Renting a Class C Motorhome The Most Popular Rental RV

What Is a Class C Motorhome?

A Class C motorhome is built on a truck or van chassis — usually a Ford E-450 or Chevy 4500. The cab section looks like a regular truck. Behind it, the living space is a separate manufactured body bolted to the frame. The cab-over section (that bulge above the driver's seat) contains a sleeping bunk, which is the Class C's defining feature.

Inside, you get a full kitchen with a stove, oven, microwave and fridge. A bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. A dinette that converts to a bed. A rear bedroom with a queen or full-size mattress. Some models add a fold-out couch in the main living area. Newer models have slide-outs that push sections of the wall outward when parked, expanding the interior space by 3-4 feet on each side.

Most Class C's run on gasoline (not diesel) and get 8-14 miles per gallon depending on terrain, weight and driving style. That translates to roughly $50-$80 per day in fuel on a typical touring day of 150-200 miles. They use a generator for electricity when not plugged into shore power at a campground.

Class C vs Other Types

Confused about the class system? Here's the quick breakdown:

• → Class A is bigger — a full-sized bus. 30-45 feet, harder to drive, more expensive to rent ($200-$500/night). Overkill for most trips unless you need serious space. Full Class A guide.
• → Class B is smaller — a converted van. 17-23 feet, easier to drive and park, but limited interior space and typically sleeps only 2. Better for couples. Costs $100-$200/night. Full Class B guide.
• → Class C sits in the middle. Big enough for a family, small enough for one person to handle. That's why rental fleets are dominated by Class C's — they work for the widest range of customers.

Pros and Cons

Where to Rent a Class C

Driving Tips for First-Timers

A Class C motorhome is wider, taller and heavier than anything you've driven. But thousands of first-timers rent them every week. Here's what to know:

• → Know your height. Most Class C's are 10-12 feet tall. Gas station canopies, drive-throughs, bridges and parking garages can all be problems. Write your vehicle height on a sticky note and put it on the dashboard. Check clearance signs everywhere.
• → Use your mirrors religiously. You have no rearview mirror — the living space blocks it. Side mirrors are everything. Adjust them before you leave the lot. When changing lanes, check mirrors twice and move slowly.
• → Swing wide on turns. The rear wheels track inside the front wheels. Cut a right turn too tight and you'll clip the curb or worse. Swing the nose out before turning and take corners slowly.
• → Braking distance doubles. A loaded Class C weighs 12,000-16,000 lbs. Leave 4-5 seconds of following distance, not the usual 2. Start braking earlier than you think. Downhill grades with trailer brakes need even more distance.
• → Wind is real. Side gusts on open highways push a Class C sideways. Passing semi-trucks creates suction that pulls you toward them. Both hands on the wheel. Slow down in windy conditions — don't try to maintain 65 mph.
• → Back up with a spotter. If you're traveling with someone, have them stand behind the RV and guide you. If you're solo, get out and look behind you before backing. A backup camera is worth requesting when booking.

What to Check Before You Drive Away

The rental company should walk you through the vehicle. Don't rush this. Here's your checklist:

• → Confirm the generator starts and runs. Know how to refuel it.
• → Test all appliances — stove, fridge, microwave, water heater, furnace.
• → Flush the toilet. Know how the black tank (sewage) and gray tank (sink/shower) work.
• → Run the water pump. Check that hot water works.
• → Document any existing damage with photos before leaving.
• → Locate the fire extinguisher, smoke detector and LP gas detector.
• → Practice hooking up to shore power. Know which breakers control what.
• → Make sure the slide-outs (if equipped) extend and retract properly.

Class C Motorhome FAQ