Class C RVs are the perfect medium between compact Class B camper vans and massive Class C luxury motorhomes. They have enough luxuries and amenities to make your rig feel like home, but their smaller size makes them fairly fuel-efficient and easy to maneuver.
As with all types of travel trailers and motorhome classes, some Class C motorhome brands are better than others. Each brand offers a wide diversity of RVs, ranging from budget options to family-friendly picks to more luxury options.
Top Class C RV Brands to Consider
Thanks to the popularity of Class C motorhomes, there are dozens of brands and makers to choose from. However, of the many options available, three names always rise to the top – Thor, Forest River, and Winnebago.
Below, we’ll explore the top Class C models from each of these brands and help you decide which option is right for you.
Thor Motor Coach
Since 2010, Thor Motor Coach has been synonymous with high-quality motorhomes. While they’re most well-known for their outlandishly luxurious Class A motor coaches (with sleek and modern interiors), they also make some of the best Class C RVs in the industry. Thor’s ability to seamlessly blend luxuries and modern conveniences, without compromising the affordability Class C motorhomes are typically known for, has earned them a rightful place on our top-picks list.
In addition to offering a wide range of floor plans and customization options, Thor offers both gas and diesel class options as well as a Ford or Mercedes-Benz chassis.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features |
| Thor Chateau | $100,000 | 4-10 | Ford chassis, Apple CarPlay, rear towing hitch |
| Thor Quantum | $150,000 | 5-8 | Tons of exterior storage, touchscreen dash, exterior kitchen |
| Thor Pasadena | $350,000 | 4-6 | Diesel power, solar capabilities, king-sized bed |
Forest River
If you’re looking for the GOAT of the RV industry, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better brand than Forest River. They’ve been in the motorhome and travel trailer industry for decades and offer the widest range of RVs around. Whether you’re looking for an affordable and family-friendly Class C motorhome or a luxury option with a diesel engine, they have something for everyone.
Their two main Class C models, the Sunseeker, and the Forester, come in a variety of floorplans and chassis options.
While Forest River specializes in building spec models, they offer a few customization options depending on which model you choose. Regardless of your choice, you’re sure to have a high-quality motorhome if you buy it from Forest River or one of their many subsidiaries, such as Coachmen.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Forest River Forester | $110,000 | 6-10 | 14 floor plans, power lift bed, power awning |
| Classic Forest River Sunseeker | $125,000 | 6-8 | Optional theater seats, full bathroom, exterior entertainment center |
| Forest River Sunseeker MBS | $160,000 | 5 | Split-level design, green technology, diesel engine |
Winnebago
As with Thor Motor Coach, Winnebago has made its name for its combination of affordability and luxury options. Winnebago engineers one of the best family-friendly entry-level motorhomes on the market: the Minnie Winnie. The brand has also released one of the most versatile and luxurious models: the View 24T.
Winnebago is a popular brand for campers who are looking for a comfortable motorhome with boondocking capabilities. They are leaders in RV innovation and each of their rigs offers tons of storage space and high-end amenities and finishes, such as granite countertops, residential furniture, and hardwood cabinetry.
