Best Used Class C Brand and Top 3 Suggested Models

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Best Used Class C Brand and Top 3 Suggested Models

If you’re romanticizing the idea of long trips in an RV, Class C is a great option, especially if you’ve a family.

However, unless you’re dead set on purchasing a new class C RV, I’d suggest you look for a good used RV.

See, in very broad terms, new Class C RVs range between $50,000 to $250,000. Not a small chunk of change for many of us.

On the other hand, used Class C RVs are much more inexpensive. You’d also be surprised how many Class C RVs are purchased new, used a couple of times, and the owners decide RVing isn’t really for them.

So, rather than getting a new class C RV, why not let someone else take the depreciation hit? And even better, allow them to iron out the warrant issues and break it in for you.

Class C Brands and Manufacturers

With that said, a quick Google search of the best Class C brands will bring a load of manufacturers. Some are highly thought of than others, others more premium and trashy one,s and others with a storied history.

Of course, there’s no “best brand” for Class C RVs, and there’re numerous factors to consider when selecting a used Class C RV.

But with so much at stake, you must perform your research diligently.

And to be honest, the search can be daunting because the different class C models are quite similar. Most class C RVs, are built in a similar fashion and share lots of similarities, especially on the chassis and drivetrain.

From my RVing experience, I don’t think there’s a huge differentiation in brands until you get to the premium units. Most entry-level class C RVs are based on a similar floor plan.

Even then, if you look a lot more closely, you’ll be able to identify the differences in quality, finish, floor plans, finish, ride quality, and appearance.

Some of these differences are innocuous and so subtle that it’s easy to overlook them. However, you’ll understand their importance when you go above the superficial value.

Now, having been in the class C market for a long, I’ve three brands I would vouch for;

• Winnebago
• Entegra
• Tiffin

Of course, these are far from being whole-package brands, but they’ve some of the reliable class C RVs in the market.

Choosing a used class C RV from any of these brands will, in many cases, guarantee an enjoyable RV experience.

My Recommendation of the Best Used Class C Brand

While all three brands are incredible in their way, Winnebago edges them, but by a hair.

Winnebago is among the biggest RV brands, and I’m a big fan of their products because of their better-quality control.

The brand is also known for its innovative designs. For example, in class C models, Winnebago builds its cabinetry, allowing them to do a few things most manufacturers can’t do in terms of layout and efficient use of space.

They also have a huge inventory of RVs and cater to the needs of every RVer.

Price-wise, Winnebago is like Toyota and Lexus- the same brand, but entry-level and upper-level in line. And it’s true for all the towable and motorized RVs.

Winnebago Full-Size Class C

Full-size RVs are the most popular category of Class C RVs and probably what many RVers think of when the term Class C RV is mentioned.

Most full-size Class C RVs have a length of between 24 to 32 feet, which is nice if you need a spacious coach.

They also sit on a Ford chassis; the most common variants are the E-350 and E-450.

And because it’s a Ford chassis, most of the full-size Class C RVs are powered by a Ford engine. The older and used Class C RVs have a V-10 Ford engine, while a V-8 Ford engine powers the relatively newer options.

Both drivetrains are a pretty reliable configuration, ad I would expect happy miles from the mechanical side of things of a used class C RV.

Regarding the size and layout, the full-size class C RVs are available in five to seven floorplans and are spacious.

Recommendation for Winnebago Full-Size Used Class C RV (Winnie Minnie)

There are a couple of used full-size Class C RVs from Winnebago, but my number one pick is the Minnie Winnie.

Also known as the Minni-winni, these RV model has come a long way since the 80s.

It’s one of the popular Class C RVs, and I love this nifty little rig because it’s not overly huge. Most are under 30 feet, which makes it easier to maneuver within traffic, or park almost anywhere.

Yet, Winnie Minnie doesn’t sacrifice comfort and space and is the perfect option for RVers looking for a compact coach without giving up on the comfort.

Okay, things like counter space or bathroom aren’t spacious, but they’re decent and functional.

