RVs come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and price ranges, so there’s pretty much something out there for everyone. For many RVers, it’s a Class C diesel motorhome that checks the most boxes. They are big, but not too big, and they are much more affordable than many of their larger luxury counterparts. These are just a couple of reasons why they are so popular. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at other advantages of Class C diesel motorhomes and give you five recommendations for what we think are some of the best particular models on the market. There are things to consider when buying an RV.
What is a Class C Motorhome?
A Class C motorhome is a medium-sized motorized RV, not as big and bulky as the bus-style Class A RVs and not as cramped as the Class B style, which is smaller and more like a conversion van.
Because it’s built on a truck or cargo van chassis, a Class C motorhome is fairly easy to navigate and get in and out of fairly tight spaces. Its characteristic “cabover” design, with an area for sleeping and/or storage up front above the cab, offers lots of extra space, which makes them great for families.
Generally, they range from around 20 feet long to just over 40. Some Class C diesel motorhomes are fairly modest when it comes to amenities while others, especially the high-end Super C motorhomes, are pretty extreme in terms of comforts.
Gas vs. Diesel
Some people prefer a gasoline engine, but there are some strong arguments in favor of diesel. A diesel-powered vehicle will cost you more upfront, but diesel engines tend to break down much less often so the maintenance costs are lower. (On the other hand, though, when you do have some engine trouble it’s probably going to cost more to pay a mechanic to fix it.)
Diesel motors get better mileage, and they last a lot longer, too. With proper care and maintenance, it’s not unusual to go 500,000 miles before you need any major repairs, and you could easily get a few hundred thousand more.
Performance-wise, you can expect more torque, and you’ll also have more power when you’re traveling in hilly terrain or hauling toys in a Class C diesel motorhome.
Main Benefits of Small Class C RVs Over Class B RVs
A Class C motorhome is going to be more spacious inside than even the largest Class B RVs, and it’s not just because of the overhead bunk. Class C motorhomes are wider and longer, too, and they often have slide-outs while Class B motorhomes do not.
This extra space means room for bigger water tanks, and larger capacities for freshwater, gray water, and black water mean you can stay in one place longer.
The additional square footage also means you can have a full bathroom, with separate areas for the toilet and shower, rather than a more efficient “wet bath.”
There’s a lot more storage space with a Class C motorhome, and anyone who’s done any camping in an RV knows how important that it is!
Recommendations
Leisure Travel Vans Unity Rear Lounge
Winnebago Vita
Also Sprinter-based, the Vita has the build quality that Winnebago is known for as well as the largest storage tanks in its class, a spacious galley, a 200-watt solar energy system, panoramic galley window, and customizable storage cabinets. This Class C diesel motorhome is designed to sleep four, it is 24’6” in length, 7’6” wide, and 11’7” tall.
Dynamax Force HD 37BH
At just over 39 feet long, this sizable Super C leaves spares very little when it comes to comforts. Features include a washer/dryer, 50-inch TV, and theater-style seats as well as a fireplace and even bunk beds for the kiddies. Under the hood is a Cummins 8.9 liter that offers 350 horsepower and 1,150 ft.-lbs. of torque and an Allison 3200 transmission. More extras include an adjustable-comfort digital smart bed and an in-dash Garmin RV navigation system.
Tiffin Wayfarer Class C
This compact, fun-to-drive vehicle merges the sophistication of Mercedes-Benz technology with Tiffin’s legendary luxury and comfort. Features and options include a 3.2 kW generator, LED lighting, powered patio awning, Spyder Controls Multiplex System, two seamless slide-outs (including a rear one with queen-size bed), and a seamless fiberglass roof. It is 25’7” long, 11’4” tall, and 7’6” wide.
Entegra Qwest Sprinter-Style Class C
At just over 25 feet in length, the Entegra Coach Qwest Class C diesel motorhomes are easy to move around in and will even fit into traditional parking spaces. They are built on a Mercedes-Benz 3500 chassis and powered by a V-6 turbo diesel engine with electronic fuel injection for 188 horsepower. In addition to many other features, there’s a panoramic window in the front cap with power shade for great views and privacy when needed, high-gloss cabinetry, and a USB charging station in the dinette area to stay connected.
Join 5000+ Subscribers
For Exclusive Access to our Weekly Getaway Tips
What You Will Receive:
✅Tips and tricks to save you money and time when purchasing an RV and while out on the road.
✅Hand-picked product reviews and recommendations that we use and love.
✅Destination highlights and activities that you need to add to your bucket list.
We own a Thor 4 Winds 32′ class C motor home with a gas engine. We average 9 mpg. The same gas tank also fuels the generator.