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 |  | Entry Level: $50,000-$80,000 |  | Luxury: $85,000-$140,000+ |
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Sometimes called a mini-motorhome or a mini-RV, a Class C is the classic mid-sized motorized recreational vehicle, providing some of the convenience of the larger Class A motorhome but in a scaled-down version and for a lower price.A Class C is like a cozy studio apartment on wheels, usually with one sleeping area in the rear and another over the cab. Class Cs typically have a bathroom/shower, kitchen appliances in a food prep area, and a convertible dinette and/or sofa. They are 6'-36' in length, sleep 6-8 people, and are considered good for families.
Typical costs: | - Prices start at $50,000-$80,000 for a Class C motorhome depending on size (typically 16'-26') and options like storage areas, higher quality mini-appliances, an entertainment center or upgrades in upholstery, flooring or countertops. The gas-powered 24' 2011 Winnebago Access 24V[1] lists at $69,000, with two queen beds (one in a rear bedroom with a folding door, the other above the cab); a bathroom with toilet and separate shower stall; a choice of a convertible dinette or a sofa bed; and a sink, refrigerator, microwave and a three-burner stove top.
- Expect to pay $85,000-$140,000 or more for a luxury Class C motorhome (sometimes called a Class C+) mounted on a heavy-duty truck chassis. Prices depend on size (up to 36') and options like a larger bathroom, full-sized appliances, exterior storage or a home theater system. Diesel engines generally are more expensive than gasoline models. The 24.5' 2011 Itasca Navion[2] lists for $97,000-$99,000 with a Mercedes-Benz turbo-diesel engine; 6'8" of interior height; a two-burner glass range top, microwave/convection oven and refrigerator freezer; a sofa-bed slide out area; a rear queen-bed area with a folding door; an over-cab area that can hold a queen-size bed or an entertainment center; and an LCD TV.
- Motorhomes start depreciating[3] as soon as they leave the dealer's lot, so a well-cared-for Class A that's a few years old can be 20% to 25% below its original purchase price. Used RV prices depend a great deal on age, mileage and condition.
Related articles: Class A Motorhome, Class B Motorhome Camper Van, RV Rental, Motorhome RV, RV
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What should be included: | - A Class C has the nose and front doors of a van (or in some cases, a heavy-duty truck) attached to a wider fiberglass body that forms the living space, which typically extends into a sleeping area above the driving cab. Because a Class C motorhome is a single unit, it's possible to move around the vehicle while it's on the road. RV Consumer Group provides an overview of Class Cs[4] .
- Some Class C motorhome manufacturers turn the area above the cab into an entertainment system and/or storage area.
- Class Cs require some set-up to be ready for overnight use, especially if they have options such as a slide-out, an exterior awning or a TV antenna. ChangingGears.com provides a checklist[5] of potential arrival and setup tasks.
Additional costs: | - Class C motorhomes average 10 mpg with fuel tanks holding 25-55 gallons; at $2.50-$4 a gallon a fill-up could cost $60-$220 and last for 250-550 miles.
- Overnight campground or RV park fees cost $10-$40 a night, depending on the desirability of the location and the amenities offered, such as a swimming pool or coin laundry. Emptying the motorhome's sewage system is typically included in overnight fees; dumping without spending the night costs $5-$25 or more.
- Before buying a specific motorhome, shop around for RV insurance rates as premium costs vary considerably.
- Renting an RV storage space can run $20-$100 a month outdoors and $45-$450 a month indoors. To try out before buying, renting a Class C motorhome can cost $1,000-$2,500 for seven nights and up to 700 miles.
Shopping for a class c motorhome: | - RV shows[6] offer many makes and models in one place; admission can be free or $5-$10, plus parking fees.
- Roaming Times posts reviews[7] of specific models.
- Most dealer prices are negotiable, and dealer markup can be 10%-70% over wholesale, according to video tips[8] from Charles Davis of RVFinancing.com. University Credit Union lists tips for getting the best price.
- Unlike new car dealers RV dealers are not required to post the manufacturer's suggested retail price on the vehicle's window. MSRPs for the same make and model RV vary significantly depending on floor plan and choice of furnishings such as flooring, furniture, cabinetry, countertops, light fixtures, etc. RV Magazine explains how to negotiate and finance[9] an RV purchase.
- ChanginGears.com provides checklists for inspecting[10] a new or used RV before buying it, and for road testing[11] a motorhome.
- Find local dealers through the National Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association[12] or GoRVing.com[13] .
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External Resources: | - www.gowinnebago.com/products/2011/access_access_premier/
- www.goitasca.com/products/2011/navion/
- www.rversonline.org/ArtNewUsedRV.html
- rv.org/class_C.htm
- changingears.com/rv-checklist-setup-motor-home.shtml?sec-checklist
- www.gorving.com/where-to-find/rv-shows
- www.roamingtimes.com/classcmotorhomes/
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEFv71FzYIg
- www.rvmagonline.com/features/0808rv-rv-buying-tips/negotiating.html
- changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml
- changingears.com/rv-checklist-road-test-motor-home.shtml?sec-checklist
- www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Dealer_Info&template=/DealerSearch/Custom/dea...
- www.gorving.com/where-to-find/dealers
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