Forum Discussion

0_and_2's avatar
0_and_2
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014

Newbie Just Getting Started...

Hello All,
A newbie here and I have a lot of questions! I do not currently own an RV. I've been a boater all of my life and am now ready to make the switch. I've been looking at RV's on and off for probably 5 or 6 years now (just couldn't part with the boat!). I have settled on a class C as I feel it's a good place to start and I like the flexibility they offer. Through our friend’s advice, experience, and some research on my part, there are a few I really like and think will fit what we (my wife and I) are looking to do. Mostly long weekends with our friends that have RV's, state parks, and beaches. The list (top 5) is as follows:
1) Winnebago Aspect 28B (Like the Fiberglass roofing on the Winn's)
2) Winnebago Access 26 QP
3) Itasca Cambria 30C - Upscale version of the Aspect?
4) Coachman Concord 30 TS
5) Forest River Lexington 265GTS

Looking for used, 2011-2013"s

There are just SO many makes and models that it sure can be confusing. Sorry for the long post, but really just getting started and have chosen the one's listed above based on reputation, layout, word of mouth etc. We also would like to try and stay under 30ft. Thank you all in advance for your help, advice, wisdom, and experience!!

Regards,
Joe
Class C

17 Replies

Show More
  • lane_hog's avatar
    lane_hog
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2014
    I've been pleased with the Ford chassis, and I'm a long time Mopar guy. Just be prepared for 7-8 mpg and no more on the E450 (doesn't seem to change whether I'm towing or not), maybe a little better on the E350 with a shorter coach body.

    The only real regrets I have with our current motor home is the lack of outside storage. We manage to make do, but I have nowhere to lock up my extra generator (we don't like running the built-in Onan in quiet campgrounds). Everything else I've been able to mod or live with.

    We spent about six months looking at fifth wheel floor plans before buying, and there were no regrets when we had it. Had we spent more time looking at motor homes, we might have eventually found one with more storage. But we were also looking at the used market, and that didn't leave a lot of time to shop.

    Don't be afraid to look on the used market, either. We've done well, and got more coach than we could have new. I'm also less afraid to do mods to it... ;)
  • Free_Range_Huma's avatar
    Free_Range_Huma
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2014
    Since Winnebago and Itasca are both made by Winnebago, you'll find they have the same model numbers. So the Itasca Cambria 30C is the same as the Winnebago Aspect 30C. The only difference between them is fit-and-finish.

    If the Cambria you were looking at seemed like a better version of the Aspect, you were probably comparing a Cambria with more optional equipment to an Aspect without.

    Knowing this about them helps when you're looking for models to buy. If you search for Winnebago 30C, often the Itasca models will come with it, which is a good thing.
  • 0_and_2's avatar
    0_and_2
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    Thanks for the responses guys!

    Lane - Just my wife and I. Daughter in Med School and son in college. They may come along on an occasional trip.

    Biscuit & Patrick - Great advice! We are looking forward to camping in the great outdoors and fresh air! And I'll take the roll and bounce in an RV over the 6 to 7 foot seas I've been in a few too many times over the years!

    I'm just trying to validate the decision process I'm going through. Ford power and chassis vs. others, options that are must-haves, other options that you really wish you would have gotten the first go around, and what things/brands/options to avoid that just cause trouble. Any and all advice is much appreciated!

    Joe
  • OldRadios's avatar
    OldRadios
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    Depending on your use be aware of length. We like remote camp sites and some of the sites we like do not allow anything over 27 feet. If you are just doing RV parks it won't matter.
  • PatrickA51's avatar
    PatrickA51
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    OK.......

    Welcome!

    Nice list!

    Pick the one you and wife like. You're the ones that will be using it :B
    Then go camping and enjoy...and although not as much as boats they do roll/bounce



    I have to agree with the above statement.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 25, 2014
    OK.......

    Welcome!

    Nice list!

    Pick the one you and wife like. You're the ones that will be using it :B
    Then go camping and enjoy...and although not as much as boats they do roll/bounce
  • lane_hog's avatar
    lane_hog
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2014
    I've been pleased with the construction on the Winnebago/Itasca lines.

    Is this just for two, or are you also in need of space for kids/grand kids to come along with you? That's probably the biggest differentiator between models and some brands.

About Motorhome Group

38,748 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 22, 2025