Whether you’re looking for a Class C motorhome that’s perfect for weekend getaways or full-time living, Winnebago has you covered.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Winnebago Minnie Winnie | $150,000 | 6-8 | Flexible sleeping options, full kitchen, and dinette, power awning |
| Winnebago Vita | $199,000 | 5-6 | Massive freshwater and holding tanks, solar panels, WinnSleep tech. |
| Winnebago View 24T | $250,000 | 3-4 | Lithium batteries, gear garage, AWD chassis options |
Affordable Class C RV Options
Affordability is the bread and butter of Class C motorhomes. Class C rigs tend to be a fraction of the price of their Class A counterparts and offer more bang for your buck than Class B camper vans. For instance, there’s no shortage of Class Cs on the market for $150,000 or less, while you’ll be hard-pressed to find new Class A or B options in that price range.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Thor Chateau | $100,000 | 4-10 | Ford chassis, Apple CarPlay, rear towing hitch |
| Forest River Forester | $110,000 | 6-10 | 14 floor plans, power lift bed, power awning |
| Winnebago Minnie Winnie | $150,000 | 6-8 | Flexible sleeping options, full kitchen and dinette, power awning |
Luxury Class C Motorhomes
While Class C RVs are synonymous with affordability, there are also a few luxurious options available. If luxury is a priority, we strongly consider exploring Thor Motor Coach’s many options, as well as Winnebago. Each of these brands is known for its luxurious amenities, such as solid countertops, hardwood floors and cabinets, and customization options.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Thor Pasadena | $350,000 | 4-6 | Diesel power, solar capabilities, king-sized bed |
| Forest River Sunseeker MBS | $160,000 | 5 | Split-level design, green technology, diesel engine |
| Winnebago View 24T | $250,000 | 3-4 | Lithium batteries, gear garage, AWD chassis options |
Family-Friendly Class C RVs
Along with affordability, Class C rigs are often considered the most family-friendly motorhome options. Although they’re often shorter than most travel trailers and Class A rigs, Class C motorhomes feature innovative sleeping options. This includes overhead bunks, convertible dinettes and tables, and power drop-down beds
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Thor Quantum | $150,000 | 5-8 | Tons of exterior storage, touchscreen dash, exterior kitchen |
| Winnebago Spirit | $150,000 | 6-8 | Six floorplans, flexible sleeping options, U-shaped dinette table |
| Forest River Sunseeker Classic | $125,000 | 6-8 | Optional theater seats, full bathroom, exterior entertainment center |
Compact Class C RVs for Solo Travelers and Couples
While camper vans have claimed the title as the top compact motorhomes for one or two people, there are a few solid Class C options to consider. Compact Class C motorhomes also come with the added bonus of having more living and sleeping space than camper vans. Additionally, even though they’re slightly larger and have more features and amenities, compact Class C RVs are often cheaper than their Class B counterparts.
| Specs | Average Price | Sleeping Capacity | Top Features and Amenities |
| Forest River Forester TS | $111,000 | 4-6 | Gas or diesel engine, AWD options, full kitchen |
| Winnebago Vita | $215,000 | 5-6 | Diesel engine, off-road capabilities, solar panels |
| Thor Gemini | $185,000 | 3 | SYNC Infotainment Center, Twin beds with King conversion, jack-knife sofa |
Where to Buy a Class C RV: Local Dealers and RV Rentals
The nice thing about Class C motorhomes is that they’re readily available from a wide range of dealers and vendors. You can purchase them new directly from the factory or a connected dealer, or you can buy them secondhand at used RV dealers. Class C motorhomes are also among the cheapest to rent for road trips and camping adventures.
Here are a few of the most popular places to purchase or rent the best Class C motorhome for your needs:
- Camping World
- General RV
- Lazydays RV
- RV Trader
- Cruise America
Final Thoughts
Whether you purchase an entry-level class C RV or a high-end luxury option, you’ll want to protect it when it’s not in use. In addition to proper winterization and maintenance, that also means finding somewhere safe to store your new RV.
If you don’t have the space or accommodations to properly store your motorhome on your property, consider turning to Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with hundreds of safe, affordable, and climate-controlled RV storage locations throughout the country.
Class C RV FAQs
Are Class C RVs Affordable?
Class C RVs are generally considered the most affordable type of motorhome on the market. They’re also cheaper than some travel trailers, such as luxury fifth-wheels and toy haulers. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a high-quality used Class C motorhome for less than $50,000, or a new one for less than $125,000.
What is the Most Reliable Class C RV Brand?
Forest River and Jayco are often considered the most reliable and affordable Class C motorhome brands on the market. However, you can also go for higher-end reliable brands, such as Winnebago and Thor.
Are there Family-Friendly Class C RV Options?
In addition to affordability, Class C RVs are also some of the most family-friendly on the market. They can sleep up to 10 people, despite being less than 40 feet long and having less overall space than Class A options.
Which Class C RV Gets the Best Mileage?
How many miles per gallon your Class C RV gets depends more on size, design, and engine than on brand. Typically, the shorter and more aerodynamic your motorhome is, the better the gas mileage will be. Diesel engines also tend to get better gas mileage, but the fuel is also more expensive.
