If you want a spacious RV that holds its value, lasts a long time, and is easy to maneuver, a Class C RV is a great investment. Class C RVs are easy to maintain and also tow cars. These RVs also have many features and amenities you’ll love!
Every year new Class C RVs arrive on the market from our favorite RV manufacturers like Thor Motor Coach, Winnebago, and Jayco, and it can be challenging to decide which make and model is the best fit for you.
Let’s review the seven best Class C RVs!
Most Affordable
1. Thor Four Winds 22E
The 2023 Thor Four Winds 22E retails at $123,150, which is tied to the most affordable Thor Motor Coach RV on the market. The Class C RV’s exterior length is 24’ 1” without the ladder, and the RV sleeps four.
This Class C RV is available in a Ford or Chevrolet chassis and runs on gasoline.
The Ford has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 12,500 pounds and a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 18,500 pounds, and the Chevrolet has a GVWR of rating of 12,300 pounds and a GCWR of 16,000 pounds.
This Class C RV features a 4.0 kW gas generator, Winegard Connect 2.0 Wi-Fi/4G/Antenna, Automatic Transfer Switch with power protection, high output air conditioner, and solo prep (includes solar controller).
Key floorplan features include:
- 60” x 74” corner queen bed
- 52” x 96” cab-over bunk sleeping area and TV with swivel
- 24” x 36” shower
- 76” dream dinette
- Space for an optional exterior television
- Flip-up countertop
Exterior
The exterior features an 8,000-pound hitch trailer and an electric stabilizing jack system. A roof ladder leads up to a laminated roof. The windows are black-framed, and the entry door has a deadbolt.
Cab
The dashboard features a seven-inch touchscreen with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a backup monitor. A Sirius tuner and antenna radio are included with an upgraded living area speaker tied to the dash stereo.
Heated and remote exterior mirrors with integrated side-view mirrors are included for safe driving, and the steering wheel includes cruise control and a tilt. Read more about heating your RV in winter.
Interior
The interior features an 84-inch ceiling height and residential vinyl flooring. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) detectors are included.
A cab-over sleep area features cup holders, a telescoping ladder, and a child-safety net.
2. Thor Chateau 22E
The 2023 Thor Chateau 22E retails at $123,150 also. The Class C RV’s exterior length is 24’ 1”, and it sleeps four.
Four Winds and Chateau are sister coaches that have the same floorplan and same features. The only difference is the color and name. The exterior is a beautiful blue swirl in comparison to the Four Winds’ red swirl.
3. Freelander 22XG
The 2023 Freelander 22XG retails at $105,207, which is a steal, making it the most affordable new Class C RV on the market in 2023. This Class C RV’s exterior length is 24’ 3,” and it sleeps five. A virtual tour is available of the floor plan.
The chassis is Ford and features a 55-gallon gasoline fuel tank. Its GVWR is 14,500 pounds and its GCWR is 22,000 pounds.
Key floorplan features include:
- 60” x 80” Murphy Queen bed
- Multi-function bedroom/cargo bay area
- 57” x 95” bunk
- Swing-arm television
- 44” x 76” J-lounge
Exterior
This Class C RV includes an upgraded Exterior Safety Handle. The exterior includes many optional features:
- Exterior camp table
- Exterior camp kitchen
- 15K BTU AVC with Heat Pump
- Dual A/C
- Hydraulic Leveling Jacks
- Equalizer Stabilizer Jacks
Interior
The interior features a booth dinette and J-dinette with a pull-out for someone to sleep. A magazine rack is above the entrance door, where you can also find an HDMI port and charging station.
Optional customizations:
- Electric fireplace
- Washer/Dryer Combo
- Solid surface kitchen countertops under mount stainless steel sink
Get everything you need to accessorize your new RV kitchen with this list.
Most Luxurious
4. Thor Gemini 23TW
The attractive Thor Gemini 23TW retails at $162,300 and sometimes gets listed as a Class B or B+ motor home for its unique exterior that looks similar to the van-like designs of Class B motor homes.
However, Class B motor homes are typically shorter than the Thor Gemini—the 23TW’s exterior length is 23’7”—and it has all the best Class C RV features. This Class C RV has a Ford chassis and a GVWR of 11,000 pounds and a GCWR of 15,000 pounds.
