Class C Pros and Cons

I drive all types of motorhomes at work. What I find about Class C's is they lack leg room and I feel cramped with the slide behind my seat.

Insurance in Michigan is...expensive. You already know that!

In my opinion, the main advantage of a motorhome over a trailer is the much more convenient access when on the road. It may not seem like much on paper, but having your house stuff right there in the vehicle with you is really convenient. If you need to use the bathroom and it's raining, no problem--just pull over someplace level and do your business. Similarly if you want to get a sweater or a glass of water or what have you. If you're traveling with a few people, there's more elbow room than in most tow vehicles.

A secondary advantage, over a trailer, is quicker making and breaking of camp. It's not a massive difference in the grand scheme of things, but it is something and those minutes can add up if you're traveling often. A third possible advantage over many trailers is that there's a generator built-in, and maybe greater propane capacity with a built-in tank.

The disadvantages are pretty obvious: it's another vehicle to maintain (and pay for tires, etc. for). If you don't tow another vehicle, you're limited in your options for getting around from camp for sightseeing, shopping, etc. If you do tow another vehicle, you have the hooking and unhooking and maneuvering of that combination to deal with. Fuel mileage is not great--though that's likely not a huge expense in the grand scheme of things.

As for a class C vs. a class A (or a class B), the differences are less pronounced. A class B will be much smaller, an advantage when you're maneuvering and a disadvantage when you're trying to cook or bathe or whatever inside. A typical diesel pusher will be quieter and more comfortable when on the road, due to the rear engine that's much farther away and the air suspension system, but a gas class A and a class C are rather more comparable in those areas. If you find a layout that's ideal for you in a class C, the big advantage of the class C is that you get the layout that is ideal for you.

Personally, I'm very happy with my class C motorhome, and travel without towing another vehicle.

Don't know where you're getting your information about insurance rates for Class C motorhomes in Michigan but you might want to check out Progressive Insurance. I live in MI and have a Class C motorhome and pay a fraction of what you quoted. The recent changes in MI insurance laws can save Class C motorhome owners hundreds, especially if you don't need the medical coverage.

I've had three TTs, a fifth wheel, class A and now a class C. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. I find the C convenient for all the reasons that have been mentioned. We tow a Honda CRV and that really helps in sightseeing and running errands. Hitching and unhitching is a quick and minor issue. Very happy with our class C.

Thank you everyone. I’ll check the insurance rates. I have another question, when buying used, how old do you suggest buying or not buying? What do you look for lower mileage and older or higher mileage and newer? We will likely spend $45K tops. hank you

surgtech56 wrote:
Thank you everyone. What do you look for lower mileage and older or higher mileage and newer? We will likely spend $45K tops. hank you

One way to look at it is newer with higher mileage if it was properly maintained. The newer RVs have no problem going 300000 miles.

In the Rental Market you can have something within your budget and a RV that has been properly maintained,there are more than 125 members here that are very happy with their decision to own one.

Just another option to look into. Good Luck in your search.

That insurance figure is crazy!!! Would you really pay 12% per year of the value of the vehicle to insure it? That would be like paying $3600 in premium to insure a $30,000 car .... and the car would spend substantially more time on the road (exposure) than would the motorhome. Sounds like that's one aspect of the purchase you might to research more fully. Happy travels!

When we bought our new Minnie Winnie in Oct 2016, I simply called my insurance company (Liberty Mutual) and added the RV and waited for a bill. They had served us well for years with auto and townhome coverage, so we didn't give it much thought until the premium notice arrived. It was shocking! Closer to what OP mentions. We quickly got on the Good Sam website and applied for and received a new policy all online for a fraction of Liberty's price. Very satisfied with the people at Good Sam. You can't overstate the convenience of pulling over into a rest stop and taking a nap, using the restroom, making lunch, getting drinks all without anyone moving outside between vehicles.

surgtech56 wrote:
Thank you everyone. I’ll check the insurance rates. I have another question, when buying used, how old do you suggest buying or not buying? What do you look for lower mileage and older or higher mileage and newer? We will likely spend $45K tops. hank you

Insurance in Michigan may have changed a lot since I lived there, but back then rates were highly dependent on where you lived, where the vehicle was parked, your age, marital status, driving record, etc. And back then it was a so called "no fault" insurance state, so you basically had to pay for all the idiots who didn't carry insurance, didn't care how they drove or what they hit, etc, etc.

But on topic, I now own a Class C having moved up from Class B's. More room inside, but a bit harder to find parking spots. The smaller Class B's I owned were a bit easier to drive and maneuver and if I were to replace my current Class C I'd look hard at what was available in Class B's again.

We bought a slightly used Class C, 2 years ago-from the original selling Dlr. 2017 Forester LE in 2018 with 6500 miles on it-Chevy 450 chassis with V8 gas engine. They gave us paperwork showing everything they had repaired/replaced before selling to us. Also, was still under Factory warranties as well as Dlr. warranty. Being newish/used they had a high asking price. Offered them about 30% off asking-we settled at about 25% off asking. 2 years later and about 6000 additional miles-no problems with the Rv. or chassis/motor/etc. Previously, we have owned 2 fifth wheels(Arctic Fox)-the Class C is so much easier to operate, to set up and now my wife will drive.