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usmcshepherd's avatar
usmcshepherd
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2016

Truck Camper Owner Considering Super C - Questions

Hello all,

I've been a member for over 6 years but have always been on the Truck Camper part of this site as we have owned 3 TCs over the years. That said we are considering getting a Super C (Jayco Seneca or similar type unit with bunks) so we could travel longer and in greater comfort especially for the kids. We've looked at Class A's but I keep going back to the Super C/ M2 chassis. That said we've never had one so I have a few questions I thought I might be able to get some questions too from the experts here:

1. Is it possible to tow a half ton pickup? (We have a beautiful new Tundra that would make a great run around especially for my family anyway!)
2. If you can tow a half ton pickup would it be best to tow it directly off the Super C or carrying it on a trailer? (My initial thought would be I would rather put the Tundra on a trailer vice pulling it directly so as to save wear and tear on the truck).
3. Does anyone see the benefit to installing solar panels on the roof of a Super C since you have a 8k generator? (We currently have two panels on our TC and love it but I am seeing more and more of these units as having induction ranges which I would assume would require shore power or generator so not sure how valuable solar would be).
4. How do these units drive compared to class As? Most people drive Class A's in this range so it leaves me wondering why the Super C over the same sized class A.

Thanks for any and all help.
MGuns
Class C
  • loggenrock's avatar
    loggenrock
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    For us the issue of coach vs TC was safety. We often use truckstops/WalMart/etc for an overnight when we are travelling and throwing the miles down. A coach means you do not have to go outside to get in the tow vehicle if you experience an issue at 0-dark 30, you just slide into the captain's seat, turn the key, and drive away from the potential problem. have only had to do that once since 1989, but was sure glad we had that ability. Can't do that in a TC, TT, or 5er. So it really depends how you plan to use your rig. Having a larger rig and a smaller tow vehicle certainly has its advantages over a large truck and a large 5er - still tough to find a parking space be it at a grocery store or a tourist attraction. My 2 cents! ST
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Generally an MH is no noisier than the camper is. If you dont hear all the clanging then you pack well. WIfe puts small towels between pots etc, we use paper plates stuff like that in the trailer (still have) plus the rv. Rv's really are not all that quiet they seem to produce noises like everything else. Biggest thing is like I said for the wife to be able to go to bathroom, or fridge while in motion, no need to pull over for her. But for the driver really no difference other than you climb over the dog house vs going out and unlocking the trailer door. Plus with the rv as you have noted need to pull something to actually drive to go somewhere, with the trailer the tow vehicle is the go with vehicle and no need to hook or unhook elec, drains water etc once set up if going someplace.

    Really it all depends on what you think you need.dont know how many kids are involved but the 4dr trucks are fairly comfy and roomy. We used to let the kids ride in the camper (TC) and watch tv/play games but the trucks are bigger now so they can have pretty much room to themselves unless there are more than 2. We enjpyed the camper we had, we enjoyed the trailer, and the rv is fine, wife thought I put too much effort once we stopped to set up the trailer, but the rv is about as bad even with auto levelers. ground too soft, not level etc just like with the trailer. But some will say pull hit auto and sit back, if only...................
  • usmcshepherd's avatar
    usmcshepherd
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2016
    We have never had a motorhome of any kind (A, B, C) so one of the reasons we have done the TC and 5th Wheel option was the noise we imagined going down the road in an A, B or C and hearing all the pots and pans rattling around...is this really an issue?

    I am really surprised by the comments I'm getting as I expected to hear nothing but encouragement about moving to a motorhome as they're all that!! So far it seems like most are saying to stay with a TC or 5th wheel?
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2016
    we just got back from aquick trip to colo springs in our 04 F350 FX4. Wife was pleased with the comfort (only 2 of us) and the mileage was ok for a 7500+ veh at 80mph. Anyhow the wife made the comment that the truck is more comfortable than the E450 MH and its only advantage was that she could get up go to the bathroom or get something out of the fridge while moving.

    Hear/read about folks complaining about the rough rides in their tow vehicles, must be something they are too sensitive to. The truck we have rides just as smooth or smoother than some cars we have been in plus gives more room. really dont know what the complaint is. we have airbags I keep at 15 psi and we had no complaints even on some of the construction areas we encountered.Actually I prefer the truck/trailer to the MH but that is what she wanted still have to find a place to pull over when driving to go P or whatever, so no benefit in reality for the driver.
  • usmcshepherd's avatar
    usmcshepherd
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2016
    We have been considering full timing and since we had the new Tundra we thought this might be the best option...the other option was moving to a 5th wheel but we thought that traveling in the motorhome would be more comfortable than the pickup. Also, money isn't the biggest concern here as is the best option for what we are considering. We've had a 5th wheel before and I know they've come a long ways in just the last couple of years, but again we are then traveling in our HD Truck which often times isn't the most comfortable when there isn't a load on it.
  • 2lazy4U's avatar
    2lazy4U
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2016
    I second coolmom's advice to get a trailer. That way you can keep the TC for times when you want it, and the trailer will cost much less and be way easier to maintain. Most trailers are just as comfy as any motorhome, some more so. Easier to resell if you want a different rig later.

    Do you really want two engines to maintain? Not to mention taxes, insurance, higher plates, etc.
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2016
    remember that most of the supers are diesel and they run AIR BRAKE systems and these are not cheap to maintain when needed. Yes many DP's use air brakes and they are probably poorly maintained as well. Minimum costs for a NEW super is around $200K, even used are expensive. Now with all that said they are nice, but its the extra $$ to purchase and maintain that creates questions. Look at a class c like the Melbourne by jayco, they have halway bunks if that is really what ya want. ALso the melborne is setup pretty nice, was looking at them before we got our winnebago aspect.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2016
    In your shoes I would upgrade to a travel trailer and use the Tundra to pull it. Much less money, and no more hassle than trailering the Tundra. I agree that you are getting into a lot more complicated systems with a big C. If you've been a dedicated truck camper, you are used to making it without a lot of bells/whistles. The systems are a lot less to maintain in a trailer.

    The value of solar is not having to listen to/run/deal with a generator.
  • 2lazy4U's avatar
    2lazy4U
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2016
    I don't believe you can tow Toyotas except on a trailer. I have an FJ Cruiser that can't be towed wheels down and it's my understanding that none of them can be.

    One value of having solar is you won't irritate your neighbors with noise and you can also boondock when you want.

    In my opinion, you'll be trading the simplicity of your TC for a big bundle of things to maintain and worry about, not to mention the costs (purchasing, maintenance, gas, etc.). You will also lose value with each year. You will also be much more limited in where you can go.

    Simplicity = happiness. If you must go this route, maybe consider a Class B, as all the negatives will be on a smaller scale, hopefully.

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