B vs C---leaks, maintenance, quality
One thing that has put me way way off buying a used class C is their propensity for bigtime leaks, and frequent mediocre build quality. Are class B's generally less prone to leaks? Where are the w...
Forum Discussion
Personal opinion as well:
There are some high quality class C makers out there. Lazy Daze is awesome. I read a lot of very happy people with Phoenix Cruisers. Born Free and Coach House are quite leak resistant due to the one piece fiberglass construction.
In general, if one compares the average "B" to a "C", the "B" is far less likely to have water intrusion problems, while a "C" has a good chance of having cabover rot (almost 100% if there is a front facing window.)
Fundamentally, when you buy a "B", you are buying a van with upfits. The walls are up to automotive crash standards, including airbags. The roof is aluminum or steel, and the doors are automotive grade.
When you buy a "C", you are buying a cutaway van with the box added by the RV maker. The standards of car safety it has to adhere to are far lower (which is why in a serious wreck, a "B" will be in one piece, most likely, while a "C" will be in small chunks across the roadway.)
All this aside, what matters is how well you like the rig, both parked/camping and on the road. A "B" is too small for some people and can feel cramped/unpleasant. For others, a "C" can be too big and awkward to park. I'd look at what fits best, then look at respective models.
There are some high quality class C makers out there. Lazy Daze is awesome. I read a lot of very happy people with Phoenix Cruisers. Born Free and Coach House are quite leak resistant due to the one piece fiberglass construction.
In general, if one compares the average "B" to a "C", the "B" is far less likely to have water intrusion problems, while a "C" has a good chance of having cabover rot (almost 100% if there is a front facing window.)
Fundamentally, when you buy a "B", you are buying a van with upfits. The walls are up to automotive crash standards, including airbags. The roof is aluminum or steel, and the doors are automotive grade.
When you buy a "C", you are buying a cutaway van with the box added by the RV maker. The standards of car safety it has to adhere to are far lower (which is why in a serious wreck, a "B" will be in one piece, most likely, while a "C" will be in small chunks across the roadway.)
All this aside, what matters is how well you like the rig, both parked/camping and on the road. A "B" is too small for some people and can feel cramped/unpleasant. For others, a "C" can be too big and awkward to park. I'd look at what fits best, then look at respective models.
