Class C RVs are popular for a reason—or several reasons! Not only are they drivable, but they’re easy to drive. They can sleep an entire family, and typically offer plenty of residential features for comfort. But what if you don’t want an RV over 30′ long? Can you still get the benefits of a Class C RV in a small package? Absolutely, you can!
In this article, we identify the pros and cons of a small Class C and share 10 of the best models on the market. Let’s get into it!
What Is a Small Class C RV?
A small Class C RV is a motorhome built with a cab on a cutaway chassis. While Class C RVs come in various lengths, a small model would be considered under 25′ long from the front bumper to the rear bumper.
It may have one or two slide-outs, but in general, it’s more compact than other motorhomes. And the overall gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR ) is lower than larger RVs.
Pros of Small Class C RVs
Small Class C RVs have many benefits. They are typically easier to drive than larger motorhomes such as Class As and easier to maneuver in campgrounds and parking spaces. You can get to a lot more places off the beaten path and into any campground with a small RV.
And their small size keeps them more fuel-efficient than larger RVs. In addition, they can tow a vehicle so that you have the option of a daily driver to help offset additional fuel costs.
The cost of a small Class C is more affordable than larger models. While certain brands, particularly luxury brands, are high priced, you can often find new ones for under $100k.
Cons of Small Class C RVs
The size of a small Class C RV can also be a disadvantage. Some models may only sleep two to four people, limiting the number of travelers you can take along. A small RV also means having less room for holding tanks. The fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks are likely to have less capacity than what you’ll find on larger motorhomes.
The cost can also be a con, depending on your budget. While you can find a small Class C under $100,000, it’s still a big investment. You could purchase the same size travel trailer for under $40,000. However, a travel trailer also requires a vehicle to tow it, so in the end, your savings may not be all that significant.
Can a Family Fit in a Small Class C RV?
There are small motorhomes that have sleeping space in addition to the main bed, which is typically double, queen, or king size. You’ll find motorhomes with a bunk above the cab area, a dining table that folds down into a bed, or a couch that converts into a bed. It is possible to sleep a family of up to six people in some small class C RVs.
Pro Tip: There are pros and cons to every RV class type. If you’re unsure if a Class C RV is right for you, find out What You Need to Know About Class C RVs.
The 10 Best Small Class C RVs on the Market
Let’s look at the 10 best small Class C RVs available today. Below you’ll find various floorplans on our list that would work well for solo travelers, couples, or small families.
1. Winnebago Minnie Winnie
About: Winnebago’s Minnie Winnie has two floorplans under 25′ long, the 22M and 22R models. The Minnie Winnie 22M is 24′ 5″ long and can sleep up to five people. The 22R is 23′ 10″ long and can also sleep five. Both have the main bed for two, a dropdown bunk over the cab, and a u-shaped dinette that converts into a bed. In addition, they each have a full-size bathroom and a small kitchen.
The difference between the two models is that the Minnie Winnie 22M has a slide-out in the rear main bedroom, providing additional space and privacy. The Minnie Winnie 22R has a rear corner bed and is without slide-outs.
The 22R has a 40-gallon freshwater holding tank but significantly smaller gray and black tanks. Its grey water tank holds 24 gallons, and the black tank holds 21 gallons. Conversely, the 22M has a 45-gallon gray tank and 40-gallon black tank, so it’s a better option if you’ll be boondocking a lot.
MSRP: Starts at $120,222 to $126,543
2. Thor Quantum LC22
About: The Thor Quantum LC22 is small but mighty, with a sleeping capacity of six people. It is 24′ 1″ long and is compact without slide-outs. There is a queen-sized corner bed in the rear and a full-sized bathroom and closet.
The dropdown bunk over the cab and the dinette that converts into a bed provides two additional double beds. We like the skylight in the cab area, which gives the small motorhome more light and an open feel.
The Quantum LC22 has 50.3 cu ft of exterior storage space, which is convenient if you travel with six people. Its freshwater capacity is 40 gallons. The black water tank holds 24 gallons, and the gray tank holds 37 gallons.
