Host Mammoth TC

Keeping the camper length at 12' and using the longer chassis cab eliminates that long rear overhang that limits any unveven terrain travel and reduces towing capacity.

I'd look more at smaller Class C if they just weren't so close to at capacity.
A great Class C would be starting with the RAM 5500 crewcab 4*4 and then putting on about a 16-18' RV Pod/Camper shell like what Host did for a couple years. There are some Outlander/overlander options but they are big money.

We need towing capacity of about 8K. and we need 4*4 for forest services roads and snow/ice. But we're not going down jeep trails.

I think the Class C RV manufacturers should take a look at the TC models which would result in some better layouts. Many of the TC floor plans would fit nicely on the 12' chassis cabs that have a 84" CA and make a compact 24' overall length unit that has better storage than the TC counterpart yet have great towing capacity and 4wd.

hbski wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
The only Super C that fit my needs was the one offered by Host:

http://www.hostcampers.com/subs/motorcoaches/motorcoach_270.html

They currently are not in production, but this is the most compact one I have found with 4wd and 10K lb or better tow ratings.

there is a 2008 for sale in PA for $178,900

I test drove one of those out of sheer curiosity, it was quite nice actually. I didn't care for the arrangement but if you like that, it seemed like a really nice rig. The 550 chassis handled great.

My Ram 5500 and a triple slide TC will do what I want for less. Until then, my AF811 is riding on the back in style.

One of my concerns with the Ford Super C is that cab removal is suggested for larger repairs. Not being able remove the cab means pulling the engine out of the front and bigger labor costs. If it was a current MY chassis, I would be less concerned but still consider it a con.

Bedlam wrote:
The only Super C that fit my needs was the one offered by Host:

http://www.hostcampers.com/subs/motorcoaches/motorcoach_270.html

They currently are not in production, but this is the most compact one I have found with 4wd and 10K lb or better tow ratings.

there is a 2008 for sale in PA for $178,900

They use powergear slides.. and they also inspect and re-torque, and loctite the nuts down.

I know this now, because one of my slides shed a roller and nut inside the camper (it was found when the slide open).

I was talking to the Host guy at the Denver show and he said the Host TC's DO NOT use the swintek slide mechanisms that everybody else does because they have a tendency to jump track when the campers flex, and this is also a problems on TT and 5er's.

He sounded convincing. I know the scyronizing function on the swintek slides are a known problem and Lippert not always vwery responsive.

Pictures pictures!!!! PLEASE!!!

Ricco, Nice improvements. Hopefully still on topic with OP as we're talking storage and benefits of some mods. Last night I finished my closet set-up punching out the 2 false panels above and below the mirrored door. I ordered cherry raised panel doors (4-pretty cheap), stained, lined the top opening (wedge-shaped) with a cherry dishwasher panel from home depot for a shelf, reversed the swing of the mirrored door (modified valance) and installed 2 pull-out wire baskets for clothes. Bottom opening has a flip-down door for shoes and dirty clothes. 3-in-1 now. My wife's is this weekend then on the road for 2 weeks.
Punched out the 2 false panels in the mantel, moved the style? over to frame in the stereo tight to the right. That exposes wiring and plumbing (clean and organized) that assures it was built with some sense of "ownage" by employees. Dropped the inverter and was able to box in a nice storage cubby (added plug from inverter) so electronics can charge without cords all over.
"cheeseast" improvement was adding wine cellar. Found a 5 bottle vertical slanted holder online and mounted it to the back of dinette where furnace is housed. From outside looking through the large window you see 5 bottles slanted down and they can't jump out since it's a metal (I cushioned) hoop construction. Drove out on rural roads to our coast last weekend and only lost 3 bottles to consumption with friends and the other 2 traveled home perfectly. I'll post pictures when I learn the tutorial.