Hi Everyone, I just joined the site tonight in hoping someone can help me answer questions. I am looking at purchasing my first RV, I am undecided on whether or not to buy a Class A or C. I have a wife and two teen daughters that live with my ex wife but I get them every summer, we were talking about going to different places next summer so I thought it would be fun to buy a used RV to do so. what are the advantages and disadvantages of owning either. most of the class A I looked at all have the 454 ci engine, when did fuel injection come out for these. is there a huge mpg difference between carbed and fuel injected, is there a huge mpg difference between class A and class C. I am very comfortable driving large vehicles as I teach tractor trailer and highway coach bus for the Canadian military and I am a volunteer driver at our volunteer fire dept. Thanks in advance for the replies and or comments, I look forward to exploring.

You're question is sort of difficult answer with no information about what you're wants and needs are.As far as advice, I would start with floor plans, look at as many as you can find and you will start to notice the similarities and differences, there is only so much you can do in 45 feet or less.Once you get a handle on what you like/need/want in a floor plan then set a budget and go from there.

I don't really have much in the way of wants and needs, sleeps 6 is at the top of the list, fridge, stove, and so on.

Welcome to the forums. Not sure how a wife and two teens = 6? Only Elmsdale I find is in NS so can I assume 6-8 week trips? What is your budget? The more info you give us the better we can answer your questions.

maybe renting one of each for a few days would help you decide?...

