9 Cheapest Class C RVs

Finding a cheap Class C RV is not the easiest task. Even as the price of RVs has declined from a year ago, you’ll likely still be looking at new Class Cs that are in the $100,000 range.

Of course, the word cheap is relative. As my husband and I research and look at used Class C’s for our next RV, we’re finding there are so many factors to consider in the hunt to purchase your next RV.

Check out these nine cheap Class C RVs.

What is a Class C RV?

A Class C RV is a motorhome that’s built on a van frame or truck chassis. These are considered easier to drive because they handle similar to a van or a truck. Standard size Class C models generally top out in lengths around 30 feet with an average weight between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.

The height of most Class C RVs will measure around 11 feet, compared to taller towables and Class A RVs.

9 Cheap Class C RVs

1. Forest River Sunseeker LE 2250SLE

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The loft has a residential-size queen mattress!

⛔ Watch your arms on the commode because it may not pass the “elbow test” for you.

The budget-friendly Forest River Sunseeker LE 2250SLE comes in at the lowest price on our list and has some great specs. Boondockers will like the 55-gallon fuel capacity and the 41-gallon propane capacity.

The 35-gallon freshwater tank, 32-gallon gray, and 27-gallon black water tank will let you camp remotely for a long stay before you have to head back to resupply.

 This cheap Class C RV has an optional Chevy Express 3500 chassis if you prefer the “Golden Bow Tie.”

Other notable features include upgraded appliances, side and backup cameras, a high-pressure oxygen-infused shower head, and the option for a solar-powered 12V charging system.

2. Gulf Stream Conquest 6237LE

Our Pros and Cons

✅ We’re still happy Gulf Stream replaced the U-dinette with a standard dinette!

⛔ The dry bath is narrow, and it uses a shower curtain.

Gulf Stream Coach is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this model year. They’ve relaunched the Yellowstone Class C motorhome and many new floor plans on the towable and drivable sides.

Yet the Conquest 6237LE remains a great seller at an affordable price. You can find it on the Ford E-350, E-450, or the optional Chevrolet Express 3500 chassis.

The value-oriented 6237LE has many great features, like an EPDM rubber roof, welded aluminum frame, and Roanoke light cherry cabinetry. You’ll also find large holding tanks, a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, and a 40-inch LED HDTV.

 The Conquest Luxury package includes a 4.0 kW Onan generator, electric awning, all stainless steel appliances, and upgraded LED lighting, to name just a few. For a cheap Class C RV that’s entry-level, you’ll feel like you’re in a mid-level.

3. Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Winnie did a great job balancing the master bed and bathroom widths.

⛔ Changing the linens on corner master beds can be difficult.

The Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R is a non-slide cheap Class C RV under 25 feet. Many will find it easy to maneuver on country roads and through city traffic. For those small campgrounds that limit RV lengths to 24 feet, you’ll just make it by 2 inches.

You’ll love the massive rear trunk storage compartment that comes with LED lights inside. The powered awning includes LED lighting. You’ll love the Corian countertops and a 6.3 cu. ft. 2-way double-door refrigerator with woodgrain paneling makes the kitchen usable and beautiful.

 The 20,000 BTU furnace and 15,000 BTU air conditioner make for a comfortable trip in any weather. There are LED lights throughout the interior and power outlets with USB and 110v throughout to power your devices.

When dry camping or on the road, you’ll have a 4,000-watt Cummins Onan Microquiet generator, 2-deep cycle group 24 batteries, and a 1,000-watt inverter to keep everything powered up.

 This model also has the option for dual-glazed, thermos-insulated windows.

4.  Jayco Redhawk SE 22C

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The loft holds up to 750 lbs, and the dinette has child seat latches on the dinette!

⛔ Jayco won’t change the chassis for your favorite floor plan.

The cost-effective 2023 Jayco Redhawk SE has several models to fit your needs. Half of the models come with the Ford E450 chassis, while the others sit on the Chevrolet 4500 chassis.

The SEs have heated holding tanks, solar prep, and an 8 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator. An RV short queen bed, an overhead bunk with a 750-pound capacity, and a convertible dinette let you sleep up to five in the 22C’s floorplan.

Standard features also include a winterization drain system, outside shower, 4,000-watt generator, high-intensity recessed LED ceiling lights, water filtration system, and much more.

Value package items include the heated holding tanks, an electric patio awning, a backup camera, and a black tank holding tank sprayer. Options are automatic hydraulic leveling jacks and a 190W solar panel with a dual controller and second house battery.

