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Best Class C for the money

billy1davis
Explorer
Explorer
We are looking for the most reliable Class C out there. I have run a search and have digested those results. I am looking especially for those that have had class c's.
30 REPLIES 30

Drukoon
Explorer
Explorer
Check out renegaderv.

tropical36
Explorer
Explorer
billy1davis wrote:
We are looking for the most reliable Class C out there. I have run a search and have digested those results. I am looking especially for those that have had class c's.

Since you're getting plenty of answers to your question, may I ask why you're bent on a C, rather than an A and just for what, I might be missing here?
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey."

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Dinghy_2010 Jeep Wrangler JKU ISLANDER.

1998 36ft. National Tropi-Cal Chevy Model 6350 (Sold)

garmp
Explorer II
Explorer II
Also check into service after warranty. You are going to have issues pop up and they al seem to know when the warranty is up, then boom. Even the best of the best will have things go wrong as some point. Check the manufacturer and their service department. And/or even local qualified service centers.
Our 2351D Phoenix Cruiser, Jack, has turned us from campers into RVers and loving it!

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
MDKMDK wrote:
If you're looking for another "this is it" opinion, you're wasting your time, as you said you've already "digested those results". You're not going to get much different results on here, or anywhere else, than what you've already seen. No earth shattering revelations are likely to come.
Just pick one, based on your research, and get out there.


But he already has a "nice Class C" per another thread recently and appeared to not have a RV a couple months ago from those threads in the various forums here.

Thought i posted earlier in this thread today....maybe deleted, maybe it didn't post, but in short, the chassis are mostly all FOrd or Chevy and basic reliable "trucks", the appliances and such are generally the same or similar between mfgs. Differnt mfgs have their own "box" they design and construct and even those are not that different.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5โ€ turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
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pnichols
Explorer II
Explorer II
billy1davis wrote:
We are looking for the most reliable Class C out there. I have run a search and have digested those results. I am looking especially for those that have had class c's.


The "overall most reliable" Class C would probably be this:

1. A Class C built on the Ford E350 or E450 chassis.

... and ...

2. A Class C built with a coach exterior structure that is made of a one-piece fiberglass shell. i.e. The entire roof and walls are molded as one continuous fiberglass unit.

As far as I can tell, the Coach House Platinum models may be just about the only Class C motorhomes still available new that are built this way - including the Ford chassis.

The next closest Class C models built almost to the above criteria are probably those built by Phoenix Cruiser - including the Ford chassis.

P.S. By "reliable" I assume you mean A) least likely for the chassis to break down over time - but easiest and cheapest to get repaired if it does, and B) least likely for the main coach structure to develop water leaks and generally hold together over time.
2005 E450 Itasca 24V Class C

IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Explorer II
I guess if you are looking for reliable you could look at the Rental Market More than 100 Forum members have them and so far not one is unhappy with their decision to buy one,including me.

They have to be reliable and they have documentable service records also they are priced right.

Something more to digest in your search.
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Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
The most reliable C is the one that has been maintained (used) or will be maintained (new).

"Don't need advice on what to post" Yes you do!
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RetiredRealtorR
Explorer
Explorer
Lately my wife and I have been looking at Class A's, but are also looking at B's and B+ models (we've owned an A, a B, and a C in the past).

As for the B's and B+ models, we're narrowing our search to those built on a Mercedes Sprinter or a Ford Transit chassis.

After doing a lot of research, we are avoiding those built on "Ram" Promaster chassis' like the plague. Why? The Ram Promaster chassis is a FIAT, pure and simple, through and through . . . and those chassis' have had abysmal reliability and build quality issues (much like Fiat automobiles), especially in commercial use.

Of course, you'll want to do your own due diligence, but I just thought I'd share what we found out as a result of our research.

Best of luck to you in your search!
. . . never confuse education with intelligence, nor motion with progress

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
We are looking for the most reliable Class C out there


IMO, they all have issues. Doesn't much matter which brand you buy, just buy what you need. A good dealer willing to help you resolve issues and prevent future ones will be a better solution than trying to find a certain brand.

Reliable ones are the ones that get regularly maintained. Anytime an rv mfg pokes a hole in an rv is a potential leak source.

The more bells and whistles you add will lessen reliability. Keep it simple or learn how to repair this stuff yourself. That means you'll need the storage space to carry tools.

The inexpensive 12v motors and attached hardware that control slides, awnings and electric steps are susceptible to malfunction. Fancy digital circuitry is what it is, when it works its fine but when it doesn't โ€ฆ..you'll be digging out your tools.
The appliances are basically the same in rvs and have there own warranties.

You already have done your share of homework, I would decide on a floorplan with a towing capacity to handle whatever vehicle you plan to tow.

If you do not need the large cabovers extra storage then choose a floorplan with a low profile cabover. You'll appreciate it in crosswinds.

If you plan to extend your season and venture in colder climates then you need to find a floorplan with the water tanks and lines that are run through the interior. The shower assembly should be on an interior wall as well for cold weather use.

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
Reliable meaning what. The Ford v-10 is widely used and very strong drive train. The "house" portion uses components that are similar, it depends on how they are installed.
As far as the overhead bunk, I chose to go with the B+ plus as they call it. No front bunk but an entertainment center instead. For 2 of us we don't need the extra space. Front bunks tend to leak I hear. I purchased a Itasca Cambria, 2009. Very pleased with it's service after 5 years of ownership, purchased pre owned from original owner.

Personally I would not purchase new nor used from a dealer as they come from repos and auctions and who knows their repair history. Original owners with documented repair histories is my goal.

I have worked on motorhomes valued at 50K up to 750K and I can say this, they all come with issues. If you are handy and repair items as they come ,and they will, you should have many years of trouble free service. If you anticipate trouble free travels that's not going to happen.

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Explorer II
best out there ? quality look at born free there well made. also liesure travel van very well built.

ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Explorer II
billy1davis wrote:
Yes we will need sleeping quarters and for just the two of us and most of our usage is travelling. Yes will need a toad.
Then get a B+ with a main floor double or queen bed. Main floor twin beds are also very popular. They all come in many different lengths from 24 to 32 feet long. Our rear corner double bed is under 24 feet long. It is tight sleeping but we manage well with it. We also tow a Jeep Liberty. Click on my signature if you are curious.

billy1davis
Explorer
Explorer
Don't need advice on what to post or expect but thanks any way.
I do appreciate the info posted otherwise.
Yes we will need sleeping quarters and for just the two of us and most of our usage is travelling.
Yes will need a toad.

MDKMDK
Explorer
Explorer
If you're looking for another "this is it" opinion, you're wasting your time, as you said you've already "digested those results". You're not going to get much different results on here, or anywhere else, than what you've already seen. No earth shattering revelations are likely to come.
Just pick one, based on your research, and get out there.
Mike. Comments are anecdotal or personal opinions, and worth what you paid for them.
2018 (2017 Sprinter Cab Chassis) Navion24V + 2016 Wrangler JKU (sold @ ????)
2016 Sunstar 26HE, V10, 3V, 6 Speed (sold @ 4600 miles)
2002 Roadtrek C190P (sold @ 315,000kms)

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
How many people? Do you plan on pulling toad? How much time on the road?

Bud
USAF Retired
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