Class C RVs
- Class C RV Like the aforementioned
Class B RV, a Class C is also built on a full-size van
chassis. In this case, however, all but
the cab of the traditional van "shell" is
replaced with an over-sized camper. This
often includes the "cab-over" bed that is
familiar to traditional campers. Class C
RVs are sometimes referred to as "Mini-Motor
Homes."
- The Good News
- If you're looking for an RV
that has a familiar "feel,"
you'll be comfortable in a Class
C. From the driver's seat,
it feels like a large van.
This is not all good news,
though. See below.
- Price (and "Buck-per-Bunk"). For the most
part, Class Cs are the most
affordable motorized RVs.
If you're looking to enter the
motorized RV market, this is the
"bang-for-your-buck" product.
-
They're built for families.
This is one area of the RV
market that I continue to have a
hard time understanding.
Why is it that the larger an RV
is or the nicer its amenities,
the fewer people it sleeps?
At any rate, it is not unusual
for Class C RVs to comfortably
sleep 5 people or more.
- If you wish, you can tow
a reasonably-sized trailer with
"toys," a motorcycle, a boat,
or storage trailer.
- Since they are typically
built on Chevy, Ford or Dodge
chassis with engines and
transmissions from those same
manufacturers, you'll generally
have an easier time finding
parts and getting needed repairs
anywhere in the country, at
least for the mechanical components
of your RV.
- Class C RVs tend to be
between 22 and 32 feet long.
You shouldn't run into any
difficulties at parks and camps
that have size restrictions.
- Some manufacturers are
upgrading the chassis, engines
and transmissions on their Class
C models to include larger cabs,
Kodiak (and comparable) chassis,
diesel engines and Allison
transmissions. This allows
for heavier payloads, increased
towing capacities, improved
handling and comfort on the road
and better performance in
mountainous driving conditions.
- While Class C RVs have
traditionally been relegated to
the "entry-level" class, some
manufacturers are also featuring
upgraded cabinetry, appliances
and seating surfaces.
While these improvements will
cost you more money, the result
is an increase in the variety of "very nice" Class C RVs
becoming available. Of course
the nicer ones sleep fewer
people (go figure!).
- Manufacturers are finding
clever ways to make "Toy Hauler"
Class Cs which are more
appealing to people with that
lifestyle.
- Class C RVs have a driver's
side door. This may not
seem like a big deal, and maybe
it isn't, but there are very few
Class A RVs with a driver's side
door. When shopping RVs, I
appreciated being able to just
slide behind the wheel of a
Class C from the driver's side.
This may be a factor for some,
so I thought it worth
mentioning.
- The Bad News
- While the drivability of a
Class C RV is much like a large
van or SUV, I believe this to be
dangerously misleading.
- If you know why a
cat has whiskers, you'll
know what I mean.
You see, the front of
the RV is a van in
height and width--at
least from the driver's
perspective.
However, this can prove
to be deceptive, as the
vehicle is actually much
taller and widens
significantly just
behind the front doors.
I've heard and read
several
stories about drivers
who had "oops moments"
because their rear was
wider than their front
or their clearance
wasn't what it appeared
to be from the driver's
seat.
-
While interior storage
is adequate, if not
abundant, exterior storage is limited.
This seems to me to work
at cross-purposes with
the fact that Class C
RVs are designed for
families. If
you're traveling with
four, six or more family
members, you'll have
room for the food,
clothing and other
necessities inside the
motor home; however
there isn't room for
much in terms of chairs,
tables, BBQs, and
recreational items in
the exterior storage
compartments of most
Class C RVs.
- Although the payload of a Class C
is significant due to the large
camper shell, the towing
capacities are not great.
However, this drawback is
rapidly being overcome with
lighter building materials and
more powerful engines.
- If you're tall and/or large,
you may find Class C RVs to be
cramped and uncomfortable.
I have sat in several that I
know I wouldn't be comfortable
driving for more than a couple
of hours...but, I'm 6'4", and
hopefully you are not!
-
Class C RVs are typically a good value and a great
way to get into the RV lifestyle, but resale values don't appear to hold up well
at all. My advice would be to purchase a Class C only if you plan to own
it for a long time or you can afford to replace it if you're dissatisfied.
If this is the case, make sure you explore several
options and that you get something that has the fewest compromises that you may
come to regret over the years.
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