Class A vs Class C: Maintenance and Towing
Hello! Brand new today (I've been haunting for sometime though, finally had enough questions wracked up to join!). :-) I've been reading and reading, and reading some more and I can't find anythi...
Forum Discussion
I had a TT and went to a Class C. The TT was 18.5ft, the C is 21ft. I'm not sure what lengths you're looking at, but here are my observations on the differences with the smaller versions (24ft and under):
Storage space is about the same between them. With the TT, I had the added storage space of the SUV I towed it with. With the MH, I have the added sleeping/storage space of the cabover bed.
Where it really differs is that with the TT, the parking/maneuvering length includes the SUV. With the MH, it is compact enough that I don't need to tow another vehicle. That means the TT had an effective length of 34.5ft versus the 21ft of the MH. That's a huge difference.
For example, when I drove my SUV/TT and needed to pull over on curvy roads, I found few places I could safely do so; with the MH, I can pull over most anywhere. With the SUV/TT, I couldn't easily turn around; with the MH, I can often do a u-turn (not even having to do the 3-point turn). If I needed to make a stop on the way, with the SUV/TT, I had to park along the edges of the lot; with the MH, I could park most anywhere in the lot.
This difference means that the small MH can be easily used for day trips to a local park, the lake, the snow, etc. You'll be able to fix a nice lunch, have a change of clothes, private bathroom, take a nap, etc. without having to lug around coolers, etc.
However, with the TT, you can set it up at the campsite and leave it. Since you HAVE to have the TV to get it there, you always have a vehicle for Dad and the kids to head 5 miles down river for fishing while Mom can stay at camp with the "home". With a small MH, the vehicle is the home - if Dad takes it to go fishing, Mom is left with an empty camp. This can really be a deal breaker for a family.
With the bigger RVs, this difference seems to lose its impact. A 28ft TT and a 30ft MH are comparable and the MH is big enough that a toad becomes extremely beneficial, so you're either adding the length of the TV or the length of the Toad, therefore maintaining a similar effective length.
You mention your oldest will be graduating high school - how about the youngest? How long will the kids realistically be vacationing with you? You're looking for a 10-year purchase (at minimum) - will all this time include the kids? Are you looking to use the RV for some "alone time" for you and your husband as the kids grow up? Or do you plan on having an RV to spend time with grandkids? The answers could help you determine the best choice for you.
Storage space is about the same between them. With the TT, I had the added storage space of the SUV I towed it with. With the MH, I have the added sleeping/storage space of the cabover bed.
Where it really differs is that with the TT, the parking/maneuvering length includes the SUV. With the MH, it is compact enough that I don't need to tow another vehicle. That means the TT had an effective length of 34.5ft versus the 21ft of the MH. That's a huge difference.
For example, when I drove my SUV/TT and needed to pull over on curvy roads, I found few places I could safely do so; with the MH, I can pull over most anywhere. With the SUV/TT, I couldn't easily turn around; with the MH, I can often do a u-turn (not even having to do the 3-point turn). If I needed to make a stop on the way, with the SUV/TT, I had to park along the edges of the lot; with the MH, I could park most anywhere in the lot.
This difference means that the small MH can be easily used for day trips to a local park, the lake, the snow, etc. You'll be able to fix a nice lunch, have a change of clothes, private bathroom, take a nap, etc. without having to lug around coolers, etc.
However, with the TT, you can set it up at the campsite and leave it. Since you HAVE to have the TV to get it there, you always have a vehicle for Dad and the kids to head 5 miles down river for fishing while Mom can stay at camp with the "home". With a small MH, the vehicle is the home - if Dad takes it to go fishing, Mom is left with an empty camp. This can really be a deal breaker for a family.
With the bigger RVs, this difference seems to lose its impact. A 28ft TT and a 30ft MH are comparable and the MH is big enough that a toad becomes extremely beneficial, so you're either adding the length of the TV or the length of the Toad, therefore maintaining a similar effective length.
You mention your oldest will be graduating high school - how about the youngest? How long will the kids realistically be vacationing with you? You're looking for a 10-year purchase (at minimum) - will all this time include the kids? Are you looking to use the RV for some "alone time" for you and your husband as the kids grow up? Or do you plan on having an RV to spend time with grandkids? The answers could help you determine the best choice for you.
