Class C vs 5er - Family of 4-5
So, after several years of not RVing, we have decided that now is the time to return to RVing. We reside in SoCal.
Travel plans: primarily SoCal with some trips to AZ, Utah, NV and other destinations within 1-2 days of driving one way. Typically trips will be 2-5 days 3-5 times per year (when kids are off school). We may take one longer trip for two weeks in the summer. Would love to see more of our great country when time allows; perhaps a trip to the south in one of our two week summer trips.
We are a family of 5: Me (age 52) DW (age 47), DS(age 10-with Autism); DS (age 15); one furry friend (mini Schnauzer) Granny may accompany on occasions.
We have owned 2 TT (24', 32'); one 5er (30'); and one Class A ('89 Bounder with 460).
We have mowed over the cost/benefit/usage/comfort/maintenance analysis of TT, 5er, Class C, and Class A until we reached paralysis! Sometimes the analysis doesn't come out in favor of economic efficiency....but comfort, safety, and enjoyment are priceless when your kids are getting older (and parents are getting older too) and the time you have with them is limited. Our 10yo will probably be with us until we can longer care for him and he will join us on ALL adventures well into the future!
Towables are great but not sure our kids will like the trips when we travel 1-2 days to get to our destination. Riding in a crew cab truck for 1-2 full days is not that comfortable with 4-5 adults and a dog! Our previous experience has been on local 1 week trips but driving has never been longer than 3-4 hours one way.
So, now, we are considering a Class C (gas) and hope that this will be the rig that will meet our needs as described above. Class C provides more sleeping room and a little less expensive to maintain (tires, brakes).
Some have suggested that we go 5er and crew cab pick up... but the idea of longer trips sitting in the truck for hours doesn't sound so good for our kids. Also, my truck (see sig) is in great shape with 60K original miles, it is still 24 years old. 15yo loves the idea of the class C over the A as it provides a sleeping area that is not the couch! New/newer truck and a 5er would be well over $45K.
What can I expect to pay for insurance for the Class C, say 2004-2008 models?
What can be shared from the more experienced here on this forum? Based on our family size, intended use, etc.....what are lengths, slides or no slides, floor plans, brands, etc., to be considered or on our short list? Budget of about $25-$30K
Thanks in advance!
Travel plans: primarily SoCal with some trips to AZ, Utah, NV and other destinations within 1-2 days of driving one way. Typically trips will be 2-5 days 3-5 times per year (when kids are off school). We may take one longer trip for two weeks in the summer. Would love to see more of our great country when time allows; perhaps a trip to the south in one of our two week summer trips.
We are a family of 5: Me (age 52) DW (age 47), DS(age 10-with Autism); DS (age 15); one furry friend (mini Schnauzer) Granny may accompany on occasions.
We have owned 2 TT (24', 32'); one 5er (30'); and one Class A ('89 Bounder with 460).
We have mowed over the cost/benefit/usage/comfort/maintenance analysis of TT, 5er, Class C, and Class A until we reached paralysis! Sometimes the analysis doesn't come out in favor of economic efficiency....but comfort, safety, and enjoyment are priceless when your kids are getting older (and parents are getting older too) and the time you have with them is limited. Our 10yo will probably be with us until we can longer care for him and he will join us on ALL adventures well into the future!
Towables are great but not sure our kids will like the trips when we travel 1-2 days to get to our destination. Riding in a crew cab truck for 1-2 full days is not that comfortable with 4-5 adults and a dog! Our previous experience has been on local 1 week trips but driving has never been longer than 3-4 hours one way.
So, now, we are considering a Class C (gas) and hope that this will be the rig that will meet our needs as described above. Class C provides more sleeping room and a little less expensive to maintain (tires, brakes).
Some have suggested that we go 5er and crew cab pick up... but the idea of longer trips sitting in the truck for hours doesn't sound so good for our kids. Also, my truck (see sig) is in great shape with 60K original miles, it is still 24 years old. 15yo loves the idea of the class C over the A as it provides a sleeping area that is not the couch! New/newer truck and a 5er would be well over $45K.
What can I expect to pay for insurance for the Class C, say 2004-2008 models?
What can be shared from the more experienced here on this forum? Based on our family size, intended use, etc.....what are lengths, slides or no slides, floor plans, brands, etc., to be considered or on our short list? Budget of about $25-$30K
Thanks in advance!
