10 Reasons Why the Super C Motorhome Is the King of RVs

What’s so super about a Super C motorhome? Lots of things, and we’ll go down the list one by one. Are they sturdy, powerful, and comfortable? Check, check, and check. In fact, they might just be the most versatile style of RVs.

With just a quick look up and down the highway or around the campgrounds, you’ll see they’re growing in popularity. We’ll show why they’ve earned the crown as the king (or queen!) of all RVs.

What Is a Super C Motorhome?

As the name implies, a Super C motorhome is a bigger, more rugged version of a Class C motorhome. They can be quite luxurious, too.

Like the Class C, a Super C motorhome has a distinctive cab-over area in the front that’s usually a sleeping area. And that’s along with a bedroom in the back plus a kitchen, bathroom, separate shower, dinette, and living area. What’s different is the Super C is built on a heavy-duty truck chassis rather than a van chassis, so it’s sturdier and can carry heavier loads. 

This opens up possibilities for better-quality furnishings and accessories—and more of them. The Super C has more storage space and more power under the hood. A Super C motorhome is big—but not too big—typically ranging from around 33′ to about 45′. It’s safe to say that many campgrounds can accommodate them, even with a vehicle in tow.

➡ You might consider a Super C a “big rig,” but some campgrounds have a different opinion. Before you book a stay, find out What Does ‘Big Rig Friendly’ Really Mean?

10 Reasons Why Super C Motorhomes Are RV Royalty

We’ve already checked quite a few boxes in favor of the Super C motorhome. We’ll expound on those a bit and add a few more to explain why they reign supreme.

1. They Have a Powerful Engine and Driveline

A Super C has its engine in the front, and it’s usually a diesel (but not always). The engines pack a lot of power, too. These are large displacement engines with lots of horsepower and torque to carry heavy loads and tackle challenging terrain.

Many times super C’s have a more robust drive than even the biggest class A’s. Like a semi, many of them have two sets of dual rear wheels and sometimes both are powered giving them far more carrying capacity and traction.

2. Safer in a Crash

A Super C’s heavy-duty truck chassis will hold up better in a collision. With the engine in front (unlike a diesel pusher), you have more of a protective barrier in a head-on crash. And with a wider wheelbase, they’re less likely to overturn.

3. They Drive Like Trucks

Super C motorhomes may have more muscle than what you’re used to, but it’s probably within your comfort zone. Getting behind the wheel of a Super C is more or less like driving a big pickup truck with a truck camper on the back.

By comparison, there’s a bigger learning curve with the larger, lumbering Class A RVs. Driving a Class A is more like driving a bus because you’re positioned on top of the front wheels rather than behind them.

4. Straightforward Maintenance

Those truck engines are easy to work on, and most mechanics have experience with them. You won’t have to hunt down a specialist when you need to do some repairs. And it may be a while before you do. Heavy-duty truck engines are designed to go for hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance.

5. Ride in Comfort

When in transit, the extra weight and width of the Super C Motorhome’s heavy-duty chassis give you tons of stability. Combine that with air suspension, and you’ve got an exceptionally smooth ride. This is true on open highways as well as bumpy country roads.

6. Quality Interiors

Because Super Cs can carry heavier loads, manufacturers don’t have to compromise by using lightweight materials. Many of these motorhomes have upgraded components and features like solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops, tile flooring, and electric fireplaces.

7. Spacious Floorplans 

Those wider wheelbases are often a bit longer, too. A few extra inches here and there can add up to much more living space, even king-sized beds. In addition, some Super C motorhomes have multiple slide-outs, so you can stretch out even more.

8. Significant Towing Capacity

With a Super C, you’ll surely be able to bring along a second vehicle to use as a daily driver. Or, you may want to tow your boat or other toys you can’t leave behind. Towing capacities of 10,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs are more typical, but some models can tow up to 25,000 lbs.

Did You Know? Super C motorhomes built on semi-truck chassis with 20,000+ lb towing capacities are often called toterhomes. Learn more here: What Is a Toterhome?

9. Large Holding Tanks

Bigger tanks mean you can stay in one place longer, even off the grid. It’s not unusual for a Super C to have a fresh water capacity of 100 to 150 gallons. Count on 75 gallons or so for black and grey tanks.

10. Increased Storage (and Cargo Carrying Capacity)

While Class C motorhomes are notorious for their limited storage space, their super-sized cousins have more room to spare. The roomy basement area is more like what you’d expect to find on a Class A motorhome. You’ll still need to pack wisely, but you can definitely carry more things with you.

Do You Need a Special Drivers License to Drive a Super C?

In most places, you don’t need any kind of special driver’s license to drive a motorhome if you’re doing it for recreational purposes. However, if it’s for business, you should have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

These laws vary from state to state, but most of them don’t have any particular restrictions on RVs that weigh less than 26,000 lbs. Most super C motorhomes weigh more than that and you might need a special license so check your state laws.

How Much Does a Super C Motorhome Cost?

You can expect to pay $500,000 or more for a brand-new Super C off the lot. And when we say “or more,” it could be considerably so. The price could rise as high as $700,000, depending on what kinds of extras it has. On the other hand, you may be able to buy a used one for $150,000 to $200,000.

While we’re talking numbers, you should also consider fuel costs. Unfortunately, many Super C motorhomes get 10 mpg or less.

Pro Tip: Some motorhome buyers forget to factor in the cost of the RV lifestyle. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know How Much Does an RV Cost to Own and Maintain?

Are You Considering a Super C Motorhome?

As you can see, the Super C motorhome has a lot going for it. They’re spacious, easy to drive, and have high-end features. In fact, you might even feel like you’re riding on a cushion of air thanks to the suspension. 

Super Cs are also powerful, safe, and dependable. And if you have a maintenance issue, they’re usually not difficult to repair.

It’s no wonder we see so many running the roads and settling in for long stays. They may not be the ideal rig for everyone, but we know many Super C owners who wouldn’t want any other kind of RV.

Do you own a Super C? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

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