Whats the best Class C RV
I'm just starting my hunt for an RV. I've decided on a Class C MH and was wondering if there was a consensus on which model is the best overall?
Forum Discussion
50 Replies
- There are a number of quality C's out there, the higher end Winnebago's, Lazy Daze, Born Free and my personal favorite Nexus. Look for a quality build which means fiberglass roof and end caps and steel framing is stronger than aluminum, Azdell is superior to Luan or plywood. A better quality rig will have features like heated tanks, large furnace and AC systems, electric awning, high end appliances and an inner spring mattress.
Chassis choices come down to Ford, Chevy (for slightly better leg room), and the Mercedes Sprinter series (and no they do NOT get 20 mpg). If you are going to pull a Toad get a Ford or Chevy with the big block gas V-10 or 6.0L engines and look for a large fuel tank, 55 gallons is about right.
Don't believe the nonsense that you just "Have" to have slides, some do, some don't, lots of choices out there. Look for C's with lots of storage both inside and out. Watch out for C's that have very little cargo carrying capacity (CCC), 2,000# should be the minimum and more is better.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV. :C - Pay attention to the cargo carrying capacity. Many models are borderline overweight after you add a couple people, gas and water. Slides give you a little more floorspace but add weight and the risk of mechanical problems down the road. Everyone's use is different so a lot of the choices you will have to make yourself.
We chose no slides and a medium length chassis as there are only two of us and use ours for camping and mostly boondock in remote sites and wanted lots of cargo capacity. Teacher's Pet wrote:
Another item we looked for, was the amount of leg-room in the passenger seating area of the cab. I'm a "Ford" guy, but bought a "Chevy" based that requirement. Each person has their own needs.
now that I think about it that should be the first cut. sit in the cabs of them and see if you need Ford/Chevy/etc. if that isn't comfy and easy to get to the living area, get something else.
bumpy- My Four Winds has been trouble free for 9 years and almost 50K miles.
- Your lifestyle dictates what works for you, along the number of people normally traveling with you.
That said, take a look at Born Free, all fiberglass, great build, smaller than most, but to my thinking not really for families. Cost can a bit more than others new and used, they do their own marketing, factory direct as Lazy Daze does.
Before we bought our small motorhome (R-Vision B+)in 2012 for an Alaska trip, one of my biggest concern was seams in the body at the front of the unit over the cab. So we looked at RV's with one piece fiberglass caps in that area. We've owned two "C"s, both had problems with leaks over the cab. My brother in law has also had two "C"s, one a Newmarr and the current one a Four Winds (Thor) bought new. Both had to have the front and floor of the cab over sleeping area rebuilt, the Four Winds at under three years and it is garaged when not in use.
Another item we looked for, was the amount of leg-room in the passenger seating area of the cab. I'm a "Ford" guy, but bought a "Chevy" based that requirement. Each person has their own needs. - Simply put, Winnebago.
- well the best IMHO would be an aluminum framed, not rubber roofed, unit.
bumpy Kallen8 wrote:
I'm just starting my hunt for an RV. I've decided on a Class C MH and was wondering if there was a consensus on which model is the best overall?
Kinda like asking what's the best thing to have for dinner.
I realize you're probably primarily interested in build quality, but even that's not guaranteed from rig to rig. Like Gonzo42 said, think about all the other priorities. Once you've narrowed your search to a few different brands/models based on your ideal floorplan and length, you can come back and ask about them specifically. Also do a web/forum search for them. You'll learn a lot.
You're already far ahead of the game knowing you want a class C. Took us months just to narrow it down that much!- Ask 10 people and you are going to get 11 answers. Get on the 'net and download brochures, study the floor plans and amenities. Think how many people you have in your family and what they will need. Don't overbuy in the sense that you want to have something that will carry your whole extended family. That costs you a bundle just for other people. Let them buy their own.
Consider what hobbies you want to pursue while on vacation. Where in the country do you plan to visit? Mountains, Beaches, Desert ---- fishing, hunting, National Parks, etc.
Naturally we prefer our own choice, and we are working on improvements, particularly improving cargo capacities.
Shorter units tend to fit in more rental spaces, of course but then you can't carry as much junk (oops, I mean toys) as you might want.
Also think about whether you want to bring a toad. (which means boat, small car, etc.)
Buying new IMHO is never cost effective. Sure there is always some wear and tear on a used unit, but restoration is certainly less costly than the difference between new and used.
Think about whether you want gas or diesel. Naturally I have my opinion about that, and so does everyone else.
You can get a good trade-in unit from a dealer and they will do a thorough inspection before you take delivery although they won't offer any warrantee. Any unit under 5 years old is a fairly safe bet, after that there will be some repair issues.
Still, remember the dealer is in business to make money. Deal hard, and always be prepared to walk away. There are many others out there.