The 23TW model runs on gasoline, though other Gemini models (the 23TB, 23TK, and 23TR) run on diesel.
This Class C RV comes with a plethora of unique features. Key floorplan features include:
- Flip-up 60” x 74” Queen Bed with cushioned seating underneath
- 24” x 32” shower
- Privacy curtain
- 68” Dream Dinette
- Built-in Skylight
Exterior
The attractive exterior of this luxurious Class C RV is guaranteed to draw attention. It comes in four gorgeous HD-MAX graphics options: Sirius Blue, Moonwalk, Sterling Mercury, and Sterling Starliner.
Interior
The interior features an 80-inch ceiling height, vinyl flooring, rubber-treaded entry steps, pressed laminated countertops, and beautiful ivory coast cabinets.
Safety features include a fire extinguisher and monitor for LPG, smoke, and carbon monoxide.
Cab
The cab features an AM/FM dash radio with SYNC navigation in the eight-inch color multifunction display. A Sirius XM radio tuner and antenna are installed as well.
It features a review mirror with a backup camera, drink holders, a windshield privacy curtain, aluminum wheels, and a keyless entry system.
5. Jayco Melbourne Prestige
The 2023 Jayco Melbourne Prestige takes the Best Class C RV in luxury to a whole new level with an upgraded premium Mercedes-Benz 3500 chassis and runs on diesel. The Class C RV sleeps up to five, and its exterior length is 25’2”.
It retails starting at $192,993, featuring a GVWR of 10,030 pounds, and a GCWR of 15,250 pounds.
Key features:
- 10.25” integrated Mercedes-Benz infotainment center with GPS
- Heated seats and swivel chairs
- Traffic sign and lane assistance
- 60” X 70” queen bed
- 42” X 74” U-Dinette
Exterior
The exterior with Premium Sikkens full-body paint features StrongholdVBL roof, floor, and sidewalls. The walls are bead foam insulated, and the roof is a seamless one-piece fiberglass roof.
This Class C RV features a 12.2-gallon propane tank, LP quick-connect hookup, and two 12V batteries. There’s a winterization drain system, exterior utility center, 200W solar panel with a dual controller, and 30 amp electrical service. It features an outside shower and slide-out awnings.
It also features the industry’s largest travel-view window. And if you want to learn more about RV batteries, here are our Best RV Batteries.
Note you can upgrade to have remote keyless entry.
Interior
The ceiling is 80 inches tall with padded vinyl, and the overhead bunk has a 750-pound weight capacity!
High-intensity LED lights light up this Class C RV. The RV features day/night shades. It also features carbon monoxide and a smoke detector.
High-gloss hardwood fascia spruces up the floors throughout the RV, and a water filtration system keeps your water in drinking shape.
Read about all the features or look at photos.
Best Value
6. Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R
The 2023 Winnebago Minnie 22R is one of the best class C RVs for its value on the market in 2023. Its exterior length is 23’10”, and it sleeps five. The retail cost begins at $138,172.
This Class C RV comes with two chassis options: (A) Ford E350 or (B) Ford E450. Both run on gasoline.
The Ford E350 features a GCWR of 18,500, and the Ford E450 features a GCWR of 22,000. Both feature a GVWR of 12,500.
Key features:
- Choose your color scheme: Driftwood with Medium Gray Ultra fabric, Driftwood with Charcoal Ultra fabric, or Walnut with Charcoal Ultrafabric
- 57” x 95” overhead bed
- 45” x 74” U-shaped dinette
- 45” x 80” bed
- 23” x 34” shower
Exterior
The exterior features premium high-gloss fiberglass, a porch light with an interior switch, a power patio awning with an LED switch, and a ladder.
Interior
This Class RV features LP, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, plus a child seat tether anchor. Black-out roller shades are in the lounge, dinette, and bedroom. Tinted windows allow you privacy, and you have the option of upgrading to dual-glazed, thermo-insulated windows!
Upgrade your overhead beds with one of these Best RV Mattresses.
Cab
The cab features comfortable seats with armrests, fixed lumbar support, and multi-adjustable slide and recline. Winnebago offers an option to upgrade these chairs to swivel. You can also add a UF2 premium leather covering.
