Smaller RV's?

Winnebago uses the Ford Transit for a class "C", the Fuse. They also use the RAM ProMaster for the Trend. Barring a special order from Phoenix Cruiser, these are the short ones.

I read that the Ford Transit and similar Dodge vehicles are being used as the chassis, but not sure if that's the smaller or bigger transit vehicle.

I think when they get "that" short, they are called "truck campers!" :B ;)

We had a 31' sailboat and were extremely comfortable in it. When we decided to buy a "land yacht," we wound up with a 32' motorhome. We've looked at bigger and smaller over the years, but the 31-33' range is just perfect for us, and we can get into the vast majority of older parks and campgrounds with it.

Tiger4x4RV wrote:
A regular cab Tiger Bengal may be the smallest C at a hair under 20 feet. Phoenix Cruiser has a small unit also. My pre-Tiger Toyota-based C was 17.5 feet. Perfect for one person who likes to explore or two people who enjoy a lot of togetherness.

Otherwise, it sure seems like RV builders are on the bigger BIGGER track. I dread the day that I have to be shopping for my next RV.

Of all the class "C"s out there, the Tiger ones are arguably the best. Oddly enough, I noticed that they discontinued all lines except the Bengal, which is their smallest. Definitely not inexpensive, but it definitely has a usable niche.

I abhore the "bigger is better" trend of RVs. What used to be parkable in a single parking place is now something that needs a storage lot (and thus easy prey to tweakers). Plus, there are a lot of older parks and campgrounds which are too small for today's big rigs.

I have a Dodge American Clipper 21ft C. A friend has a Toyota Chinook (smaller than the old dolphins with a pop up top). She just got a Toyota Sunrader (newer but similar in size to the dolphin).

I love the size of the clipper and sunrader. They can easily be driven around town as a second vehicle. They fit in a driveway. They fit in most all campsites. They are comfortable for a couple or small family.

The main thing I sed as to why folks go bigger is: 1) if it rains, you want room indoors; and 2) everyone requires their own space.

To me, those desires are driven by public perception and not actual need. For years, kids shared rooms and families lived in small homes without issue. Then, suddenly, if each kid didn't have their own room and bathroom, it was a disaster. Truth is, if you bring up the kids sharing space, then they will be fine sharing a space. And if they do get in a tiff, you do what parents have done forever "go outside and play".

And when did we have to start hiding from the rain. Grab a raincoat, umbrella, and/or garbage bag and go for a hike. A forest rain is refreshing and delightful.

A regular cab Tiger Bengal may be the smallest C at a hair under 20 feet. Phoenix Cruiser has a small unit also. My pre-Tiger Toyota-based C was 17.5 feet. Perfect for one person who likes to explore or two people who enjoy a lot of togetherness.

Otherwise, it sure seems like RV builders are on the bigger BIGGER track. I dread the day that I have to be shopping for my next RV.

Phoenix Cruiser has a 21' (well, 21' 7" overall) unit available. There may be some others that call themselves B+ units as well, but that's just marketing speak for a small class C. I guess maybe it's related to people wanting to buy a large compact car ("most spacious in its class!") rather than a small midsize car, even if they're actually the exact same size.

What I find ironic is that in the 1970s and 80s, up to the early 1990s, there was a great selection of smaller (20 feet and shorter) rigs. Toyota Dolphins come to mind, getting 22 MPG.

European companies sells short "C"s with an immense amount of usable room and versatility. However, they have different vacation styles than here in the US, so having a rig where they park, extend an awning tent, and sit in a place for 2-3 weeks is not uncommon.

Not sure why we can't do that these days. The smallest class "C" available new is 24 feet (a Winnebago Trend). There is a smaller one that Cruise America uses, but it is a design unique to them.