Class C Motorhome
We are looking to buy a new 2018 Class C. So far we have looked at a Conquest 25 ft. We've also looked at the Thor Freedom Elite 29FE and a 28Z, also a Jayco 26XD Redhawk. Out of these we really liked...
Forum Discussion
We have a Jayco that is VERY entry level, and has been discontinued. Most of our problems have been original owner neglect vs. actual Jayco problems. Redhawk is now their entry level, but they seem to have upgraded it from what we have. That makes its "appointments" nicer than ours. J-Ride is a step up in ride and handling, something either Ford/Chev or RV builders should do. Still, it's made up of upgrades that an owner can add. And at a very modest cost if they can DIY the job.
Any way you cut it, the Thor coach belongs at the bottom of the list.
Anytime you can get a fiberglass roof, it's better than "rubber" but how much better depends on how it's been implemented. By that, I mean that if it is not 1. Crowned for runoff and 2. Wrapped over edges, it has the same seams to leak that rubber does.
Personally, I think a fiberglass front end cap is more valuable than a fiberglass roof from a durability and leak prevention standpoint.
I liked the 2860 suggestion and looked it up. Started with floor plan and wondered how they got all that in a 28-footer. They didn't. It's a 31 with a 28 name. Going to specs, I'm concerned about wheelbase. The "as built" weight will suggest carrying capacity, which the broshure calls 1800 pounds for the Chevy version. OK, but the 203" wheelbase suggests to me that it might be rear heavy and front light. Only way to learn the individual (front and rear) axle loading is to go weigh the coach or get the info from somebody who has one and weighed it. If you go look at a new one, try to include getting scale weights. You'll have to guess at how loading will affect it, but on ours, most loading (except pilot and bombardier/navigator) tends to be near the rear axle.
To give you an idea about weight and wheelbase, our GVWR is 14050, closer to Chevy's 14200 than newer Ford's 14500. Our front axle is at 4600 on a 4600 rating and rear at 9200 on a 9450 rating. But our wheelbase is 218, over a foot longer than the 2860. That's the basis for my concern and suggestion you weigh it.
Any way you cut it, the Thor coach belongs at the bottom of the list.
Anytime you can get a fiberglass roof, it's better than "rubber" but how much better depends on how it's been implemented. By that, I mean that if it is not 1. Crowned for runoff and 2. Wrapped over edges, it has the same seams to leak that rubber does.
Personally, I think a fiberglass front end cap is more valuable than a fiberglass roof from a durability and leak prevention standpoint.
I liked the 2860 suggestion and looked it up. Started with floor plan and wondered how they got all that in a 28-footer. They didn't. It's a 31 with a 28 name. Going to specs, I'm concerned about wheelbase. The "as built" weight will suggest carrying capacity, which the broshure calls 1800 pounds for the Chevy version. OK, but the 203" wheelbase suggests to me that it might be rear heavy and front light. Only way to learn the individual (front and rear) axle loading is to go weigh the coach or get the info from somebody who has one and weighed it. If you go look at a new one, try to include getting scale weights. You'll have to guess at how loading will affect it, but on ours, most loading (except pilot and bombardier/navigator) tends to be near the rear axle.
To give you an idea about weight and wheelbase, our GVWR is 14050, closer to Chevy's 14200 than newer Ford's 14500. Our front axle is at 4600 on a 4600 rating and rear at 9200 on a 9450 rating. But our wheelbase is 218, over a foot longer than the 2860. That's the basis for my concern and suggestion you weigh it.
