20 or 25? (or 22, 23 or 24)

[Callmesharkdanc]

Hello Folks!

I'm looking to make the jump into the world of the class C's!
You'd be surprised at how much time you can spend online researching these things. addicting, almost. (like motorcycles on Craigslist....)

Anywho, I have a couple quick questions for all you uber knowledgeable people who've gone before me.

Originally, I was looking for a 20' class C (Or B+) but I'm starting to wonder, how different are the 24' or 25ft'ers?

It would just be me, a skinny, mid 20's dude, for weekend trips, so I'm not worried too much about the size, comfort-wise. What I'm more concerned about is the usability/maneuverability of the longer ones.

On one hand, I can see the extra 3-5 feet being a hair more comfortable, but what are the tradeoffs? Heavier, and longer, obviously.

So my question is this; How much of a difference does the extra 4-5 feet make? There will likely be a a lot of boondocking. Trips down to the coast/beach. (I live in Dallas, only 4-5 hours from Galveston)

Would I be shooting myself in the foot by going with just a 20'er? or would it be that much more comfortable to drive? Driving into town for supplies, through Houston traffic, down scenic 2 lane roads, Etc.?

I sure do appreciate all opinions.

I'll likely be getting a '90-'03 model. hoping for a truck chassis (as opposed to the van chassis. I hear the doghouses are a pain in the arse.) Likely Ford or Chevy (I love the look of the Little Toyota's, but fear the horribly underpowered 4 cyl engines.)
Or perhaps a Chinook.

Thanks again.

_Ryan

[Callmesharkdanc]

Hi folks.

I have to say, I'm on quite a few forums, and what not, and you guys are, without question, the most helpful friendly bunch I've come across yet. Thank you.

So far, there has been many a good point brought up that I never considered.

BGHBob, That's a really good point on the Toad.(right? -see, I'm learning the lingo. Lol) I very well might. or, at minimum, throw my motorcycle on the back.

MobileBasset, Thanks for bringing up the point on the width. That makes tremendous sense. That and your experience with the 25.

BobandShaz, Floor plan. Good idea. (I have a couple ideas I really like so far. and a couple I really don't.)

RVBill, Very interesting about your 25'. That certainly assuages my concerns a bit.

Path1, Yeah, I'm starting to realize that about the truck-vs-van debate. (unless you get one of the, albeit super cool looking, woefully underpowered Toyota campers, or a newer adventure model (Tiger,...) the truck seems to be quite rare.)

Pnichols, Very very interesting. "large as possible tanks and generous ground clearance are also very important." I think the oversized tires are going to be one of my first upgrades. 🙂 101 inches, eh? That helps me a lot.

Handbasket, That's an excelent point. (Though I've be lusting after a CX for quite awhile now. Those things are awesome.)

Toadtoes, Yes, quite interesting. I'm leaning toward the more living room right now. (and the 75 clipper, talk about a classic looking truck. super cool)

Winnietrey, Thanks for bringing that up. I've got it easy though, (My folks have 5 acres, and I still live at home) so parking won't be a problem. I like the idea of less maintenance for sure, and certainly plan on a couple beach/off road spots in my travels. Quite an interesting point. That would lend itself to your argument on the truck camper-vs-class c. I'll have to consider that. (and maybe read travels with Charlie again...)

TPI, You and I think very much alike. (in fact, I've saved your list, as I agree with most of it. (thanks) the desk is an important part for me as well. -I was wondering, if I were to get a 24'er with the corner bed, Would it be possible to make a folding mattress with a piece of wood on the underside that would turn into a desk when flipped over?... Just musings. Thinner is certainly high on my priorities. I too would like to see your rig. it sounds pretty cool.

Readytogo, Good points all around. I'm starting to realize that there are some class B's out there that might work for me.... on the other hand, I have no problem walking across a parking lot to park where I can have some space! ha. Thanks for your input.

Very interesting John S. Thanks for you input as well. That makes a lot of sense. I'm starting to lean toward a 24 a bit more.

Desert captain, Yes, good points too. I have a strong feeling I'll be doing exactly that quite a bit..... maybe the 22-23 is the way to go.

