Few questions from the future RV-er

A lot of different opinions on the questions you raised.
For starters, the major brands are all using the same platforms (Ford Chevy, MB as well as Ram) and all of them have their fans. The Full size van varients, Ford E series and Chevy 3500 have longterm usage and are proven designs and powertrains. Ford is more common especially in the larger units 28' and up, and the drivetrain is a little stronger with the 6.8 V-10 vs GM's 6.0 V-8. But in smaller units especially, many feel the Chevy platform is preferable, both in road manners as well as interior comfort (dog house size and position). The new 7.3 V-8 from Ford could make the power and tranny issues even more obvious as they start showing up this year, and the doghouse may even shrink some.
The transit vans MB's and Ford dominate in gas vs diesel and Ram is in there with a few of each.
On interior components all of the brands use basically the same appliances, refrigerators, stoves, heaters and AC units are shared across brands. The bigger differences are in how a builder puts it together, and there some telling differences come to light.
The smaller "B" lines tend to be more of a craftsman market, less of a "mass production" approach. And their prices show the difference.
The bigger RV brands offer a lot of models with similar floorplans, across all levels of pricing, Interior cabinetry, and furnishings are where they can trim a lot of cost, and it's where you will spot a lot of differences.
Particle board with shelf paper type coatings are cheapest, and show wear the soonest, Ply wood frames are better, and hardwood is better still. Freestanding couches are better built and more expensive than the built in units generally as well.

Your size range mentioned puts you in a zone you may want to look at referred to by some as the Cruiser RV's.
Gulfstream B Touring cruiser, Phoenix Cruiser, and some others like the Coachhouserv and concord model from Coachmen.
These Cruisers still give you the heavier platform and drivetrain from the larger Ford and GM lines, but a slightly slimmer lower profile for easier travel.

Others will expound on other considerations, I'm just trying to get you started.
Happy hunting.

Rent an A, B and C. Then you’ll know what will make you happy.

Get a small Class C Winnebago on a Ford chassis. Stay away from Thor products.

Welcome to the Forum,you will most likely get a lot of good information here.

The Jayco Redhawk SE 22A is a good choice,it is small and if you can live with the floor Plan it would be a perfect starter RV.

On the Plus side of this choice it is built on a Chevy Chassis

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
(...)Your size range mentioned puts you in a zone you may want to look at referred to by some as the Cruiser RV's.
Gulfstream B Touring cruiser, Phoenix Cruiser, and some others like the Coachhouserv and concord model from Coachmen.
These Cruisers still give you the heavier platform and drivetrain from the larger Ford and GM lines, but a slightly slimmer lower profile for easier travel.

Others will expound on other considerations, I'm just trying to get you started.
Happy hunting.

Thank you, I'll check them out.

Think about:

What kind of travel do you plan? Full-time or part-time? Scenic trips or staying in one place? Hooked up to utilities or on your own for utilities?

How many people and animals will travel with you?

Where will you keep the RV when not traveling? Neighborhood parking restrictions? Storage yard costs?

Will your chosen rig fit your body comfortably? Are you tall, short, wide, etc? Do you fit into the toilet/shower area?

Who will service your rig? Engine/drive train stuff often has to go to one place and RV features to another. Are these service centers located near you?

Will you be on pavement or off? You mention 4WD. Some people use their 4WD for boat ramps or to get out of their slippery driveways at home and some want to go out there and explore. A 4WD RV is NOT a rock crawler, and often will not fit into those off-road places seen in photos. You can do expensive damage to your RV by taking it where it ought not go. I say this as a person who has driven a 4WD RV for 29 years. And yes, I still love my 4WD RV.

etc etc. You get the idea. Know the features you need or want. Study the specs. Be cautious about believing what salespersons tell you.

THERE IS NO PERFECT RV. Choose one that meets most of your needs, get out there, and enjoy it!

After 44-1/2 years I miss truck driving like I miss a hemorrhoid.

Rolaids, Doan's pills and preparation H. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNxGnIH-PeM

RedRollingRoadblock wrote:
After 44-1/2 years I miss truck driving like I miss a hemorrhoid.

I drive professionally only 42 and half years and I still love it!

Class B motorhomes are the most expensive you can buy based on space , mileage and features per $. Yes they are good for getting anywhere, passing fuel stations, or if you plan to stay out of them 100% of the time while parked. You pay heavily for the driving convenience IMO they sux in the bathroom, bedroom, lounging side of things. And before people blast me, I’ve had one. Class C’s are a step up in size, storage, family oriented, and offer a large selections of floor plans to choose from. And FYI there is no such thing as a class B+. They are by build definition a C, but for marketing B+ sounds better than a C- (minus the cab over section). Class A’s are the most space, storage, features per $ you can find. There is also a very wide selection from under $80k to the sky’s the limit. There are gas A’s and diesel A’s the shorter the A the less space you have for your stuff which seems like a “well duh” but some people look at all the storage doors, not knowing that behind that door is the waste tanks. Hope this helps.