choosing a Class C

[sreyneke]

We have been RVing for a long time and owned a Class C before. We now have a 3 year old 34’ 5th Wheel and a diesel truck used only for family camping trips The kids are now in college so we want to switch to a suitable Class C that has good space for two people. We are not retired, so our trips are on average 2 or 3 days at a time, we travel quite a bit, so we want to convenience and ease of use of a motorhome.
We need some help with finding suitable models and floorplans. We just started looking, but hope to learn from others. Looking for a used (2008 or later) class C around 30’ to 32’ that are more suitable for 2 people rather than large families. Any ideas on what models to look at?
You input will be welcomed. Thanks.

[littlemo]

Forest River makes a nice unit that I've been eyeing. It has the bunks which turn into a nice little separate lounging area for Tv and computer time.
We have a Sunseeker 2450 which is fine for us at this time but if I was shopping for larger one this would be a definite consideration. They build a good quality MH. Our bed is a Serta pillow top mattress which is very nice and comfy.

Lots of luck and enjoy shopping until you find what you want!

[sreyneke]

Firstly, thanks for all the feedback. Did not expect to see so many replies.
I see many suggest a shorter unit rather than 30’ plus. We got so used to a large 5th wheel that I must say I like a bit of room, so we have to go and find the right balance for us.
I had a class C E450 (2003) before, one down side was the small leg space for the passenger. Ours had the dinette bench right behind the passenger seat, so one could not move back or recline much.
I noticed the comments about the Chevy having more leg room, I will check that out.
I also noted a few Chevy Seneca units, the bigger Chevy chassis, seems to have more space up front and looks wider? Any comments on that particular chassis?

[fireman93514]

To each his own. Everyone has a different opinion. We love our slide out and would not consider a rig without one. We have had a 5er and a MH with them without a lick of trouble. It's great when the weather turns bad, you don't have to squeeze by each other. We do like a separate bedroom for sleeping. No one has to climb over the other to get out.

Go to a dealer sit for a while in each one. Pretend you are doing normal things and see if it fits. If it doesn't feel natural move on.

[Bumpyroad]

wbwood wrote:


That's if you don't mind it. We opted for a larger unit with a bed that we don't have to climb over one another to get into and we can sit up bithout fear of bumping our head. And the fact that our kid sleeps in the "crows nest".

especially if you are planning on keeping the unit until you get a little older.
bumpy

[wbwood]

Dusty R wrote:
We feel that as long as we are able to clime into the "crows nest" to sleep then a bed down is lost floor space for day time use.
We have a 2003 24' almost 25' Itasca. We spend the winter in it in Florida, a little small for spending the winter in but doable, and we like the 24' for summer travel/camping, and hauling my antique tractor.

That's if you don't mind it. We opted for a larger unit with a bed that we don't have to climb over one another to get into and we can sit up bithout fear of bumping our head. And the fact that our kid sleeps in the "crows nest".

[Dusty_R]

We feel that as long as we are able to clime into the "crows nest" to sleep then a bed down is lost floor space for day time use.
We have a 2003 24' almost 25' Itasca. We spend the winter in it in Florida, a little small for spending the winter in but doable, and we like the 24' for summer travel/camping, and hauling my antique tractor.

[Snowman9000]

sreyneke wrote:

good space for two people....
2 or 3 days at a time,...
we travel quite a bit, so we want to convenience and ease of use of a motorhome.

I think this screams for something 27 feet or shorter, preferably 25 feet, and no toad. Real measurement, not model numbers. For instance our "2300" is 25 feet.

Slides optional. We don't have one and that is intentional. The benefit of a slide is obvious. The benefits of NO slide are more subtle, but there are quite a few.

You make compromises with a short MH, but I can make the same comments as with slides. You give up something obvious when you go short, but you gain in a lot of ways.

[MobileBasset]

You will need to distill all your camping experience into an ordered list of priorities.
My priorities when I got my Itasca (my first RV) were to have a place to sit and work/eat, have a separate comfortable place to relax/play my banjo, a bathroom I could actually use, and to have a permanent bed all in as small a package as possible. That's exactly what I found in my Itasca and I am very happy with it. The one criteria I didn't press was counter space. I really wish I had more but not at the cost of a larger RV. Also remember to check out the cab space. I wanted a gas engine and worked to get a Chevy chassis rather than Ford to have more leg room.
The bonus I got without really understanding it's full value is a large external storage area. Now that I have it I don't think I could get along without it.

[OldRadios]

Your floor plan is the most important.
Don't get stuck on slides if you are not full timing and only using it for a few days at a time. Slides cut down on the weight carrying capacity and they can be problematic. If you are using it just for camping then the shorter the better for access to campsites. Shorter units can also be parked and used more like cars for shopping and day trips eliminating towing a vehicle.

For us, we had a B that did not have a full time bed. For our current unit we did not want anything over 27 feet as that was the max length allowed at some campsites we like. We wanted a full width queen with no slides but not one that was sandwiched in a corner or that we had to have a slide out to get around. Found that in a 26Q floorplan which has no slides, a lot of storage and cargo carrying capacity, and is built on the wider Ford E450 chassis that handles well and has good towing capacity if needed.

Everyones wants are different but if you are camping think really carefully about the floor plan and overall length and and how much you really need. Try to stay away from longer units with a lot of rear overhang.

[Gonzo42]

Naturally I recommend what we have, a Winnie View, which comes with 3 floor plans.

See the whole lineup at: http://www.gowinnebago.com/

Ours is a 24 ft unit, basically only for the two of us, but it can fit 4 adults and 2 urchins.

[pianotuna]

Fiverwheel wrote:
Lazy Daze makes a nice, durable unit.

X2

[Fiverwheel]

Lazy Daze makes a nice, durable unit, no slides however.

[Bumpyroad]

I'd look for a 24-26 footer to take on trips without a toad.
bumpy

[wbwood]

Just about any model in the size you mentioned will be good. Just find a floor plan you like. We liked ours because our bed slides out. We have a wall with two large wardrobes, lots of drawers and a place for the tv. The 28' model we looked at did not have the slide and he bed went with the length of the motorhome. All you had was a small wardrobe on each side of the bed. That made a big difference to us and why we went with the one we got. You already know what's important to you..,now all you gotta do is find the best floor plan you can that fits your needs. Good luck!