Seriously looking at downsizing from our Winnebago Class A to a Class C. We are happy with the quality and support of the Winnebago, just not the size, so we are predisposed towards Winnebago products, specifically the Winnie Mini 22M. Looking for less than 30 feet, walk around bed, need the cabover bed for our adult son who still goes with us sometimes and has to have a generator for the occasional boondocking trips. We are partial to Winnebago, but not committed, so what others should we consider? Also, can anyone tell me the differences between the Winnebago Mini Winnie, Spirit, and Outlook? All have the same basic floor plan. We are not fancy people, but we don't want the plain jane vanilla version either. I typically will be towing our 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon on nearly every trip. The Jeep is more important than the motorhome for a lot of our trips (serious 4 wheeling) so not towing the Jeep is NOT an option, regardless of how well the motorhome drives or parks, so please don't suggest a Sprinter based motorhome unless you KNOW that it's capable of towing a 4 door Jeep Wrangler through the Rockies.

You will need to be looking at the 31 ft Class C.Coming from your spacious Class A IMHO you will NOT be happy with a 24 ft. I.E. corner bed and real small bathroom limited amount of storage bays.The 31 or some call it a 29 will give you a queen walk around bed. And many offer the split bathroom which gives you the spacious and tall glass surround shower with skylight. And more storage bays.Don't know if they still offer a basement model but again you will be happier with one. On my Four Winds it offers a real sewage bay like an A.I have a Four Winds 31ft basement model split bathroom. And it gives you a very open feeling from front to back. Many of my friends with A's say it looks more spacious than their A does. Especially the ones with the layout that has small hallways.I know you are partial to the Winnebago but my friends that have a Winnie 31 ft Class C say mine has a much better layout with more room.So, that all said take the time to check out the "Four Winds" line. You will find the layouts much more user friendly and more spacious which would make your transition easier. And 'numerous' models to choose from. Don't know what engine your A has but I am now a firm believer and advocate for the Ford V10, power that never lets you down especially if your are towing a toad!And you will be surprised how much nicer the handling and driving is on a Class C.Hope you find the just right MH for your family. :C

rockhillmanor wrote:Coming from your spacious Class A IMHO you will NOT be happy with a 24 ft. I.E. corner bed and real small bathroom limited amount of storage bays.A corner bed would be a deal breaker for me.

I'd REALLY suggest you go to El Monte or Cruise America and rent one of their Class Cs for a trip before you make your move. The tight foot space in the passenger seat was why we 'graduated' to a class A. We do travel more than most so the lack of room was a real nuisance to us. Also class C passenger seats will not recline as much as class As because the seat hits the wall that forms the front of the coach area. Cs do drive and ride a lot better but the passenger comfort was a real issue for us. If you find a used Chevy based C it will have more room but they are disappearing fast.

garyemunson wrote:I'd REALLY suggest you go to El Monte or Cruise America and rent one of their Class Cs for a trip before you make your move. The tight foot space in the passenger seat was why we 'graduated' to a class A. We do travel more than most so the lack of room was a real nuisance to us. Also class C passenger seats will not recline as much as class As because the seat hits the wall that forms the front of the coach area. Cs do drive and ride a lot better but the passenger comfort was a real issue for us. If you find a used Chevy based C it will have more room but they are disappearing fast.Do an advanced search for IAMICHABOD, He has a former rental and did a lot of research about "C"s and Chevy VS Ford. Good blog on buying rental. I know you like Winnie but this is just FYI, not a suggestion you buy a rental. When we downsize, I'll go Winnie again.

D.E.Bishop wrote:garyemunson wrote:I'd REALLY suggest you go to El Monte or Cruise America and rent one of their Class Cs for a trip before you make your move. The tight foot space in the passenger seat was why we 'graduated' to a class A. We do travel more than most so the lack of room was a real nuisance to us. Also class C passenger seats will not recline as much as class As because the seat hits the wall that forms the front of the coach area. Cs do drive and ride a lot better but the passenger comfort was a real issue for us. If you find a used Chevy based C it will have more room but they are disappearing fast.Do an advanced search for IAMICHABOD, He has a former rental and did a lot of research about "C"s and Chevy VS Ford. Good blog on buying rental. I know you like Winnie but this is just FYI, not a suggestion you buy a rental. When we downsize, I'll go Winnie again.Thanks D.E,I will help out the OP :BThe one about Class C on a Chevy ChassisHere is the one on RentalsThe last RV I had was a Winnebago,believe me if I could have found one that met my needs and budget I would have bought it.

Downsizing from a Class A | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018
garyemunson wrote:
I'd REALLY suggest you go to El Monte or Cruise America and rent one of their Class Cs for a trip before you make your move. The tight foot space in the passenger seat was why we 'graduated' to a class A. We do travel more than most so the lack of room was a real nuisance to us. Also class C passenger seats will not recline as much as class As because the seat hits the wall that forms the front of the coach area. Cs do drive and ride a lot better but the passenger comfort was a real issue for us. If you find a used Chevy based C it will have more room but they are disappearing fast.

Do an advanced search for IAMICHABOD, He has a former rental and did a lot of research about "C"s and Chevy VS Ford. Good blog on buying rental. I know you like Winnie but this is just FYI, not a suggestion you buy a rental. When we downsize, I'll go Winnie again.
garyemunson
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2018
I'd REALLY suggest you go to El Monte or Cruise America and rent one of their Class Cs for a trip before you make your move. The tight foot space in the passenger seat was why we 'graduated' to a class A. We do travel more than most so the lack of room was a real nuisance to us. Also class C passenger seats will not recline as much as class As because the seat hits the wall that forms the front of the coach area. Cs do drive and ride a lot better but the passenger comfort was a real issue for us. If you find a used Chevy based C it will have more room but they are disappearing fast.
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018
rockhillmanor wrote:
Coming from your spacious Class A IMHO you will NOT be happy with a 24 ft. I.E. corner bed and real small bathroom limited amount of storage bays.

A corner bed would be a deal breaker for me.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2018
You will need to be looking at the 31 ft Class C.

Coming from your spacious Class A IMHO you will NOT be happy with a 24 ft. I.E. corner bed and real small bathroom limited amount of storage bays.

The 31 or some call it a 29 will give you a queen walk around bed. And many offer the split bathroom which gives you the spacious and tall glass surround shower with skylight. And more storage bays.

Don't know if they still offer a basement model but again you will be happier with one. On my Four Winds it offers a real sewage bay like an A.

I have a Four Winds 31ft basement model split bathroom. And it gives you a very open feeling from front to back. Many of my friends with A's say it looks more spacious than their A does. Especially the ones with the layout that has small hallways.

I know you are partial to the Winnebago but my friends that have a Winnie 31 ft Class C say mine has a much better layout with more room.

So, that all said take the time to check out the "Four Winds" line. You will find the layouts much more user friendly and more spacious which would make your transition easier. And 'numerous' models to choose from.

Don't know what engine your A has but I am now a firm believer and advocate for the Ford V10, power that never lets you down especially if your are towing a toad!

And you will be surprised how much nicer the handling and driving is on a Class C.

Hope you find the just right MH for your family. :C

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Downsizing from a Class A

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