Small C or longer B+?
Hi All, Its yet another RV newbie asking a "what should I buy?" type question! I've searched some threads and FAQs already, but if my answer lies in an existing thread please feel free to just po...
Forum Discussion
Welcome to the world of RVing Noel and Wendy!
2 Years ago, we bought a used 2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A which you mention as a consideration. We love much about our RV but I figure I should point out the shortcomings too. For drivability, ours handles beautifully I can generally go down the road at 60 MPH with just 1 hand on the wheel. As for manueverability, it isn't as good as we first thought. It isn't a bad turning radius but the overall size just isn't good for sightseeing and parking. We first figured we would just unhook and go but we have come to the realization that a toad is better for us. The Aspect/Cambria is narrower than a typical Class C and much more aerodynamic with the tapered overhead. This doesn't really make the MPGs much better but it does improve the roadability of the unit, especially in windy situations.
The 26A has a tow rating of 5,000# which should be fine for your glider.
If one is conservative in their water usage, 5 days is a piece of cake for the holding tanks. We do navy showers, use buckets to catch much of the water that would wind up in the gray tank, and use the campground toilet if available during the day.
We live in the Great Pacific Northwet so I really can't say how it handles the heat. Ours also has dark full body paint. The original owner lived in AZ so it is outfitted with dual pane windows and awnings over each window. I assume that helps control the heat.
Minimal setup and teardown is a feature we love. I am handicapped so ease of this was important to me. It only takes us 15 minutes to be completely setup. Teardown should be the same but my wife likes all the knick-knacky stuff so putting all that away before we leave can be a pain.
Reliable and low maintenance is really up to you. Generally the Ford E450 chassis and the V10 is very reliable. Winnebago quality is what led us to consider the Cambria/Aspect line. We were impressed with the workmanship and quality of materials they used, like a fiberglass roof rather than a EDPM or rubber roof. My strongest recommendation is to get an independent assessment of the coach before you buy it from a reliable RV repair place. It was the best $250 I ever spent on a large purchase.
Table space is where the Aspect shines. Not only does it have the large and comfortable U-Shaped dinette, there is also a swivel/rocker chair that can moved anywhere you desire. There is plenty of room for 4 adults at the table. Another plus is that the slide in which the table sits has windows on the sides of the slides making the space brighter and seem bigger. Also consider that if the weather is nice, you will likely be outside entertaining.
Storage space is generally at a premium on this size RV. We have found it to be adequate for the 2 of us and there is even one storage bin that is still empty. There is a space for tools and such under the stairs but I find it awkward to use.
The other considerations I want to mention are; the corner bed. Many find it hard to make up. Even with my limitations we have made it work and find it quite comfortable. The bathroom is small. I find that there isn't much room around the toilet but I am a big guy and can still make it work. The shower is small too but I can fit and get everything clean without sticking to the walls.
This Aspect is our 3rd RV. The 2 priors were TTs and we loved each of them for different reasons. We switched because of my limitations and still enjoy every time we hit the road.
2 Years ago, we bought a used 2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A which you mention as a consideration. We love much about our RV but I figure I should point out the shortcomings too. For drivability, ours handles beautifully I can generally go down the road at 60 MPH with just 1 hand on the wheel. As for manueverability, it isn't as good as we first thought. It isn't a bad turning radius but the overall size just isn't good for sightseeing and parking. We first figured we would just unhook and go but we have come to the realization that a toad is better for us. The Aspect/Cambria is narrower than a typical Class C and much more aerodynamic with the tapered overhead. This doesn't really make the MPGs much better but it does improve the roadability of the unit, especially in windy situations.
The 26A has a tow rating of 5,000# which should be fine for your glider.
If one is conservative in their water usage, 5 days is a piece of cake for the holding tanks. We do navy showers, use buckets to catch much of the water that would wind up in the gray tank, and use the campground toilet if available during the day.
We live in the Great Pacific Northwet so I really can't say how it handles the heat. Ours also has dark full body paint. The original owner lived in AZ so it is outfitted with dual pane windows and awnings over each window. I assume that helps control the heat.
Minimal setup and teardown is a feature we love. I am handicapped so ease of this was important to me. It only takes us 15 minutes to be completely setup. Teardown should be the same but my wife likes all the knick-knacky stuff so putting all that away before we leave can be a pain.
Reliable and low maintenance is really up to you. Generally the Ford E450 chassis and the V10 is very reliable. Winnebago quality is what led us to consider the Cambria/Aspect line. We were impressed with the workmanship and quality of materials they used, like a fiberglass roof rather than a EDPM or rubber roof. My strongest recommendation is to get an independent assessment of the coach before you buy it from a reliable RV repair place. It was the best $250 I ever spent on a large purchase.
Table space is where the Aspect shines. Not only does it have the large and comfortable U-Shaped dinette, there is also a swivel/rocker chair that can moved anywhere you desire. There is plenty of room for 4 adults at the table. Another plus is that the slide in which the table sits has windows on the sides of the slides making the space brighter and seem bigger. Also consider that if the weather is nice, you will likely be outside entertaining.
Storage space is generally at a premium on this size RV. We have found it to be adequate for the 2 of us and there is even one storage bin that is still empty. There is a space for tools and such under the stairs but I find it awkward to use.
The other considerations I want to mention are; the corner bed. Many find it hard to make up. Even with my limitations we have made it work and find it quite comfortable. The bathroom is small. I find that there isn't much room around the toilet but I am a big guy and can still make it work. The shower is small too but I can fit and get everything clean without sticking to the walls.
This Aspect is our 3rd RV. The 2 priors were TTs and we loved each of them for different reasons. We switched because of my limitations and still enjoy every time we hit the road.
