8 Best Class C RVs For Full-Time Living

Class C RVs for full-time living are a great option that’s often not considered. You can choose the length and sleeping accommodations in the style you want; most have great space for daily living, a good amount of storage, are easy to drive and maneuver, get pretty good gas mileage, and can fit into most national parks and campgrounds.

Class C RVs for full-time living would be a great choice whether you’re a single person, a couple, or a family. Part of why most people become full-timers is to get out, explore, and have a more minimalistic lifestyle. With so many Class C RVs for full-time living, it can be difficult to find the right one for you.

Let’s answer some questions about choosing a Class C RV for full-time living and check a few great options to buy when you’re ready.

What Is a Class C RV?

Drivable motorhomes come in three styles: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A Class C RV is a motorhome that’s built on a van or truck chassis. These are considered easier to drive because they handle similar to a moving van or a truck. They usually have an over-the-cab sleeping area, which is great for young campers, or storage, if you don’t need an extra bed.

Class C models generally top out in length at around 30 feet with an average weight between 10,000 to 15,000 pounds (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR). The height of most Class C RVs will top out around 11 feet, compared to 11-plus feet for a travel trailer or possibly 13 feet for a Class A RV.

Are Class C RVs Big Enough to Live In?

Most Class C RVs have plenty of space for couples or families. They usually have a separate queen bed in the back that can be made private with a door or curtain. Sleeping options include the overhead loft bunk, and usually, the table and sofa will convert into beds.

Depending on the layout, some Class C’s will have several slides that’ll make the coach feel more roomy and comfortable. Some coaches don’t have slides. Before you purchase, walk through the center aisle when the slides are in.

You want to see what it’ll be like to utilize the bathroom, grab something from the refrigerator, or lay down on the master bed while you’re on the road.

Class C RVs have various options but will probably have a full kitchen with a stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Class C motorhomes also have dry bathrooms with decent-sized holding tanks to keep you off the grid for a while.

8 Best Class C RVs for Full-Time Living

Check out some of these great Class C RVs for full-time living. 

1.  Forest River Forester Classic 3011DS

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Meal prep is great with the long countertop!

⛔ The water closet doesn’t pass the “elbow test” regarding space.

The Forest River Forester Classic 3011DS is a great option for a full-time family. At 32 feet long with two slides, including a large one in the living area, you won’t need to worry about walking space or seating for a small crowd.

The kitchen offers plenty of counter space and comes with a convection microwave, 10.7 cu. ft. 12V refrigerator and a cordless 12V charging plate.

The dinette converts to sleep two, and this coach offers optional theater seats. The 12V LED TV, 12V USB charging stations, and other electrical features will satisfy your on-grid requirements easily.

If you’re looking to turn some heads, the 3011DS does have an optional full-paint feature. As someone who wants to use a Class C RV for full-time living, you may have that urge to show off a bit. Is it showing off or taking pride in your home-on-wheels?

2.  Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31H

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The bunk bed space is versatile as a closet and for other uses!

⛔ The rear walkway space for the queen bed is tight.

With the capacity to sleep 8, you can take your family on the road or invite friends for a visit in the Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31H. This model is a bunkhouse motorhome with two twin bunks on the camp side slideout.

The 31H is 32.9 feet long with 85 cu. ft. of storage. Unlike most Class C motorhomes, the Minnie Winnie 31H comes standard with front and rear hydraulic leveling jacks, a 4,000-watt Cummins Onan Microquiet generator, 2 deep cycle group 24 batteries, and a 1,000-watt inverter.

Meals will be a breeze with 8.0 cu. ft. 2-way large double-door refrigerator, double stainless steel sink, Corian countertop, microwave, and lots of pantry space.

You’ll drive in style with the 9-inch touchscreen monitor, rear color cameras, tire pressuring monitoring, forward collision warning, and much more.

3. Coachmen Freelander 31MB

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The 31MB offers Class A level features!

⛔ The exterior bays are wide but short.

