Typical Class C GAS mileage

Since you are planning to visit National Parks you should check the length limits at some of the parks you plan to visit.

MPG is dependent upon MPH. Your are driving a huge brick. I get 8.2 averaged over the last 4 years mostly level Midwest terrain at 62-65 MPH.

For us we got a B+ to aid in moving thru the wind. Much like the aerodynamic trucks you see on the high way. Just think of a big sail with the standard c. we get about 9 mpg pulling a towd (hyundai elantra 2800 lbs) I run a scan gauge and mpg can vary on all terrain, have had 10+ on the flats even towing. The v10 is the common engine, but I wish there had been a diesel option as it just seems to run out of everything on long pulls and high altitudes (denver). Ours weighs in at around 13000 lbs as we dont travel with a bunch of junk or full water tanks. it is a 28 ft winnebago aspect.

Joe T. wrote:
We considered a Class A. But, maneuverability and gas mileage considerations has changed my mind.

Interesting, since gas mileage and maneuverability on a 30-32' C are comparable to those of an A of the same size. An A will actually have a tighter wheel cut so a larger A might turn as tight as a shorter C.

I'll just add that if you can find someone's "baby" that has been stored indoors, it's a real bonus! When we sold our 10-yr old Class C, it looked brand new due to being stored inside (and never leaked)

"We plan to stay no more than one or two nights in any one spot. Most likely many nights will be spent at Truck stops, WalMart, etc., in addition to the parks. So simple setup and takedown are very important (LEVELERS and any other suggestions are appreciated)."

Using levelers when parked at a Walmart, Cracker Barrel etc., is considered poor form. Hot asphalt parking lots do not take very well to levelers and often damage to the parking surface can result. Extending slides, awnings and setting up camp with chairs BBQ's etc., is also frowned upon.

As noted watch the CCC/OCCC {depending on the year}, as Class C's in the size you are seeking are notoriously low in payload and exceeding it is not a good option. Mileage with a V-10, 30 something Class C will be a lot closer to 8 than 10 and probably less than that if you pull a TOAD.

We run our 24' C {V-10}, with no more than 1/3 of tank of fresh water and have never run out/failed to find more. Filling the water tanks of a 30'+ Class C will seriously exacerbate your over weight tendencies. A good portable filter should be used anytime you are adding to the tank.


:C

A Class C of the length you're considering will have a reduced payload compared to a shorter one say about 24 to 28 feet and a little less mileage due to the extra weight, especially in hilly country. We have a 23 ft Class C with the Ford V10 engine and get about 10 mpg, maybe a little less in hilly country, and then can get 11 mpg in flat country like the midwestern USA. We used to have a 30 ft. Class A with the Chevy 454 engine and it only got about 8 mpg on a good day; it was nice when you got to your destination, but we like our shorter Class C much better, especially when driving.

Guessing your looking at the Ford V10 or an older GM: I would estimate anticipated MPG at 8 to 10mpg. Lots of variables to consider. Driving over the Western mountains you will be lucky to get close to 8mpg. Your driving a shoebox, so a good wind will keep your numbers down. If you can hold your speed to the rig's sweet spot, perhaps 55 to 60mph all the better. Too many try to keep up with the cars, and 70, 75, 80mph will just eat up your fuel. A light weight 24ft motorhome will/should get better mileage than a 28 to 30fter fully loaded for a trip. Add a tow car? Since you want a large water and waste tank, consider that water weighs 8.35lbs per gallon. The more weight the rig is carrying the less mpg you can expect.
Yes, you want a generator. The slide really makes the RV more comfortable. Personally, levelers are a must, you will probably find HWH hydraulics on most coaches. I don't think you will find electric levelers on 28ft RVs or larger.
Water and waste: There are many places to properly dump waste, RV fuel stops, State rest areas, central dump stations at campgrounds, and many private campgrounds will permit you to use the dump for a fee.
If you really plan to stay off the grid for an extended trip you can also purchase a rolling blue waste tank, and transfer your waste to a portable tank and roll it to a toilet facility at a park.
Happy Trails.