How Long Should my Class C Be?

That TV show about tiny homes makes me think that some folks must be comfortable in tight quarters with minimal amenities that convert into something else. A cartoon showing "Coming home" and parking a typical motorhome next to a tiny house needs a punch line,

alliemac9 wrote:
From reading the forums, it seems that most people's RV ownership path includes several "upgrades" to bigger units until they find the right fit. But that's not always true, bigger for bigger's sake isn't best.

Could you rent a few different lengths for a weekend each and learn what you like/don't like? I rented first - with no intention of buying an RV, just thought it would be a fun way to travel on that particular trip. It was the standard 24' Class C floor plan. I liked the rear corner bed and having the overhead bunk for spare clothes and whatever. I also liked that the length felt roomy enough inside for two adults and two large dogs, even on rainy days, but still didn't feel too large to drive wherever I wanted. Was able to park wherever I wanted...and travel roads with length restrictions in national parks.

Fast forward five years and I bought a unit just under 26' because it has a unique floor plan that I really love (and the standard 24' floor plan is usually about 25' in actual length so this was about the same length I was anticipating). That's key: find a floor plan that REALLY works for your lifestyle and travel style.

I love RV shows just because I love RV-ing. One of the dealers knows me and teases me about when I'm going to buy a bigger RV. But I've never found anything that compares to the one I chose, because I went about it very thoughtfully and took my time considering at all my options. I think renting first gave me much better ability to do that. I hope it lasts forever, because I don't know what I'd want to replace it with!

X2 regarding taking "my time considering all my options" and finding a floorplan that works best for you.

I have no desire to ever "upgrade" from my clipper - because the layout is perfect for my style. Going larger isn't necessary because the floorplan works.

From reading the forums, it seems that most people's RV ownership path includes several "upgrades" to bigger units until they find the right fit. But that's not always true, bigger for bigger's sake isn't best.

Could you rent a few different lengths for a weekend each and learn what you like/don't like? I rented first - with no intention of buying an RV, just thought it would be a fun way to travel on that particular trip. It was the standard 24' Class C floor plan. I liked the rear corner bed and having the overhead bunk for spare clothes and whatever. I also liked that the length felt roomy enough inside for two adults and two large dogs, even on rainy days, but still didn't feel too large to drive wherever I wanted. Was able to park wherever I wanted...and travel roads with length restrictions in national parks.

Fast forward five years and I bought a unit just under 26' because it has a unique floor plan that I really love (and the standard 24' floor plan is usually about 25' in actual length so this was about the same length I was anticipating). That's key: find a floor plan that REALLY works for your lifestyle and travel style.

I love RV shows just because I love RV-ing. One of the dealers knows me and teases me about when I'm going to buy a bigger RV. But I've never found anything that compares to the one I chose, because I went about it very thoughtfully and took my time considering at all my options. I think renting first gave me much better ability to do that. I hope it lasts forever, because I don't know what I'd want to replace it with!

WinMinnie02 wrote:
I would purchase the largest Class C that you could afford and grow into it. Keep it for a long time, 15 to 20 years. Keep it in storage if you do not have parking for the size. Use it often and maintain it.

I disagree - don't buy bigger just to have bigger. IF you expect to have a change in situation where a larger RV would be a better fit, then sure. But why buy for a family of 5 if you're still single with no commitments, etc.? And for many, parking at home is a big part of the affordability and/or the ability to use it often.

I would purchase the largest Class C that you could afford and grow into it. Keep it for a long time, 15 to 20 years. Keep it in storage if you do not have parking for the size. Use it often and maintain it.

Other's opinions may vary, but my first RV was a class 'B'. I figured that was all I needed since I'm single. Problems that I ran into:
It was too long to fit in a single metered parking space in a town. It was too tall to fit in many parking garages. And if I wanted to see something in the area, I often came back to find that my CG space had been taken and I had to park in another - if there was another. If none of those things bother you, go for it.
I traded for a 'C', pulling a Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep fits everyplace.

JoJo Toto wrote:
Thank you ALL!! I'm SO GLAD I posted here! I've been debating for months about this and, in 1 day, I've got all the answers!!!
You're so kind to take the time to share your experiences.
I was hoping to get something a little longer so I'm excited to find that most people can fit at 21-22 ft MH in most spots without any problems.
Back to searching!!

You shouldn't have any trouble parking with the 21-22ft rig over a 19 ft one. For me, this size is perfect - big enough to be comfortable even with a friend or two visiting inside; small enough to be great for day trips or 2nd vehicle needs; just right for a comfortable stay on my own with the dogs.

Try climbing up into the overhead bed and climb back down climbing over a sleeping partner and pretend it's pitch dark. If you have any foot,ankle or hip problems you may need to have a rig that is 27 feet long with a rear bedroom with RV queen sized bed. Alternately, one can sleep in the overhead and one on the convertible dinette or jackknife sofa. Measure the length of your driveway. Rig may not hang out into the street or interfere with trash barrel pickup. Most Class C's are same height and width. 27 foot rigs can park in 99% of state and federal camp spots and all commercial RV parks. Don't buy too short a rig unless you take sleeping comfort into account. Short rigs also have very little cargo and cabinet storage space which can result in clutter of cardboard boxes in the aisle, shower stall, and in the overhead. Been there, done that, finally settled on 27 footer with no slides as best compromise. Van conversions like Roadtrek are
more versatile for daily transportation, but as campers, lack elbow room and everything converts to something else at bedtime, when getting up, using the bathroom, etc. Gets on your nerves after a week or so. Been there and done that too.

Thank you ALL!! I'm SO GLAD I posted here! I've been debating for months about this and, in 1 day, I've got all the answers!!!
You're so kind to take the time to share your experiences.
I was hoping to get something a little longer so I'm excited to find that most people can fit at 21-22 ft MH in most spots without any problems.
Back to searching!!

I'm just wondering if there are general opinions on how important it is to be able to fit in a regulation parking spot.

To answer the question you asked,yes..It is important to some but not others as you can see by the replies.

I bought a 21ft just for that reason.I actually sold my pickup with the notion of replacing it with a Class C or pickup/camper combo to use as a daily driver(second vehicle) in it's place.A pickup/camper combo with any type of room will go 21ft+(total length) sometimes..I went Class C because of the extra room it provides over a pickup/camper combo with at least the same ground clearance,something my 24ft didn't have.

I had a 24ft Class C and there is quite a bit of difference in the length and clearance when thinking parking spots/off pavement clearance, compared to my 21ft.My 21ft fits in a normal parking spot just like my pickup did.A normal pickup like my sons 2500 HD is 19ft long bumper to bumper then ad some hangover for a pickup camper and your right at and over 21ft.

I have not ran into a parking spot I cannot park/fit into yet with my 21ft Class C but then again I don't live in LA.I have not found a spot yet that I could have got one of my many pickup/camper combo's into that I can't my 21ft C...I am quite happy with my short Class C for my needs.

With longer units you get more living space..I have been up to 40 ft in RV's..Nice if you camp on pavement or RV parks.Don't work that well in the Idaho mountains.I currently have a 26rls travel trailer,30 ft bumper to bumper and was and am hampered by it's length in many ways.

Bigger isn't always better!