Of all the motorhomes on the road today, one of the most popular is the Class C motorhome. This class of motorhome differs from trailers and fifth-wheels in that the entire vehicle, including the doors, engine, cockpit, and living space, is one continuous construction built on the same chassis, with no separation between the cockpit and the living area.
A class C motorhome is generally considered to be safer than, say, a Class A motorhome, even though the Class A motorhome is often much bigger. This is true because the Class C cockpit has an all-steel cage protecting the driver and passenger in the event of a rollover. Definitely, crash worthiness is an important feature to consider when deciding what type of motorhome is right for your family.
A Class C motorhome also offers greater ease of handling and much better fuel economy than the larger Class A motorhome.
In terms of amenities, the Class C motorhome has all the creature comforts one could want, including a totally functioning kitchen, a full-size bed and entertainment center. The entertainment center in this class of motorhome is generally mounted in the cab-over area behind the cockpit. This is to be desired over the Class A motorhome, which generally mounts the TV over the driver’s head. One can see many safety advantages in the Class C entertainment center placement.
Unlike trailers and fifth-wheels, passengers can be in the living area while traveling down the highway, as long as they are properly seat-belted in. This is a great convenience for families with children, who can watch DVDs to help the miles speed by.
A great advantage of Class C motorhomes is the slide-out feature that’s part of many models. This feature enables the motorhome to actually grow in width when it’s parked. With very little effort, rooms in the living area can be expanded outward to make them much more commodious. Please note that too many slide-outs in one motorhome can weaken the integrity of the walls; however, thoughtfully constructed motorhomes that employ this feature are quite safe.
All-in-all, the Class C motorhome is an excellent choice, especially for families with children. They are safe and the driver and passenger can keep a good eye on the family while traveling.