Is A Class C Right For Me?

[RovingTriker]

This is still in long term planning, but I'd like to get an idea what my ultimate purchase will be.

We are planning a trip from Ohio to California, so it'll be a lot of miles. This makes me want the easiest to drive and efficient, but there will be a few mountains involved (going through Colorado) so I'll need the torque for that. We'll also do some couple day local trips, never starting me than 2 nights in one spot.

I'm 6'4, and have a problem with my knees and ankles, so if my experience with semis carries over, climbing over seats, which is how I think class A's are, doesn't seem like fun.The wife and I have one child now, but we'll probably have one or two more. So there may be 5 of us. Also how does it work with car seats? We won't be taking an infant on a trip that long, but something to consider. Especially with the new recommendations.

Thanks,
Justin

[jbbrick]

I'd go with an A myself. I've had two of each, and the legroom in a C isn't much and you still have to get in around the engine. One advantage in a C is a drivers door but I have that in my A also. An A is limited usually to a 14,500# weight and most A's are over 20,000 so you don't have to worry about being overloaded. Fixtures and trim is better on most A's because they don't have the weight issue to worry about. If you're talking about children, that makes the choice different-you may require the overhead on an A regardless of other factors.

[DaHose]

I am a fairly new C owner and have just about completed a cabover rebuild, so I am just chock full of opinions. 😉

The class A will be more likely to have a "real" bed in back, but you can find a nice class C with a queen in back. As to the driver seat, if you really have comfort issue then you could purchase an upgraded driver seat with all sorts of adjustments and even air suspension like a big rig seat.
Mileage on a class C seems to sit anywhere from lows of 6 mpg up to highs of 11 or 12 mpg. If you can find a diesel, they will get better mileage and have more torque. They will of course cost more. If you buy a more recent production Ford based RV, it will have a v-10 engine. Those seem to be pretty reliable and more powerful than the older v-8’s.

I didn’t think about the shade aspect, but I totally get how sitting in the sun, behind a giant glass screen all day could be rough. I got used to the overhang within a few miles of driving my rig and sun was never an issue. What can be an issue is engine heat coming through the doghouse or floor. Be mindful of that when test driving. Take it for a good 15-20 minute drive and you will be able to feel if that heat soaks its way in.
I really like our floor plan. It has a 3 person couch on the driver side and two captain chairs on the passenger side. There is also a narrow pop-up table between the captain chairs. You can pull the dining table up out of the floor (two posts) and stow it. That leaves the floor clear and it’s much easier to walk around. It also allows the couch to fold out into a bed that can fit taller people. The dinette style center beds are no good for 6’ or taller.
Slideouts would be nice, but I read a lot about leaks, chafed wires and other little niggles. If I were full timing maybe it would be worth the tradeoff, but I like not having slideouts to worry about.
I TOTALLY AGREE about water damage. You sound like you want something ready to use and do not have interest in working on it. If that is the case, then water damage is a for sure deal killer.

Hope you find the perfect fit.

Jose

[eabc5454]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Rent a Class C for a week long trip. See if it is a "good fit".

Buy a unit no more than about five years old.

If there is ANY sign of water damage, walk away.

Agreed on all points.

Also, before you buy, sit (for a long time) on the couch, check the commode/bathroom space for functionality, lay on the bed, pretend to cook a meal, sit at the table and sit where you would be watching the TV from. In some units, the seating isn't laid out well and you strain your neck watching TV.

Happy camping,

[snowdance]

I have back and knee problems and have 11 years on you. The big things to look at are the drivers and passengers seats. You need seats that you can move back all the way and lean back. Many rigs both A and C have some thing behind the seats and you end up leaning forward all the time. If you find the one you like spend time setting in the drivers and passenger seats to be sure you find comfort. Do not be in a big hurry.

You need room for your feet. I wear 14s and just need to be able to drive in comfort leaned back and feet able to move around. We also went with Chevy because at the time ours was built they had more foot room.

We went with a C because we liked the cab over because of the shade after spending 3 hours in an A setting behind the big glass windshield in the afternoon sun. Just to much for us. We use the overhead for storage. No way in heck we are getting up there..

Finding the one thats most comfortable for you is best. Bigger is not always better. In truth having spent time in both the one you find most comfort in for doing the things you do is the one you want.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Rent a Class C for a week long trip. See if it is a "good fit".

Buy a unit no more than about five years old.

If there is ANY sign of water damage, walk away.