What is the Best Class C RV On the Market? Finding Your Perfect Match

When it comes to finding what is the best class C RV, it’s important to acknowledge that what’s “best” for one person is entirely the wrong fit for someone else. For instance, one’s person “way too small” vehicle is another’s “just right”. One family might need a bunkhouse. For another couple in the market for an RV, they may be seeking anything BUT a bunkhouse. 

So in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know when shopping for YOUR best class C RV. We’ll share some of the best models on the market, including what is the best class C RV on the market, and we’ll guide you in determining the factors you’ll need to consider to determine what will really be best for you and your family’s needs. You’ll want to consider who will use the vehicle, and how often, your budget, and any special considerations. We’ll also cover the common pitfalls to avoid when you’re shopping for your RV. 

Not in North America? Take a look at our article Top 16 Small Class C Motorhomes Available Around the World for more options!

How to Determine Which Class C RV is Best for You

There are some important questions to ask yourself when you’re shopping for what is the best class C RV for you. And if you’re not sure if a class C is even the right class of RV, don’t worry! These questions can also help you clarify that. 

Before we get into our recommendations for what is the best rated class-C RV, take a few minutes to answer these questions for yourself (and your partner or family): 

• How many people will travel regularly in the RV?
  • Will you and your partner primarily use the RV? 
  • Do you have children who will be with you as well? 
  • Will you want to be able to host guests? And how comfortable do they need to be? (Grandparents might need a nicer setup than your child’s best friend!)
• How often do you intend to use the RV, and in what conditions?
  • Will you be “weekend warriors”, traveling to a nearby campground or several? 
  • Will you be traveling, some or all of the year, fulltime in your RV? 
  • What type of weather will you need to be equipped for? (Rain? Snow? Hail? Heat? Cold?)
  • Do you want to spend most of your time outside of the RV, or will you need space for rainy day activities? 
  • Do you see yourselves cooking outside of the RV, or will you expect a kitchen more like what you’d use in a house? 
• What’s your comfortable budget range?
• Do you need to tow anything?
  • Will you bring bikes with you? 
  • Will you need to be able to tow a car? 
  • Do you have any other “toys” or extra equipment that you’ll need space for? 
• What kind of camping will you do?
  • Will you boondock, either parking in parking lots, driveways, or on open land (for instance, in some of the National Forests or desert land managed by BLM)?
  • Will you generally be parking at campgrounds? 
  • How plugged in, or how unplugged, will you generally be? 
  • Will you need a space to work? A space to lounge? Much storage? 
• How important is luxury vs. functionality?

Best Class C RVs by Budget

Best Entry-Level Class C RV ($70,000-$100,000)

Our first recommendation is the 2005 Winnebago 22M Winnie Minnie. Winnebago has been a trusted brand in the RV industry for a long time, and 22M gets good reviews. With a single slideout for the bed, a U-shaped dinette, a nice coach, and an additional overhead sleeping area, it’s a classic model and with a nicer, modern-ish look for the price. It’s pricing may not be “entry-level” depending on where you’re shopping for it (it’s definitely at the high end of entry-level), but you can consider looking at Winnebago class C models a few years older to find a comparable vehicle without the sticker shock. Winnebagos tend to hold their value very well. 

From personal experience, in 2016, I purchased my 2005 Winnebago at about $24,000 at 11 years old. I resold it, after five years of fulltime use and with several items needing to be replaced by the buyer, for only about $7,000 less than I’d paid for it originally. I know several other people who resold their class C Winnebagos at a similar price to purchase too. So I would recommend Winnebago if you’re wondering what is the best used class c rv to buy. (Just be sure to have a certified mechanic look any used RV over before purchase.)

This model, at 24’5” includes a Ford E-450 chassis, a 350-HP V8 gas engine, and 7,500 lbs towing capacity, making it very well-equipped and a durable rig for its size. Our second entry-level recommendation is the Gulfstream BT Cruiser 5245, also coming in under 25’ and sleeps two people, though they have similar models that sleep more. The cruiser has a full-wall slide, a spacious interior, and it features a tankless water heater, which is a pretty nice feature for a class C! With two comfy chairs and a nice entertainment center and storage area over the cab, this could be a great use of space for two people.

This model tends to be priced even more cheaply than the Winnebago, and like the Winnebago, you’ll find similar, slightly older models available used at an even deeper discount. I feel like this model has all you need and nothing you note, making a good use of space, for some buyers. 

Best Mid-Range Class C RV ($100,000-$150,000)

Winnebago Minnie Winnie continues to be the recommendation here, with the starting price of a new Minnie Winnie at the high end of this range . As we mention elsewhere, looking at an RV a year or two older and/or at a used model will drop the price further, and your mileage in your local community will vary. 

These RVs come in six floorplans (2025), sleep up to eight people, and have comprehensive Ford safety features. Winnebago remains a reliable brand, and though it could take some time to have them to have send parts to your local dealer if something needs to be addressed, they do stand by their work, and these RVs have stood the test of time. 

Best Luxury Class C RV ($150,000+)

While Entegra is marketing this as a mid-range model, Entegra is known as a luxury brand for a reason. As with the other models, you can look at used models (even a year or two older) to see a significant dip in the price. The Entegra Coach Odyssey comes in a variety of floor plans, letting you choose between theater seating and a dinette or choosing between options like a sofa, murphy bed, and even a fireplace. These RVs are moving into the luxury category, and you’ll even find an exterior TV as an option here. 

With this model, you’ll start to forget it’s a class C. I especially love the kitchen island and how open and airy it feels. It includes a seamless front cap, a 9-inch Sony® infotainment system, and an E-Z Drive® ride and handling package.

