The Class C motorhome is a built on a front-engine truck chassis, with the front end, cab and front doors of a van, pickup or larger truck. The most common feature is an over-the-cab space for sleeping or storage. They are often referred to as "mini-motorhomes," despite the fact that they can reach more than 40 ft. in length. Most, however, are between 21 and 32 ft. long. Slide-outs are becoming a more common option for Class C motorhomes, adding to the interior space while camping.

Gas engines are most common, although a greater variety of excellent diesel engines have entered the market in the past several years. All Class C’s have front-mounted engines, and rear-wheel-drive, most frequently on chassis built by GM, Ford or Dodge. A new trend are RV’s with a front cab and front engine layout like an over-the-road big-rig truck. These long-haul specialists are even powered by the same heavy-duty diesel powerplants that truckers rely on for hundreds of thousands of miles, and towing capacity is among the highest of all RV’s.

While a "mini-motorhome" doesn’t have the same spaciousness of a Class A unit, many of the Class C’s are quite accommodating, cleverly using every bit of space. For example, the dining table may double as an extra bed, and the sofa in the rear becomes the primary double or queen-sized bed. The over-the-cab area is often a sleeping berth for two, perfect for children. Bathrooms are naturally tighter than a Class A, but vary by model, of course. Shop carefully to decide what works best for you.

While a Class C is more car-like to drive, and easier for some, keep in mind that the front seats are usually lower than the floor level in back. This means that the seats may not swivel around, and would not be used when the vehicle is parked.