We started RVing with a 34-foot Sea Breeze gasser in 2004, then upgraded to a 40-foot Newmar Class A DP in 2010 but sold it this year because it was just too big. We still want an RV, but this time around we thought we'd look at used, smaller Class Cs.However, we wanted a rear island bed which is almost all cases we've found means 30 feet & greater. BTW, our budget is only about $35k and while RVs in that price range are few and few between, we've found that they are out there.Anyway, after looking at a number of Class Cs that we initially liked, we're finding them sorely lacking when we compare them to similar sized Class As.For example, I found a 32-foot Class A that had an island bedroom, 2 ACs (rare in Class Cs), levelers (also rare in Class Cs), and plenty of storage & carrying capacity.Am I missing something?

sounds as if the A's are what you are wanting. Most c's will not an island bed unless you get one in a slide. Also most c's lack big storage areas. We have a 28 ft winnebago, has a bed in slide for walk around (very tight on rear side, not a lot of storage space but adequate for what we have to carry.A's to me are too big for us. When we were looking the dealers pushed the small A's but I drove a school bus of various sizes and any A to me would not necessarily be fun to drive in most areas. Yes ok in rural areas but thats about it IMO. too much tail swing to worry about is main thing. Many rv parks have narrow roads and that is another thing in itself. The smaller c is like driving a van but still has its share of issues.So I would recommend a smaller A since that appears to be what you desire, ones in your price range out here are 15-20 years old or so. My BIL bought a 01 winnebago Adventurer DP just found out it has the cummins with the weak and cracked block and has had fuel issues which required new fuel pump. We suspect that is why he was able to get it cheap! He is also having AC issues with rear unit so no matter just get what fits your needs and happy hunting.

I think you'd have a hard time going from ANY size Class A to ANY size Class C.Having owned both, bear in mind the Class A cockpit becomes part of the living area -- not so in Class C's.Also the tiny windshield with the cabover portion of the Class C hanging over it doesn't hold a candle to the panoramic windshields of Class A's.Lastly, the jammed-up foot room of a Class C cockpit doesn't begin to compare to the foot room of a Class A.There . . . and that's just the cockpit. You mentioned other things as well (dual vs. single AC, levelers vs. no levelers, etc.)I know you'll make the right decision based on your needs & likes, but I kind of see the way you're leaning.Happy travels!

Hi TechWriter,A small class A may be a heck of a lot nicer to drive than a 34 foot class C.Mine is 28'5" and does have an island bed. I have no slides.There is the kiss principle. The less tech, the less to fail?

A 28' C with no slides would be my choice . I agree 100%, KISS ! If you think a small 'A' would be your cup of tea, I would rent one before you buy one. As stated , the front window view is very nice on the class A. The problem for me is still having to drive it to your favorite spot. People have to add all kinds of suspensions gadgets in order for them to not wiggle n waggle down the road. Most of those kinds of floorplans all have multiple slides in order to make them appealing. That could mean a lot of extra unbalanced weight, combined with the short wheelbase and an entry level frame to support it all. Be careful of RV's with light frames, they can pop large windows and front windshields if the frame flexes too much. This can occur when parking on an off level campsites or using the hydraulic jacks incorrectly. In some cases, it can be a recurring problem. Just do your homework before you make the investment.

A small gasser A should still work. I have a Winnie Vista, 27' island queen in a slide, second slide in the living area. And they also made a 30' model in the same years. 2010-2012 would fit your budget with some legwork. Vista brochure 2010

Small Class A vs Large Class C | Good Sam Community

pnichols
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2021
crawford wrote:
Class A has a real truck frame A C Class is a Van chassis which most have a welded extended frame with LT tire light truck tires 16 in pickup truck. That's why I now have a A class.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "real truck frame". The last time I looked underneath my E450 based motorhome, those two big U frame members running from front qrille to the rear duallies looked pretty much like the same style U-frame members as are under dump trucks.

Most modern, small Class C motorhomes are indeed built on the unibody-type van chassis as is used in the Sprinter, and new small van offerings from Ram and Ford.

However, underneath the good old Ford E350/E450 and Chevy 3500/4500 chassis you will probably find a real truck frame. However, to keep any welded extended frame sections at a minimum length for maximum strength - one should look for a small Class C, even on these chassis.

