Searching for the right Class C is a tough thing to do. There are so many variables to consider when you are looking. We often hear RVers ask, “What type of Class C RV is best for me?” “What is the difference between gas and diesel RVs?” “How much should I expect to spend?”
We’ve been selling motorhomes for more than 30 years, so we know how important it is to know the details before you decide which Class C is the best fit for you. This article will explain the differences between the three types of Class C RVs—Gas, Diesel, and Super C RVs. We want you to have the information you need to find the best Class C for you so you can get out on the road living your dreams and having life-changing experiences!
Gas Class C RVs
Price Range: $35,000 – $150,000+
A Class C RV is essentially a house on a truck bed. Normal Class C RVs take regular gas and are the most common type of RV on the market.
Features: Most will have one or more slides, an overhead bunk to use for storage or as a sleeping space, a dinette set, a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, and some even have washer/dryer hookups.
Size and Towing Capacity: A Class C can be anywhere from 20 to 40 feet long and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Towing capacity will vary for each motorhome, so check out the RV’s specs before you tow. To get your cargo from A to B safely and comfortably, we recommend you stay below 80% of your max towing capacity.
Drivability: A gas Class C RVs drives a lot like a truck. Most RVers find them easier to drive than pulling a trailer. Size, weight, and length of the RV will factor into how easy it is to drive.
Most new Class C RVs come with side and backup cameras to make backing up and changing lanes safer for you and others on the road. Long road trips can be brutal. These features make the drive easier and less stressful.
Wind can be a concern while driving a motorhome. Crosswinds can blow, moving your RV towards another lane. The heavier your RV is the less the wind will be a problem. The larger the RV is in length and size, the heavier it will be. If you’re worried about wind, be aware of that as you consider your class C options.
Popular Class C Gas Models:
Class C Diesels
Price Range: $80,000 – $200,000+
You may ask, “What’s the difference between a gas and diesel RV?”
Price: Diesel motorhomes are about 20% (or more) expensive than your average gas motorhome. The price of a diesel pusher scares away a lot of first-time RVers, so you’ll probably see fewer of these on the road. However, the premium price comes with some premium benefits.
Diesel Efficiency: If you’re comparing miles per gallon and the cost of fuel, there isn’t a huge difference between diesel and gas. If you compare fuel efficiency between gas and diesel, diesel wins every time. Diesel engines are more powerful than the typical gas engine.
Tow Capacity: Yes, the engine is more efficient, but it’s also more powerful. If you need to tow a large, heavy trailer or a bigger vehicle, a diesel pusher may be your answer. Sure, a gas motorhome can tow up to 5,000 lbs, but if you are towing your 5,000 lb Volvo everywhere you go, you’ll quickly wear out your gas motorhome. A diesel Class C can handle the weight without wearing down (depending on the weight of what you’re towing and the max towing capacity of your RV, of course).
If you’ve got plans to haul your big boat to the lake and back this summer, a Class C diesel may be your best bet.
Luxury: Count on a Class C diesel to be more luxurious and more comfortable. For example, check out the Winnebago Navion 24G compared to the Jayco Redhawk 24B.
The premium price brings upgraded features and interior design with it. See the difference for yourself in the list of popular models below.
Popular Class C Diesel Models:
Super C RVs
Price Range: $150,000 – $300,000+
Super Class C RVs are the top of the line Class Cs available for sale. Super C RVs are diesel motorhomes built on a bigger, badder, diesel-burning machine! Imagine a big-ass truck with a home behind it. That’s what a Super C looks and feels like.
These are the baddest, heaviest-duty Class C RVs on the market. Super Class Cs outclass the competition in power and towing capacity by far. You’ll also see more floor space and storage.
Size: Super Cs start at 36 feet long. This makes a Super C larger and more spacious than the other types of Class C. A larger RV means extra storage space, but the stronger engine on these RVs means you can really use that storage.
There is also a wider wheelbase on a Super C than there is on a regular Class C RV. This provides a smoother, sturdier drive going down the road. Towing Capacity: A Super C motorhome with the Ford-550 engine can have up to 4x the towing capacity of a traditional Class C RV. Most Super C RVs can tow more than 25,000 pounds. If you want to hook up your boat, a few motorcycles, your SUV, or heck, all of them, go for the Super C.
Popular Super C RVs:
What to Consider When You Buy a Class C RV
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when you buy a Gas, Diesel, or Super C RV.
1. Budget
The biggest factor is budget. If you want to own an RV, you’ve got to make sure you can afford it. When you know your price range, it will be easier to decide what you’re looking for. Read about How Much a Class C Costs for more info on what’s available in your price range.
2. Floorplan
You’ll need a floor plan that fits your lifestyle and camping preferences. If you’re going on short trips with your spouse only, you may like a smaller, simpler floor plan. Long trips with all the kids in the middle of nowhere? Something spacious with bunks and an outdoor entertainment system may be a better fit.
3. Drivability
Are you confident driving and owning it? Have you taken a test drive yet? Does the RV feel secure and sturdy going down the road? Are you comfortable using the systems in the RV? If not, ask the dealership to have a professional do a walkthrough of your RV. They can teach you the ins and outs of owning it.
4. Comfort
How comfortable is the cockpit? If you are going to take a trip in an RV, you’ll need a motorhome you’re not only confident driving, but one that won’t leave you squirming and uncomfortable while you drive. Sometimes RV buyers get so caught up in the various knick-knacks and features of a motorhome that they forget how annoying an uncomfortable seat can be on a long road trip. All Class Cs are meant to be driven, if you can’t enjoy the open road, then what’s the point?
5. Storage Space
The more storage the better! Limited storage means limited use of your motorhome and less fun when you do use it.
The different types of Class C RVs each serve a different purpose. Now you have the information you need to know which type meets your needs so you can pick the right Class C for you.
Picking an RV is a big decision. You can learn more about what a Class C will cost and why the prices are different here. [link cost article]
At Bish’s RV we love helping you find and get out on the road in the right RV. Let us know if we can answer any of your questions or help you find your RV. We’re always here to help.