MSRP: Starts at $116,850
3. Coachmen Cross Trek
About: The Coachmen Cross Trek has three small floorplans with full-sized bathrooms, the 20XG, 21XG, and 22XG. They’re 24′ long from bumper to bumper, with the 22XG being about 9″ longer than the others.
In addition, the holding tanks on the Cross Trek range from 30 gallons to 41 gallons in the fresh tank and 28 gallons to 31 gallons in the black tank. The gray tanks have a capacity of 27 gallons to 28 gallons, except the 21XG has a massive 59-gallon gray tank capacity.
The Cross Trek 20XG has a double bed in the rear and a dinette that converts into a bed. The 21XG has a murphy bed that transitions from a sofa to a double bed, and it has a U-shaped dinette that converts into additional sleeping space. Finally, the 22XG has a queen-sized corner bed in the rear, a U-shaped dinette that converts into a bed, and a dropdown bunk over the cab.
MSRP: Approximately $88,738
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4. Forest River Sunseeker MBS
About: Forest River’s Sunseeker MBS won “Best in Show” in 2020. The small Class C RV has three floorplans, which are 25′ 5″ long. They each sit on a Mercedes chassis with a diesel engine. And they have adequate holding tanks. The freshwater tank has a capacity of 35 gallons, and the gray and black tanks can hold 32 gallons.
The Sunseeker MBS 2400B has a queen-sized bed on a slide-out with its U-shaped dinette that converts into a bed. It has a large wardrobe in the bedroom, a full-sized bathroom, and an additional sleeping room in the dropdown bunk over the cab.
The 2400Q model also has a queen-sized bed and bunk over the cab. But its living room set up is different with an L-shaped dinette and chair on the opposing wall.
Finally, the 2400T has a full-sized bathroom that spans the entire width of the motorhome’s back wall. In the living area, there is a queen-sized murphy bed that can be a couch during the day. There is theater seating and a bunk over the cab as well.
MSRP: Starts at $101,100
Pro Tip: Use our Sunseeker RV Buying Guide to find the right model for your adventure.
5. Jayco Redhawk SE 22A
About: Jayco’s Redhawk SE 22A has a rear corner queen-sized bed, a U-shaped dinette that converts into a bed, and a bunk over the cab. You can sleep up to five people in this small Class C RV. It’s only 25′ 2″ long, making it easy to drive and maneuver. The freshwater tanks hold 43 gallons, the gray tank has a capacity of 40 gallons, and the black tank holds 32 gallons.
The Redhawk SE 22C is very similar to the 22A model. The main differences are the queen-sized bed is on a slide-out, and the dinette is a booth versus U-shaped. Each floorplan has a good size kitchen and plenty of storage space.
MSRP: Starts at $110,768
6. Gulfstream BT Cruiser 5245
About: The Gulfstream BT Cruiser 5245 is 24′ 10″ long. This compact motorhome is more spacious than you may think. It has a slide-out that runs the entire length of the coach behind the driver’s seat.
The slide-out holds a queen-sized bed, storage, and a dinette that converts into a bed. Three people can sleep comfortably in the motorhome. In addition, it has a full-sized bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette.
The holding tanks are adequate for camping off-grid for a few days or more. Its freshwater tank has a maximum capacity of 37 gallons. The gray and black water tanks can both hold 38 gallons.
MSRP: Starts at $114,801
7. Thor Chateau 22B
About: Thor’s Chateau 22B has one of our favorite privacy features in a small Class C RV. With a queen-sized bed on a slide-out, the bedroom can be closed off from the rest of the motorhome with an accordion curtain. In addition, the RV has a dinette that converts into a bed and a dropdown bunk over the cab. You can sleep up to four people in the 22B.
It is 24′ 1″ long. Its fresh water capacity is 40 gallons. The black tank holds 29 gallons and the gray tank holds 25 gallons.
The Chateau 22E is essentially the same as the 22B model. However, the 22E doesn’t have a slide-out, making it slightly more compact. In addition, its queen-sized bed is in the rear corner, so you can’t walk around it, and there is less storage space.
