Class A RVs impress people with their size and luxurious accommodations. However, they can overwhelm RV shoppers with their high purchase prices and intimidating size when tasked with actually driving them. People who want a drivable camper without the Class A’s drawbacks should consider these smaller Class C RVs with superior fuel efficiency.

Class C RVs

Compared to Class A RVs, Class C RVs feature a more familiar truck-like cab and driver’s view. Additionally, Class C RVs come equipped with everything needed for a weekend camping trip or a month-long tour around the country.

Inside the Class C RV, you’ll find all the amenities expected from a home away from home, including a functional kitchen, bathroom with a walk-in shower, and sleeping areas for adults and children. Furthermore, some models’ outside living space features include retractable awnings, stereo speakers, and television connections for outdoor movie nights. 

The RV Trader team ranked several RVs based on fuel economy and available features. Let’s look at the top five Class C RVs on their list.

Coachmen Leprechaun

One of the most popular Class C RV models available, the Coachmen Leprechaun, gets up to 10 mpg of fuel. The Leprechaun utilizes either a Ford F-450 chassis with a 350-horsepower 7.3-liter V8 engine or a Chevrolet 4500 chassis with a 324-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. According to RV Trader, the Leprechaun features a “power awning, backup cameras, a queen-size bed, and a full kitchen.”

Gulfstream Conquest

The Gulfstream Conquest also gets 10 mpg using a 350-hp Ford 7.3-liter V8 engine. Based on the smaller E-350 Ford chassis, the Conquest features up to two slide-outs depending on the model and sleeps five people. Though smaller than the Leprechaun, the Conquest’s kitchen, restroom, and sleeping areas are comfortable and provide everything a family needs for an extended camping adventure. 

Thor Motor Coach Tiburon Sprinter

Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Thor Motor Coach Tiburon Sprinter uses a 188-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine to achieve up to 20 mpg. At just under 26 feet long, the Tiburon Sprinter is a smaller Class C RV but still sleeps four people and offers adequate space for cooking, eating, lounging, and restroom facilities, including a shower with one slide-out. 

Tiffin Wayfarer

The Tiffin Wayfarer features a 188-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and a Mercedes-Benz 3500 chassis to get up to 14 mpg. The Wayfarer sleeps up to five people and offers up to two slide-outs depending on the model. Inside you’ll find a full-service kitchen, entertainment center, bathroom, and an RV short queen bed with a wardrobe for hanging your clothes. 

Toyota Dolphin

Although Toyota stopped producing the Dolphin Class C RV many years ago, they are still popular among the retro-styled camper crowd. The Dolphin utilized the Toyota truck cassis, and early models feature Toyota’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder 22R engine that made up to 109 horsepower while getting 16 mpg. Later model Dolphins received an updated 3.0-liter V6 engine for additional power. In addition, RV Trader notes that the Dolphin features “overhead sleeping space, kitchen space, restroom amenities, and room for camping gear.” 

Whichever Class C RV you choose will provide adventure and family fun without the high-dollar and cumbersome Class A, but please follow “Leave No Trace” camping guidelines, have fun, and enjoy happy camping.