The Jayco Greyhawk is marketed to adventurers, with standout features including a generator and inverter with auto-gen start, a powerful 15,000 BTU heat pump and A/C combo (or dual A/Cs), and a tech setup to envy, with wireless charging pads and USB chargers thoughtfully placed on both sides of the bed. It also includes a seamless, one-piece front end cap. 

The dinette is easily convertible and designed to withstand both game night and sleeping, and an overhead bunk means you have three different potential sleeping areas here, good for a family or frequently hosting guests.

A mark of a true luxury vehicle is when we get into features like a Freightliner® S2RV chassis, Cummins® 360 HP diesel engine, Aqua-Hot Heating System, and solid hardwood cabinetry. The Entegra Coach Accolade XL is a Super C, really pushing the limits of a c in terms of size and especially in terms of features. 

While the layout isn’t particularly unique for a C, the materials are definitely luxury here. Options also include a residential fridge, an outdoor entertainment center, and a power lift king bed. You can add beds or couches as well as a washer and dryer in some models too.

Options also include a residential fridge, an outdoor entertainment center, and a power lift king bed. You can add beds or couches as well as a washer and dryer in some models too. 

Best Class C RVs for Particular Uses

Best Class C RV for Full-Time Living

The Entegra Coach Accolade XL is the top recommendation for full-time living. Enjoy spacious living areas and all the high-end amenities you need for comfortable long-term use. This is a really comfortable RV that will feel cozy, and you’ll forget your camping unless you step outside. (Even then, with an outdoor entertainment system, maybe you won’t?)

Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31H or 31K is our second pick. It has a larger floorplan with ample storage and living space that will be useful for fulltime living for most people. As someone who spent five years living in a 25’ RV without slideouts, I’m well aware how nice it is to have ample storage and even floor space!

Best Class C RV for Families 

The Jayco Greyhawk’s easy-operation legless dinette table with safety belts and car seat tethers are one of the features that help to make it family-friendly. 

The Entegra Coach Odyssey also stands out for families – choose from multiple floorplans to find one that best accommodates your family size and needs. 

Most of these models offer a bunk setup, which can be great for kids!

Best Class C RV for Weekend Warriors

Class Cs, in my opinion, are great for weekend warriors! You can keep everything outfitted, and it’s protected from the elements, but you don’t need to take up extra space with a giant rig you only use part-time. 

If you’re looking for the right rig for your weekend getaways, the Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22M is compact and easy to drive, making it perfect for occasional use and easy to pick up and go. 

We’d also recommend the Gulfstream BT Cruiser 5245, whose low profile design makes it ideal for shorter trips.  

Best Class C RV for Boondocking 

Two standouts for boondocking are the Greyhawk and the Accolade XL. Jayco Greyhawk’s 4,000W generator with auto-gen start and 1,000W inverter set you up for whatever you need off-grid. And they make it easy. 

Entegra Coach Accolade XL has large fuel and freshwater tanks and its Aqua-Hot system, which should all prove useful for extended off-grid stays. 

Special Considerations 

Gas vs. Diesel

Not sure which to choose? Gas vehicles, like the Winnebago Minnie, will be a lower cost up front and will be easier to maintain. 

Diesel vehicles, like the Entegra Coach Accolade XL, offer better fuel efficiency, more power, and a larger engine life, which can be especially useful for full timers. 

Super C RVs

The reason to look at a super c model like the Entegra Coach Accolade XL is if you’re looking for increased power, towing capacity, and luxury features in a relatively small footprint. 

New vs. Used

New RVs are shiny. You will get the latest features and full warranties on everything, but you pay more for it, and like an vehicle, it’s worth less as soon as you drive off the lot. 

Used RVs can provide significant savings, but do your due diligence by hiring a certified RV inspector to complete a thorough evaluation before you buy. Also realize that a motorhome is a vehicle, and older vehicles require more repairs and maintenance.

What is the Best Class C RV Manufacturer?

The four manufacturers featured here have a fairly consistent reputation. Winnebago is known for their build quality and innovation.  Jayco balance features and value for the money. Entegra Coach focuses on luxury and on advanced ride technology, so the comfort and tech specs can be great, and they’re beautiful. Gulfstream provides a combination of affordable options with good features. 

Pay attention to the details not just in the quality of the vehicle, but in the available warranties. Customer service for Winnebago is known for being reliable, but they insist on shipping out their own parts, for instance. Entegra will pride themselves on customer service. But paying less for other manufacturers may mean they are slower to address a problem. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

First-time RV buyers often don’t realize they can hire a certified RV inspector to look at their vehicle, even at a dealership. This is especially important if you aren’t getting a warranty. 

Be sure to calculate the full cost of RV ownership. Don’t forget maintenance costs, fuel, and insurance. 

Make sure you choose an RV that is one you will feel comfortable driving and parking (and your partner, ideally, if you have one). Consider a class to orient you to driving a larger vehicle. 

Keep in mind how you like to camp! The ideal RV for full timers with hookups is very different from your needs as a family driving into the forest for a weekend. Consider where and how you like to camp. 

And finally, don’t forget to test all of the systems during the walkthrough! If, for instance, the hot water heater doesn’t work, you won’t have any recourse if you didn’t test it. 

What is the best Class C RV? The one that fits your needs.

In conclusion, when considering what is the best class C RV and which is right for you, it’s important to consider your needs, your budget, where you will camp, and how often. 

Whether you tow or not and how luxurious or functional an RV you need are important factors to consider. 

Whether you go for one of these top models or ultimately purchase something else, I hope this gives you the information you need to make an informed decision about the best class C RV for your needs. Be sure to test drive several RV models (and tour as many as you can) to help you learn what works for you. 

When you’re ready to purchase an RV, you can talk to your local (highly rated) dealership or check out a platform where you can buy an RV directly from the seller. RV Inspiration can provide you with ideas, and you may even find your next RV there!