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brindledog's avatar
brindledog
Explorer
Nov 02, 2017

Recommendations for 1990's model 22' Class C RV

Hi,
I live in a city and am looking to buy a small used RV for use as a mobile office. After substantial research, it seems that a 22' Class C makes the most sense for my needs, as it will be the easiest to maneuver, least obtrusive in my driveway, yet still have enough room to have people come in and not feel like they are getting in someone's creepy van.


I'd love some suggestions for an older model (1990's) Class C that has a dry shower, rear bed area that can be converted for use as a desk/chair area, and the lowest possible clearance.

Thanks!
  • Hi, Thanks for the replies. I am now including 24' Class Cs in my search, as older model 22' in decent shape seem hard to come by or overpriced in my area. Any thoughts on a 24' 1997 Four Winds, Ford e-350?

    As for rear bed- I did look at a couple rear bed RVs and tried to identify what was under the bed. In one there were cables and some kind of heater or something (the owner didn't even know what the box with some switches was), and in the other there was some space but too dark to make out what else was under there.
    Has anyone here removed a bed and seen how much/what space is available with the platform gone?
    I will be using the dinette area for work, but may have a second person working with me, so am looking for a second spot for them to also sit down/meet with people. Probably optimistic in an RV 24' or less, but I can imagine driving anything larger, and definitely don't want anything bigger in my driveway.
  • There were some models with a rear 'U' shape lounge/booth
    The table could be removed an placed low, all the cushions, would be rearranged for sleeping

    Problem is, there is usually a water tank or heater, water heater etc.. under those seats, makes it hard to remove them and install desk and chair

    Sprinter van office conversions are popular and not creepy
    But way more money than you are think about
  • Thanks for the info. I think I may have meant a corner bed. The one that is usually right behind the kitchenette area. I noticed some models don't have any separate bed area, like some old Toyotas, which have the kitchen in the rear.
    And I was wondering if there would be any usable space under the bed. I'm going to see a couple this weekend, and hope I can figure out what's underneath.
  • You will have a hard time finding a rear bedroom in a class C that short; there's not enough length behind the wheels for the bed. You'll be more likely to find a corner bed. In either case, there are very often things in the way underneath the bed, either water tanks or storage compartments or other RV systems.

    I think you'll have an easier time looking for a dinette and/or couch area that can be made into an office area. There still may be things underneath the dinette or the couch (like compartments or systems), but I think typically they're a little easier to deal with and you'll be more likely to have a decent size open space in a relatively short RV.

    As far as brands, for used ones--particularly ones that old--the condition is in my opinion of more importance than the brand. The chassis is almost certainly going to be a Ford or possibly Chevy van chassis, and those are pretty reliable and well-understood. The biggest things to look out for are evidence of leaks or water damage (which can be quite a job to repair and is generally worse than it first appears) and proof that all the systems work--at least the ones you care about. That means seeing the generator run, the furnace work, the water heater heat water, the stove and oven do their thing, the fridge being cold, etc.
  • My only suggestion is to try to get one built after 1996 as that is the year the OBD-II diagnostic interface was mandated in the U.S. and these days it is getting hard to find a mechanic that has a clue how to diagnose anything if they can't plug a computer into an OBD-II port.