Forum Discussion

colettek's avatar
colettek
Explorer
Jun 13, 2017

which class c has the most basement storage ?

We are looking to buy a class c. we are wondering which model or brand has the most storage underneath? We like the granite ridge but is that the one that has the most storage underneath
  • Massive storage is truly great to have. Just make sure that you don't over-load your E350, E450, 3500, 4500, Sprinter, Transit, or Promaster chassis. Huge open storage is perfect for bulky lightweight children riding & yard toys, but don't plan to fill your storage compartment with firewood, tools, extra water and other such heavy items. Making matters worse, the storage compartment is most often behind the rear axle which amplifies the over-weighting problem, and negatively impacts drivability.
  • When I was looking for my next RV I wanted something with a lot of storage space,I found that the ones that had basement storage were nice but had some draw backs I didn't like. Like getting down all 4s to use them.

    To get that storage they had to raise the floor in the House which made it higher to get into and a BIG step down to the drivers area,plus limited view thru the windshield when seated inside,I like to see the scenery around me. Mine has about a 3 inch step down.

    What I found was the Tioga 26 Q, it has over 100 cubic feet of storage in the rear compartment,plus the floor panels lift up and there is additional storage below them. It will fit all my bulky items with ease,plus it has access from all three sides with large doors. It also has a Queen bed in back that is not a corner type.

    Some newer models have gone back to this configuration.

    Here is member OldRadios,just like mine, rear compartment to better show the access doors
  • If you are looking at the E450 Chassis exclusively, the most storage might also mean the least carrying capacity. As they get longer and more slides, the available payload drops. A 26 foot E450 can often carry 2500 pounds, but a 31 foot E450 can only carry 1500 pounds.

    Certainly going to a Super C on a medium duty truck chassis will be the best option if you want to carry a ton or more in storage.
  • We have a 2015 Itasca 27Q, it has a large outside storage area across the back.

    Dusty
  • Depends on what you're going to store and what size C you're looking for.

    Some C's have large open storage bay in the back but this is because it has a corner bed (big deal breaker for us) inside. Others have lots of little storage bays but none of them will hold anything of size (bbq, lawn chair, etc).

    We have a Forest River Forester 3011. It has rear storage that goes all the way through. The sides are tall and will take some good size items. The middle is lower but will take numerous items. There are also quite a few smaller bays all around the rig. Probably some of the best outside storage that we found when searching. Good interior storage as well.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    You're going to have to go Model within Brand. By that I mean that the storage rating, in cubic feet, isn't constant within the product lines. You also have to be sure the most storage comes with an interior floor plan that you can like. For examples:

    A "Full Basement" Class C is going to have the house floor at least two steps above the entry, and over a foot step up from the cockpit. Those climbs can be daunting for some people. Also, a high house means little to no view out the windshield while camped.

    Is the SHAPE of the storage useful? Our coach is NOT basement, and has a goodly amount of storage compartments, but none is tall. They'll take boxes, long tools, buckets, but nothing like a BBQ or a 5-gallon paint pail.

    Does the storage take something you need out of the interior? Some models enlarge exterior storage by raising the bed. Is that OK or too high? Others do it by making a split level interior. That's a tripping hazard for some. Is it OK for you?