Alliemac, Congrats on your rig. It sounds awesome. Interesting about the chevy's too. (being 6' tall, I like my leg room)

Snowdance. some interesting points. I really like the Jamboree's layouts I've seen a lot of. I have a Silverado pickup and quite like it. Maybe I should stick with the Chevy's... (On the other hand, there are some really nice Fords out there too...)

Travellingtrader, Interesting about the state parks. (sounds like the most fun place to set up in a lot of cases.) I'll certainly keep that in mind.

Campingken, Thanks for the link. some very neat stuff on there. (I like the desk mod he did in the skylark..)


One layout I thought was pretty cool had a kitchen in the back corner, with a dinette on the other side. I wonder how many Kitchen/Dinette in the back floorplans there are out there.....


So once again, thank you all so much.

[campingken]

http://www.andybaird.com/travels/ (Travels with Andy)

Trader,

Take a look at the above webpage. The owner full times is a 26 ft. Lazy Daze and he built a computer station in it.

[alliemac9]

TravellingTrader wrote:
TPI, we are looking for something under 24' that I can put a desk in to work. Are you willing to share you rig and pictures? I'm having a tough time finding something that will work.

So, I know this question was directed to TPI, but I thought I'd chime in with my solution. Wouldn't work for everyone as it's a standing desk (I use a sit/stand desk at work, so I'm good with standing and figure if I really need to sit I can move down to the dinette or couch). Also sounds like it wouldn't work for TPI as his bunk is a full time bed - we use our bunk for storage of bulky stuff (e.g. metal detectors).

Here's a link to the post where I described it.

Also, based on his profile, looks like TPI has a Lazy Daze 24' Front Lounge.

[TravellingTrade]

Another consideration if you camp in state parks is that some of them don't allow anything longer than 24'

TPI, we are looking for something under 24' that I can put a desk in to work. Are you willing to share you rig and pictures? I'm having a tough time finding something that will work.

Thanks,

TT

[snowdance]

We use ours for lots of day or weekend trips plus a couple months on the road. We have had small rigs for 45 years because we can get them into the back country Where bigger rigs just can not go. We did choose Chevy for the more leg and foot room. They ride better and control better. What you choose for a layout is really up to you. If you stay small then your bed is also a table or couch. The one trick is to redo it so its real comfort for sleeping and setting. The stock foam or springs on them seldom are. Ours has an overhead bunk but we use it just for storage. Have no intrest in getting up there. There are pics in our sig. The big thing is to choose a lay out you like.

[alliemac9]

I agree with floor plan being the first consideration. We prioritized that above all else and still haven't seen anything that would make us reconsider our purchase.

We were trying for short as well (typical 24' rear corner bed layout) for many of the same reasons (no toad, national parks, boondocking, ease of maneuvering in cities, etc.). Because we found a floor plan that was better than the typical "24'-ish" (as someone else mentioned, it's never really a 24 or whatever is in the model number) rear corner bed layout for only few inches more, we feel like we hit the jackpot. Our total length is 25'9" and have not had any problem going anywhere. The Chevy chassis available on small coaches is also more comfortable relative to legroom - that was a priority for us that we were fortunate to get on the coach we wanted.

Relative to other priorities, I think I full time bed is key.

[Desert_Captain]

Another consideration in favor of the shorter C's is the ability to park on the property of friends and relatives. We have been on the road for 37 days and have been able to set up in back yards and driveways for 14 of them. Anything larger than our 24' C (no toad),simply would not have been able to get down the long narrow drives much less fit in what bcame a series of gorgeous makeshift RV sites, most with water ad electric.

We will be in Michigan for another 10 days and then headed down to MO for another week and all of that time will be spent in the friends and family RV Park. More than half of our two month, 7,500 mile trip will be with free accomodations and in some of the most beautiful spots you ever saw.
:C

[John_S_]

I have a 24 foot class C. Had a 22 foot before that and wanted a bit bigger tanks and a real bath so gave a 24 foot. It will fit in a standard parking spot. It is the exact same length as my crew cab dually.

