May-17-2024 06:28 AM
Looking to soon go on the road part time and eventually full time. While we love our current rig thinking we may need something a bit larger and at a minimum a washer and dryer. But we don't want to go too large. Having had Class As before, as well a FW, we really find we like the features and drivability of a Class C. Also prefer Diesel over Gas. Looking at the Europa line from Dynamax - specifically the 31SS. I've had a few FR products before and (knock on wood) I have been pleased. The Dynamax Europa fit and finish looks nice and from the reviews I've read, they handle well. Appreciate any input.
May-17-2024 05:51 PM
How excited you must be look for another unit!
way2roll I found my Fred noisy and expensive to run. It was based on the E-350.
another consideration is length to wheel base. My E was 26 feet to 176" and drove like a big car. My E-450 is 27 feet 7 " with 176" It is much less nimble (translation hard to drive). Tail swing was a BIG issue. I had 4 minor tail swing events in the first 3 years of ownership.
So for all those goodies--you will need to have an extended wheel base unit or you will be tired of driving rather quickly.
May-17-2024 06:52 PM
Thanks Don. I agree, it is fun to shop - until you have to open your wallet. 🙂
The Dynamax Europa series is built on the freightliner M2 Chassis with airbags. The 31SS is 33 feet long with a 245" wheelbase. So, if my thinking is right, it should be pretty stable and not much of a tail swing. That's why I am looking at it pretty closely. Our MBS Class C is super nimble and one of the things we love about it. Maneuverability in State parks and fuel stops has become something we really enjoy. I know a super C won't be as nimble, but with those specs and 100-gal fuel capacity, I feel like it won't be dramatically different and fuel stops will be cut by 60%.
I do wonder about noise though. Our gasser Class As were insufferable both in noise and ride quality. Our Class C MBS by contrast is pretty quiet and ride quality is great. I know that a DP would solve for both of those, but I really enjoy the layout, drive position and safety features of a Class C. So, I am hoping a higher end freightliner Class C offers a great ride quality. Reports I've read put MPG about the same range as most motorhomes. Our MBS is great on fuel but pretty anemic in the mountains and towing a car. Not terribly concerned about Mileage - I never really have been in any of our RV's. They all seem to hover somewhere between 8-11. Tailwind here, mountain there...etc.
In the end we like our MBS Class C enough to keep it unless something presents itself as better and we'll figure out longer term issues later. But everything I am reading about the Freightliner based short class Cs seems like they fit the bill. Planning a trip to my dealer to drive one. That will tell a lot.
May-18-2024 05:30 PM
Hi,
I was able to get good results on noise from using air tabs. I didn't try them on my Fred--but only because I did not know about them. They helped with mileage with a tail wind--but no noticeable difference in a head wind. https://www.airtab.com/
By driving 80 kph (50 mph) I get about 13.5 mpg (imperial) 11.2 us My RV weighs in at 13750 with all tanks full, provisioned with food and clothing with 2 folks riding.
May-17-2024 11:06 AM
May-17-2024 12:44 PM
Thanks! I came across that over the weekend. Nice read and a great user review.