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fighterpilota's avatar
fighterpilota
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013

Back on the hunt again

Ok, back on the hunt again. Just got a price on renting a Class C for next summer and have decided to buy. Have two, 2400 mile trips planned for next summer so might as well try to buy something. Looking at Callista Coves as a start because of the fiberglass end caps. Born Free floor plan doesn't work. Others in the 25 to 30 foot range will be considered--10,000 the budget, but some flexibility for the right situation. A month ago there were two in that price range but hadn't decided to buy for sure-just doing research. Of course they are sold now. Leaks and delamination big consideration. Will be seeking your advice as things come up.

First up--does the F350 chassis in the 25 to 28 foot length have a tow rating of 5000 lbs. or do I need to look for the 450 Chassis? Talking Class C.
Thanks. FP
Class C

9 Replies

  • noe-place's avatar
    noe-place
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2013
    Depends on how many will be travelling and the "goodies" you'll need to carry to support those persons, pets, and if towing. Some MH frames were cut to lengthen them and this caused the tow rating to be reduced so you need to be aware. Good hunting.
  • fighterpilota's avatar
    fighterpilota
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2013
    They look great. Would like to find one with the cab over. Thanks for the reference.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer III
    Oct 13, 2013
    fighterpilota wrote:
    --10,000 the budget, but some flexibility for the right situation.
    Google "Telstar Motor Home". They are well made, offered in just about every B+ floor plan and length between 1986 and 1994, and today they are most often priced under $10,000. Plan on traveling to buy one unless you get real lucky.

    I have seen them with a rear walk-around queen bed, a rear corner double bed, twin beds, and with only conversion beds. I have seen the later model with an entertainment center up top and also with a small double bed up top. Maybe it's a single bed up there.

    Here is an earlier model year


    Here is a later model year
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    see my post on other topic. How far are ya willing to travel, you didnt say if you wanted slide out or not.

    Here are a couple examples just a fast look:

    http://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/4082452167.html

    http://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/4117406049.html

    http://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/4117465320.html
  • dicknellen's avatar
    dicknellen
    Explorer II
    Oct 12, 2013
    You may want to check out Winnebago's model 24V under the Minnie 24V & Chalet 24VR and Itasca Spirit 24V. Under 25' with queen corner bed available in both the E-350 & E-450 chassis. We have the Chalet which are originally sold to the rental market. You can go on www.winnebagoind.com and look older model brochures and specs. These models were in their product line for years so there a lot of them out there. I don't think I would want a E-350 more than 26'. Dick
  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2013
    fighterpilota wrote:
    At least I know the 350 chassis might haul 5000 lb. The determining factor is what does the mfg. say--but at least there is hope that the E350 can do 5000lb with the right hitch/hitch attachment system.

    15,000 will work, in fact looked at, and drove, a Callista Cove 25, Ford Chassis, in great shape for 8500 but it was sold before I could make up my mind. You snooze you loose on those worth the money.
    Thanks


    Why don't you just buy mine ? It has a most of what you were looking for before, although it doesn't have a rear bed. The kitchen is back there. :B
  • fighterpilota's avatar
    fighterpilota
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2013
    At least I know the 350 chassis might haul 5000 lb. The determining factor is what does the mfg. say--but at least there is hope that the E350 can do 5000lb with the right hitch/hitch attachment system.

    15,000 will work, in fact looked at, and drove, a Callista Cove 25, Ford Chassis, in great shape for 8500 but it was sold before I could make up my mind. You snooze you loose on those worth the money. Thanks
  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2013
    My "spare" motor home is 24' long.According to Ford's specs it can tow 7,000#. Coachmen built the MH on the cab and chassis and gave it a 3,500# hitch and a 3.500# tow rating. I had a custom hitch fabricated, which is tied into the main frame. I believe that gets back it's 7,000# tow rating.
    I know you gave up looking a month or so ago with a $20,000 budget. I can't see it working out any better for you with a $10,000 budget.
  • dicknellen's avatar
    dicknellen
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2013
    We had a 2003 E-450 25' chassis Winnebago Minnie that only had a 3500# rating, our 2004 Minnie E-450 29' had 5000# rating and our current 2006 E-350 24' chassis Winnebago has 5000# hitch rating. So you just can't say what you will find by just saying E-350 or E-450. Dick

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