5 figure 30 foot
A while back DW told me she wanted a Class C so I checked into that forum to get advice and learned loads about chassis options, engines, pros and cons etc. We just got back from the Tampa RV show ...
Forum Discussion
Despite having owned a few Class A's in the past decade, this is the first time we are shopping for a rig to full time next year. And now more than ever I am learning that everything about RV's is a concession. It has all these features, but not this, it's on this chassis but lack 5 other features, This one has a ton of storage but there is no weight left to tow a car. this model checks most of the boxes but the quality is awful, etc etc. Despite digging and digging we are really struggling to find that perfect rig. Personally I don't think the perfect rig does exist unless you have VERY deep pockets.
Back on track, a few points. I have found that a class A is much easier to drive than a comparably sized Class C. The height, field of vision and different chassis all make for a better driving experience. And DP's drive even better than gas ones. There are LOADS of 30' Class A's out there for under $100k. Remember dealership prices are usually inflated about 20-30%. Never mind there are a bunch out there used that are a few years old that get you in a better depreciation space.
But - there's always a but. Small class A's are typically the most entry level of any line. I'll get flamed for this but I've walked through a LOT of them, I've owned 2 different ones, and every brand's short class A offering is cheap and low quality. The exception might be the Tiffin Allegro breeze which I think is the shortest DP out there. I have owned 2 30' Class A's and while great for short weekend trips, I wouldn't full time in them - hence why I am shopping. Most small Class A's are meant for weekenders and not full timing. I think you have to step into the 35' plus range to start getting raised rail chassis for storage, higher end components, heavier chassis for more CCC etc. But you can still get used, bigger, and better Class A's for less than a new, small entry level one.
All that said, it depends on your expectations. If you don't mind a budget RV and can full time in it then do what works for you.
I can tell you I don't think I'll ever buy new again. The depreciation and frustration working out the kinks is an awful experience. I'll buy a few years old, save my self the big depreciation hit and hopefully get one that most of the bugs are worked out. The market is saturated with fairly new, used units.
YMMV.
Back on track, a few points. I have found that a class A is much easier to drive than a comparably sized Class C. The height, field of vision and different chassis all make for a better driving experience. And DP's drive even better than gas ones. There are LOADS of 30' Class A's out there for under $100k. Remember dealership prices are usually inflated about 20-30%. Never mind there are a bunch out there used that are a few years old that get you in a better depreciation space.
But - there's always a but. Small class A's are typically the most entry level of any line. I'll get flamed for this but I've walked through a LOT of them, I've owned 2 different ones, and every brand's short class A offering is cheap and low quality. The exception might be the Tiffin Allegro breeze which I think is the shortest DP out there. I have owned 2 30' Class A's and while great for short weekend trips, I wouldn't full time in them - hence why I am shopping. Most small Class A's are meant for weekenders and not full timing. I think you have to step into the 35' plus range to start getting raised rail chassis for storage, higher end components, heavier chassis for more CCC etc. But you can still get used, bigger, and better Class A's for less than a new, small entry level one.
All that said, it depends on your expectations. If you don't mind a budget RV and can full time in it then do what works for you.
I can tell you I don't think I'll ever buy new again. The depreciation and frustration working out the kinks is an awful experience. I'll buy a few years old, save my self the big depreciation hit and hopefully get one that most of the bugs are worked out. The market is saturated with fairly new, used units.
YMMV.
