Forum Discussion

matemike's avatar
matemike
Explorer
Aug 24, 2014

Class C Too Small - Class A Too Big - Help

My wife and I are seriously considering full time rv living. Our problem is size. We don't want a class A because it is much too big of a vehicle but so far we haven't found a class C floor plan that fits our needs. There is only the 2 of us and our chocolate lab so we don't need extra sleeping areas but we do want storage space and a comfortable living space so we don't feel claustrophobic. Also, we plan on spending as little time as possible in camping areas with full hook-ups (to keep costs down) so we will needs ample clean water, sewer capacity, etc. Are we looking to accomplish the impossible? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated; make, model, etc. Thank you.
  • Thank you for all the responses. It will take awhile to research all the suggestions.
  • I too have been looking at the Winnie 27N to ultimately replace my current unit. At 28 ft it's not too small and yet with the slides you get plenty of room. It has decent tank capacities and closet space.

    Most units I've seen that are smallish have limited storage inside and out and waste tanks.

    The new throwback "Brow" units from Winnie could also be an option.
  • We went from a 27 C to a Terra 31M with slides, levelers, jack n jill hall configuration and absolutely love it. I did not want to go to a Class A but after looking at this one, bought it a few years ago. The view is great, the fuel consumption is actually a little better than our old Ford 460, and it is short enough we can camp at all campgrounds. Also, it turns sharper than our C. We had been in Lone Pine and turned around in the city park in our C a few times, making it a 5 point turn. Our 31M, 3 point no problem.
  • Is it that you think the Class A is to big to drive? Because it isn't. You have a LARGE dog, so you want more space not less. Think a week in the rain and then look again at some Class As. You don't have to go to 40+ feet to find good ones that will give you room.

    Barb
  • We just got back from a rv show and were VERY impressed with 3 small Class A's.
    A 2015 Winnie Vista WFE27N, and a 2014 Winnie Sunstar IFE27N. Basically both were the same. Another really nice little Class A we saw today was 2014 Winnie Sunstar IFE30T.
    Very impressed with the layouts and storage space. Also, good kitchen countertop space and very open feeling in the living room and bedrooms. Didn't look at tank capacity or anything but CCC was pretty impressive.
    Might want to check out those three if you are looking for a small gas Class A.
  • What size range are you looking for? There are several smaller class A units out there. Look at the Thor ACE, Coachmen Pursuit and a few others. Built on the stronger truck type chassis, more payload and shorter overall length.
  • Expand your horizons. Start looking at fifth wheels and travel trailers. You might be surprised how much more you can get for your dollars in terms of size and living comfort
  • We had the same problem. We eventually settled on a class A - Bounder 33C. It is 34' long, which is just a little longer than our previous trailer, but about 20' shorter than our truck and tt combo. It has 3500 lbs of carrying capacity, which is more than enough for us, 85G fresh, 55 gray, 44 black; that will last us a week.

    The Cs we looked at seemed smaller for the same foot print, probably because the ceilings were lower. They also tended to have less storage, CCC, and tow capacity. We really didn't want an A but now that we have it, we are glad we do.

    For fulltiming, one needs to strike a balance between size, storage, and space. One always has to be sacrificed for another.

    Best of luck in your search! It took us a couple of months of contemplation to arrive where we are - in an A...