Thoughts on manufacturers

Some are put together better than others, and in some cases, better materials such as a fiberglass roof. Out of the brands you mentioned, I'd go with Winnebago.

gemsworld wrote:
Some are put together better than others, and in some cases, better materials such as a fiberglass roof. Out of the brands you mentioned, I'd go with Winnebago.

Thanks. I should have been more clear on what I was asking for. Things like roof quality or other "extra" build quality touches that some manufacturers use over others.

It helps to have a bit better idea what you might want in a Class C. But we are pretty pleased with the build in our Winnebago. Even Winnebago has levels of build with their C's. A one piece nose cap is a necessity, fiberglass roof too. Cubic feet of storage space is important to some. Large shower to others. Rotating front seats can be nice too. One feature that might be more common now in other rigs is the hot water tank has a heating element that carries engine heat through the tank. Rather nice to drive, then have a tank of hot water when you arrive. Winnebago also has a different key than the commom one too. Also electrically heated grey and black tanks if needed. Better mattresses, fit and finish. Even a water filter in the top models.

bobbyg123 wrote:
Since I'm in the market for a used Class C, out of necessity, I'm open to a variety of different manufacturers. Without wanting this to turn into a brand loyalty debate, what can you guys tell me about the different Class C makers?

I'm in the market for a 25-31' camper, and the makes I'm consistently running into here in the Pacific NW are Thor, Sunseeker, Minnie Winnie, Tioga, and Jayco.

Any input on these would be helpful.

Your range of 25 to 31 means you are not clear on the big difference between a 25 and a 28 or so. Read the recent thread on that.

If you have kids or dogs or both, you want more room than a 25.

On use, it is not the brand it is the condition. ( Your other thread on that)

Advice from before no change--- rent one of any size and see how that goes. Buy one of the correct size after that, now you know how it will actually go for you.

I live here in the Pacwest, and I looked for many months. A major factor for me was I wanted a couch, not just a dinette. Dinette's are VERY uncomfortable for long term seating. So if you want a couch, it can be tough to find that in a rig under 31 foot long. Of your list, the only two contenders I considered were Winnie and Jayco. There is nothing in the common C class that can compete with Jayco's J Ride plus chassis; comes with Hellwigs, Bilsteins, upgraded sway bars, triple balanced driveshaft. That being said, there's going to be some things you'll need to attend do. That's just the way it is these days.

Jayco 25R

Double check your mattress sizes when you look at units. Measure them to be sure. This model has a short queen at 74", that matters to some people. You can sometimes extend it by using a filler at the head of those beds, you need the room at the bottom to accept the added length.
I almost bought this 25R but its 28.8" length was peak length for my driveway and didn't want to push it to that point.

I spent a lot of time sitting in this model and really liked the feel of it. The corner bed was not our first choice however , we did end up buying a very comfy full 60x80 pillowtop Serta corner bed model in another brand and its not as bad as I thought it would be to make the bed. ( My DW has no problem at all ;) )

The 25r sofa is opposite a 50" tv and the open floorplan gives you a non cramped feel with plenty of aisle passing-by room if you have dogs or more than 2 people. It has good storage capacity as well with a hidden wardrobe behind the tv.
The driver/passengers seats are comfy as well, something a lot of people don't take into consideration. If you think about it, its a place where you can spend 8 hrs a day at times.

You might want to add Born Free and Lazy Daze to your list. Born Free is no longer in business, but it was considered one of the top brands for quality. I have owned my 24' Born Free for 8 years and it's a great coach.

Lazy Daze is still in business and it is considered a quality coach.

Just when your ready... Born Free shuts down! - iRV2 Forums
www.irv2.com http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/just-when-your-ready-born-free-shuts-down-343483.html

Thor = NO

On your list, Personally, I would avoid the Thor, Sunseeker (Forest River), and Tioga (Fleetwood). Of course, these brands are affordably priced and constitute a large portion of the market. A lot of folks love them.

The Winnie and Jayco are the way to go. We bought a 15 year old Winnie over newer rigs that were available in the brands you listed.