Choosing the type of RV to buy can be a difficult decision to make. It is a large investment and after all, it is really your home, either full or part time. I hope this list of ten reasons you should buy a Class C will help you in your decision-making process.

• Cost to Buy. A simple search online for new Jayco RV’s reveals their base Class A starting at $133,000 and their base Class C starting at $95,000. You will find this as well with used vehicles. Of course, there are deals to be had and you may find the perfect Class A within your budget.
• Use of space. Having a bunk above the drivers cab in a Class C is an excellent use of space and provides basically a free extra bed. In a Class A, the cab is just a huge open area and all that headroom is wasted. Also, in a Class C, a TV on a swivel is generally also mounted in the above cab bunk area which now can double as an entertainment center for the rest of the RV. I should note, in Class A’s generally the driver and passenger seats do swivel creating some extra seating area.
• Maintenance Cost. Generally, the maintenance cost of a Class C is Lower. Class C RVs are build on popular chassis with standard engines by Ford Chevy, Etc. These parts are easy to come by and the mechanics are well versed on how to work on these engines and Chassis. Less complexity means less is parts and service time. I should include here that Class A motorhomes are generally more expensive to insure as well.
• Safety- The large hood in the front of a Class C offers additional protection to the front driver and passenger. In a Class A, there is very little room between the front driver and passenger and whatever they collide with in an accident. A Class A is also generally taller and sits higher off the ground than a Class C creating a greater risk of rolling over. Class C’s come with airbags and Class A’s do not. The class A is built on a bus Chassis and airbags are not required in a Class A.
• Easier to Maneuver. With the over cab bunk, you are saving space that would otherwise have to be used in added length to take advantage of that bed. This makes the length of the Class C generally shorter. I personally own a 25-foot Trade Winds Chateau 22b. I can park my camper in almost any parking lot and have parked in many busy resort towns with no problem. Class C’s are also a great match for someone who doesn’t have as much experience behind the wheel of a large RV. They drive more like a large RV than they do a bus. You also have more options on locations you can camp as you can fit into small campsites and parking lots.

• Comforts- With a Class C, you really are getting all the same amenities that you get with a Class A. For instance, in my smaller 25-foot Class C, I still have two TV’s, 2 queen size beds, a microwave, sink, stove, bathroom with toilet, shower and sink, slide out, dining table and plenty of storage. For functionality, you are really missing nothing a Class A can offer in terms of basic functionality and livability.
• Extra Door. Most Class A motorhomes do not have a driver’s side door. With a Class C you do get a driver’s side door creating three exits to the vehicle. This is an added convenience and safety measure.
• Fuel Economy. The Class C motorhome generally gets better fuel economy. In 2020 the average MPG for Class A motorhomes was 8-13 MPG as compared to the 14-18 MPG of a Class C.
• Resale Value. Class C motorhomes are said to have better resale value and less depreciation. This is because they are generally less expensive to purchase new and therefore are lower priced to buy used and there are more available to choose from.
• Easier for DIY Projects. Being that the mechanical parts are more standard and the interior fit and finish may be more simplistic, the Class C is a better option for those wishing to do more of their own maintenance. Changing the oil or belts on a Class C is a much easier job than on a Class A. The interior cabinetry, utilities and wiring can be easier to access and work on than some of the custom interiors on a Class A.