My wife and I recently started doing our research and looking at some RV's. We eliminated travel trailers (due to lack of tow vehicle) and recently been doing a lot of research on Class A motorhomes, and will be looking at some this weekend. With that said, I think we haven't given the Class C's a proper look. Being that it's our first RV, we're thinking it could be better on our budget. We expect to look at some of the following models:Thor FreedomThor Four WindsThor ChateauMinnie WinnieThese just happen to be the brands that are carried at the dealerships we're going to. We're looking for something about 30ft +/- a few feet. Must have at least one slide and must have dinette and sofa. We'd also be looking at models that fall between the $90-100k range (MSRP) I also have a few questions and hoping some of you may have some insight.1- Are there any brands or models that are typically reccomended and others to stay away from? Winnie is always highly regarded with the A models, does the same go with the Cs?2 - My research (and experience when helping my parents purchase their RV) shows that Class A RV's art typically marked up about 30-35%. Can I expect this same type of markup with a Class C?3- Are there any significant differences that I can expect between a Class C and a Class A? For instance options like generators, leveling jacks, etc. Any insight would be appreciated!

If you don't have experience RVing, I would strongly recommend looking at used units first. There are many things that are really only learned by experience, and the depreciation on new RVs is quite steep, so figuring out what you really want and need can be very costly if you initially buy new.Probably somewhere around 30% off MSRP is not uncommon for most class C's, as I understand it. It varies by brand and dealer and so forth.Class A's typically are built on a bit heavier duty chassis than class C's, so often a class A will have a bit bigger tanks and additional features. As to basic equipment, though, there are not many differences. Leveling jacks are perhaps less common on class C's. Generators, appliances, and general systems are largely the same between lower-end class A's and class C's. (Fancy diesel pushers are in a rather different category altogether, of course.)Frequently, many class A's are set up more for a couple while many class C's are set up for a family. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule; there are plenty of exceptions on either side.

We purchased the Thor Chateau 31E and love it. That thing is loaded with options. It has automatic leveling, electric awning, generator, and lots more. Good luck on your search.

I bought my first RV in 99 and did not have the benefit of the internet. I asked questions, lots of questions. Unfortunately all the wrong ones! The Gulfstream I bought was one of the worst MH ever produced and I got rid of it within a year!If you are not familiar with GVWR, do a Google search. This will tell you how much payload you can carry. ie the difference between what the rig weights and what it is rated at, how much stuff you can carry including gasoline and water and people. How big a toad you can pull.Wheel base ratio will be the next learning experience, If the RV is too long for the wheelbase, it will handle terrible, least bit of wind and I had to pull over with mine. No wonder it was so low miles it was horrible to drive!I am grateful I bought a used one, I was able to get out of it without taking a big loss. HTH Jim

dtoste77 wrote:My wife and I recently started doing our research and looking at some RV's. We eliminated travel trailers (due to lack of tow vehicle) and recently been doing a lot of research on Class A motorhomes, and will be looking at some this weekend. With that said, I think we haven't given the Class C's a proper look. Being that it's our first RV, we're thinking it could be better on our budget. We expect to look at some of the following models:Thor FreedomThor Four WindsThor ChateauMinnie WinnieThese just happen to be the brands that are carried at the dealerships we're going to. We're looking for something about 30ft +/- a few feet. Must have at least one slide and must have dinette and sofa. We'd also be looking at models that fall between the $90-100k range (MSRP) I also have a few questions and hoping some of you may have some insight.1- Are there any brands or models that are typically reccomended and others to stay away from? Winnie is always highly regarded with the A models, does the same go with the Cs?2 - My research (and experience when helping my parents purchase their RV) shows that Class A RV's art typically marked up about 30-35%. Can I expect this same type of markup with a Class C?3- Are there any significant differences that I can expect between a Class C and a Class A? For instance options like generators, leveling jacks, etc. Any insight would be appreciated!Question 1; visit this thread and ron.dittmer explanantion of Class C's and quality mfg'ers.Click hereQuestion 2 - Yes new Class C's and for most part all RV types have the mark-up pricing games. Question 3 - Options no, setup & frames, yes.....Keep searching many threads on Class C vs. Class A, many threads on opinions on best rigs, etc....Good luck and get out there make lasting adventures.Markiemark:CPS: I have a Forest River product (Sunseeker), like the fit & finish inside, fiberglass roof, and I had great suppoort for Forest River on supportting their product with customers, (have a had a few warranty work (accessory)).

Hi,If I had the bucks this is the Class C I would buy.http://www.lazydaze.com/

Class C Manufacturer Recommendations | Good Sam Community

jjrbus
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
I bought my first RV in 99 and did not have the benefit of the internet. I asked questions, lots of questions. Unfortunately all the wrong ones! The Gulfstream I bought was one of the worst MH ever produced and I got rid of it within a year!

If you are not familiar with GVWR, do a Google search. This will tell you how much payload you can carry. ie the difference between what the rig weights and what it is rated at, how much stuff you can carry including gasoline and water and people. How big a toad you can pull.

Wheel base ratio will be the next learning experience, If the RV is too long for the wheelbase, it will handle terrible, least bit of wind and I had to pull over with mine. No wonder it was so low miles it was horrible to drive!

I am grateful I bought a used one, I was able to get out of it without taking a big loss.
HTH Jim
stew9483
Explorer
Nov 11, 2015
We purchased the Thor Chateau 31E and love it. That thing is loaded with options. It has automatic leveling, electric awning, generator, and lots more. Good luck on your search.
DrewE
Explorer II
Nov 11, 2015
If you don't have experience RVing, I would strongly recommend looking at used units first. There are many things that are really only learned by experience, and the depreciation on new RVs is quite steep, so figuring out what you really want and need can be very costly if you initially buy new.

Probably somewhere around 30% off MSRP is not uncommon for most class C's, as I understand it. It varies by brand and dealer and so forth.

Class A's typically are built on a bit heavier duty chassis than class C's, so often a class A will have a bit bigger tanks and additional features. As to basic equipment, though, there are not many differences. Leveling jacks are perhaps less common on class C's. Generators, appliances, and general systems are largely the same between lower-end class A's and class C's. (Fancy diesel pushers are in a rather different category altogether, of course.)

Frequently, many class A's are set up more for a couple while many class C's are set up for a family. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule; there are plenty of exceptions on either side.

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