32 Foot Class A vs 32 Foot Class C

pasusan wrote:
Don't know if this needs mentioning... But ever see the results of a crash? At least a Class C will have the cab area much more stable as it is the front end of a real vehicle. A Class A will fall apart completely (well, unless it is a bus conversion).

This is a great point. Previously we've always owned Class A's and while we enjoyed the greater living space, more storage etc, I was always concerned about a crash. Class A's might be the worst crash worthy Rv out there. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but a Class A will usually ride much better than a C. Not that Gas Class A's ride great, they can be loud and rough as well.

The biggest difference we found between a Class A and a Class C was the chassis they were built on and subsequently the way they drove and handled.
Both, depending on the layouts and features can be equally livable. However, Class C's tend to be built on light truck chassis with 16.5 inch wheels, which mostly drive and ride exactly like a truck. Not pleasant and usually exhausting.
Class A's for the most part are built on a MH chassis, with 22.5 inch wheels, with a much better ride and handling. Much more fun to drive.

Don't know if this needs mentioning... But ever see the results of a crash? At least a Class C will have the cab area much more stable as it is the front end of a real vehicle. A Class A will fall apart completely (well, unless it is a bus conversion).

The biggest difference between a C and an A is living space. A class A offers more useable floor space than a class C. Not to mention a class A offered larger slideouts. Also most A's have more storage than a C.

hotjag1 wrote:
I'll mention a few of my reasons for preferring a Class A. Sitting up high and being able to look over the top of most of the vehicles in front of me feels a little safer being able to see brake lights come on several cars ahead of me and watching for openings in traffic. An 8 1/2 foot wide windshield is great for viewing the scenery as we travel also.

We've only owned Class A's, but I think they may have larger storage bays and possibly larger fresh and holding tanks in the same length of vehicles. Just my thoughts but I'm sure Class C owners can probably list the benefits of a C that I wouldn't be aware of.

I fully agree on every point.

Also, the cockpit area of a Class A becomes nice wide-open living area, whereas the Class C cockpit remains just that -- just a cockpit -- usually at a different floor level than the rest of the coach as well.

We moved from a TT to a Class C, so here are a few points from my perspective:

You will have limited visibility in a C. Watch how you pull to an intersection at a light...the overhang can block the light. When making turns at an intersection where you have to stop and look, stay back enough to SEE on the your left (as if turning right onto another street). Maybe the same with an A on that one.

We looked at both and indeed we liked the more usable floor space in an A -- driver/pass chairs can usually be swiveled to use as seating. In a C, not so much. In fact, in a C, the driver area is lower than the floor of the living space.

So why did we go with a C? Large overhead bunk (the overhang) is great for storage and sleeping. Price point much lower (we bought new). For a simiar A, we would have a gasser and most likely would be same Ford V10. We do have hydraulic leveling...we added it after. As far as getting up to move about, we don't do it regardless. Can be dangerous and we usually plan a trip with a rest stop every hour or 2 since we bring dogs with us.

Our C has a ton of storage ... I mean it has a huge cavernous basement, with lots of smaller storage areas around...so no big advantage to the A. Bottom line: we found the C (for us) had better pricing, had decent layouts to choose from, had a generator and leveling jacks were optional, and simply put -- fit our needs.

The thing to remember is an RV can be about compromise ... give up something to get another. Occasionally you find an RV (A, C, B, TT, etc) that fits your needs perfecting you don't feel like it's a compromise. That, to me, is ideal. For us, a TT was perfect...we could pay cash and I had no "extra" drivetrain to care for (engine in the motorhome). But, we could also not stop and see things on our journey..."worlds largest ball of twine" and other such things...because we could not run our AC while parked in a TT. The C for us fit our needs.

Lastly, length as you mention is important. Ours is 33 feet long. We can fit just about, but not all, places we want to go. Longer and yes, it can be an issue.

Not ever owning a class C I can only say why I do not. Storage is a big thing, the A will have alot more outside storage than a C. The inside will be larger in an A because you have the whole front area where a C you do not. Its easier for the passenger to get up and move around in an A where a C its a little more difficult. I could be wrong on this but most C's do not have leveling jacks where A's do that to me is important.

Good luck just do alot of leg work in your search.

I'll mention a few of my reasons for preferring a Class A. Sitting up high and being able to look over the top of most of the vehicles in front of me feels a little safer being able to see brake lights come on several cars ahead of me and watching for openings in traffic. An 8 1/2 foot wide windshield is great for viewing the scenery as we travel also.

We've only owned Class A's, but I think they may have larger storage bays and possibly larger fresh and holding tanks in the same length of vehicles. Just my thoughts but I'm sure Class C owners can probably list the benefits of a C that I wouldn't be aware of.