I am writing this post for the benefit of people who are lurking on this site and plan to begin traveling in an RV. We have 10 years of experience with a true Class B and more recently, a B+ (no longer than a B). Since we started RVing , two couple friends of ours bought big Class A motor homes and have started traveling towing a car behind them, so we also have the benefit of observing their experience.People who travel in big RV’s think that RVing in a Class B is pretty much the same deal, except that we squeeze ourselves into a tiny space. This is a BIG misconception.If you want to travel around the US and Canada, a small RV is the way to go for many people, and offers many advantages over a big motor home or trailer. I will explain this in a series of posts beginning with this one.First, a Class B van conversion is superior mechanically to a big motor home. Why? Class B’s and small C’s are built on a chassis 100% engineered and built by a major manufacturer like Ford, GM, or Mercedes. In contrast, the big Class A’s are cobbled up from components they buy from someone else or make themselves, like drive shafts, axles, brakes, etc. Quality varies from pretty good to junk. It is sad to see people fork over a big chunk of their life savings to pursue the dream of seeing America and find out they have bought a lemon. Take a look at the Class A forum and see for yourself. A Class B owner is at least assured of a safe, reliable vehicle. Our friends have motor homes made in Alabama and have made many trips there to get them fixed. Give me a break!Details to follow.

No you're just plain wrong sir! Most Class A's are built on purpose built chassis systems manufactured by major manufacturers such as Ford, Workhorse, Freightliner, Spartan, Roadmaster, etc. The body, now that's a different story. What the heck!!! Right off the bat too. Too much coffee today?

So that we can read your "series of posts beginning with this one" with more more understanding, do you have any qualifications other than "10 years of experience with a true Class B and more recently, a B+?" And particularly discuss your Class A knowledge. Education, degrees, profession etc. would be helpful. What basis do you have to assert "cobbling up" parts?

I guess you are referring to Tiffin in Alabama. They do build their own chassis for some models but it was not cobbled together. They had the design developed by a company with engineers that had extensive experience designing diesel motorhomes. Issues with the chassis is not typically the reason owners travel back to the factory service center. Spartan, Freightliner, and Ford provide most of the Class A chassis for the industry and all 3 are very good at what they do. Again, chassis issues are not that common but the rest of the motorhome build can vary from great to horrid....

I think you were on the right track until you got to "First". As a small class C owner, I agree that it's not just a matter of squeezing yourself into a smaller space. However, I don't think a class A is not as good as a class B or small class C, I just think it's different strokes for different folks. Buy what works for you and don't worry about the others.

Class B vs. A 1.0 - Mechanical | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 06, 2017
MyRoadtrek, I took OP's post seriously and looked forward to reviewing the basis for his opinions. So far he has no basis, no facts, no evidence, He doesn't even indicate he has ever owned an A...but he has an opinion on A's because two friends bought one..."cobbled" together. At least those who profess to hate "China Bomb" tires owned them and had a blow out, separation or something first hand. I don't know much about A's and believe now OP has nothing to teach me.
My_Roadtrek
Explorer
May 05, 2017
He posted yesterday. Why don't you try posting something constructive.:S
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 05, 2017
OP has gone silent running again.
RespondingBack
Explorer
May 03, 2017
1. Mechanic/Repair Availability

The more mass-produced vehicle will probably have a larger network of possible repair places.

Also, smaller size allows more repair shops to handle.

2. Parts Availability

Ditto

3. Costs of Repairs and Parts

Ditto

4. Safety tested, airbags, etc.

Vans will likely have an edge over Class A motorhomes. Airbags, electronic stability, crosswinds, etc.

Exception: Class A motorhomes built on a touring coach or bus (e.g, Prevost) will have an integrated body and chassis, and may have many safety features.

Years ago (haven't checked recently), RV.org favored Class C motorhomes over Class A motorhomes (non-Prevost type) as the Class Cs used a full-size van front. Many Class A motorhomes back then had inadequate front protection.

5. Handling

Many Class As had too long bodies (same was true of some 15 passenger vans).

Some Class As on Prevost type platforms can perform better than vans.

Vans are closer is size to a large SUV, and thus easier to drive.

--------

Obviously, Class A motorhomes have their own advantages.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 03, 2017
"I think the problem was that the way the OP states it, he's saying that no one should buy a large RV..." and his friend had some issues. Still nothing but his friend's problems.....therefore...unsubstantiated opinion from a third party that doesn't even know the current RV issue of his friend. Talk about "cobbling"...oh my!
Ductape
Explorer
May 03, 2017
Sounds like a case of trying to justify spending too much on a van.

Snopes would brand the OP "False".
toedtoes
Explorer III
May 03, 2017
I think the problem was that the way the OP states it, he's saying that no one should buy a large RV because it's inherently inferior for a myriad of reasons (which he still has to share with us).

Some people want a big space, some people want a class A style, and so on.

One isn't inherently better than the other - it's a matter of choice.
folivier
Explorer
May 03, 2017
Wow! I at least was interested in what the OP had to say rather than jumping all over him for his opinions.
We've had 3 class A's, 1 National and 2 Newells. Now we're searching for a 23' to 27' class B+/C for shorter travels in more remote areas.
Guess what? they all had problems. Even the Newells. But if Newell made the size we're looking for I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one.
So can we get back on track and discuss the differences between getting a B/C repaired vs. an A?
I'm looking for a domestic chassis rather than the MB for these same differences. Same reason I bought a Mustang convertible rather than a foreign model. I can get it fixed anywhere.
Now let the games continue....
jjson775
Explorer
May 03, 2017
Our friends with the Tiffin are leaving in 3 weeks to Minnesota and Canada from our home town near Houston TX. They have to stop on the way in Red Bay AL first for more repairs. He hasn't told me what it is this time. As I understand it, you have to wait in line as much as a week to get the work done. I think I'll pass..
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 03, 2017
"Sure, some of the big class A's are built on quality platforms but they are just not as reliable as vans that are commercial vehicles used as ambulances, airport shuttles, delivery vans, etc."

You aren't even sure of your one example..."it was a suspension or axle problem, as I remember."

Other than "one of our friends," what are the facts that lead you to this conclusion? Personal in depth study? AAA article? DOT studies?

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