CLASS C or MOTOR HOME

When we were in the market for a motorhome we test drove many different class Cs and As. We found the ride in class Cs in our price range was better than the class As. Maintenance costs have been minimal. Of course, that was 9 years ago.

Class C's ARE motorhomes. You must mean a class C (van chassis) versus a class A (truck or bus chassis).

Most class C gassers will tow 5000 pounds max. If the car is heavier, look for a diesel pusher.

I'd say that because class Cs are not as in vogue, they are cheaper in general, but make SURE to check the cabover area for leak or rotted wood, or else one might just have a scrap heap on their hands.

Were I choosing either/or, it would be a tough decision, especially with the new Euro-style "C"s coming from Winnebago on the Dodge ProMaster chassis.

After 3 years with our 22 TT, which we loved, we just switched to a 24' Class C which we love even more. Our goal was to take longer trips and eliminate my brides dread over having to pull the tailer some day should I become incapacitated. The 24 footer goes anywhere - any site, any road without complaint and is much simpler to operate than the truck/TT combo. The V-10 gives us nearly the same mileage as my 5.4L pulling the 5K# TT and with the 55 gallon tank we have twice the range.

We have a lot more storage and the amenities are even better. I think that Class A maintenance will be higher than a C but have never owned an A. Most A's are far larger than what we needed and consequently cost more and get worse mileage. A or C comes down to how you are going to use it most of the time. For us the C is just a better fit for a lot less money.

As always..... Opinions and YMMV. :C

Perhaps rent each one for a long weekend to get some actual use to help you decide which one will be right for you.

RetSgt7114 wrote:
Class C's ARE motorhomes. You must mean a class C (van chassis) versus a class A (truck or bus chassis).

thank you for pointing that out to him. My feelings were getting hurt...lol

Are you looking for something smaller to drive (Class C) or do you need the over the cab bed? Class C's are generally lower to the ground, so if you are having trouble with steps or think you will, then that is something to consider as well. As far as maintenance for a Class or even a gas powered Class A, they should be relatively the same. If you don't need the bed over the cab and don't have any physical problems, then I personally would consider the class A.

We went with the Class C right now because we still have a child that goes with us and the bed over the cab is great. Also, the price point is a lot better for us now that we can afford to have it at 44 and 45 yrs old. Rather than having to wait till we retire to get something. You might want to look at the Thor A.C.E.. They have a few different floor models. They are a Class A, but have some features of a Class C with them (drop down bed). They are also priced in the Class C price point.

My choice was driven more by practical considerations. TT or 5er vs. MH: I'm single. Its a lot easier to drive a toad up to the back of a MH than to back a tow vehicle up to the TT or 5er without a spotter. Class C vs. Class A: I already owned a storage building with (3) 12' x 12' doors. The 'C' fit through the doors.

We had a Class C before we went full-time and bought our Class A. In retrospect, if I had known how easy a Class A was to drive I would have bought a smaller one of those rather than the C. The A's have more storage and more open space inside than do the C's. What was really surprising was that the fuel economy on the Ford V-10 was hardly any better than I get in my DP with roughly twice the weight.

wbwood wrote:

RetSgt7114 wrote:
Class C's ARE motorhomes. You must mean a class C (van chassis) versus a class A (truck or bus chassis).

thank you for pointing that out to him. My feelings were getting hurt...lol

X-2, I thought my class c Was a MH