Navigating the world of diesel RVs under 30 feet can be daunting, but absolutely rewarding for those seeking adventure with a bit more maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
In my quest to find the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and compactness, I’ve personally tested an array of models to see which ones truly stand out.
This journey led me to discover that not all Class C RVs are created equal, especially when it comes to finding the ideal small Class C motorhome that doesn’t compromise on luxury while fitting into tighter spaces.
After going on countless journeys and rigorously testing 6 top contenders, I can confidently say the 2020 Coachmen Prism 24 CB Class C Motorhome emerged as the best overall for its exceptional balance of size, features, and performance for those specifically searching for the best diesel RVs under 30 feet.
Its diesel efficiency and under 30 ft stature make it a gem on the road.
Based on my experience, the top motorhomes are:
- 2020 Coachmen Prism 24 CB Class C Motorhome: Best overall for a blend of efficiency and comfort under 30 feet.
- 2022 Tiffin – Wayfarer 25 SW Class C Motorhome: A top choice for luxury seekers wanting a diesel option under 30 ft.
- 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Delano24TT Class C Motorhome: Great for families needing space and diesel efficiency.
- 2022 Airstream – Atlas Murphy Suite Class B Motorhome: Excellent for couples looking for a compact, modern design.
- 2022 Pleasure-Way – Plateau FL Class B Motorhome: Ideal for solo travelers or couples desiring a seamless driving experience.
- 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Tranquility 19L Class B: Perfect for adventurers who prize sustainability and off-grid capabilities.
6 Best Class C and B Diesel Motorhomes Under 30 feet
When looking for the best diesel RVs under 30 feet, the choices come down to Class B and Class C motorhomes with powerful, fuel-efficient diesel engines.
Class A motorhomes under 33 feet have gasoline engines. Along the way, we kept a sharp eye out for models that were easy to drive and had the creature comforts that met certain niche needs.
Here are some of the best diesel RVs you will ever be able to find, all measuring less than 30 feet long in the real world.
1. 2020 Coachmen Prism 24 CB Class C Motorhome
The Coachmen Prism 24 CB is a compact Class C motorhome that measures just an inch short of 25 feet.
It is built on the popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, which means it handles very much like a Class B camper van. Yet it still has all the living space and sleeping areas of a Class C motor home.
The beating heart of the Coachmen Prism 24 CD is a 3.0 Liter diesel engine that is also made by Mercedes-Benz.
It’s paired with a 7-speed transmission to help get as much of the power down as possible.
This translates to 188 horsepower at 3,800 RPMs and up to 325 ft-lbs. Of torque at 1,400 RPM.
It also means that this Class C motorhome is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive in a diesel RV under 30 feet in length.
2. 2022 Tiffin – Wayfarer 25 SW Class C Motorhome
The 2022 Tiffin – Wayfarer 25 SW is one of the most popular and reliable diesel RVs under 30 feet.
It is also known for having a touch of luxury, which can be a priority for some families who want a smaller Class C motorhome but don’t want to cut corners on creature comforts or sacrifice functional sleeping space.
The 2022 Tiffin – Wayfarer 25 SW is just over 25 feet long and carries a gross vehicle weight rating of only 11,030 pounds.
Yet, as compact and nimble as it is, this Class C motorhome can still sleep up to 6 people.
It has a 3.0-liter Mercedes-Benz diesel engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission to put the power down.
The result is a Class C motorhome that is rated to produce up to188 horsepower at 3,800 RPMs and up to 325 ft-lbs. Of torque at 1,400 RPM.
This translates into a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
3. 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Delano24TT Class C Motorhome
Thor is an industry leader with a reputation for offering RVs to meet just about any traveling family’s needs.
You get the feeling that they created the Delano 24TT specifically for people who wanted a compact Class C motorhome under 30 feet long, with a diesel engine powerful enough to tow a family sedan or SUV.
Here again, you see the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis providing a rigid, lightweight structure and floor pan.