Hi and Welcome Trucker677,I surely understand where you are coming from and your questions. What I am going to share is of coarse "Just My Option".#1 - Carb or EFI?Multi-port fuel injection is far superior for a multitude of reasons.a) carbs get damaged with today's fuels, the 15% ethanol being the culpritb) EFI is more fuel efficientc) EFI has much better drivabilityd) EFI offers more power given identical enginese) EFI is more reliableI would rule out every carbureted RV. I say this because I nursed one along for 24 years, and grit my teeth at the thought of doing it again.#2 - A or C?Plain & simple, 4 people will be much more comfortable in a class C. The cab-over bed offers the free space for the extra two people to sleep. No fuss, no messing around with set-up and tear-down of beds & bedding. The largest of class A's are typically designed around two people living comfortably.#3 - A or C for Reliability and safety?Class Cs are production vans with all mechanical things made and crash tests the same as a car. Not so with class A's. Especially the older ones, they are made like kit cars. Quality is very poor. They often suffer from severe corrosion too. Home-made brackets and such are often rusted away up in the northern areas of the country. HVAC & instrumentation is constructed and wired very poorly.If considering a class C, What To Consider?You expressed interest in a older rig. I highly recommend you look at rigs built on something not older than a 1996 GM or a 1998 Ford to get close to current day chassis & drive train technology & fuel efficiency.Here is something I put together and post when someone like you ask such questions.The best of luck in your research and getting that sweet rig for the family to create so many great memories.Ron---------------------------------------------New, used, or well used, when shopping for any conventional class-C, the most important consideration is how it is constructed. This post outlines construction methods which are most affordable and methods that cost more, but are built to hold up much better to the elements and the punishment of road motion.Some motor home manufactures offer different levels of quality through their various model lines. Instead of providing a list of brands to consider, it is best to identify what "Better" is.When shopping for a motor home, don't get distracted with what I call "Eye Candy" or "Square Footage". You want to pay close attention to how the house is constructed. Water infiltration is the number one killer of motor homes, rotting them away long before anything is worn out. Once water gets inside, it is like termites. By the time you realize there is a problem, a lot of damage has already occurred. Also consider that mold & mildew can grow inside the walls which then you have a health hazard. My advise focuses on identifying a reliably well sealed motor home.#1 BEST (Very Expensive, Can Be 1.75 to 2 times the cost of Second Best)NO structural seam work. The brand Coach House is a fine example. It is seamless, made from a mold. The only places where water can leak is cutouts for windows, entry door, roof-top vents & a/c unit, storage compartments & maintenance access, all of which are in areas of very low stress. Because they have a seamless shell, these motor homes have a limited selection of sizes.#2 SECOND BESTCommon, Affordable, & comes in Many Sizes so this is my main focusI own an example of this type. My Rig Here manufactured by Phoenix USA.Made in sections, but assembled in a way that greatly reduces the threat of water. Here are the good things you want to look for.a) Structural Seams Away From CornersWhen a motor home is driven, the house bounces, resonates, shakes, and leans, many thousands of times, representing a series of extended continuous earthquakes. Corner seams see greater stresses than seams located elsewhere. Corner seams are more easily split, especially when the caulk gets brittle with age & exposure to the sun. One extremely bad bump in the road can instantly breach a corner seam. Seams hold up much better when they are brought in from the corners in lower stressed areas.b) A Seamless Over-The-Van Front CapA huge bed above the van’s roof is the most vulnerable area of a motor home. No matter how well they are made, that long frontal over-hang resonates when the RV is driven. It is common for seams to split there, most troublesome with age & exposure to the elements. The small front aerodynamic cap of a B+ design eliminates the overhang which eliminates most of the resonation, along with most seam work.There are a few conventional “C” Designs (big over-van bed) where that area is seamless. If you absolutely must have that huge bed, then look for a seamless bucket-like design. Born Free offers a seamless bucket design as seen in This Model. Winnebago's View Here is another fine example. Some manufactures as of late offer a partial bucket design with fewer seams located in less-stressed areas. Some manufacture models like the Minnie Winnie applies a compromising partial bucket design, making it a better choice compared to a fully seamed cab-over bed.If you plan to accommodate more than 2 people, having that large extra cab-over bed will be extremely useful.c) A Crowned RoofRain and snow melt runs off a crowned roof. A flat roof will sag over time, then water puddles around heavy roof-top items like the a/c unit. Water eventually finds it's way inside after gaskets & caulk have degraded from age, sun, and change in seasons.d) Rolled-Over-The-Edge seamless Fiberglass Roof SheathingA single sheet of fiberglass that rolls over the right & left sides of the roof, down the wall a few inches. The fiberglass sheathing holds up better than roofs made of sheet rubber or thin plastic called TPO, which require more attention to keep your RV well protected.e) A Five Sided Rear Wall CapA five sided back wall moves the seams around to the sides to areas of much less stress. Some rear wall sections are constructed with an integrated spare tire compartment and rear storage compartment. Not only are they convenience features, but it offers a solid double-wall for exceptional strength which is more resistant to flexing adjoining seam work.Potentially Troublesome ConstructionEntry level motor homes are made with seams in corners and finished off with trim, including the massive cab-over bed. Their roof is flat and finished with rubber or TPO. They are most affordable, and come in all sizes. HERE is one such example. If considering this construction type, keep in-mind they require more regular care with bi-annual inspections. Plan to use a caulking gun now and then. When buying a used one, consider that you really don't know how well the previous owner maintained it. Buying new or used, that construction method will be counting on you to be a good non-neglectful owner.There are also rare exception like the Lazy Daze which has seam work in the corners, but the substructure and sealing method is of the highest quality that it holds up like a seamless body. It's excellent sectional construction methods are not commonly found in other brands. I am no expert on this, but I'd give it a #1.5 Almost Like BestAbout The ChassisThe most popular is the Ford E-Series with the V10 engine. The Sprinter diesel is a popular alternative to the E350 in the smaller sizes. The GM chassis is not popular, but is a very good choice for the right application. Any of those three brands since 1998 are real good, new or used. If you plan to tow a car or heavy trailer, be aware that the Sprinter is the least powered chassis. People who tow with a Sprinter, take it slower.If considering a recent “small” class B+/C motor home, here is a comparison between the two main contenders, the Sprinter with the V6 diesel engine and the Ford E350 with the V10 gasoline engine. Advantages Of The Sprinter With Diesel Engine- Offers a 35% improvement in fuel economy over the Ford-V10, when both are loaded and driven identically.- More ergonomic driver compartment with more leg room.- Comfort continues with a car-like feel & quiet ride.- A grander view out the windshield- Made by Mercedes which people are attracted to.Advantages Of The Ford E350 with V10 Engine- Given identical motor homes both brand and model, the Ford is around $13,000 MSRP cheaper- The Ford V10 engine has 50% more horse power and torque- The Ford E350 chassis handles 1430 pounds more weight.- The E350 is able to tow a heavier load.- The E350 rear axle is significantly wider which translates to better stability.- In most places traveled, gasoline costs less than diesel fuel- The Sprinter diesel has limited mechanical service shops around North America- The Sprinter diesel is typically outfitted with a propane generator. Propane is a critical fuel for RV operations, and generally needs to be rationed when dry camping.- This Next Point Is Debatable But Still Worth Noting....The V6 Sprinter diesel engine is not allowed to idle for extended periods. This limitation is detrimental when you need a/c but there are generator restrictions or you are dangerously low on propane, or you have a mechanical failure with the generator or roof a/c. The Ford V10 can safely idle for hours on end, heating, cooling, and battery charging, all valuable if you have a baby, pets, or health/respiratory issues.You decide what your priorities are, and pick the appropriate chassis. There are some really sweet motor homes being built exclusively on the Sprinter chassis, such as the Winnebago Via, View and View Profile. Others like Phoenix USA build their model 2350 and 2400 on both the Sprinter and Ford E350. They will even build it on the heaviest duty E450 upon request for a nominal fee. People who request an E450 for a small motor home, tow heavier things like for example, a multi-horse trailer. You can even special order a E350 & E450 4x4.There is so much cool stuff offered in recent years, and even more anticipated with the upcoming Ford T-Series chassis. The general public hopes it will become available for the RV industry. It is kind-of like a Sprinter in size and fuel economy, but hopeful to be much more affordable and easier to get serviced.The Chevy 3500/4500 ChassisI do not understand why this chassis is not more popular. It offers more interior comfort than the Ford, but not as much as the Sprinter. It's power & weight ratings are a little less than their Ford counter-parts making them a great chassis for all but the heaviest of class Cs. They are also a little better on fuel consumption. One thing to keep in-mind, if you are counting inches to store your rig, the Chevy adds an additional 6" to the front bumper compared to the Ford. I learned that researching rigs that could fit in my 25'-0" deep garage. By default, the Ford gave me 6" more to work with. If you examine my motor home in my garage HERE, you will see our Ford E350 is quite tight already. That could be some of the reason why the Chevy offers a little more interior driver/passenger space.Engine Power Ratings of Ford, Sprinter, & ChevyFord - 6.8L-V10, 305hp, 420ftSprinter Diesel - 3.0L-V6, 188hp, 325ftChevy - 6.0L-V8, 323hp, 373ft