5.  Thor Four Winds 22E

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Cup holders in the dinette table for a rolling home; Genius!

⛔ Not recommended for those who want nightstands or need CPAP space.

At a length of 24 feet, the Thor Four Winds 22E is a cheap Class C RV that will take you where you want to go on the Ford or Chevy chassis. This roomy model sleeps four and has many features for its size.

The popularity of the Four Winds has kept this series active with Thor Motor Coach as an entry and mid-level Class C because it lasts for many adventures and has all of the essentials. A large, lighted storage area holds all of your gear, while the comfortable interior gives you an enjoyable experience in travel or camping mode.

The 7-inch touch screen with a backup monitor and optional heated/remote exterior mirrors with integrated side view cameras will keep you aware in all situations.

Thor’s Four Winds 22E has plenty of USB charging stations and LED lighting. A flip-up leaf for extra counter space holds a decent amount of weight.

This Four Winds model provides optional amenities such as an electric stabilizing system. The Ford chassis allows for steering wheel audio and camera control.

6. Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The huge rear storage bay is big enough to store eBikes and other tall items!

⛔ You may have difficulty getting to the overhead cabinets above the U-Dinette.

Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG is the best balance between the bigger Ford E-450 and the smaller Transit chassis. You get the shorter length but still have the horsepower and torque of the Ford Triton Gozilla V8.

When you travel on those multi-day RV vacations, the 50-gallon freshwater tank, 32-gallon gray, and 31-gallon black tank will let you keep going before you need to find a dump station and fresh water refill.

Coachmen give you a residential queen bed but still make the bathroom wide enough to make the morning routine comfortable. With the 12v fridge, wifi ranger, 3,000w inverter, and the best features in its class, you’ll find that the Cross Trail 23XG continues Coachmen’s reputation as an affordable, family-friendly RV manufacturer.

7.  Winnebago Spirit 22M

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The RV short queen slide-out adds walkway space to the permanent master bed.

⛔ There’s only 1 nightstand for the master bed.

The Winnebago Spirit 22M lets you choose between the Ford E-350 and E-450 chassis. Sorry Gold Bowtie fans, Winnie doesn’t offer the Chevy Express chassis. There are a few differences that the optional E-450 offers.

The towing capacity for both is up to 7,500 lbs., but the E-450 is better suited for the heavier load with its heavier-duty construction. Ford’s E-350 chassis is better suited for towing 5,000 lbs.

Interior features include a U-shaped dinette, USB chargers, LED lighting, tinted windows, optional dual-glazed thermo-insulated windows, and a front wraparound curtain, to name a few.

In the galley, you’ll love the pantry, the Corian countertop, the double stainless steel sink, and the 6.3 cu. ft 2-way double-door refrigerator.

The Winnebago brand Class Cs are well-made with premium high-gloss fiberglass skin, molded front cap, running boards, and a large lighted trunk storage compartment. A powered patio awning has LED lighting.

The coach also has an automatic dual-battery charge control, a 4,000-watt Cummins Onan Microquiet generator, a 2-deep cycle group 24 house battery, an auxiliary start circuit, and a 1,000-watt inverter.

8. East to West Entrada 3100FB

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The Entrada 3100FB is a true bunkhouse motorhome that can sleep up to 10 people!

⛔ Some people don’t like having 2 entrances to the bathroom.

Even though a motorhome is a cheap Class C RV, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s small. The East-to-West Entrada 3100FB is the largest model East-to-West offers. With a full wall slide on the road side, you’ll find this model has great potential for full-time RVers with plenty of room for family and friends.

It sleeps up to 10, has good-sized holding tanks, and other features made for a larger family. With the standard package, you can enjoy hardwood shaker-style cabinets, Rotocast storage compartments, a walk-around queen bed, and a 7-foot interior height.

The luxury package includes a 10.7 cu. ft. 12-volt refrigerator, power awning with LED light strip, backup and side view cameras with monitor, 12-volt tank heaters, and Winegard Air 360+ satellite antenna.

Some options include automatic leveling jacks, driver and passenger side swivel seats with boosters, and a roof-mounted solar panel with an included second battery.

9.  Renegade RV Villagio 25FWS

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the best MPG on our list!

⛔ Compact Class C RVs have less length, tow capacity, and space in travel mode.

Sitting at the most expensive Class C on our list, the Renegade Villagio is compact. The living space is versatile, with a good amount of living and storage space.

