Help us finalize our smaller A purchase decision!

[jbt1125]

We have rented several RVs in the past, to confirm what we like/don't like, and to be sure before purchasing. We have also read this forum quite a bit and just today registered.

Us - family of four, mom/dad, two boys, ages 10 and 8

Usage - long road trips, bring bikes, dog, ability to stop in rest stops or campgrounds, stay the night, occasionally go on dedicated camping trips.

We are not - a retiree couple, looking to spend weeks camped somewhere, needing a huge RV.

Our budget - $150k including taxes.

Our current thinking - based on driving various sizes, we are most comfortable with something in the 20-30ft range, we just don't need anything bigger and my wife starts to feel less comfortable driving larger than that. We like the idea of a smaller A (examples - VIA, Reyo, Brave, etc.) or maybe even a well configured B.

Our problem/challenge - we love the MB Sprinter platform conversion Bs, like the Airstream Interstate. But seems a bit too small for our needs. We also love the new Brave, but it seems a bit too big for what we need and for driveability. We really would like to find something where our two boys can sit, seatbelted, facing forward, while we are driving. Many of the smaller As have them sitting sideways on a sofa. We like the captain chairs configuration of the Bs, but with the added room, sleeping, galley, shower, storage, etc. of the A. Does this RV exist? We cant find it.

Lastly, in terms of other details, we prefer a more modern/European look vs. the more traditional cabin/browns. We also like the idea of a MB turbo diesel engine, but are ok with a Ford V10 also.

Until now we have excluded class C because we find the driveability to feel a bit "detached" and swervy on the road. Not sure if that is fair assessment, but we have driven a few C, including a brand new MB 3500 chassis C and it still felt like it had too much play on the road for our liking.

Help! Thanks!

[Sea_Dog]

If your class C has sloppy steering,
You need to have the front end worked on!

[nevadanick]

Something like this ? http://www.rvingplanet.com/brands/host-industries/super-c/truck-campers/ Just not sure about prices of them.

[conceptumator]

I think you may be underselling yourself a bit on the size. We had a 31' Class A gasser (Ford V10 on an F53 chassis) that we bought used as an entry level to see how we liked it in general. All in, we got a Thor with 17K miles, added auto levelers and backup camera and walked out of the dealer for $50K. It slept six if you counted the couch and the dining table. After our last trip with just the two of us a a small dog, we were fine until the grandkids (3 & 7) came to sleep over. Then there was barely room to move, believe it or not. Things get very crowded very quickly. Quicker than you would think, for sure. You say your boys are 8 and 10 now. How long do you plan to keep your RV? In 3 years, those boys will be 11 and 13 and fighting like cats and dogs. They are NOT going to want to be sharing a bunk. We just traded up to a Forest River Legacy 340SR 360RB. It's a 39' Class A diesel pusher with 1-1/2 baths that sleeps 8. Going down the road, the kids can sit in the back on the couch or at the dining room table and watch TV, play video games, etc. Brand new, we walked out the door for $173K plus taxes, etc. That's really not much more than you're talking about budget wise. In the process, we also looked at a Tiffin 32' diesel pusher, very nice coach with only 5,000 miles on it, for just over $110K. If you can afford the $150K budget, look for something like that. You mentioned the ride. Class A gas models are much smoother than the C's but are still like driving a boat. I couldn't believe the different when I first drove the diesel pusher; get your wife to test drive one of those in the mid-30' length after test driving the gasser and I don't think you'll have an issue selling her on the upgrade. Look and test drive, then decide for yourself, but give the pusher models a chance - think you'll really be surprised.

[Jayco-noslide]

For what it's worth someone in a campground said " No matter how big a Class A, it is for 2 people. My son has a 36 ft class A and the bed for the 2 kids still has to be made up and taken down every day. So some prefer a Class C for a family because of the permanent bed over the cab. But, we have a C (just 2 of us) and I agree that the steering is sloppy.

[khager76248]

Have you thought about buying a truck, and a trailer? All four of you would be able to face forward and be seat belted. You should be aware that some of the small class A's don't drive as nice as the bigger ones. I can't remember why, it's because of the space between the wheels, or the amount of trailer that spans past the back wheels. We loved our Class A, but we probably won't go back to that class for alot of reasons. Good luck in your search.

[Effy]

jbt1125 wrote:
Lots of helpful initial responses here, and getting closer to what we are looking for, thank you!

Had not thought of customizing. Would be open to that if we need to. We rented an RV with side facing sofa configuration and we found that during curvy mountain passes, etc., our boys got motion sick really easy when facing and looking sideways for hours. We like the forward facing captains chairs (or a dinette that allows them to face forward belted) for that reason alone really.

I am pretty sure that I could get my wife to 31 -32 ft, so I appreciate the options that are right there on the line in terms of size. Its not about a foot one way or the other. But something in the 25-30ft range, if laid out well, should be plenty for us.

