Forum Discussion

p1conroy53's avatar
p1conroy53
Explorer
Apr 18, 2015

Class C choices

Looking for some advice or some personal experiences from current owners. I am close to a decision and just wonder if anyone has had any unfortunate experiences with their Class C; Jayco Grey/RedHawks
or their Class C; Minnie Winnie. I am thinking about a new 31 +/- footers which enables obviously more room but importantly a better kitchen lay out with more counter space. More money yes but the additional space will keep me and wife a bit more "content" on our longer sojourns. We are not inexperienced traveler/campers. We have just been away from it after raising 6 kids and falling in deep with careers. Well, that is all the past for us now and we are anxious to hit the Road again. So, your feedback (any kind of) would be tremendously appreciated. After all the more problems we can avoid up front will certainly lead to a better experience with our choice and happier days on the Road as apposed to the opposite. BTW have anyone used the subscription service RV Consumer Group ? Thanks for your time PAT
Class C
  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2015
    harley-dave wrote:
    Hi, our 31 foot Itasca Sundancer has been nothing but good. Definitely watch the weight. We carry minimal water in tanks, 2 days food and our clothes, grill etc. and we're maxxed on rear axle weight. Keep the tires at 80 PSI front and rear. Tows like a champ, has plenty of counter space. Levelers and 1 slide included. Longer is definitely better as far as livability is concerned. We spend 4-5 months a year in ours. have fun and welcome to the forum...

    Dave


    I would imagine, you would improve your ride, if you dropped your front tire pressures to 65# psi, which is more than enough pressure to support the weight of a maxed out 4,600# rated front axle.
    I have a 2001 31C (which I've never driven) that is much nicer than my almost the same floor planned, newer 31K, although all that "nice"comes with a considerable weight penalty. My 31K has over 3,275# OCCC,while the 31C lists sleeping spaces for 4 154# people equal to 616# and a cargo capacity of 397# for a total of 1,013# OCCC. I don't know the axle weights,
    The 31C is on a 14,050#GVWR chassis, while the 31K is on a 14,500# GVWR chassis, but still there is a big difference in the overall weight. The 31C is also about a foot shorter than the 31K.
  • harley-dave's avatar
    harley-dave
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    Hi, our 31 foot Itasca Sundancer has been nothing but good. Definitely watch the weight. We carry minimal water in tanks, 2 days food and our clothes, grill etc. and we're maxxed on rear axle weight. Keep the tires at 80 PSI front and rear. Tows like a champ, has plenty of counter space. Levelers and 1 slide included. Longer is definitely better as far as livability is concerned. We spend 4-5 months a year in ours. have fun and welcome to the forum...

    Dave
  • p1conroy53's avatar
    p1conroy53
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    Rick, Goodie R
    Thanks for this info

    Rick I have read about the Axle weight stuff. Admittedly I have always been a bit confused about the GVW, GVWR, etc. I have always asked the sales people about it and none of them can explain it. I did pick up from the RV Consumer web site that there's something about the problems going longer on the As & the Cs.. They have come up with a ratio on overall length vs wheel base should not exceed 53% or the vehicle will be more difficult to handle. I have also read where in some cases after looking at the GW... and some options that there is not enough for payload. You can bet I will ask the questions

    Goodie, Yes another consideration is making the wife comfortable behind the wheel. The Cl As just freak her out and so another reason for the C. Have a great trip touring

    Pat
  • Gooding__R's avatar
    Gooding__R
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    We have a 2009 Coachmen Concord 275 with 2 slides , diesel on the E-450. We have been looking at a 2015 Concord 300DS because of the counter space on that model. The new Concords have several new features we do not have on our 2009. The 2015 has a leveling system that we do not have on our 2009. The 300TS with 3 slides has a very small kitchen area. If we go with this model we will get the new Triton V-10 gas. Only me and the bride so we have lots of space to get comfee and not have to worry about crowding each other. Over the past 40 years we have owned TT, class A and class C , we prefer the class c's because if I get sick or hurt the wife can drive me home from anywhere in the country. Leaving tomorrow for a round the USA tour for about 8 weeks.
  • Rick_Jay's avatar
    Rick_Jay
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2015
    Hi, welcome to the forums! :)

    Before you buy anything, know the weight on the front and rear axles and compare to the axle ratings so you'll know how much "stuff" you can put in it. Better to know before you buy than after. The longer rigs tend to push the rear axle weight capacities. Do NOT believe manufacturer or dealer cargo carrying capacity. Get it weighed. Good Luck.

    ~Rick

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