This supports the 188 horsepower 3.0-liter diesel engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The end result is an RV under 30 feet with a diesel engine rated for a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
It is also rated to produce up to 325 ft-lbs. Of torque at 1,400 RPM. These statistics are more than enough to let you flat-tow a typical mid-size SUV or pull a family boat behind you on vacation.
4. 2022 Airstream – Atlas Murphy Suite Class B Motorhome
In recent years, Airstream has wisely decided to branch out from its popular, classic lineup of travel trailers into the world of motorhomes.
The 2022 Airstream – Atlas Murphy Suite stands as one of their most popular Class B RVs under 30 feet.
As the name implies, it makes the most out of the somewhat limited interior space of the camper van chassis by using a Murphy bed that folds over a sofa.
The 7-speed automatic transmission in the 2022 Airstream – Atlas Murphy Suite does a great job of putting the power down from the 188 horsepower Mercedez-Benz 3.0 liter diesel engine.
This translates into a Class B motorhome, under 30 feet that still has a robust towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
5. 2022 Pleasure-Way – Plateau FL Class B Motorhome
The 2022 Pleasure-Way – Plateau FL is a surprisingly nimble 22.75-foot long class B motorhome built on the uber-popular 3500 Mercedes-Benz sprinter chassis.
For such a compact campervan without slide-outs, it still has a complete kitchen as well as a half bath, which is rare in a Class B motorhome of this size.
Of course, Pleasure Way decided in their infinite wisdom to stick with the Mercedes-Benz theme, by also using its popular 188 horsepower 3.0-liter diesel engine.
This gives you the power you need to merge into highway speed traffic without bogging down like lesser diesel engines are sometimes prone to do. Yet you still have the intuitive handling of a full-size van.
6. 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Tranquility 19L Class B
The 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Tranquility 19L uses the Mercedes-Benz 2500 Sprinter chassis, which at 19.75-feet, makes it sort of the baby of this list.
Though as compact as it is, this Class B motorhome is incredibly nimble for a diesel RV under 30 feet.
All while offering an impressive amount of interior living space. Not to mention getting a wet bath integrated into the driver’s side, which your family is sure to appreciate if you like to camp away from RV parks and campground facilities.
Do Diesel Engines Get Better MPG?
Diesel engines tend to be larger and more fuel-efficient than the same-size gasoline engines.
They also tend to produce more torque, which makes them a preferred option for families who like to tow a car, SUV, or boat behind them.
Though some of the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine is offset by the fact that diesel fuel tends to cost a little more than gasoline.
Which Is Easier To Drive – Class A Motorhome or Class B?
Class B motorhomes tend to use tighter, slightly smaller chassis like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500.
This means they handle like the full-size cargo van that they draw their floor pan and frame from.
Most people will tell you that this makes them easier to drive than typically larger Class C motorhomes.
Which Is the Better Type of Motorhome for a Family?
The vast majority of Class B motorhomes will only sleep 2 or perhaps 3 people. Whereas you can find Class C motorhomes that can sleep 4 to 6 or possibly 8.
You need to take this into account when shopping for the best diesel RV under 30 feet.
If it’s just you and a significant other, with perhaps one child, you might be able to get by with a Class B motorhome.
If you have more than two children, then you will likely need to restrict your research to Class C diesel RVs.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great Diesel RVs under 30 feet to choose from in the Class B and Class C motorhomes.
The one that’s best for you, will depend on the number of people you need to travel with, as well as the kind of power and interior room you prioritize.
If you are just traveling with your significant other, and you want a compact, nimble motorhome then the 2022 Airstream – Atlas Murphy Suite Class B might be the best diesel motorhome under 30 feet for you.
The interior Murphy bed lets you make the most out of the spacious interior, while still giving you the power, torque, and fuel efficiency of a 3.0-Liter Mercedes-Benz diesel engine.
If you have a larger family and you need a Class C motorhome to take everyone with you, then the 2022 Thor Motor Coach – Delano 24TT might be the best diesel motorhome under 30 feet to meet your needs.
It has the potential to sleep up to 8 people comfortably and the power of a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine to tow anything you want to bring with you.