I have been looking for some kind of rankings/comparisons source for the 2015-2016 smaller class A RVs, anyone know of a source. I would love to read reviews that compare Itasca/Winnebago vs. Thor vs. Etc.

Any opinion on the BRAVE by Winnebago? Seems like quite the value selling in the $70s given the amount of space/capacity, etc.

Every brand makes an entry level unit in the length range you want and in the $70k's. (Thor ACE, Vegas, Winnie Brave, and Vista, Forest River FR3, Newmar Bay star, Coachman Pursuit, Jayco Precept, etc etc) And all have a range of floor plans. There are varying degrees of quality as well and it's usually the owners of said brand that is the best according to them. Newmar usually bubbles to the top, Winnie is usually spoken highly of (when the roofs don't come flying off) subtle differences in fit and finish and materials. That said in the 70-100k range there is less of a noticeable difference than when you get up the food chain into the 150-200, and a big difference when you get to $250k -$500k and a enormous difference in the $500k + category. But at the bottom they are all very much the same and can come with a lot of problems. Sad truth.

It sounds to me that you want a very niche RV, and if I were to suggest I'd say you'd be best with a custom Class B from what you explained you are looking for.

[Blackdiamond]

For your needs and budget, I would go with a Sprinter or Transit and have it customized to your secifications.

[Mountain_Mama]

You can see floor plans at PPL on their website.

[jbt1125]

Lots of helpful initial responses here, and getting closer to what we are looking for, thank you!

Had not thought of customizing. Would be open to that if we need to. We rented an RV with side facing sofa configuration and we found that during curvy mountain passes, etc., our boys got motion sick really easy when facing and looking sideways for hours. We like the forward facing captains chairs (or a dinette that allows them to face forward belted) for that reason alone really.

I am pretty sure that I could get my wife to 31 -32 ft, so I appreciate the options that are right there on the line in terms of size. Its not about a foot one way or the other. But something in the 25-30ft range, if laid out well, should be plenty for us.

I have been looking for some kind of rankings/comparisons source for the 2015-2016 smaller class A RVs, anyone know of a source. I would love to read reviews that compare Itasca/Winnebago vs. Thor vs. Etc.

Any opinion on the BRAVE by Winnebago? Seems like quite the value selling in the $70s given the amount of space/capacity, etc.

[Effy]

Gjac wrote:
I think you are on the right track of a small A over a C. The A will have better suspension, larger FW tanks and more storage in general. Look for a A with full basement storage not the little cut out doors that you will find on a C or some small A's like the Thor ACE. Also if you look close enough you will find a 32 ft A has several pass thrus where the shorter ones don't. I would not get hung up on the Reyo type diesels for better MPG's the gas Fords will have much better performance and more storage. It sounds like you will be more travelers than stay in one spot campers. If you tow a small car that gets good mpg's you will put more miles on you tow car traveling to the various sites with the kids and you will average 20 plus mpgs with this combination. Good luck with your purchase.

The ACE is known for it's massive pass through rear storage.

Another consideration might be the Thor AXIS or Vegas. 24' and is sort of a hybrid between a class B and a Class A. They call it an RUV. Priced at about half of your budget. Seating configuration won't be what you want though I think.

AXIS/VEGAS

[sdianel_-acct_c]

I would be more concerned with the overall space and sleeping options rather than 2 seats facing forward for passengers. Side facing sofas do have seatbelts and they usually are part of dinette or have a table in front for eating. Much more flexibility.
Winnebago has a new model. The Itasca Navion 24G (link attached) has 2 slide outs, one for rear bed and one for sofabed. Fairly large bath for Class B.

http://www.winnebagomotorhomes.com/2015-itasca-navion-24g-new-class-b-il-i1409861

[kalynzoo]

Our first RV, over 35 years ago, was a Class C 28ft. We usually traveled with a total of 8. We kept this rig for many years and then, as the kids got older and opted to stay home, traded for a 36ft class A. Our Establishment motorhome gave us many wonderful years of pleasure and memories. Enjoy.
Happy Trails.

[cw2006]

This wasn't in your list, but when you get closer to 30' it opens up bunkhouse floor plans. e.g. Winnebago Itasca Sunstar 31BE.

For travel seating, in your past experience has it worked OK with both of them seated at the (belted) dinette? To get quad captain chairs or front facing sofa, you might need to customize.

[Gjac]

I think you are on the right track of a small A over a C. The A will have better suspension, larger FW tanks and more storage in general. Look for a A with full basement storage not the little cut out doors that you will find on a C or some small A's like the Thor ACE. Also if you look close enough you will find a 32 ft A has several pass thrus where the shorter ones don't. I would not get hung up on the Reyo type diesels for better MPG's the gas Fords will have much better performance and more storage. It sounds like you will be more travelers than stay in one spot campers. If you tow a small car that gets good mpg's you will put more miles on you tow car traveling to the various sites with the kids and you will average 20 plus mpgs with this combination. Good luck with your purchase.