Best Class C for the money

The most reliable C is the one that has been maintained (used) or will be maintained (new).

"Don't need advice on what to post" Yes you do!

Lately my wife and I have been looking at Class A's, but are also looking at B's and B+ models (we've owned an A, a B, and a C in the past).

As for the B's and B+ models, we're narrowing our search to those built on a Mercedes Sprinter or a Ford Transit chassis.

After doing a lot of research, we are avoiding those built on "Ram" Promaster chassis' like the plague. Why? The Ram Promaster chassis is a FIAT, pure and simple, through and through . . . and those chassis' have had abysmal reliability and build quality issues (much like Fiat automobiles), especially in commercial use.

Of course, you'll want to do your own due diligence, but I just thought I'd share what we found out as a result of our research.

Best of luck to you in your search!

We are looking for the most reliable Class C out there

IMO, they all have issues. Doesn't much matter which brand you buy, just buy what you need. A good dealer willing to help you resolve issues and prevent future ones will be a better solution than trying to find a certain brand.

Reliable ones are the ones that get regularly maintained. Anytime an rv mfg pokes a hole in an rv is a potential leak source.

The more bells and whistles you add will lessen reliability. Keep it simple or learn how to repair this stuff yourself. That means you'll need the storage space to carry tools.

The inexpensive 12v motors and attached hardware that control slides, awnings and electric steps are susceptible to malfunction. Fancy digital circuitry is what it is, when it works its fine but when it doesn't …..you'll be digging out your tools.
The appliances are basically the same in rvs and have there own warranties.

You already have done your share of homework, I would decide on a floorplan with a towing capacity to handle whatever vehicle you plan to tow.

If you do not need the large cabovers extra storage then choose a floorplan with a low profile cabover. You'll appreciate it in crosswinds.

If you plan to extend your season and venture in colder climates then you need to find a floorplan with the water tanks and lines that are run through the interior. The shower assembly should be on an interior wall as well for cold weather use.

Reliable meaning what. The Ford v-10 is widely used and very strong drive train. The "house" portion uses components that are similar, it depends on how they are installed.
As far as the overhead bunk, I chose to go with the B+ plus as they call it. No front bunk but an entertainment center instead. For 2 of us we don't need the extra space. Front bunks tend to leak I hear. I purchased a Itasca Cambria, 2009. Very pleased with it's service after 5 years of ownership, purchased pre owned from original owner.

Personally I would not purchase new nor used from a dealer as they come from repos and auctions and who knows their repair history. Original owners with documented repair histories is my goal.

I have worked on motorhomes valued at 50K up to 750K and I can say this, they all come with issues. If you are handy and repair items as they come ,and they will, you should have many years of trouble free service. If you anticipate trouble free travels that's not going to happen.

best out there ? quality look at born free there well made. also liesure travel van very well built.

billy1davis wrote:
Yes we will need sleeping quarters and for just the two of us and most of our usage is travelling. Yes will need a toad.

Then get a B+ with a main floor double or queen bed. Main floor twin beds are also very popular. They all come in many different lengths from 24 to 32 feet long. Our rear corner double bed is under 24 feet long. It is tight sleeping but we manage well with it. We also tow a Jeep Liberty. Click on my signature if you are curious.

Don't need advice on what to post or expect but thanks any way.
I do appreciate the info posted otherwise.
Yes we will need sleeping quarters and for just the two of us and most of our usage is travelling.
Yes will need a toad.

If you're looking for another "this is it" opinion, you're wasting your time, as you said you've already "digested those results". You're not going to get much different results on here, or anywhere else, than what you've already seen. No earth shattering revelations are likely to come.
Just pick one, based on your research, and get out there.

How many people? Do you plan on pulling toad? How much time on the road?

Do you "Require" the sleeping quarters above the driver area? If not, then narrow your selection to the B+. With a few rare exceptions, the cab-over bed (as they are called) of a conventional class C are most troublesome with regards to water infiltration. That would be the single biggest "reliability" issue concerning the house itself.

About the chassis, Chevy, Ford, Mercedes, they are all reliable.