MSRP: Starts at $118,650
Pro Tip: Want to buy from a reputable RV brand? We uncovered The Biggest RV Brands You Need to Know About.
8. Renegade RV Vienna
About: The Renegade RV Vienna is a luxury Class C motorhome. It has high-end features such as stainless steel appliances, modern decor, and more. It is 24′ 11″ long and has four different floorplans. Each has a freshwater tank that holds 34 gallons, and the gray and black water tanks hold 29 gallons.
The Vienna 25FWC has a queen-sized bed, a dinette that converts into a bed, and a bunk over the cab. It can sleep four people comfortably. The 25FWS model is the same but without a mattress over the cab.
The Vienna 25RMC has a full bathroom along the rear of the RV. And on its slide-out, there’s a murphy bed and a dinette that converts into a bed. There is also a bunk over the cab. The 25RML is the same as the 25RMC but without a bunk over the cab.
MSRP: Starts at $159,896
9. Dynamax Isata 3
About: Dynamax, a division of Forest River, manufacturers the Isata 3. It’s a small diesel Class C RV. Two floorplans are 24′ 7″ long. While their layouts are different, they each have a queen-sized bed and a dinette that converts into a bed. Three people can sleep in the Isata 3 motorhomes. In addition, they have full bathrooms and fully equipped kitchenettes.
They have freshwater tanks that hold 35 gallons. And the black and gray water tanks each hold 32 gallons.
MSRP: Starts at $179,396
10. Winnebago Fuse
About: Winnebago’s Fuse is a 24′ long compact RV with three different floorplans. The Fuse 23A and 23T both sleep three people. The 23A has twin beds and a tri-fold sofa, and the 23T has a queen-sized bed and bench seat flex-bed system. They can hold 27 gallons to 33 gallons of fresh water, and the black and gray tanks range from 40 gallons to 43 gallons.
The Fuse 23F sleeps two people. It has a 49″ by 75″ rear corner bed and a dinette that converts into a single bed. Like the 23A and 23T models, it has a fully equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. The freshwater tank on the 23F holds 33 gallons, the black tank holds 40 gallons, and the grey tank holds 43 gallons.
MSRP: Starts at $127,777
Are Small Class C RVs Worth It?
Small Class C RVs give you maximum maneuverability. These compact motorhomes are the perfect options for long trips. Several of the options in our list work well for a small family, while a few can accommodate up to six people.
A Class C is worth it for those on the move a lot. We recommend renting one before you buy to get a feel for how they drive and the size.
Are you ready to travel in a small Class C RV? Tell us in the comments below!
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Warren Gress
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
Winnebago discontinued the Fuse some time ago. I could be wrong, but I believe 2019 was the last year for it.
Virginia
Monday 20th of March 2023
None told how hard they are to step into. Do any have just one step to get into?
Bob
Thursday 9th of February 2023
Only one problem. You fail to mention the issues related to the Mercedes' based units....very limited OCCC and marginal GVWR. Some have OCCCs of under 600 lbs. Most are under 1000. Two people, a full water tank and the usual "stuff" and you are instantly "illegal" and moreover "unsafe". Also the narrow MB rear track lends itself to some instability without drastic suspension upgrades. You missed the only reasonably viable option...Leisure Travel Vans. They have the best management of construction for weight control while maintaining higher build quality......no, I am not an LTV "Fan Boy", but and engineer who studied virtually every Sprinter based Class C on the market.
Mark Lawler
Sunday 17th of April 2022
Love my 2018 Tiffin Wayfarer 24BW. Was able to be at the factory during my build and took over 400 build photos. Made like they make their Class A rigs; high quality and built like a rock. Seamless slides and single seamless fiberglass roof for a leak proof win!
Best, -Mark
Sue Wilks
Sunday 17th of April 2022
Thanks for the very timely article on the best small class Cs. I sold my 34ft class A Winnebago after I lost my husband last fall, as I knew it was more than I wanted to handle by myself. I have been looking at new small class Cs, as I have 2 adult children who want to travel with me. I have not made up my mind yet, especially with the current market, but your article sure helps Happy trails to you .