Insite for First Time Class C Buyer / RVer

I think the size issue is best determined by where you want to go and how you want to camp. If you want to minimize access issues and have a feeling* of being able to go wherever you want, smaller may be better.

*I said "feeling" because I think the 32' size range you've outlined would have relatively few restrictions. Maybe some NP and NF campgrounds and/or some limited gravel roads, but even then 24' may be too long. In my <26' Class C I "feel" confident I can go where I want. I really don't worry about how I will turn around if I go down a road and find a dead end, etc. I don't even pay much attention to campgrounds that state there max length on campsites that is less than my length - I figure worst case I can let the rear hang over the curbstops and that I am not likely to have problems with turns, etc. like a bigger rig might.

It seems many people have found themselves intimidated by size, buying small, then upgrading to a larger size. We intentionally bought small to provide maximum access to go where we wanted, and because we didn't see it as a place we would stay within, but as a place to sleep and have shelter if weather warranted. Turns out, as only two people (plus two large dogs) we've found it provides plenty of room, even on rainy days.

If you're not worried about the issues above, the larger one will likely drive just the same as the smaller. Maybe you'll have to watch out more for the rear corner swing on turns (which I only worry about except at gas stations).

As for Class C vs. Class A - generally it seems Class C is geared more toward families, providing a greater assortment of sleeping areas. We are only a couple, but we prefer the Class C as we've found the overhead bunk space to be a great area to store stuff (extra clothes for an extended trip, metal detectors, shoes on plastic boot trays, etc.). Having that stuff out of the way on the bunk means there is less need for room in the rest of the camper. But, if it's just a short trip and we want to bring friends/family, we have the flexibility of that extra sleeping space, without converting something else into a bed.

I'm guessing the 24' plan you're considering would either require climbing a ladder to get in the bunk, using a rear corner bed, or converting something into a bed every night. I personally wouldn't want to convert something from bed to day use (and back) every morning and night. Even if that doesn't sound annoying to you, I think the comfort of the convertible options is significantly less than a fulltime bed unless maybe you're looking at one of the murphy bed options or some really fancy couch? Our jackknife couch and dinette would NOT be fun to sleep on regularly. (For the record, neither was our mattress, but a memory foam topper fixed that issue - having to store and deploy a topper onto a converted couch sounds like a pain to me.) For the climbing and corner bed issues, that seems to be a personal preference based mostly on age/agility. I was 33 when we bought our rear corner bed C and had rented one for several weeks before, so I was comfortable that it would be a non-issue.

And x10 on the rental idea. I think it's a REALLY good way to help refine the decision points. We rented the standard 24' C (rear corner bed) for a three week trip before the idea of buying an RV had ever crossed our minds - I just thought it would be a fun roadtrip. That trip sold us and also taught us what we did/didn't like about that layout (liked the bed and overhead bunk area, didn't like the barrel chair).

We've been RVing for a few years and our first RV is the 27' Bounder in my signature. I've wanted a larger(30-32') class c since the DGKs started camping with us but then I look at class a's and darn they have so many features C's don't. Kind of hard to decide. My suggestion is to contact the dealer or rental agency and rent a 24, which means corner bed and cramped and then 30' or larger and see which fits you best.

As far as the DW driving, go to one of the shows and have her take a driving course. She'll then know what it feels like and you won't be with her so she will make up her own mind. I know I would never go anywhere with my DW if she were unable to relive me. I'm older and have several problems, so she is required to drive at times.

That said, I love to drive my A, we've rented a C a couple of times and they are like driving a pickup truck. Not as much fun as an A but easier.

Good luck and we'll see you out here or back there.

Three points from my experience which I think are relevant: Whether small or large RV, the outside storage area is very important. Enjoying the outdoors requires lots of large and dirty equipment. I have a 27 ft C with a large outside compartment that is comfortably filled. Many of the small ones have limited exterior storage. The cabover in a C (vs same length A) can provide a lot of storage/shelf space if you are not using it as a bed.
Also, whatever your size, while the initial driving experience is white knuckle, it becomes comfortable with practice.
Size and car rental - the larger your rig, the more often you will need to rent a car. You will notice the vast majority of the larger RVs tow a vehicle.

It took me about 15 minutes to be comfortable in a 30ft class C, having never driven a motor home of any kind prior. Maneuvering in close quarters takes a little bit of thinking ahead, but I've honestly had more problems with the HEIGHT than anything - I've already knocked a few low hanging branches (twigs, really...) at campgrounds and even on residential streets. Luckily, no damage yet.

My best advice would be to try to get it right the first time. Trading up (or down) can be a costly proposition. I understand your concerns.I went from a 24' class C to a 32 1/2' class C when my wife decided we wanted a larger motor home. As far as driving down the road, they are pretty much the same. The difference I've found is that the 24'er is so much more maneuverable (turning radius), than the longer RV. With my 24'er I could make a U turn, if I had about 3 lanes in which to turn. The longer one needs around 4 lanes or so, to turn. You can park a 24'er in many regular parking spaces, assuming you have enough of an area for the rear overhang, behind the rear axle. The longer one - well there are plenty of area where you just can't park.
I never had the need for a car with the 24'er. I really don't want to tow a car with the longer one, and in almost 2 years of ownership, we've got by without one.
My wife is still working, (I've been retired going on 5 years :B) so there have only been relatively shot trips involved, since we bought this MH. We will be on longer trips after she retires in Nov., so we might have to tow a car, or try renting if need be.
Best of luck with whatever you decide to buy.

**** I spent so much time writing this post I didn't see pauldub's post on depreciation and the excellent idea of renting first. It would definitely be a lot cheaper if you realized while renting, that you don't like RVing, than to find out after you've bought something.

You might want to consider renting a motor home for a week or two trip to see what size works for you and also to see if you like the motor home traveling style. Anything you buy new will take a huge depreciation hit if you decide you just don't like it or want to trade up or down.

If you go small you will most likely want to upgrade sooner than later. So if you do buy a smaller unit, buy a used one and I would skip the over priced Mercedes. The reasons for a C versus an A in my opinion are limited. The main reason for a C is sleeping arrangements. hey seemed to be more designed for families than typical A's. Most but not all C's have a bunk over the cab. Larger C's have both the cab over bed and a regular bed in the back. If you go for a small C you may be limited in bedding options. Do you really want to climb a ladder to get in the bed?

I have heard that some larger C's are very close to maximum weight before you add you and your stuff, so check this when looking. Also, check storage areas. Is there enough storage for the stuff you care to take with you.

Some people feel more comfortable driving a C versus an A simply because the cab is more like what they are used to. But a 30 ft C is not really any easier to drive than the same length C.

Good luck.

Get the larger size. Having a few more feet in the back won't make any difference when you are on the road. However, those extra few feet will make your motorhome more enjoyable, especially when you have guests. In my opinion, a 32' motorhome is just about the right size, that's why there are so many of them. Good luck!