IMHO, Class C motorhomes of lengths greater than around 30 ft. (and especially with slides included) should be built on a 5XX/5XXX series chassis with their non-extended "real truck frames". ;)
crawford
Explorer
Sep 13, 2021
Class A has a real truck frame A C Class is a Van chassis which most have a welded extended frame with LT tire light truck tires 16 in pickup truck. That's why I now have a A class.
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Sep 13, 2021
Just prior to the covid explosion we had decided to go to a smaller rig. Well you know what happened there. We still plan on dropping down to hopefully a 27 or 28 foot model Class A. The C's were just not comfy for us for all the reasons listed here. We just wern't comfortable and I don't mind driving a C but really enjoy driving an A. That is the selling point.

What we really want is a 2021 or 2022 version of our 1990 Bounder 27D. No slides, twin beds and a split bath, tons of closet space. the DW would miss her two pantry slide out cabinets but would happily give that up. We kind of like bumping butts as we pass each other in the narrow aisle, so losing the slides is acceptable. That Bounder was a great RV for the two of us and even when we started taking the DGKs with us.
DouglasC
Explorer
Sep 13, 2021
As the saying goes, "to each his own". Guess that's why the RV manufacturers make so many different models in so many sizes. Having said that, we have been RVing for 35 years and have owned 7 motorhomes. We started with a 19' Winnebago LeSharo in 1986 - - and kept getting bigger, eventually owning a 39' Newmar Dutch Star DP while we were full timing.

Over time we decided that that MH was just too big and started to downsize, 1st going to a 34' Dolphin gasser. After we stopped full timing and built a home in an RV community we decided to downside again to a Class C. One requirement that we had was that the MH had to have a walk around queen bed in the rear. Our choice of a Jayco Greyhawk 27DS ended up being the perfect choice for us. This unit has tons of interior storage and lots of outside storage as well, including a pass thru compartment for storing longer items.

We have lived in this motorhome for as long as 6 months at a time and feel that we could full time in it if necessary. We seldom miss the panoramic front window of the previous Class A motorhomes and like the additional safety of having an actual front bumper and air bags in case of an accident. We have now owned this motorhome for 15 years and recently passed the 80,000 mile mark on the odometer. The Ford V-10 engine is "bullet proof" and all in all we couldn't be happier with the way that this motorhome has held up over time and mileage.
Dusty_R
Explorer
Sep 13, 2021
We have a 27' Winnebago Itasca Spirit we bought new in 2015, it has a walk-around bed, and one small slide, and a large basement.
Tal_IL
Explorer
Sep 12, 2021
there are some very nice class Cs out there. But, I don't think I could give up the Class A basement storage. We carry a gas grill, Blackstone griddle,GMG pellet smoker, several tables, extra chairs, etc. etc.
AJR
Explorer
Sep 12, 2021
It does sound like you are biased toward a class A. I had a 36’ gasser. I am now on my second used class C after the used class A. Maintenance is cheaper and service centers are more plentiful. Island beds are common on 28’ class Cs. That bed design can allow up to 100 cubic feet of storage under it.

I like the class C for three steps to get in or out. The cab over blocks midday sun when driving south making the cab cooler. At a gas station I just open the driver’s door & get out. I did add leveling jacks to my current rig.
Janss
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2021
I don't think you're missing anything. We've had 3 Class C's and then 2 Class A's in 30 years. Don't think I'd ever want to go back to a Class C.

I actually think driving a Class A is easier, and especially when backing up...because it is all one width.
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Sep 10, 2021
A small gasser A should still work. I have a Winnie Vista, 27' island queen in a slide, second slide in the living area. And they also made a 30' model in the same years. 2010-2012 would fit your budget with some legwork. Vista brochure 2010
bobndot
Explorer II
Sep 10, 2021
A 28' C with no slides would be my choice . I agree 100%, KISS !

If you think a small 'A' would be your cup of tea, I would rent one before you buy one.
As stated , the front window view is very nice on the class A. The problem for me is still having to drive it to your favorite spot.

People have to add all kinds of suspensions gadgets in order for them to not wiggle n waggle down the road.
Most of those kinds of floorplans all have multiple slides in order to make them appealing. That could mean a lot of extra unbalanced weight, combined with the short wheelbase and an entry level frame to support it all.

Be careful of RV's with light frames, they can pop large windows and front windshields if the frame flexes too much. This can occur when parking on an off level campsites or using the hydraulic jacks incorrectly. In some cases, it can be a recurring problem. Just do your homework before you make the investment.