Super Class C motorhomes are the Granddaddy of Class C motorhomes. Super C’s are typically built on a class 5 through class 8 chassis, which is a commercial class of workhorse trucks for towing and carrying heavy loads. This design allows for a higher quality build in RV beyond that of Class A Motorhomes. While many believe that a class A is a top for luxury, the super C class chassis provides a better foundation that puts the super Cs in a class of their own.
A super C has many advantages over class A, while a class A does have a few advantages over Super C overall. The super Cs are carving out a whole new class of RVs beyond class A motorhomes.
Advantages Of A Super C Over Class A
Here’s a list of items that make a super C superior to that of a Class A motorcoach, and why you might want to consider one in the near future.
- The front motor design with easy access to engine and transmission allows for easy access at a fill station, vs the typical rear engine of a class A
- Servicing is also easier due to the front engine design – more shops are available to repair class 5 through 8 commercial vehicles.
- Parts are cheaper as they readily available
- The motor location allows for better cooling of the engine and hence more power and fuel mileage.
- Designed to haul lots of weight at lower speeds. The GVWR ranges from 16,001 pounds to 33,001 and greater.
- Has greater towing capacity from 10,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs, though technically they could tow more. (class 8)
- The front-engine design makes for a safer vehicle on the road when in a crash
- Are more stable on the road due to the design of the chassis
- The use of solid materials in the build of the coach, as weight is not a concern.
- Resale values tend to be higher, due to the lack of manufactures and increased demand.
- They have a larger fuel tank over the class A
Super Cs & Class As: One For One
While buying a class A or super C, the choice is clear, it has to do with traveling in luxury and having the finances to afford such luxuries. In either choice, you will find.
- Tops for luxury
- Full kitchens
- A queen or king-sized beds
- Full bathrooms
- Fully loaded with electronics
- 50 amp plugin
- Onboard generator
- Plenty of basement storage
- Air brakes
- Expensive start at over 100k and can top out at over $800k
- Expensive to fix and maintain
- Come in lengths from 32 to 45 feet in lengths
- Have slide outs
- Will need a special license or permit, dependent on the state or province you reside in, due to air brakes and axle length.
- Harder to drive than a smaller RV such as class B, or class C.
- Your coach might be too large for some state parks.
Advantages Of A Class A Over Super C
While there is a long list of advantages for a super c, then there are negatives, I can’t just leave this out and sweep it under the rug and pretend that there are not disadvantages to super C. There are a few items that do not make them as attractive.
- Are more expensive than a typical class A
- Some campgrounds only allow Class As
- There are many more manufacturers of Class A motor coaches than there are super C manufactures.
- Class A’s are generally cheaper than a super C
- A class A might feel a bit easier to drive than a super C.
- Comparable length coaches from super c to class A, the Class A will have more living space. Ie. 36 feet class A has 28 sq feet to living space, while super C has 22 feet of living space.
Who Manufactures Super Class C’s
The battle for the best super C is only among a few companies. Currently, there are only a handful of companies that are manufacturing the super C’s. While there are a few other companies just dipping their toes into manufacturing a super C. Dynamax, Renegade, Thor, Jayco, Nexus, plus a few other smaller companies are battling it out on the reported 4 percent of the market share of all class c’s sold.
Not surprising considering the price of the super c classes. With that said the market is growing as more and more people are choosing a super C over a class A. The biggest draw to buying a Super C is the towing capacity over an A.
How Much Does A Super C Cost?
A super C costs start from about $100k to up to $800k depending on all the customization and the company you want to purchase one from new. Even used many of the ones that I looked for were still selling for over $100k even after a few years, the prices did not seem to have dropped by much.
Conclusion
Getting a super C is a great alternative to a class A, as long as you have the budget for this type of RV along with the maintenance costs that come along with it. Most buyers of either class A or super C’s are typically boomers who are wanting to travel across the country to spend more time in temperate temperatures throughout the year. There is one thing for sure Super Cs are definitely carving out a higher standard for RVing.