Considering move from class A to C

[ezgoin]

Hi all,

Senior citizen here. I’ve been considering moving to a class C (from class A) thinking it may be easier and more comfortable to drive. However, after reading some of the threads regarding the heat issue around the dog house, I’m not sure I need more heat. (I live in Arizona.)
Is the heat and noise issue as considerable as some mention? Having never driven a class C, I assumed the driving would be less stressful, but now I’m starting to rethink the idea.

Have any of you made the move I’m considering?

Thanks,
Bill

[timmac]

ezgoin wrote:
Hi all,

Senior citizen here. I’ve been considering moving to a class C (from class A) thinking it may be easier and more comfortable to drive. However, after reading some of the threads regarding the heat issue around the dog house, I’m not sure I need more heat. (I live in Arizona.)
Is the heat and noise issue as considerable as some mention? Having never driven a class C, I assumed the driving would be less stressful, but now I’m starting to rethink the idea.

Have any of you made the move I’m considering?

Thanks,
Bill

Maybe the older class C have the heat issue but I have a new 2021 class B+/C with the 7.3 and there is zero heat from the doghouse and the motor is very quiet..

Stays cool around the doghouse even here in Las Vegas heat..

I am now getting 11.5 mpg average.

[TechWriter]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

If you read THE CLICKY it pretty much spells it out.:S

I wasn't going to reply, but your emoji clinched it for me. I'm not going to wade through a 23-page thread started in 2011.

A summary would have been nice, especially from someone as knowledgeable as yourself.

[TechWriter]

Rick Jay wrote:
That is a NICE rig you linked to ( 2002 32' Country Coach ). It looks to be in great shape for a 2002. Even so, I would say the price looks high, but I also realize that this is a seller's market, not a buyer's market.

I've been checking out used CC's for about 10 years and 32-footers are VERY rare. So $99k isn't unreasonable, especially in this market.

Rick Jay wrote:

So what is your budget for your next rig?

$30k

Rick Jay wrote:

Maybe you could sell your current rig now and then next year when RV prices plummet (a prediction I just made using my crystal ball! LOL) you might be able to pick something along the lines of that Country Coach for a better price.

Already sold my 2001 Newmar for a good price. Yes, I plan to buy next year.

[IAMICHABOD]

TechWriter wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:

I would suggest that you look into one on a Chevy Chassis there you will have none of the heat problems from the doghouse,a larger cockpit area,better handling, and a much smoother riding RV.

Why Chevy? What's the matter with a Ford engine/chassis?

If you read THE CLICKY it pretty much spells it out.:S

[Rick_Jay]

TechWriter,

That is a NICE rig you linked to. It looks to be in great shape for a 2002. Even so, I would say the price looks high, but I also realize that this is a seller's market, not a buyer's market.

So what is your budget for your next rig?

Maybe you could sell your current rig now and then next year when RV prices plummet (a prediction I just made using my crystal ball! LOL) you might be able to pick something along the lines of that Country Coach for a better price.

Good Luck on your search,

~Rick

[TechWriter]

Thanks for all the advice folks.

At first, I found that getting accurate info (ie, floor plans, length, wheelbase, etc) on Class Cs was a bit challenging. For example, Class C ads frequently listed incorrect info so I turned to manufacturer brochures whenever possible. However, some floor plans weren't listed in the brochures. I found that PPL Motorhomes usually had the correct floor plan as they draw their own for each RV they sell.

FYI . . . I started with a 34' Class A gasser (National SeaBreeze) in 2004 then switched to a 41' Newmar Mountain Aire DP in 2010. So I guess I'll complete my "RV type tour" with a Class C that's about 30' or so.

Wish me luck.

PS If I could afford it, I'd buy this 32' Country Coach in a heartbeat.

[John_S_]

I downsized to a c from a foretravel but mine is on a f550. I love it and it is easy to drive and has loads of power and muc more carrying capacity and towing ability.

[kwplot34]

Look into a Super C on either Ford, Chevy or Dodge truck 550 cab and chassis. I have the Thor Omni on the F550 chassis and the ride and drive comfort is so much better than the van chassis.

[theoldwizard1]

A simple change in caster, beyond the factory specs, will make a world of difference on any Class C.

Better rear shocks and sway bar also help.

[Bordercollie]

We have a 2004 Fleetwood Tioga 26Q, Ford E-450. I think that the ride over typical rough worn highways is harsh and tiring for sustained hours of driving. Rear springs are probably one "size fits all" and having softer springs installed might help improve ride. Class C's with stock suspension tend to get pushed around by passing semi's and wind turbulence. As suggested, rent a couple of C's and give them extensive enough road tests to help you decide A versus C and MB's vs Ford or Chevy. Some Class C people who spend $3000 on suspension mods, claim great improvement in ride comfort.

[AJR]

I went from 36’ a gasser class A to a class C Chateau 28V on a E350 chassis. I liked the class C so much more I traded it in for my current class C that has a walk-in shower & lots of kitchen counter space. The Leprechaun 290QB is on a Chevy 4500 chassis. The stock 4500 chassis rides & handles much better than the E350. Also, almost no engine noise. The only issue I have had to deal with on the 4500 is the first step going in is about two inches higher than the Ford chassis. I had to buy a collapsible half step to put out when I park.

I found as I got older the fewer steps getting in & out the better. Both of my class Cs have/had only three steps. The cab over blocks out the sun during the day making the cab cooler. The cab over also adds a lot of inside storage space. I really appreciate pulling up to a gas pump and just opening the driver’s door and getting out.

[w4phj]

Downsized from a 38DP to a MB VS-30. Rides better than a car and gets 17MPG. No noise or handling issues. Love the solar and residential refrigerator.

[Waco_Kid]

I downsized from a 43 foot pusher, to a 28 foot class C on a Chevy chassis. It handles great without any engine heat, and I don't feel wind or passing trucks. Cockpit leg room is not like my class A, but is more than enough.......Bruce

[RetiredRealtorR]

You might not like the amount of leg room on a Class C (specifically a Ford chassis), especially on the passenger side -- it's very limited.

Also, we found that our former Class C had it's own quirks as far as handling, driving in windy conditions, etc.

And, FWIW, fuel mileage is no better on a gasser Class C than a gasser Class A, if that's a consideration.

[bobndot]

x2, rent one of each, Ford and Chevy then decide.

I found the A to have a little more visibility than the C. The A chassis has more comfortable upgraded drivers seat choices, the C cab is size restricted.

Vision: The A chassis is has a smooth outside sidewall where the C is a narrow van cab and rv portion sticks out often blocking your side/rear vision, creating a blind spot. Especially when making turns, yielding to traffic, you sometimes have to adjust your angle of approach. Its just something to have to get used to.

Ford vs Chevy: If you want a certain floorplan and it only comes on a Ford then have no choice.
I have driven both Ford/Chevy on the highway and backroads in fleet trucks and the Chevy's were easier to drive with less need for suspension upgrades as many Ford owners try to improve the ride and drive quality.

Fords need to be correctly aligned and are sensitive to handle better. I have found the urban roads today are in dire need of being resurfaced. I have to align my Ford 24 ft C more often due to potholes. As it falls out of alignment I can feel it start to wonder and get banged around by crosswinds. A good alignment brings it back on track.

Another thing that was recently mentioned on this forum was a little more rear overhang ground clearance on the Chevy. Clearing driveway aprons etc.