Forum Discussion

gregdennis53's avatar
gregdennis53
Explorer
Aug 25, 2019

Small Class C - Mercedes Diesel vs. Chevy Gasoline?

This is a two part question and I greatly appreciate any help.

First, we are getting very close to pulling the trigger on the purchase of a small Class C. Our traveling and camping friends have a Coach House Platinum II that is about 25 feet long with a queen bed that runs "front to back" ("north-south") with space to walk along both sides of the bed. We don't have the budget to purchase a new Coach House($200K ??), but we would like to find a new RV with similar features (without the luxury) at a lower price point. We were looking closely at a Winnebego View but I don't think they offer a north-south walk-around queen on their 2019 models.
The second question is what non-Ford chassis options are out there for a small Class C with a north-south walk-around queen bed? I am a life long GMC / Chevy fan and I read a while back that Chevy was launching a new platform for Class C motor homes, but I have not been able to find one with a north-south bed. I don't need the Mercedes platform and perhaps not having to deal with diesel will be a benefit, but it is tough to find a non-Ford option.
My wife refuses to approve of Fords because the Ford based Class C units we have seen at RV shows, etc. have a passenger-side footwell is much narrower than the driver-side foot well. I am the driver, but I can see why she does not want to have her feet shoved into a tiny space for 500 miles a day.
Help?

Happy Camping!
Class C
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2019
    Maybe that's not the only reason? Add poor gas mileage, and excessive engine noise when utilizing the RPM power range, and you've got 3 of the reasons we got rid of our V10.
    It's got nothing to do with "getting over it". It's a personal preference.

    p.s. I see they offer the Sprinter cab cutaway option at phoenixusarv.com on the 2350 model. I think we'll see many more upfitters come to realize there are some benefits to using the MB Sprinter, and the demand is there. The times, they are a changing?
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2019
    I find it remarkable how "passenger foot well room" is so much of an issue that you would rule out the most capable, most affordable, most reliable, most serviceable, and most popular E350/E450 chassis in the RV industry. I too admit the foot wells on both driver & passenger side of the E-series chassis are not impressive, but after our first day or two, it's out-of-mind.

    Specifically about the passenger seat, in our E350, it adjusts quite far back, so much that it is easy to place your left leg to the side for a very comfortable alternative position.

    At the risk of sounding crude and insensitive, "get over it". Don't limit yourself to the least popular chassis types, especially with the "used" RV market. Focus instead on the "construction quality" of the house with consideration to your desired floor plan. You'll get a much better value and selection if you include the E350 or E450 in your search. You may still find the "ideal" rig on the "ideal" chassis, but you owe it to yourself not to rule out the majority of used motor homes.
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2019
    gemsworld wrote:
    MDKMDK wrote:
    You won't find a walk around queen bed in the new MB based Views/Navions. The prior years had a 24G model that had a rear slide out that had a "semi-walkaround" queen bed. Search for Winnebago View/Navion 24G - there might be a "gently used" one out there somewhere. Don't fear the Sprinter. It's a solid chassis/drive train option, if you can get over the diesel thing.
    The only GMC options will be the so called "Super Cs" and they're diesels, too. Much larger/longer than your preferred length.


    Winnebago still offers the Navion 24G model with its "walkround" bed.

    https://www.rvtrader.com/New-Winnebago-Navion-24g/rvs-for-sale?make=Winnebago%7C2307464&model=NAVION%7C764964403&trim=24G%7C32926&condition=N


    Those are 2019 models. They may be "new", as in not "pre-owned", but they are 1 model year old now.

    The new 2020 View/Navion doesn't come in a "G". Scroll down to "floor plans".
    https://winnebagoind.com/products/class-c/2020/navion/navion
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Aug 26, 2019
    MDKMDK wrote:
    You won't find a walk around queen bed in the new MB based Views/Navions. The prior years had a 24G model that had a rear slide out that had a "semi-walkaround" queen bed. Search for Winnebago View/Navion 24G - there might be a "gently used" one out there somewhere. Don't fear the Sprinter. It's a solid chassis/drive train option, if you can get over the diesel thing.
    The only GMC options will be the so called "Super Cs" and they're diesels, too. Much larger/longer than your preferred length.


    Winnebago still offers the Navion 24G model with its "walkround" bed.

    https://www.rvtrader.com/New-Winnebago-Navion-24g/rvs-for-sale?make=Winnebago%7C2307464&model=NAVION%7C764964403&trim=24G%7C32926&condition=N
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2019
    You are right Chevy has started making more Cutaway chassis for RVs, the MFGs are putting more out there with many more choices of floor plans.

    Here is a listing of some of them,there may be a floor plan to suit you.
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2019
    You won't find a walk around queen bed in the new MB based Views/Navions. The prior years had a 24G model that had a rear slide out that had a "semi-walkaround" queen bed. Search for Winnebago View/Navion 24G - there might be a "gently used" one out there somewhere. Don't fear the Sprinter. It's a solid chassis/drive train option, if you can get over the diesel thing.
    The only GMC options will be the so called "Super Cs" and they're diesels, too. Much larger/longer than your preferred length.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2019
    get her the MB sprinter it has the most foot ,leg room of them all. and you might like 16mpg over 8. look at leisurevan.com they might have your floor plan.

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