Hello! My husband, daughter and two dogs are searching for our first Class C RV and I've done enough research to narrow our RV choice to that. I'm feeling stuck about what make/model/year/etc would be the best for us. We plan to use it for shorter vacations but hope to transition to full timing after a year or two(gotta get our ducks in a row before we pack up). Any suggestions are welcome, I just feel stuck in my research at the moment. Thanks!

What is most important is how livable it is for the way you want to use it. That means getting into some RVs and going through the motions of living in it, including storing and getting to all the things you think you need to bring with you, either for vacations or longer times. That sort of puts "model" first, but really it is floorplan, and you will find similar arrangements in different models of different makes. What year? Since the basic platforms and construction methods have changed little for 10-20 years, what year will be a matter of budget. If built on Ford E-450 I would probably pay to have chassis 2008 or newer, as I have the 2012 E-350 as a van and like the improvements made since the 2003 model year chassis under my motorhome. If it comes on a Chevy, I'd be looking for 2012 or newer, for the same reason, incremental improvements.Floorplan is something only you can figure out. My wife figured it out for us, did a really good job. I would have picked something about 8-10 feet shorter without any closets or cupboards.Also consider that needs change with the way you use the RV. If you are really thinking about full timing, consider that you'll eventually be carrying everything you own. That's a different thing from carrying for a couple of weeks or a few months.

Dick_B wrote:Full time in a Class C?Why not? I've met people who full time in a class B.

My personal experience:With more than 2 people, you need slideouts......especially if you intend to try and keep it for full time.I have a 28" C with no slideouts. With 2 people, we are constantly running into each other in the narrow isle.Beyond that, it's all a matter of personal preference and budget.Nobody else can tell you what y'all will like and not like.Unless you have money to burn, new is probably not a good idea......because I suspect that you will want to get something a bit more roomy if and when you do decide to full time.

There is lots of information available on this and other forums, finding it will take effort in itself. General advice, buy 3-5 years old if buying used. Our fridge, roof AC unit, house batteries, charging system and fresh water pump died at around 10 years. Have a used rig thoroughly inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service, if possible. Get written parts and labor estimates for replacements or repairs needed. Water leaks in roofs etc. are expensive to repair, don't buy a rig with stains or mold smells. Slides are nice but some are in the way except when extended, they can have leaks and mechanical problems. RV tires need periodic inspection for sidewall cracks and may need replacement after 5 years for safety and reliability regardless of tread depth and new appearance. Extended warranties are expensive and full of loopholes, better to save money for maintenance and replacements and repairs as needed. You can save about 1/2 the cost of RV repairs if you have the time, tools, skills, work space and help needed to do most repairs and maintenance yourselves.Most RV's use the same brands of air conditioners, furnaces, appliances, awnings, etc., and the same Ford E-450 chassis. Almost all Class C RV's are the same width and height. Lengths vary from 22 feet to around 40 feet. Class C's need to be around 27 feet long to have a rear bedroom with RV queen sized bed. Most Class C's have dinettes or couches that convert to small uncomfortable beds. Sleeping in the overhead bed is OK for kids, most adults do not enjoy sleeping in the overhead which involves climbing down a ladder in the dark without waking your bed partner then climbing back up and getting back to sleep, bad for people with arthritis, etc. Owning an RV is like owning a cabin cruiser or an airplane. It's a hobby in itself. Living in an RV is like living in a very small apartment. A lot depends on your personality and tolerance for inconveniences.

Newbie seeking recommendations | Good Sam Community

tatest
Explorer II
May 11, 2016
What is most important is how livable it is for the way you want to use it. That means getting into some RVs and going through the motions of living in it, including storing and getting to all the things you think you need to bring with you, either for vacations or longer times.

That sort of puts "model" first, but really it is floorplan, and you will find similar arrangements in different models of different makes. What year? Since the basic platforms and construction methods have changed little for 10-20 years, what year will be a matter of budget. If built on Ford E-450 I would probably pay to have chassis 2008 or newer, as I have the 2012 E-350 as a van and like the improvements made since the 2003 model year chassis under my motorhome. If it comes on a Chevy, I'd be looking for 2012 or newer, for the same reason, incremental improvements.

Floorplan is something only you can figure out. My wife figured it out for us, did a really good job. I would have picked something about 8-10 feet shorter without any closets or cupboards.

Also consider that needs change with the way you use the RV. If you are really thinking about full timing, consider that you'll eventually be carrying everything you own. That's a different thing from carrying for a couple of weeks or a few months.

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