Class A or C, that is the question | Good Sam Community

trucker677
Explorer
Sep 08, 2014
I never knew anything abot them until I read all the replies, i am sure I don't know everything on them yet but I know what to look out for when I am buying one. I will keep everyone posted on when I buy one. If anyone ever travels up to the maritime provinces send me an email or let me know in advance I will give you my number in case you run into trouble on the road. I can give you an in depth tour of halifax and its history. I was a security guard at a museum almost 20 years ago and they had a lot of books, night shift sucks. lol. Even if you break down call me.
Ballenxj
Explorer II
Sep 08, 2014
Well this has been an informative and fun thread to read. I never realized that a class C had so much going for it, especially the part about never having to sit in the sun. ;)
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2014
trucker677 wrote:
The only thing I can see going wrong with the ford is the exhaust manifolds. prone to crack.
This problem went away when Ford replaced that engine with the Triton series, introduced in 1997. I really feel you should consider a Ford chassis with a Triton engine and also rear disk brakes. My brother owns a 1998 E350 with Triton V10 RV with rear drum brakes. It's all about adjusting for optimized stopping power.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Sep 07, 2014
Product Ideas:

Somebody should produce an impartial DVD aimed at persons who are thinking of getting into RV'ing. The various forms of campers, travel trailers, Class A, B, and C motorhomes and their main advantages and disadvantages should be described.The advantages and disadvantages of short vs longer motorhomes and towing of vehicles vs not towing should be covered. The safety aspects of driving Class C's vs A's including tires, brakes and urban and mountain driving should be covered. A separate DVD with sections describing basic operation and maintenance of RV's including the house battery and charging system, fresh water system, holding tanks, appliances and propane supply and awning would be good.
_en_Plain_Air_
Explorer
Sep 07, 2014
Safety difference were important to us (the C being safer).
Healeyman
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
To ME, the biggest difference between a Class A and a Class C is that with the front overhang of my Class C, no matter what direction I drive and no matter what time of day it is, I NEVER have to sit in the sun!

Tim
littlemo
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
trucker677 wrote:
littlemo wrote:
I don't think there is a lot of difference in gas mileage. Enjoy!

do you mean between a class A and C, or carbed vs fi

Yes, thank you. I mean between A and C. I don't know any thing about carbed vs fi.LOL
map40
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
trucker677 wrote:
littlemo wrote:
I don't think there is a lot of difference in gas mileage. Enjoy!

do you mean between a class A and C, or carbed vs fi

Carb vs EFI make a diference. Overdrive vs no overdrive also make a difference. Class A vs Class C makes no difference for me. To similar weight and size, same fuel consumption.
map40
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
trucker677 wrote:
after reading posts on the class A and the class C I am leaning more and more towards the class c for sure. I am leaning towards the fords, there is a lot of good articles on the mpg on all three top contenders. the only thing I can see going wrong with the ford is the exhaust manifolds. prone to crack. I think I would probably put headers on it and open the exhaust a bit anyway and keep the heat away. now I just need to narrow down the brand names to go with and to stay away from.

I have done more than 200K miles in motorhomes. Currently mine have 150K anbd 125K. The only one I had problems with was a class A. I believe that the maniforld warping is due to temp shock, class C have much less of a problem with it.
trucker677
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014
littlemo wrote:
I don't think there is a lot of difference in gas mileage. Enjoy!

do you mean between a class A and C, or carbed vs fi