Looking into getting a class C motorhome

rockhillmanor wrote:
I did the trailer thing first too.

The always on of towing one was tiresome, sidelined by bad weather, backing into tight sites, the hooking up and unhooking up etc, etc.

I bought a MH.

Pull in, put in park and open a cold one! :C

Jump in with both feet into a MH, you won't regret it!

All of this, X2.

Just make sure it has enough cargo capacity (OCCC). Some of these motorhomes are quite porky w/ nothing in them.

I did the trailer thing first too.

The always on of towing one was tiresome, sidelined by bad weather, backing into tight sites, the hooking up and unhooking up etc, etc.

I bought a MH.

Pull in, put in park and open a cold one! :C

Jump in with both feet into a MH, you won't regret it!

If looking at used, look for the obvious things like leaks. If new, look for the obvious things, like leaks....lol

Don't sweat about trying the best deal out there. Find what you like and at a price you are comfortable with. Check it over thoroughly.

We bought from a rental agency. A few extra miles on it, but below bluebook. Only 2 years old. And, came with a 1 year limited warranty.

Winnebago will be a little more expensive, but also seems to have a higher resale value. I think you get what you pay for in a lot of ways.

When I was deciding on whether to get a truck camper or class C, or even something else, I bought a membership in RV Consumer Group. It was about $140, and worth every penny. You'll get a few printed books and lots of spreadsheet/database information. They are a little conservative with their ratings and advice, but it helped me know what to look for in both the unit and from the sales person.

Read, read, read. Don't rush in to anything, even when you find "The One."

Hi,

Something that is close to 10 years old, and the seams on the roof might need to be resealed, and perhaps coat the whole roof, before it gets into to bad of shape. This applies to all RV's not just motorhomes or trailers.

I have heard that the 'early' V10 Fords have problems with the spark plugs. They did not design in enough threads to the heads, so there is something like 4 threads. IF you are used to installing spark plugs in a cast iron head, and can tighten them as much as you like, the aluminum heads the spark plug will bottom out, and then remove all the threads that are cut into the aluminum unless you torque them to only the factory specs! This is critical.

By 2003 I think they had re-designed the heads, and they are much more robust, with more threads, and poping out the spark plugs does not happen with the newer V10's.

Are you thinking class C or class A? Class A does not offer the overhead bunk bed, and has a GVWR from 18,000 to 22,000 pounds. Normal lengths start close to 30 feet, and go up from there. Class C is slightly smaller, but can reach 22' to 34' long. Their GVWR is limited to about 14,050 pounds, so they must be build shorter and lighter. And the class C will have much less cargo carrying capacity. If you plan on towing a trailer with dirt bikes, or something with a heavy hitch weight, that is very important. IF you plan to keep it light, and not carry a bunch of friends along, you will be fine with either.

There are a lot of pro's and con's for both motorhomes. Typically the class A will be taller, and push more wind, heavier and get about 7 - possibly 8 MPG. The class C is slightly more aerodynamic, and might be getting 10 MPG from the typical Ford V10, if you drive it around 60 MPH.

Parking a 24' class C in a sightseeing are is no problem. In fact I took my 27' class C to many sightseeing areas, and parked it easy. My 30' class A, I am just as happy to have the ability to tow a car, it has plenty of extra power, and frame strength (that the GM class C lacked) and take the car to the market, or sightseeing.

Good luck on your decision! Be sure to write back a couple of times, and say something like "We picked out a Shasta 26' class C what do you think" and someone might chime in that they loved that brand, or hated it and give some advice as to what to look for.

Fred.

Maybe the first thing I would think about is deciding if a Motorhome will be better for your desired type of camping. Many campers love driving about 1/2 to 1 day and setting up camp. There they spend time enjoying the out of doors, the water, the fresh air etc. The travel trailer might be better for that camper.

We, on the other hand, rarely spend more than 1 night in any location. We are very happy driving every day and seeing new country or visiting friends or relatives several hundred miles away. We find that a motorhome suits us better. We merely unplug the electric and start the motor and away we go. We rather take the motorhome when we site see. Some may wish to pull a TOWED and use that for site seeing. We might find something we like better at the end of the day and do not want to return to our previous night campground.

If you have already decided this, then read many of the topics in this forum to help you decide what you want in a motorhome. Going shopping at the dealerships makes sense. Ditch the salesman and spend at least a 1/2 hour pretending like you are going to sleep, go to the bathroom, get dressed, take a shower, or fix something to eat. That will give you some ideas on floorplans.

Best of Luck