Class C under 30 ft. with gas engine

[kstorms]

Can anyone tell me if there is an RV made like the Winnebago View ( a class C under 30 feet) that has a gas engine?

[WayneLee]

Forest River has an excellent line of Class C's, with two separate models of RV's called Forester and Sunseeker, both with a variety of sizes and slides. All of their gas models use Ford's E450 cutaway chassis since GM has stopped manufacturing cutaway chassis until some time next year, plus they have fiberglass roofs. Forest River also has several C's using the Mercedes diesel chassis.

Forest River is an interesting company with something like 23 manufacturing plants around the US making Class A's, Class C's, travel trailers, 5th wheels, park models, specialty coaches, and even pontoon boats! They are part of Warren Buffets Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate.

Take a look at this link.

[kstorms]

I am in the process of researching and have had a hard time getting a handle on all the issues involved. So thanks for all the info...

I am still checking which is the better choice for me - diesel or gas - based on overall cost to buy and to service.

[Sam_Spade]

kstorms wrote:

Maintenance is usually less

(as long as they have the capacity to accommodate the size of the RV - and I am getting one that is less than 30 ft...) which is nice if something happens on the road.

What maintenance would that be exactly ?

I think you have it backwards.
A diesel has no spark plugs or ignition system.

Now for overall RV maintenance, a diesel model tends to have more bells and whistles and therefore more things to go wrong......having nothing to do with the engine.

And the shop problem usually has nothing to do with the length directly; it's the height and weight.

A gas model might be right for you.......but not for the reasons that you seem to think.

And 8 MPG is more typical.

[rjstractor]

kstorms wrote:
And - if I have heard this correctly, I can get an RV serviced at any auto service center that can service a car (as long as they have the capacity to accommodate the size of the RV - and I am getting one that is less than 30 ft...) which is nice if something happens on the road.

It's not the length of the RV that makes a difference- it's height and width and many of the under 30' rigs are just as wide and tall. Having said that, you should have no major issues finding service, just not every shop will do it. For example, some of the Ford dealers in my area won't work on motorhomes due to their height.

[kstorms]

Thanks - very good information...

[DrewE]

You will be fortunate to get 10 mpg on most class C gassers. 8 mpg is probably a more realistic number. Also bear in mind that the generator is usually set up so that it won't run if there's less than about a quarter tank of gas (so as not to leave you stranded), so filling up a little more frequently than is absolutely needed is often desirable.

My general experience is that the gas tank is sufficient but not super generous when driving, and far bigger than I want when pumping and paying for the gas. :B

While maybe gas engines don't last as long as diesels on average, that part is completely immaterial for the vast majority of RVs. You'll never approach the lifespan of either one. The Ford V10 is pretty nearly bulletproof and can last for a few hundred thousand miles with proper maintenance. The house parts of the RV will generally wear out long before the powertrain. (The Chevy gas engines are also quite reliable.)

Many auto service places will not service RVs, not so much (or only) because of the length but also because of the height and weight and general familiarity. Others will; finding service isn't usually a big problem.

[kstorms]

Thanks - so at 10 mpg on average i can see how often I would have to fill up....

I know that gas engines typically do not last as long as diesel...but I am leaning towards a gas engine because:

The average RV is less than diesel
Maintenance is usually less
And - if I have heard this correctly, I can get an RV serviced at any auto service center that can service a car (as long as they have the capacity to accommodate the size of the RV - and I am getting one that is less than 30 ft...) which is nice if something happens on the road.

[IAMICHABOD]

Basically, Ford based class C is 55 Gallons.

Chevy Based Class C is 57 Gallons.

[kstorms]

For most Class C gas RVs - is there a standard size gas tank and how much can it hold?

[kstorms]

Oh, thanks....

[NWboondocker]

kstorms wrote:
Thank you CharlesinGA - what is MH's? And is the View Forum on this site?

MH = motorhomes 😉

Sprinter chassis RV forum

[kstorms]

Thank you CharlesinGA - what is MH's? And is the View Forum on this site?

[CharlesinGA]

CharlesinGA wrote:
If you are looking for used RV's, the 2008 View (2007 Chassis) was available with a 3.5L gas engine, and you will find one on occasion. They are usually quite a bit cheaper than the diesel model, but still get (from what I have read on View forum) about 12 mpg or slightly better. Only issue is, it is still a Mercedes.

Currently there is one on RVTrader and it is a H model with the only permanent bed being the over cab bunk, and the dealer wants a fortune for it.

I'd dare say that most C class MH's are gas powered, especially the smaller ones. Don't need to look far to find one.

Charles

[CharlesinGA]

If you are looking for used RV's, the 2008 View (2007 Chassis) was available with a 3.5L gas engine, and you will find one on occasion. They are usually quite a bit cheaper than the diesel model, but still get (from what I have read on View forum) about 12 mpg or slightly better. Only issue is, it is still a Mercedes.

I'd dare say that most C class MH's are gas powered, especially the smaller ones. Don't need to look far to find one.

Charles

[kstorms]

Thanks to all for the great info - very helpful......