This beautiful and functional Coachmen Freelander is a great Class C for your full-time RV life. Coachmen also have a great reputation for making quality RVs, so there’s not much to be concerned about when purchasing this brand.

The Freelander 31MB features Luna cabinetry, hardwood cabinet doors, premium vinyl flooring, and heated side mirrors.

In the galley, you can enjoy a residential-size microwave oven and a large 10 cu. ft. 12V double-door refrigerator, double bowl kitchen sink, and high-rise kitchen faucet.

The onboard 4,000-watt Onan gas generator will keep you going where you choose to stay. Plenty of USB ports, plus an auxiliary house battery and a 55 amp electronic converter, will keep you connected.

Check out the optional features like the auto generator start, 1,000-watt inverter, auto hydraulic jacks, and more.

4. Thor Motor Coach Quantum LC25

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Blue Oval and Golden Bowtie fans can enjoy the Quantum!

⛔ Don’t forget about the step-up into the bedroom area. It’s a tripping hazard.

Enjoy safety, luxury, and durability for your full-time adventures in the Thor Quantum L25. Built with the best sidewall cage construction and thorough insulation. You’ll also find a skylight and power shades to enjoy the natural light when you want it.

The Quantum LC25 and its 2 other sister floorplans (LC22 and LC26) come standard on the Ford E-450 chassis. If you’re a fan of the “Golden Bowtie,” Thor Motor Coach offers these layouts on the Chevrolet Express 4500 chassis as an option using the 6.0L V8 Vortec engine.

The cockpit dash features a 7-inch touchscreen with a backup monitor, and you have steering wheel audio and camera control on the Ford chassis. The Chevy chassis has its own advantages, but your RV dealer sales rep can go into further details with you.

No matter which chassis you go with, the RV short queen murphy bed doesn’t bend, so you can replace it with your favorite brand and keep the linens in place when you convert it to day mode.

You’ll also love the 12v large fridge, tall ceilings, full array of electrical outlets, and other essentials needed for living full-time in a Class C RV.

5. Dynamax Isata 5 28SS

Our Pros and Cons

✅ You’ll enjoy taking this luxury Super C into the backcountry!

⛔ Remember your length when going off-road. This Class C isn’t a hill or mountain climber.

Full-timing in the beautiful Dynamax Isata 5 28SS is easy to imagine with all of the luxury features. More than likely, you may forget that this 4×4 Class C motorhome has the capability to go off-road.

The Cummins Inline-6 comes with the RAM 5500 SLT, which has 360 horsepower and 800 ft./lbs. These specs look like they fall into the Cummins L-Series engine, but the truth is, the engine manufacturer just celebrated its 30-year anniversary with Dodge in 2019, making diesel engines specifically for their trucks.

The 28SS comes with a 10 cu. ft. 2-way refrigerator and massive storage for your clothes and pantry items. Enjoy premium vinyl flooring throughout, as well as hardwood Shaker-style cabinetry.

You can relax in the living room with a 39-inch smart LED TV and sound bar. You can sleep on the gel-infused memory foam mattress with a deluxe padded headboard and 32-inch LED Smart TV at night.

To keep up with the 4×4 chassis, the 2-inch aluminum framed laminated sidewalls with Dow rigid foam insulation easily absorb the road and sound vibration. The crowned fiberglass roof adds headroom without compromising insulations, and the floor has a thorough moisture barrier.

6. Jayco Seneca XT 35L

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Jayco put the washer/dryer where it needs to be, with the wardrobe!

⛔ The Ford F550 and F600 are assigned to specific floor plans. They can be optionally switched.

The Jayco Seneca XT 35L is the luxury liner of 4×4 Class C RVs and is perfect for a full-time home. Although considered a Super C, the XT is a new addition to Jayco’s lineup.

It’s a 4×4 Class C RV that handles well on and off-road thanks to the JRide Premium ride and handling package. It has integrated front and rear auxiliary lighting, an upgraded front bumper, and a 2-inch BDS radius arm suspension lift to give the Seneca XT its unique rugged handling and look.

