Forum Discussion

4kidsand2dogs's avatar
May 25, 2015

Newbie, looking at 28-30' rigs

Hello! I've been pouring over this forum for the last few days and read some great advice and learned about a few things I would have never thought of.

We are new to RV'ing but not new campers. Having 4 kids and 2 dogs (as my name suggests ;) ) just getting up and going in an RV sounds so appealing. Versus a huge load up of kids and supplies in my mini-van. We originally looking at pop up tent trailers, but it quickly escalated. So now we are at Class C's.

Long story short, I've narrowed down my search to Sunseeker, Tioga models, Jamboree. But I'm interested in hearing people's opinion of these and others. Since we are new at this, I would love to get a real quality rig. I understand the above are some good models. But it's a little overwhelming and its the internet so you are bound to get conflicting advice.

Is there any other brands/models anyone could recommend? We are looking at models with sofa fold out bed, dinette bed, over head bed AND queen in the back. With so many kids this is the only way we see it really working and not growing out of instantly. Our oldest is 13 so she will want her own bed. The younger 3 could honestly share the overhead, but not for long. Our soon to be 8 year old son will need his own space eventually too. The youngest two (5 and 3) could share for the foreseeable future or when the oldest goes away to college! lol What about seating while driving? The ones I've looked at had seat belts at the dinette as well as the sofa, but I don't think that is that case for all.

Another concern I have (after reading these forums) is weight on the Class C.With 6 people plus 2 fur babies plus all our stuff, will a 28-30' rig be too heavy? We are really minimalist. Both of us are used to tent camping, so we are looking at this for convenience of travel, not necessarily luxury camping. What are the major things to consider?

Thank you for your help! And I apologize if these are silly questions. :)

23 Replies

  • The best layout would be the Winnabago Class C in aforementioned post- I don't recall the model (our local dealer had a 2014 in stock last year- so they still do make model) has overhead bunk, couch & dinette across from ea other with kitcen and couch on a slide. Curbside slide held 2 bunks and master bedroom closet--this would give the older 2 their own space with privacy curtains. The younger 2 can share the overhead king size bunk; the couch/table won't have to be put down, which can grow tiresome. Winnebago has a great reputation for building a quality product---- the biggest key is not the brand but the annual and semi annual maintenance -- the best quality RV will deteriorate quickly if not maintained.
  • I looked at a Winnebago Minnie (Outlook?) 29-31 feet that had bunks, overhead bed, sofa bed and dinette. I don't remember the year (2005?) or model.

    We have been known to put the grands heads at opposite ends of bed. They actually had more room than side by side.

    Leslie
    29' Winnebago Minnie 2003
  • The first thing that comes to my mind is can you use the bathroom facilities while on the road, get to the kitchen sink and refrigerator, eg. while stopping at a Rest Area?