RV Type Introductions:

Class C Motor Home

An introduction to recreational vehicle types

This is a brief introduction to the Class C Motor Home type of recreational vehicle, intended to provide essential information for choosing the best RV type. (Looking for Class C Manufacturers?)

Tip: Not sure if this is the right RV type for you? Please take a look at Getting Started.

Definition

Photo courtesy of Travelaire

The Class C motor home, or mini motor home, is a recreational vehicle built on a cut-away van or truck chassis, including the cab. Many Class C motor homes are roughly the size and shape of rental moving trucks.

It differs from the Class A motor home in that the Class C chassis comes with the cab from the manufacturer. Another distinguishing feature of the Class C is the bed compartment over the cab.

Though the exception, manufacturers are building very large Class C motor homes on semi truck chassis. These units are every bit as large, luxurious, and expensive as Class A's.

Class C Motor Home Pros

Easy to drive, similar to a large moving truck.
Driving and living compartments are connected. No need to get out of the RV during stops. Living area accessible even while moving.
The RV consumer Group generally considers the Class C a safer motor home than the Class A because of the cockpit construction.
Can tow vehicle behind or support a carrying platform on hitch receiver.
Smaller windshield and curtain separating cockpit makes unit easier to heat and cool than a Class A.

Class C Motor Home Cons

Largest models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Some models may be too large to drive around town; alternate local transportation may be required.
Requires large storage area when not in use.
Even the largest models may not satisfy the fulltimers' need for space. (Large semi truck based models eliminate this con.)

RV Checklists

The following RV checklists on our web site are applicable to Class C motor homes:

Other Resources

A list of recommended Class C motor home resources on our web site: