Class C purchasing decision...

[vdubee]

Hi all! We are looking at getting a Class C in the near future. The wife and I have a little different opinions on one issue of the purchase though. We have our eyes on a 2014 Forest River Forester 3051SF. I would like the entertainment center option over the cab area. She, on the other hand, thinks that having the sleeping area might be more beneficial. Can some of you guys enlighten me to your experiences with and without the entertainment center option? Thanks in advance!!

[Bordercollie]

I like to sit facing a TV screen My neck starts to hurt and eyes feel funny looking sideways for any length of time. The usual place to watch a TV, mounted in middle or side of the overhead, is from a dinette seat but you have to watch at an upward angle. The person sitting opposite you is out of luck. A small flat screen TV solidly mounted on an extendable swiveling mount may make it easier for more than one person to watch TV comfortably. It must be stowed/anchored safely during travel. A two-sided flat screen on the dinette table would be nice.LOL!!. Watching TV in a rear bed is a little better if you can prop yourself up comfortably.

[vdubee]

Sorry!! I meant it doesn't have the big fridge option.

[Bumpyroad]

vdubee wrote:
http://www.berrylandcampers.com/motorhomes/sunseeker/sunseeker-3010ds-motorhome-na26245.html

Actually, we may have found a compromise. This sunseeker floorplan has the front entertainment while also having 2 bunks. We really don't think that we need to 2 door fridge as we tend to take 2-4 day camping trips normally.

the pictures show a double door refrigerator. I wouldn't want a single door one myself.
bumpy

[vdubee]

http://www.berrylandcampers.com/motorhomes/sunseeker/sunseeker-3010ds-motorhome-na26245.html

Actually, we may have found a compromise. This sunseeker floorplan has the front entertainment while also having 2 bunks. We really don't think that we need to 2 door fridge as we tend to take 2-4 day camping trips normally.

[littlemo]

As usual the husband is wrong! Lol. That was for Grumpy....I mean Bumpy. Just kidding.

If you don't need it for sleeping or storage (it makes great storage) then maybe the entertainment center would be best but don't let that small factor into your overall decision. Look at all the other things that make it a good choice! Anyway, enjoy!

I do love my Forest River Sunseeker. I am jealous that you have the option to have the double door refrigerator. That is a big plus!
Another thing is to make sure you get a good mattress.

[vdubee]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I do think that the potential for unseen water damage and resale value has swayed me towards the bunk area. After all, we can put the dog's kennels up there for storage right off the bat plus whatever else comes along.

[vjstangelo]

Great news, I read on Forest River Forums that Sun seeker/Forester models will soon have the option of split twin bunks with a TV in the middle on the cab over. Twins will be in a North South configuration.
Contact Forest River.

[paullac]

x 2 on the RVDirect dot com mention. We had a very good experience buying our Sunseeker from them.

Now to the question you asked about. Here's some things to think about that I don't believe have been mentioned yet...

With the cabover entertainment center, & especially for that floorplan, I don't think the TV viewing angle is good. The couch is right at the front of the unit. The TV would be just to your right & above you. Can you say stiff neck? The best spot to view the TV from would be the rear dinette seat but, since it's not a high back, it isn't the most comfortable. Without the cabover entertainment center on that floorplan, the TV is nearly across from the couch. I think your neck would appreciate that more.

Not saying this will be a problem, but the cabover entertainment center would complicate any potential repairs to the area due to leaks, etc.

Consider resale down the road. What is more desired in a class C? More sleeping space or less? I think many people choose a class C specifically for the sleeping space in the cabover. I suppose you could count the responses in this thread to see what is preferred. Or maybe strike up a conversation with a used RV salesperson to see what sells quicker or slower.

[tpi]

Investigate alternate locations of TV on swing mount. I think the over cab entertainment centers were of more value when larger CRT TVs were much more bulky than today's flat screens. Today swing mounts allow for different viewing angles and screen sizes can be quite large in many locations. Example: on my C, the swing mount TV is viewable from both sides of dining table. An over cab TV would be behind one seat.

[RckyMtnVia]

If you do decide to go with Forest River, check out the prices on RV Direct: RV Direct. They are 30 to 40% below msrp.

[Dusty_R]

We sleep in the bed over the cab. Our mh is a 24' Itasca without full time bed on the floor, which gives us more usable floor space. We are both 72 and still able to clime into the cab over bed. We refer to it as the "Crow's Nest".

[OldRadios]

We use the cabover bunk for storage. Very handy for lightweight items like spare bedding, coats, dry foods, and clothing. Clear plastic totes keep everything organized and easy to put up and take down. The privacy curtain keeps it all hidden. Entertainment center is well off to the right. When we had a vintage B and the bunk storage made it usable as there was not much space.

[Pops]

We have what some call a B+, which has a tv in middle and cabinets on both sides. The cab over does not extend beyond the windshield-more aerodynamic-but you lose that space that could have been an extra bed-loft. If we had one I would just clutter it up with stuff, which the DW would not even consider-everything has to have its place and in it's place. Whatever you get, get out and have fun-see the country, it's so beautiful.

[Bumpyroad]

alliemac9 wrote:


Was curious about this so I did some searching. Here's a link for anyone interested.

a neat idea, thanks for the link.
bumpy