The Winnie Minnie is powered by a Ford engine and sits on a Ford chassis; therefore, you should worry less about the performance and everything.

There’re also some nice interior features on this bad boy, and the internal and external build quality is awesome. The innovative features, such as a cabover bunk and convertible dinette, will make your stay in the wilderness more exciting.

Winnebago Smaller Class C RVs

The smaller RVs are much more compact and look like vans in many ways. Most sit on a Mercedes chassis and are increasingly becoming popular.

I feel the smaller class C RVs should be identified as Class Bs, but many RVers know them as Class C.

Generally, their length varies, but it’s usually between 24 to 26 feet. They’re powered by diesel engines, a perk regarding fuel efficiency.

Recommendation for Winnebago Full-Size Used Class C RV (Navion)

The Winnebago Navion is my top pick of the best-used small class C RV.

It sits on the innovative Mercedes chassis. It provides exceptional fuel economy while allowing you to feel the power and performance, especially on rough dirt tracks.

The Navion also boasts European styling, and the interior is deluxe. While it’s not as spacious or airy as the Winni-Minnie, it’s still okay for a small family. It provides the freedom of RVing in a compact coach.

Comfort on the Navion is also incredible, and I like that it comes with plenty of features, including an infotainment system and advanced safety features.

Regarding the performance, we like how the Navion pays attention to cold weather camping. For example, the freshwater tanks are inside the RV, which is nice to avoid freezing. I consider the Navion the perfect 4-season class C RV.

There’re also plenty of other things to like about a used Navion, including extra storage spaces, a plush interior, etc.

Other Winnebago Used Class C RVs

Ekko

The Ekoo is undoubtedly the perfect used Class C RV for off-road camping.

It’s an award-winning coach and an entirely new type of RV. The uniqueness of Ekko is that it combines the best features of a camper van, class C Coach, and AWD SUV.

Winnebago designed this model from the ground up to provide a blend of form, function, and beauty.

It has plenty of handy features, including massive storage compartments, a large cooking area, and large windows to provide ambiance.

I recommend a used Ekko class C RV, especially if you need compact comfort. It’s not the most spacious RV, but the available rooms are of decent size and can sleep 4.

It also comes with a 50-gallon freshwater tank, making boondocking much easier. The tanks are also well-insulated, so camping in winter is a breeze.

Winnebago Outlook

The Winnebago Outlook is also among the top-rated class C RVs with a compact footprint. Yet, the experience inside this bad boy doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

At 24 feet in length, the Outlook is easy to handle and doesn’t feel any different from driving a regular van.

The performance of Outlook is also incredible, thanks to the Ford chassis. It provides great handling ability while enhancing fuel efficiency.

The Outlook’s interior speaks a lot about Winnebago’s build quality. There are plenty of deluxe features to make your stay in the wilderness more exciting.

My favorite spot on Outlook is the kitchen. It has a 3-burner stove, sink, and spacious dinette table. The toilet is also nice, and freshening up is much easier, thanks to the separate stand-up shower.

Vita

Our final selection from Winnebago’s inventory of class C RVs is the Vita.

The Vita is one of the simple and frill-free RVs in the class C market. It’s only available to two floorplans, making it easier to choose.

Performance-wise, Vita doesn’t disappoint as it sits on a Mercedes-Benz chassis and is powered by a turbo dies engine for optimum performance.

It measures 25″ long, and while not the most spacious option, it has a slide-out for extra room when parked. The Vita can sleep four people.

The best feature of this model is that it allows you to choose a theater seating or a dinette in the living area.

Wrap Up

Winnebago has a much better reputation, quality-wise, than most RV brands. I recommend their used class C RVs because they seem to tick most boxes and are reliable.

However, as with any purchase, I strongly urge you to research before investing in a used Class C RV.

I prefer the slightly used Winnebago class C RVs but always be prepared for something to go wrong.

Because even if you were to buy a new one, there would still be issues. Used Class C RVs are complicated machines, but if you get a good one, you must test everything.