor and control key RV systems in the palm of your hand with the JayCommand technology.

Best Class C RV for a Family of 4: 2022 Thor Chateau 31E

Measuring 32 feet long, the Thor Chateau 31E has all the room a family needs to spread out and enjoy their travels. It sleeps 7, including a rear private bedroom which has a queen bed, a closet, and a dresser. There’s also a spacious bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a two-burner cooktop and a double-door refrigerator.

Enjoy meals together on the spacious dream dinette and relax on the jackknife sofa. If you’re searching for a rig that has plenty of bells and whistles, this coach won’t disappoint. It has a 7-inch touchscreen dash radio, backup monitor, 39″ TV with swivel, an onboard generator, and tankless water heater.

Best Class C RV for Boondocking – Winnebago Ekko

Without question, the best Class C for off-grid camping and off-road exploration is the Winnebago Ekko. This 23 feet rig is not just a new model for Winnebago—it’s an entirely new type of RV in the industry. It’s an invention that combines the efficiency of a camper van and the capacity of a Class C coach—coupled with all-wheel-drive capabilities.

This adventure vehicle has large storage compartments for your outdoor gear, a modern cooking space, a dry/wet bath, and sleeps 4. When you’re off the beaten path, there are three solar panels to keep the lithium-ion batteries charged, plus a massive 50-gallon freshwater tank. All-season insulation in the exterior makes cold-weather camping a breeze.

Best Class C Diesel Motorhome: Jayco Melbourne Prestige

Looking for the reliability and long-term savings of a diesel engine? Go for the Jayco Melbourne Prestige—a premium and small Class C RV. This camper is about 25-feet long, sits on the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and has an average gas mileage of over 12 miles, which is pretty decent.

The Melbourne comes with sleeping areas for up to five passengers, including a standard queen-size bed and a bunk over the cab. Some of its desirable features include leather swivel driver and passenger seats, indoor and outdoor showers, suburban 2 burner cooktop, plus backup cameras.

Best Class C RV Under $100k: Coachmen RV Freelander 21RS

From a seemingly endless number of features to its budget-friendly price, the Coachmen RV Freelander 21RS Chevy 3500 ranks as the best Class C under $100k. Although just 24 feet long, it will win you over with its perfect balance of beauty, design, and amenities.

The interior is well-appointed with a modern kitchen, a versatile lounging space, a separate master bedroom, ample room for six sleepers, a bathroom with a skylight, and lots of storage for your clothes and gear. You’ll also appreciate the hardwood cabinet doors, premium vinyl flooring, and pleated nightshades.

Best Selling  Class C Motorhome: Coachmen Leprechaun

Wondering what’s the best selling RV in the Class C market? Look no further than the Coachmen Leprechaun. Since debuting in 1973, this rig has won the confidence of generations of campers, and it’s still a favorite for many RVers today. There are 14 different floorplans, plus you can choose between a Ford or Chevy chassis and lengths ranging between 24′ 3″ – 32′ 11. 

Every model has superior construction, a well-appointed interior, and a long list of safety and convenience features. It has hardwood cabinets, high airflow tinted windows, a jackknife sofa, plenty of water storage, a propane furnace, 6-gallon propane water heater, full aluminum-framed walls, and sleeps between 6 and 8.

Is a Class C RV worth it?

So, is a Class C RV worth it? As the middle ground between the massive A-Class and nimble B-Class, the Class C is definitely worth it for many campers. It’s fairly affordable, has relatively good gas mileage, is easy to drive, and is cheaper to own, and maintain compared to other motorhomes.

In addition, driving and parking a Class C isn’t stressful, and it can fit in most camping spots. Generally, every C-Class comes with all the highly sort-after features, including a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and three separate holding tanks. 

The Class C RV: A Versatile Mobile Dwelling 

As you can see in our list above, there’s a perfect Class C for every camper’s lifestyle. All the above brands are reliable and have been in the industry for quite some time. So, you only need to decide what price, size, features, and layout best fit your needs.

However, determining what the best Class C motorhome is for your specific needs isn’t always smooth sailing. That’s why we recommend trying before you buy. Rent a Class C motorhome on Outdoorsy to discover the features that are a must-have for you so you can make an informed choice when you head to the dealership.