The XT is built like a tank with a StongholdVBL roof, floor, and sidewalls. It also has bead foam insulation, a one-piece crowned fiberglass roof, and premium full-body paint.

Once you find your perfect campsite, you can drop the automatic hydraulic leveling jacks and continue using the Winegard In-motion satellite dish.

If the standard 190w solar kit isn’t enough, fire up the Onan 6,000-watt quiet diesel generator to get your electronics going. You’ll probably need the gennie for mealtime to use the convection microwave.

7. Tiffin Allegro Bay 38BB

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Remote workers will love the workstation dinette!

⛔ If you remove the shelves, the linen closet in front of the shower is the only long clothing wardrobe.

The Tiffin Allegro Bay 38BB Super C can handle the ins and outs of daily Class C RV full-time living. It has a full wall slide and two additional slides, giving you plenty of space.

The bath and a half will help when you invite friends and family, plus sleeping space for six on the sofa bed, booth dinette, and overhead bunk. The luxurious bedroom features a queen bed or the popular optional king.

The full kitchen has a convection microwave, an Extend-An-Island counter space, and a residential refrigerator. these features give you the tools to prepare an amazing home-cooked meal.

The Allegro Bay includes a Truma AquaGo Comfort hydronic water heater, AGM extended cycle house batteries, an 8,000-watt Onan QD generator, and many more top-of-the-line amenities.

8. Newmar Supreme Aire 4509

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The top bunk has a one-piece frame and safety gate!

⛔ The Supreme Aire doesn’t have an over-cab loft.

At nearly 45 feet, the Newmar Supreme Aire 4509 is the flagship Super C of Newmar’s Super C fleet. It features an adjustable king-size bed, 1 1/2 bathrooms, 2 twin bunks with a built-in safety gate on the upper bunk, and triple slideouts (the road side is a full-length slide).

The 4509 floor plan is new for 2023 and is great for families. You’ll find two power awnings, a 12,500-watt Onan Diesel Generator with an on/off touchscreen, 8 AGM house batteries, a 25-watt solar panel to charge the chassis battery, a 3,000-watt inverter, and an app to control the features.

Options include four flexible 110-watt solar panels on the roof, exterior security lights, a lithium-ion 640Ah battery system with two 3,000-watt pure sine wave inverters, a sleep number bed, and much more.

8 Things to Look for in a Class C RV for Full-Time Living    

1. Enough Beds

Figuring out bed space is important, particularly if you have a family. You might not mind utilizing a jack-knife sofa or pull-out couch, but some would prefer not to make a bed daily.

You might consider bunk beds for a more private sleeping area for kids or guests. A Murphy bed can also have its ups and downs, allowing more floor space during the day. Many Murphy beds allow you to keep your linens in place when they’re stored away.

2. Kitchen Space

Kitchen space is always a concern when purchasing any RV. In our search for a Class C, I’ve seen plenty of models without an oven, some with small microwaves and refrigerators, and others with more of a full-kitchen setup.

Yet actual counter space has varied. Some have actual counter space you can work on, while others have covers on the stove and sink to give you the surface space you need. Flip-up counter leaves are handy, but those that open up into the entryway can be a problem if others need to get in or out of the RV.

3. Storage

Storage is always a concern when you live full-time in your RV. Some, like us, had no outside storage, so we carried everything that we owned inside the RV. You might need clothes for all seasons, tools, and more stuff that all require storage.

Be creative with your storage needs. Use vacuum bags, RV organization hacks, and other solutions to maximize your Class C RV’s full-time living storage space.

4. Extra Amenities

Extra amenities are just that, extra. If your budget can handle the cost, go for it. Optional add-ons can include anything from solar panels, extra cameras, upgraded features, swivel seats, and much more.

5. Waste System 

The waste system in your Class C has a specific number of gallons that it can hold. If you like boondocking, you’ll want to have as much tank capacity as possible.

