Looking to upgrade to a larger Class C
I have a '02 Lazy Daze. It's always felt too small and no storage. We love the rear with lots of windows -- if it had 2 slides, it could work. IT's 27' and worked OK for p/t but that's changing...
Forum Discussion
DaHose wrote:
My neighbor has a big ol class A and he offered some interesting feedback.
He loves his rig, but he was told that the bus looking class A's are pretty hard on their transmissions. They are designed to hold a bus load of people, but when you finish adding all the "stuff" inside a typical class A, they end up heavier than a bus load of people at all times. The chassis can handle the load, but the tranny was not meant to be that loaded at all times.
I don't know what type of rig your neighbor has, but his summary surely IS NOT typical of Class A motorhomes of any recent vintage. As long as you're operating within the published chassis weight limits, the transmission should not be overly stressed.
To the OP, I agree with others that for full-timing, a 30-32' motorhome on the E-450 chassis will be flirting with and most likely exceeding chassis weight limits. I encourage you to look at Class A's, but if you're really dead set on getting a Class C, then look at the Super C's that are out there.
As to the cost, yes, a 30-32' gas class C of compared to a 30-32' gas class A will probably be cheaper. However, the class A most likely has hydraulic levelers, 50A service, dual A/C's, larger storage tanks and other doo-dads that are not typical on a class C. Although the Super C's level the playing field in this respect, but they command similar prices to the class A's.
One other thing to keep in mind is whether or not you'll be towing a car behind you. Make sure whatever rig you look at can safely tow it. Generally, the tow limits for gas-powered motorhomes and small diesel rigs is somewhere between 3,500 and 5,000 lbs.
Good Luck in your search.
~Rick
