Class A or Super C - which is a better choice

[drtkrw]

We are looking at moving up from a 42 foot toy hauler to either a class A diesel or a Super C Diesel. The choice for diesel is to tow. We will need bunks (4 kids) and will y
Use the rig for desert (riding) and summer travel longer distances.

I do not know how each ride, but am concerned the Super C looks like there is a loss I. Space because of truck front length.

We don't want to go larger than 36 or so because of state parks and beaches.

Let me have it.....

[rjstractor]

wbwood wrote:
I heard that the super c's were better for towing as they had more tow capacity. I didn't know that and just heard it at a park recently.

As was mentioned, the 4500 Kodiaks are limited by the GCWR of the Allison 1000 transmission but still have a good towing capacity. The Kodiak is out of production, and I'm not sure of the capacities of the replacements, although I do know that a Ford F550 has a GCWR of up to 33,000. Many diesel pushers have a towing capacity of 10,000. For "real" towing, class 8 truck conversions, can tow loads of 40K and up. It all boils down to your towing needs and what you want to drive. I like the looks of the Kodiak based super Cs, but I sat in one and it immediately reminded me of sitting in a pickup truck which I didn't care for.

[ron_dittmer]

2 adults + 4 kids = Super-C to get the massive cabover bed.

If your kids are young enough, the 4 of them should be able to sleep up there together sleeping north/south. That will make for great memories. We did that with our very tiny rig HERE, with 3 nieces and our son sleeping up there. 27 years later and they still talk about those fun times. The cab-over bed of a Super-C would be nearly twice the size of our cab-over bed of the time, so I would think even older kids could easily pile in up there for bed. Maybe even 4 full size adults if the bed is big enough front to back.

[wbwood]

I heard that the super c's were better for towing as they had more tow capacity. I didn't know that and just heard it at a park recently.

[dsteinman]

Previously we had a 2007 Four Winds 34H Super C on the Kodiak chassis, Duramax Diesel. In the same prices range there was Four Winds Hurricane gas Class A. It had the same layout as the Super C. We needed the towing capacity of 6500 lbs. to tow our Dodge Durango. So, the Super C was an easy choice.

Last year we purchased a Fleetwood Discovery 40G diesel pusher. It also has bunk beds like in the 34H. Obviously this is not an apples to apples comparison because the Fleetwood is much more expensive and larger. but, we were looking for something we could live in fulltime in a few years.

We only have 2 kids so we don't use the front seats in the Class A as living space. But, when looking at larger motorhomes, the Class A DP's make much better use of space than the Super C. We previously looked at the Jayco Entregra that had bunks, and the Fleetwood has much more space.

Now, after a year, I still prefer the driving position of the Super C and I have scraped the Fleetwood a couple of times. We live in the mountains and I could go around curves a little faster in the Four Winds, of course this was after doing the normal suspension fixes for the Kodiak chassis. And even though the power to wight ratios seem similar, the Four Winds did keep it's speed up better on the climbs. I suspect it is due to the red line being higher on the Duramax. But, you get used to it.

It is definitely quieter in the front with a DP. But having the huge front window can be a annoying sometimes when facing the sun.

Other differences like not having a driver door you get used to easily enough. The same with not having the mid entry door. These are nice to have, but don't make any difference in the long run.

We are happy with both purchases.

David

[ronfisherman]

We are very happy with our Super C. You will loose some space with the Super C compared to a Class A. Box behind cab is 26' on our 35' MH. Be aware of towing limits. Even though our Kodiak Chassis has a 10,000 hitch. It is limited on towing by GVWR. With a 19,500 chassis and a GVWR of 26,000 towing capacity in at 7,500 lbs. If you are are looking at a Freightliner or International chassis MH make sure you are getting a chassis that can haul the load your want to tow. You will find similar concerns with a some Class A's.

[MikeRP]

I have a Class C now but have went through my mind in this and my wife's because I really like the idea of a Super C when we upgrade to a Diesel in 4 or 5 years.

But it really comes down to layout layout layout. What works the best, then features and price.

Some of the advantages in my mind are ease of access to engine compartment, more like a truck so any truck center should be able to repair, safety and I like the looks.

Disadvatage could end up being price competitive? Less Room? Open feeling of an A.

Big kitchen is a must for us, we like a sleeping cab over for the extra space. Not as worried about the electronics just need a nice TV which we won't use much.

Must be able to sleep 6 once in awhile. 8 in a pinch. We have slept 6 comfortably in my Sunseeker 3 or 4 times this last year.

Good,Luck!