I'm looking now since quite a while for a used RV and I noticed that Class C's that are 26 ft long (or longer) are significantly less expensive that the shorter ones that are no longer than 24 ft. I've never had an RV before but I am seriously considering to give up my house and move into an RV for good - like 250,000 to 500,000 other full time RVer here in the US. I started looking for Class B vehicles but I soon realized that in my price range ($15,0000 - $25,000) I get much more RV with a Class C (or one of these so-called "Class B+" which seem to be officially always Class C) than with an Class B. I would prefer to buy an RV that is no longer than 24 ft because I can (or at least think I can) park them almost everywhere, i. e. on a parking lot when shopping.However, I am wondering whether I possibly restrict myself too much. What can other RV owners say about this? How "bad" is it to drive and park a 25 ft RV compared to a 24 ft RV? How much worse might the mpg be?Thanks for your replies!

The fuel mileage should be all but indistinguishable with that tiny of a length difference. You--how fast you drive, in particular--will have a much greater effect on the mileage. It's not going to be great no matter what.I have not generally had trouble finding places to park my 32' class C for shopping etc; it needs two parking spaces end-to-end, and a quad of four is easier if possible due to the width. I suspect a 24' one would still generally need two spaces due to the length unless you have a median or something you can hang the back end over.Streetside parking in towns is harder but sometimes possible.In terms of actual driving down the road, the length has relatively little to do with anything. The width and height are far more noticeable (and limiting), and those hardly change. Length does make a difference when maneuvering in tight quarters like gas stations and some parking lots, as much because of the poorer turning radius as anything.For living full time, I think larger would be more convenient, within reason. Having frills such as counter space in the kitchen area is worth a lot.(Do be sure you've crunched the numbers properly before diving in. Living in an RV is not as frugal as it may seem on the surface, and frequently not less expensive than renting or owning a modest house or apartment. Be sure to budget some money for repairs and maintenance.)

Length has very little to do with MPG. If you are full timing a small class A has more room than an equal length class cAnything up to 30' should not have a problem in most parking lots. You just have to park further away from the doors.

Just my opinion here. Class B and B+ Too expensive but look cute and I know would be too small for long term use. Class C > 24 feet - too big for me, I like the manuaverability and parkability of 24 feet an under. I would never have anything larger. Millage will be about 10 no matter what size C. I have had a 19 foot class C but they are rare and or old. Currently have 03 Winnebago Mini 24V. Just right for 2 people long or short term trips....

I assume by your post your going to be by yourself. If true, you could get by with smaller, but larger is better for full time, but especially if another person involved. A big factor is how much actual on the road time will there be. If your going to stay a month at a spot then move, then bigger I think. But if your always moving and getting into downtowns etc, then maybe a bit smaller for the parking. Some folks say a good compromise sweet spot is about a 27 foot. One thing I can say I feel is absolute; you don't want just a dinette for sitting. Dinettes very uncomfortable for long term sitting. You need to have a couch of some sort, and that usually push's you into a somewhat larger rig.

DrewE wrote:Do be sure you've crunched the numbers properly before diving in.Oh, yes. I'm crunching since months and I know that some of the (low and ultra-low) numbers that are around on some websites would not apply to me. But I'm sure it would (and will!) work out for me. fourthclassC wrote:... Class B and B+ too expensive but look cute and I know would be too small for long term use. Class C > 24 feet - too big for me ... Currently have 03 Winnebago Mini 24V. Just right for 2 people long or short term trips.That's pretty much were I am standing now. My neighbor has a 2000 Minnie that is 22 ft long - great size for one person. I found the same model (from 2004) on Craigslist, but unfortunately 300 miles away and also a little too expensive in my opinion. Let's see whether is sells fast or gets less expensive in some time. T18skyguy wrote:I assume by your post your going to be by yourself.Correct, just me.One thing I can say I feel is absolute; you don't want just a dinette for sitting. Dinettes very uncomfortable for long term sitting. You need to have a couch of some sort ...I agree totally. Being comfortable in the vehicle is a must.

"Maximum 24 ft or longer" question | Good Sam Community

fourthclassC
Explorer
Nov 29, 2017
Just my opinion here. Class B and B+ Too expensive but look cute and I know would be too small for long term use. Class C > 24 feet - too big for me, I like the manuaverability and parkability of 24 feet an under. I would never have anything larger. Millage will be about 10 no matter what size C. I have had a 19 foot class C but they are rare and or old. Currently have 03 Winnebago Mini 24V. Just right for 2 people long or short term trips....
Tyler0215
Explorer
Nov 29, 2017
Length has very little to do with MPG.
If you are full timing a small class A has more room than an equal length class c
Anything up to 30' should not have a problem in most parking lots. You just have to park further away from the doors.
DrewE
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2017
The fuel mileage should be all but indistinguishable with that tiny of a length difference. You--how fast you drive, in particular--will have a much greater effect on the mileage. It's not going to be great no matter what.

I have not generally had trouble finding places to park my 32' class C for shopping etc; it needs two parking spaces end-to-end, and a quad of four is easier if possible due to the width. I suspect a 24' one would still generally need two spaces due to the length unless you have a median or something you can hang the back end over.

Streetside parking in towns is harder but sometimes possible.

In terms of actual driving down the road, the length has relatively little to do with anything. The width and height are far more noticeable (and limiting), and those hardly change. Length does make a difference when maneuvering in tight quarters like gas stations and some parking lots, as much because of the poorer turning radius as anything.

For living full time, I think larger would be more convenient, within reason. Having frills such as counter space in the kitchen area is worth a lot.

(Do be sure you've crunched the numbers properly before diving in. Living in an RV is not as frugal as it may seem on the surface, and frequently not less expensive than renting or owning a modest house or apartment. Be sure to budget some money for repairs and maintenance.)

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