The larger the tanks, the less often you’ll have to find an RV dump station. A 40-gallon black tank will last close to two weeks for one person and about a week for a couple. That can be extended if you’re careful with your water use.

6. Type of Fuel

Class C motorhomes are either gas or diesel-powered. In general, diesel pushers will be more expensive, be a bit better on the mpg, and last longer.

Gas engine Class C motorhomes generally cost less at the pump and have less expensive parts. They generally have a lower purchase price than an equally sized Class A or B.

Objectively, the pros and cons can balance each other out, so only you can determine what’s more important to you.

7. Budget

Set your budget when you start looking for Class C RVs and determine what amenities you can’t live without. You’ll find a lot of different pricing, anywhere from $50,000 to nearly a million. Length, chassis, and amenities will all play a part in the sticker price. You can also find used RVs that will work as well.

8. Self-Sustainability

While most Class C RVs are self-sustainable, a few models don’t have bathrooms or black tanks. How you’ll use your RV will determine whether you need or want to be self-sufficient.

Check with RV parks where you’d like to stay to determine if they allow RVs that aren’t self-sustainable. Also, check to ensure the park has a bathhouse and restrooms if you don’t have one in your RV.

8 FAQs about the Best Class C RVs for Full Timers

1. Which Class C RV Brands Are Best?

You saw some of the best Class C RV brands from the major and minor RV manufacturers above, but there are more out there. Do your research by reading reviews, walking through them at RV shows or dealer lots, and talking to owners themselves.

They all look great on the showroom floor, but what will they be like 1, 3, 5, or 10 years down the road?

2. Are Class C RVs with Bunk Beds Good for Families?

Class C RVs with bunk beds are great for families. Kids can have their own space, and beds aren’t required to be put in daily for living space.

3. Is a Gas or Diesel Class C RV Best?

There are certainly differing opinions on whether gas or diesel is best. In general, diesel pushers will be more fuel efficient and will last longer than gas-powered vehicles.

Class C RV gassers are more affordable at the pump, have less expensive replacement parts, and are cheaper to purchase. It all washes out in the end, so you need to decide what’s the best Class C RV for your full-time living experience.

4. How Much Do Class C RVs Cost?

Compact Class C RV (Euro-style van chassis) and Standard size Class C motorhomes (Use Ford E-series/Chevy Express Series) can range anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000. Super C models can push that price up to a million dollars.

5. How Big Are Class C RVs?

Class C RVs can range from 21-45 feet. 

6. Can You Tow with a Class C RV?

Class C RVs can generally tow a boat, passenger vehicle, trailer, or other towable items. Be sure to check the towing capacity of your particular model and the correct type of tow device for your towed vehicle.

7. Can You Really Live Full Time in a Class C RV?

Yes, you really can live full-time in a Class C RV. Take the time to discover the brand and model that’s best for you and your family. Then explore lengths, amenities, weights, and more for your needs.

Make sure you take a test drive to get a feel for the rig. You want to ensure you’ll be comfortable driving and maneuvering the RV.

You may also want to spend some time renting some Class C motorhomes from peer-to-peer RV rental companies like Outdoorsy, RVezy, RVnGo, or RVshare.

Try out different models from different RV manufacturers and the various floor plans. It’s an affordable way to get firsthand experience to learn what you like and what won’t work for you.

8. What Is the Overall Best Class C RV for Full-Time Living?

The best Class C RV for full-time living is the one that fits the needs of you and your family. Find a brand with a history of quality construction.

Also, find one with the right layout for your needs and one that meets your driving comfort. With all that, you’ve probably found the best Class C RV for you.

Final Thoughts on the Best Class C RVs for Full-Time Living 

Class C RVs for full-time living is a great choice for you and your family. With options that’ll fit your needs, many options. Take your time in choosing the best fit for you.

Even if you don’t have a large budget, you can still find some great options in the used market. Choose a brand with a good reputation for quality construction, have it inspected and be willing to walk away if everything isn’t up to your standards.

Above all, know that you can live comfortably and fulfill all your RV adventure needs in a Class C RV.

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