Compact Class C motorhomes on European-styled van chassis like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have their trade-offs. While they have the best fuel efficiency, they generally max out around 25 feet in length.

Due to the physical limitations, these more narrow chassis tend to be more expensive than the Ford E-Series and Chevy Express versions.

The engineers who design the floor plans must make everything fit while still using sturdy materials for the RV lifestyle. This means they must use stronger building materials to make smaller furniture, cabinetry, and other components.

You could buy a bigger Class C RV for the same price, but with these compact Class C motorhomes, you can maneuver them better, increase mpg, and have higher-end interiors.

What is the Average Price of a New Class C RV?

The average price of a new Class C RV is around $150,000, depending on length, features, and other factors.

What is the Average Cost of a Used Class C RV?

Figuring in use, mileage, and type of Class C RV, the average price is around $30,000. In my opinion, that is probably on the low end. To get a good brand, less than 10 years old, with relatively low miles, you’ll probably pay $50,000-$75,000.

What is the Cheapest Type of RV You Can Buy?

The cheapest RV you can buy will be an RV that needs a complete overhaul. It may have a price tag as low as a few thousand dollars, but to get it back to its former glory, be prepared to spend thousands of dollars on replacement parts.

A used small travel trailer (pop-up or teardrop) will cost an average of $10,000. Larger travel trailers with more amenities will probably be between $35,000 and $50,000.

A quality fifth wheel might run around $50,000, and used motorhomes usually start in the neighborhood of $100,000. What you choose will depend on your budget and your needs.

You can learn more about Cheap Class B RVs and more in our discussion about them.

Are Class C RVs Affordable to Maintain?

A Class C RV owner typically spends anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year on maintenance. A Class C RV should also last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Regular maintenance can include:

• Tire replacement
• Brake replacement
• Battery testing
• Oil changes
• Filter cleaning and replacement
• Sanitizing the water tanks
• Replacing seals
• Coolant and wiper fluid checks

Repairs could include anything from major engine problems to replacing a water heater, air conditioner, or refrigerator, which could run in the thousands of dollars.

If you plan to purchase a used Class C, make sure and have a professional inspection done before purchase to ensure nothing major is wrong.

Is a Class C RV Fuel-Efficient?

A Class C RV will get anywhere from 8-17 miles per gallon. A diesel pusher might get up to 20 mpg.

Which Class C RV Gets the Best Gas Mileage?

Winnebago models (View and Navion) seem to hit multiple lists of Class C RVs with the best gas mileage at around 17 mpg. If you want to expand your scope, a Class C motorhome on a Sprinter chassis will have the best gas mileage.

Take into consideration the type of engine in your Class C RV. A diesel engine will get about 10 percent better gas mileage than a gas engine, which translates to about 1-2 more miles per gallon.

Several factors will affect gas mileage, such as fuel choice, the vehicle’s weight, terrain, and whether you are pulling a vehicle.

Which Class C RV Brand is Most Reliable?

Many Class C RV brands are reliable. As long as you keep your motorhome maintained, it should have a long lifespan. Typically, the average RV owner keeps their coach for 8 years. After that, they upgrade, downgrade, or transfer to a newer model year.

What is the Smallest Class C Motorhome? Is it the Cheapest?

Our Pros and Cons

✅ You can use the sofa on the slideout for two people or convert the dinette for dual beds.

⛔ Be careful when using the stove since it’s located over the entry steps.

At 22.7 feet, the Phoenix Cruiser 2100 is one of the market’s smallest Class C RV. This non-loft RV is built on a Ford E-450 chassis with a dry bathroom and rear entrance to save living room space.

The 2100 gives you an option with the fold-out sofa and convertible dinette. You can use the sofa as a full-size bed for two, collapse the dinette, and have separate sleeping spaces. 3 can sleep in this cheap Class C RV if you have a child or guest with you.

The best part about the Phoenix Cruiser 2100 is that you have the width of a standard-size Class C, yet the short length of a Compact Class C motorhome. Therefore, maximum maneuverability and full living space are both achieved.

Are Class C RVs Worth the Price?

If you want an RV that is easy to drive, relatively easy to park, and you don’t need the added expense of a vehicle to tow your trailer or fifth wheel, a cheap Class C RV might be for you.

For those that can shell out nearly $130,000 or more for a new model, go for it. If you can’t, tons of well-cared-for used ones will save you half the price.

As with any RV purchase, make sure you do your due diligence to find the right model at the right price for what you need.

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