Hi,We are likely looking to move away from our current Toy Hauler and move into a Class C motor home. This change is due to our hobbies moving away from dirt bikes & ATV/UTV to the next chapter. We currently have a 27' Toy Hauler and it feels like that size is about right for our use case (both now and in future). As we start the consideration, I wanted to see what recommendations others might offer on brands/models to consider that fit the following criteria:-Diesel engine (Chevy or Mercedes preferred, not a Ford guy) -Needs to be able to tow at least a 5k vehicle behind it-27' would be minimum length -Must have dealership in NorCal, not buying out of region again-If used model, 2010 or newer preferred-Toyhauler amenities like fuel station, large tanks, etc. are a bonus but not required (i.e. we will not be using this in RV parks, but rather stand alone camping) -We will be travelling with large dogs, so having an area where we can assemble two large dog crates is very beneficial (but not required)-We have no kids, and will only be my wife and I 90% of the time (i.e. we don't need to sleep 8, bunk beds and over cab beds are "wasted space" for us)-Currently spoiled by a large shower in the Toy Hauler, a unit with a "oversized" unit is a huge bonus with "the boss"-Emphasis on lots of storage is key-And last but not least, I would like to keep this under $125k (if possible)After doing some reading here, and spending some time on RV Trader this AM, the list above feels like it's do able. Some of the rigs I've found so far that look close to those specs are the follwing:Forest River SoleraGulf Stream EnduraJayco SenecaThor FourwindsWinnebego ViewAside from the criteria above, i have no preference on brands (aside from the fact we had a Jayco previously and it was bombproof).Thanks in advance for any/all assistanceD

You might check into a smaller class A instead. We've had A's and C's, back to A and won't go back. The cabover space is wasted, although some newer ones have the drop down bed which may be handy. A's have a much better weight rating, you're not limited to 14,500 lbs like almost every C is. We were always overweight in our Jayco 31' C.

An MB Sprinter based RV (like the Winnie View) won't do it. Too short, not enough towing capacity, and storage is somewhat spartan compared to many Cs.

jbbrick wrote:You might check into a smaller class A instead. We've had A's and C's, back to A and won't go back. The cabover space is wasted, although some newer ones have the drop down bed which may be handy. A's have a much better weight rating, you're not limited to 14,500 lbs like almost every C is. We were always overweight in our Jayco 31' C.Thanks for the information!I actually started there, but the CEO of our household (aka my wife) nixed that as being too big.. Totally agree on cabover space, my inlaws have a C, and they just pile sh*t there.

Dakzuki wrote:An MB Sprinter based RV (like the Winnie View) won't do it. Too short, not enough towing capacity, and storage is somewhat spartan compared to many Cs.good to know, thanks for clarifying!

Diesel based is a toughy. Especially for a newer one. You can go the Super C route, but not sure if they have them that are non-ford. As far as brands (manufacturers), I would say you need to decide on that. Go check out as many as you can. All can have issues. You can pick out a brand that has fewer issues, but they also might make fewer RV's than others.

Class C purchasing help - input welcome | Good Sam Community

jbbrick
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
You might check into a smaller class A instead. We've had A's and C's, back to A and won't go back. The cabover space is wasted, although some newer ones have the drop down bed which may be handy. A's have a much better weight rating, you're not limited to 14,500 lbs like almost every C is. We were always overweight in our Jayco 31' C.
Dakzuki
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
An MB Sprinter based RV (like the Winnie View) won't do it. Too short, not enough towing capacity, and storage is somewhat spartan compared to many Cs.
drick
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
jbbrick wrote:
You might check into a smaller class A instead. We've had A's and C's, back to A and won't go back. The cabover space is wasted, although some newer ones have the drop down bed which may be handy. A's have a much better weight rating, you're not limited to 14,500 lbs like almost every C is. We were always overweight in our Jayco 31' C.

Thanks for the information!

I actually started there, but the CEO of our household (aka my wife) nixed that as being too big.. Totally agree on cabover space, my inlaws have a C, and they just pile sh*t there.
drick
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
Dakzuki wrote:
An MB Sprinter based RV (like the Winnie View) won't do it. Too short, not enough towing capacity, and storage is somewhat spartan compared to many Cs.

good to know, thanks for clarifying!
wbwood
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
Diesel based is a toughy. Especially for a newer one. You can go the Super C route, but not sure if they have them that are non-ford.

As far as brands (manufacturers), I would say you need to decide on that. Go check out as many as you can. All can have issues. You can pick out a brand that has fewer issues, but they also might make fewer RV's than others.
wbwood
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
With the Mercedes Benz, you with a Class C, you will probably only be able to go up to around a 24'er.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2015
There are relatively few diesel class C motorhomes out there if you eliminate the Sprinter. Good luck with that. If you are willing to use a gasoline engine, your choices open up, but not by much if you eliminate the Fords. I, also, am not a Ford guy, but am enjoying my Ford based MH. The vast majority of class C motorhomes are Ford based gassers.
drick
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
wbwood wrote:
Diesel based is a toughy. Especially for a newer one. You can go the Super C route, but not sure if they have them that are non-ford.

As far as brands (manufacturers), I would say you need to decide on that. Go check out as many as you can. All can have issues. You can pick out a brand that has fewer issues, but they also might make fewer RV's than others.

thanks wbwood. is the reason for the concern on diesel because the manufacturers don't make them in C / Super C and reserve them for the A's, or am i missing something else? To be clear, given a choice between gas anything and a Ford diesel, i will forego my apprehension about the Fords and go that route.

Totally agree on needing to pick a brand, hence the reason for my post to see what suggestions folks have that fit within the broad strokes of my use case.

thanks again for the comments!
neschultz
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
You might want to look at the Class A MB Sprinter based Winnebago Via. They have up to 90 sq ft of exterior storage....depends on the floor plan. VIA are only 25.5 feet long. As previously mentioned, I wouldn't pull a 5000 # toad with either of them. I believe that most people with these don't tow a car at all. We have progressed to very rarely pulling our toad. It is so much easier to take the dogs with us in the RV wherever we go. Then we leave them in it and run the genny and we can shop or eat or sightsee for hours with no worrys (we do have a camera to monitor them). We are currently staying in a state park and left our 2 cars on the site today while we went shopping with the dogs in the Via. They drive and maneuver like a minivan.
drick
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
wbwood wrote:
With the Mercedes Benz, you with a Class C, you will probably only be able to go up to around a 24'er.

that plus the earlier noted towing limitation is a deal killer, scratching them from list if both of those are the case.

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