5 Reasons To Avoid Class C RVs
Class C RVs are among the most iconic recreational vehicles on the road. Since the early 1970s, these RVs have allowed Americans to take epic cross-country road trips.
There are a lot of benefits of Class C RVs. But, like all RV types, there are reasons to avoid!
Your perfect RV all depends on your travel style and amenity-needs. Keep that in mind as you read the reasons to avoid Class C RVs.
What Is A Class C RV?
Class C RVs are built on truck chassis with a mounted front-engine. They virtually always have an automatic transmission and are powered by gasoline.
The living area of a Class C can have minimal variation. Their trademark feature is an over-cab bed (sometimes an entertainment center). The kitchen may be located on the side or in the rear.
Class C RVs also have a sub-category called Super Cs. These Super C RVs have very different specs compared to traditional Class Cs. We won’t be addressing Super Cs in today’s article.
Let’s talk about the reasons to avoid Class C RVs:
#1 Rough Ride
Not many RVs provide a smooth ride. But, Class C RVs are notoriously rough. Most of the units are built on an F-350 or F-450 base. This style doesn’t have much-added suspension.
Compared to a Class A RV, Class Cs will leave a lot to be desired on travel day.
#2 You’ll Probably Need a Toad
A toad is a small vehicle you tow behind your RV. If you want maximum mobility around town, you’ll need a toad.
Class Cs can navigate city streets, but parking can be quite a burden.
Having a toad means potentially more maintenance and less efficient MPGs. Not having a toad means you’ll sacrifice mobility.
#3 Hard to Access Over Cab Bed
Do you want to climb up to your bed every night? Worse still, climbing down mid-night if you have to use the bathroom!
The over-cab bed saves a lot of space, but it poses authentic challenges if you struggle with climbing.
Additionally, your pets or children may have difficulty getting up.
#4 Need Repairs, You’ll Need a Hotel
As with all drivable RVs, if you have to put your unit in the shop due to an engine issue, you’ll be out of a bed! Part-time RVers don’t have much of a problem with this.
However, if you’re a full-time RV traveler or actively on vacation, being without your RV means you’ll need a hotel room.
Keep this in mind if you’re considering a Class C RV.
#5 Price
The cost of an RV is extremely relative. However, if you already own a truck, buying a travel trailer will almost always be cheaper.
It’s important to note; Class C RVs are more affordable than Class A RVs and aren’t absurdly priced like Class B RVs.
But, for the amenities your get, camper trailers can deliver the same amount of luxury.
Why Are Class C RVs a Great Option?
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the many perks of a Class C RV. In fact, we think Class Cs are a great middle-of-the-road option that can satisfy most RVers.
Here they are:
- Safer for front impact collisions
- Minimal Sway
- Engine access
- Cheaper engine repair (than Class As)
- Tighter turn radius
You can find out the reasons to avoid other RV types below:
Class C RVs are Perfect for Free Camping
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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Actually, there are many Class C Rvs based on van type chassis (Mercedes/Ford/Chrysler). Also the diesel powered versions achieve a respectable 16+ MPG and have a comfortable, quiet ride. The van type have driver and passenger doors, airbags and safety crush zones which are features not available in Class A RVs. They can refuel in regular gas stations and park in standard parking spaces (just need two spaces long)!
Totally! Some people call those B+ RVs, that’s why we didn’t touch on them.
I laugh as i lay in my class c at a random rest stop in iowa. I agree with all of it. Still alot of fun.
I would like to know if the authors have any actual experience, minimum 1 year full time traveling the US, in any Rv to make these comments
Hey Russell, we’ve been full time RVing for five years, toured hundreds of RVs, worked with RV manufactures on projects and rebuilt a 1979 Airstream from the frame up.
Hey, just for accuracy sake, a small typo in your line “Most of the units are built on an F-350 or F-450 base.” Should read E-350 or E-450, E for Econoline. There are some Super C’s based on the F series but they aren’t too common. Thanks for sharing!
We absolutely love our Class C Dynamax!! Ok, Well let’s address these… #1…our class C is on a Mercedes chasis & a very smooth ride & easy to park and drive …#2….we have a cute little toad…. #3… ours is diesel, not gas….#4… our over-the-cab bed is for storage & the kitty 🐱….and the full-wall slide has a very comfy queen mattress….#5….ummm if you have a Class A coach, you’re still gonna need a hotel if it breaks down! 😂 And much cheaper than a Class A or B! Bottomline, do your research people…for YOUR own personal needs. We NEVER plan on being Full-timers….and we can get into just about every state park across the country…😍
Great reply, Kyle!
This is Funny, I have a chevy motorhome and it rides beautifully and better than my pickup truck. It all boils down to what you like, I had a truck camper years ago and yes, it was small for 3 people, then I had a travel trailer and well I got tired of hooking it up and leveling each time I took it out. My C class is so much easier, you drive and park it ! drop the levelers and it pretty much levela itself out ! can’t complain, love it !
Hello thanks for the helpful hints. I’m concerned about engine repairs regarding the Ford class C. I understand the Cab has to come off to get to the engine?!! Well, I know it does on the Diesel PU’s, so what’s your take on those vrs engine repairs on the Mercedes unit, cost wise? Thanks
Class C motor homes are NOT typically built on the Ford F series chassis, they are built on the E series chassis. The ride in them is far more comfortable than most Class A motor homes, except for the very expensive diesel pusher ones with air bag suspensions. The fact is that most RVs are extremely poorly designed and built. There are no federal government standards that manufacturers most follow and the RVIA standards are minimal. Anyone who wishes to buy an RV ought to first do a lot of research and join the RV Consumers Group to find out which RVs are the best built and durable in each class they are considering.