Class C RV Shopping Guide

In the past month, RVT.com has had over 250,000 searches for Class C motorhomes. But if you’re searching for a Class C, what exactly are you going to find as you look?

Currently we have Class C’s priced from $3,400 to $600,000, with a massive number of features and differences between them. This article is to help guide shoppers in deciding what features you’re looking for, and what price range you’re happy with.

Defining Terms: What’s a Class C?

This isn’t an official definition, but it works well for a quick-and-dirty understanding of different motorhome classes.

Class A: “Take a living space, add an engine”.
Class B: “Take a van, add a living space”.
Class C: “Take a truck, add a living space behind it”.
Toterhome: “Take a transport truck, add a lot of living space behind it”.

In the simplest terms, a Class C starts from a truck chassis, and adds a lot of RV to it. Some manufacturers will make them 40′ and longer, which is moving into toterhomes.

At time of writing, the average Class C price on RVT is $82,300. The average new Class C is $93,400, and the average used Class C is listed for $60,300.

Comparing the Highs and Lows

A basic Class C under $20k is probably 20-30′ long, 15-25 years old, with a bedroom, bathroom, living area, bunkhouse, cassette player (yep), sleeps 3 or 4, and has some miles on it. It is probably quite comfortable to stay in, and some folks feel very content in a $10k rig that feels like home. But, if you’re looking to add more features and something a little newer (read: fewer impending repairs), the price goes up as the features increase and the age decreases.

In high-end Class C’s, say the $150k price range, you’re likely looking at a new 30-40′ diesel unit that feels like an upscale condo. It will likely have 2-3 slides, multiple TVs, a diesel engine, more space throughout, sleep 7 people, and have enough dashboard controls to fly a small aircraft. Technically you might be looking at a Toterhome or a Super C, but we’ll just keep it simple.

As the price goes up, here are some of the additional features you can expect:

Bigger and longer, meaning:

More kitchen
More bedroom
More bathroom
More living room
More storage space
More sleeping capacity, up to 8 or 10
More fridge space
More couches

Washer/Dryer
Generator
1-3 A/C Units
1 to 3 slides
TVs in the living room, bedroom, and outside
Outdoor kitchen
Queen-size bed becomes king-size
Couches become recliners
Upgraded sound/entertainment system
Satellite system
Fireplace
Hardwood cabinets
Backup cameras (or pre-wiring for them)
Awning
Kit for a tow-behind car

Personalizing Your Class C Search to Your Needs:

Start to think about what you want – and what you really need — including budget, must-have features, and your planned usage. Remember, “form follows function” and the Class C you’re looking at should match what you’ll use it for.

Some examples might include:

Planning on a lot of mountain trips? A diesel engine will have more power for steep inclines.
Are the kids or grandkids coming along? Extra sleeping spaces will give you more options.
Going somewhere hot or cold? A/C units and good heaters will make a huge difference.
Are you comfortable driving a “larger” vehicle? Some people like smaller units for easier handling, and more parking options, other folks want as much room as possible.
Camping long-term? Make sure it has a washer/dryer.
Planning on BBQ’ing a lot? An awning might help keep the sun off as you do.

If you’re looking for ideas or wanting to browse, we have around 10,000 Class C’s to take a look at.

Check out Class C’s under $50k.

Look through Class C’s between $50 and $120k.

Browse Class C’s worth more than $120k.