From a big B to a small C......observations

OK, I finally did it. We have had three Bs over the years including a Horizon (little brother of the Falcon), a 1996 190 Dodge RT Popular, a 2007 Chevy 210 RT Popular. Like many on this forum, we think and wonder if something a wee bit bigger might be more appropriate for us. Finally, I pounced. I found a 2013 Phoenix Cruiser for sale by an individual and it was three miles from our home. 7400 miles and fully loaded including wood floors, sound system, full body paint, etc.

Now that I am retired, we intend/hope to spend more time boondocking and thought a little more room would be very nice. The PC has a slide, a dry bath, a bed, a recliner and an articulated couch which makes a bed and also can serve as two recliners. We bought this unit a few months ago and, so far, have been able to take only one trip in it. Here are a few comparison observations for those of you that have been tempted.

1. Our Roadtrek fits in a garage at our home and the garage has HVAC. The Cruiser is winterized and in storage until probably late March. Advantage: Roadtrek!

2. The dry bath in the Cruiser is a blessing! Advantage: Cruiser

3. Storage: the winner hands down is Roadtrek. Exterior storage is much greater on the RT, particularly with our configuration of twin beds. That is a big area under those beds when accessed from the rear doors. Inside, since we have an armoire, the RT simply has more useable storage for our stuff. No question about it. In terms of square feet of storage, they probably are similar but usage wise, Roadtrek is superior IMO.

4. Ease of driving: The Cruiser is a truck. A 350 Ford truck. It drives very, very well and is comfortable and easy to drive. The RT is a van and is much easier to drive into parking lots and tight spaces. Going down the road there is no difference.

5. Sleeping: a dedicated bed sure is nice. The luxury of having a bed in the back and REAL seats up front is advantage Cruiser, no question.

6. Cost of operation: Cruiser uses about 50% more gas than the RT.

7. Kitchen space: advantage cruiser..maybe. Storage for pots and pans is better on the RT. Big sink on the Cruiser is great.

8. Quality of construction: Roadtrek wins. Now, I must say this is comparing a 2007 RT and a new Cruiser. I have looked at new RTs and don't feel their quality is as good as our 2007 as far as finish is concerned. Maybe just my prejudice being a woodworker. Where RT uses grommets, Cruiser drills a hole. Still, the Cruiser is considered a kind of upper grade C (they call them B+ but I know better than to use that term here and incur the wrath of correction, I am just reporting what they call them. Yes, I have corrected them to no avail on their forum, so the wars continue).

Size wise, the RT is about a foot shorter, 13 inches lower and 5 inches more narrow. Tank wise, clear advantage Cruiser (important to us boondocking). Fresh water about the same. I think the LP is actually slightly larger on the RT as I recall.

Which do we overall prefer? Verdict is still out. OK, I confess, I am so stupid that I now own two RVs. My wife insisted (correctly) that we not sell the RT until we were really sure about the Cruiser. We bought it under conditions that would allow us to come out OK if we sold it and our RT now has only 36000 miles and is like new since it was always stored indoors and HVAC controlled, so we have allowed ourselves until mid summer to make up our mind.

I hope these comments may be helpful to someone else in the facing the same quandary: B or small C? The jury, in our case, is still out and deadlock may be in place:)