More livable and easier to take someone with you. You are single now but the future might change and a great way to get off the beaten track.

[ReadyToGo]

I major consideration is that a few of these comments use WE and not I or ME.
We have a 25 ft (actual) Class C. It is very difficult to see other traffic in some situations.
Highway merges that come from the left instead of the right can be difficult to see even with large mirrors.
This same is true of streets where it isn't a square intersection. Without the extra person, I would have to move the vehicle to where I could see oncoming traffic.

I say that I can park my 25ft in a single space, as long as the space is wide enough. Can't do it in HEB's lots as I am sure you know what I mean. Sure I over hang on the front and back side, but the small cars use the lesser space.
But again, that is where an extra person is helpful.
If I were single, I would go with the Class B or the truck camper (as I have had one and really enjoyed it).

[tpi]

Single traveler here 24' class C. 3rd RV.

So many competing priorities in the search for the "one."

A few random thoughts:

1. Newer is usually better and condition is more important than just about everything in used RV. I'd open up the search to van based C units only because they're more plentiful and likelihood of a good one is much increased. Vans also give you more bang for the foot size wise. A Chinook is generally well regarded. Given your list I'd look for something condition first as near as '03 as you can do.

2. Anything over about 20 ft. won't fit in a single parking spot. My 24' I pull through two spots in a marked lot. Width is a consideration and all things being equal narrower is better.

3. Tank sizes and refrigerator sizes are important for me. I wanted 6 cubic ft. two door fridge, and at least 45 gallons of fresh with corresponding gray and black tank sizes.

4. 1 wanted a full time bed and a full time place to work at a desk. In my case the overhead bed serves as full time bed. Very high priority for me.

5. I wanted a bit of elbow room in the bathroom and shower.

6. I wanted conventional oven and microwave oven. Conventional I can bake off the grid on propane.

So I pieced that together and came up with the 24' near minimum size with these features. I do not feel cramped at all in it, and could live out of it indefinitely if necessary. I think you're best off looking first, see what starts to become non-negotiable in terms of features, then go from there. Don't overpay research prices thoroughly. If you need to sell or move on to something else you don't want to lose too much. In general I'd go with as small as possible that meets your requirements.

[winnietrey]

Have you considered where you are going to park it at home?

As for which lenght, my opinion none of the above, 15 year old rv's can be a real pia. And can cost big to fix and maintain. Plus they don't like off road or beaches very much.

20 years old, single, in my opinion, small camper, suv with a tent that hooks on the back, or just a plain tent. Keep it simple. Lot's of time to make it complicated when you get a family

[toedtoes]

Handbasket wrote:
If, rpt IF, you could find something on a truck chassis, that'd add about 3' to your overall length.

That's what I was thinking as I read through the replies. A 21 ft on a truck chassis will end up about the same total length as a 24 ft on a van chassis. The difference is that you lose house space with the truck chassis vs. cab space with the van chassis.

I have a 21ft van chassis (75 American Clipper). I have been able to take it everywhere I've wanted so far. So far, I have been able to park it everywhere I've gone. Due to the width, I may park further out in the parking lot, but lengthwise, I've never had a problem.

[Handbasket]

If, rpt IF, you could find something on a truck chassis, that'd add about 3' to your overall length. I _love_ my Tiger's truck cab, with its great seats, excellent driving manners, and lack of engine heat & noise, but I also understand that it comes with that drawback. It costs you living space in a given length, and I haven't seen one with front seats that swivel; the transmission tunnel interferes.

Jim, "It's bad luck to be superstitious."

[pnichols]

For a lot of boondocking width is also important.

For example, we would really scrape up the sides of our 101 inch wide 24 foot Class C if we were to go down some of the off-roads that we would like to in order to get to some camping spots that we consequently have to pass up. Bummer!

But .... the extra width sure does eliminate any regrets over not having any slides.

I'd suggest staying as short and narrow and slide-less as you can tolerate.

Also for boondocking, large as possible tanks and generous ground clearance are also very important. we have over-stock diameter tires on our Class C for improved ground clearance.