You have remote keyless entry, powered lock doors, power steering with tilt and cruise control, and much more!
This Class C RV includes a radio and rearview monitoring system with an integrated LED display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM, and Android Auto can be accessed if you upgrade to the receiver with an antenna.
7. Forest River Forester 3011DSF
The 2023 Forest River Forester retails at $144,062 and is one of the best Class C RVs for value. This Class C RV sleeps six. It comes in a Ford Chassis, runs on gasoline, and has a GVWR of 14,500 pounds and GCWR of 22,000.
A Winegard 360+ Digital Antenna is included for reaching your favorite channels, and this Class C RV comes with Gateway 4G Wi-Fi capability.
Key features:
- 60” x 70” Queen bed
- 24” x 36” shower
- 15’ 16” awning
- 60” x 80” bunk
- Optional outside TV
- Optional 12V power theater seat
Exterior
The exterior is made from Gel Coat fiberglass. It comes with a spare tire, LP quick connect, an outside shower, tinted sliding windows, driver-side security light, and block foam insulation.
Cab
The cab area features keyless entry, power windows and doors, side-view mirrors, and ultra leather driver and passenger seats. There’s a 9” touchscreen CarPlay/Android radio with USB and Bluetooth. The color backup safety camera is an added cool feature to keep you safe.
Buyers have the option to install either swivel seats or power driver seats.
Read about all the features and take a virtual tour.
Tips for Selecting the Best Class C RV
Amenities
We recommend making a list of your needed and wanted amenities and ranking them in importance from one to ten. If you’re lucky, you’ll find one that checks off all the boxes and this will be the Best Class C RV for you.
Space
Space is important when you’re traveling with a family, but if you’re just a couple of empty nesters or a single person traveling, then you might not be as worried about space.
Brands
Buy a trusted Class C RV brand like Thor Motors, Winnebago, Jayco, Forest River, or Airstream. All of these brands have been around for decades and are trusted by RVers.
New or Used
You may be tempted to buy the first used Class C RV you see that you like, which will probably save you some money. However, there’s something special about buying a new RV.
When you buy new, you have the option to customize it before you buy it, so you can make sure it’s the way you want it before you ever drive off the lot.
Read these pros and cons for buying new vs. used before you make your decision.
Diesel or Gasoline
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline and perform better than gas, but it’s not appropriate for all vehicles.
However, to get the benefit out of diesel engines, you need to be traveling a lot, otherwise, your costs will be driven up. If you’re just planning on parking your Class C RV in an RV park somewhere, you’re better off buying a Class C RV with a gas engine.
Fiber Glass or Aluminum Exterior
Fiberglass tends to last longer than aluminum and is much easier to clean. They also tend to hold their resale value better than aluminum models.
Safety Features
Safety is so important when owning a Class C RV. The best Class C RVs have a smoke, carbon monoxide, and LP detectors. Additional safety features like rearview cameras and child safety restraints help everyone stay safe on the road!
Chassis
A Class C RV’s chassis is the frame of the vehicle. Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercedes Benz are common bases. Many buyers choose their Class RV based on their chassis preference simply due to brand loyalty or preferences.
GVWR and GCWR
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and is the maximum loaded weight of your Class C RV. It’s not just the weight of the passengers and cargo; the vehicle weight is included as well.
GCWR stands for Gross Combined Weight Combined Rating and is the maximum weight of your vehicle with a trailer attached.
Pay close attention to these numbers if you tend to travel heavy or plan on towing a trailer or car.
Wrapping up the Best Class C RVs
Now that you’ve been introduced to the Best Class C RVs, you’re ready to start your list of Best Class RV features for your needs. Make sure to read these tips on buying an RV before you make your purchase. And once you’ve decided on your new Class C RV, outfit it with everything you need!
- About the Author
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Nicole Kinkade grew up in campgrounds in the Midwest with her family in their RV and has many fond memories around the campfire. She and her husband took many tent camping trips at the beginning of their relationship, and she looks forward to sharing the outdoors with her young son as he gets older.
She loves discovering new camping techniques and sharing them with the world. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Media Communication, she is a passionate writer who loves sharing her knowledge online.
Nicole can be reached at nicolek.author@gmail.com