Life is full of compromise...

I've been reading a bit here and also made a post in the general area to see who I might chat up in the forums to get ideas. But as I ponder and google and skim I think my curiosity comes down to wondering what kind of compromises come with a class C solution vs my prior rigs. As I noted in the other post, our RV history has mapped our lives, next plan is to use an RV for an extended time travelling the US as empty-nesters.

So here are the compromises I see...

Range... our first rig had a 300 mile range and that is frankly annoying - so I over-compensated and the next rig (HDT getting 9 with 200 gallons of diesel) could do 1800 -- what can I expect in a C with a small 4 down tow behind?

Storage space - our first rig quickly put on (literally) a ton of stuff and approached over weight ratings quickly. Our second rig had storage to spare for tools and toys. I can live with less of both but would like to have compressed air, basic repair tools, a pair of bicycles, golf clubs, maybe a smoker... at least a nice grill - will I make GVWR?

Living space - we've always been able to sleep 6 to 8 comfortably but without the kids (friends... cousins etc) along now we only need to do 2 - but can we do 4 (or 6) in a pinch?

Amenities - our first rig was basic and for our second we added the genset, big tanks, 3 TV's, sound system, ice maker, second fridge, screen porch... For a smaller rig I can give all of that up I think actually - but in the last decade I think RV have new amenities I may covet? What is the must have bling?

Setup - both our rigs were labor intensive to site and setup. We are done with leveling manually... I'm thinking all class C will anchor and level with a push button? Plug in electric and decide about water/sewer later? We are assuming a 4 down tow behind for ease of local transport and ease to connect/disconnect the vehicle. I think if we can do that we don't miss the towable setup?

Comfort/ease of travel. With the 5er and 3/4 ton it was work to drive and nothing in the cab. When we had the HDT our cab had space to stand up, a coffee maker, fridge and was as easy to drive as set the cruise, engage the jake brake and let her go. While my wife refused to drive it, I found the HDT a joy. With a C I guess we have fridge and coffee close. DW says she will drive it. But do the new rigs have cruise with following distance and lane assist? Will a C get pushed around the rode like my pickup? I'm guessing I'll never get the ride and handling I had in the HDT?

Drivetrains... I see the Chevy/Ford chassis discussions here and I guess there is some religion behind that? I've had bad luck with Fords, I've never paid the premium to get a Chevy, I still have my first Dodge/Cummins and I've loved both my diesels (the Cummins and the VED12). What are the drivetrain choices we all love here?

and finally... cost. My 04 Dodge cost me 35K and I still have it - it was a bargain. I don't remember what our Jayco 5er cost (it was in the teens) but I do remember we were able to sell it at 3 years old for only a few grand less than we paid. The Volvo HDT was a splurge at another 35K and we did not sell it for anything near that later. Same with the toy hauler - it was closer to 40K and did NOT hold value. We have flexibility to spend what makes sense so I wonder what price points I should expect for an RV I'll enjoy for 3 to 5 years and what I can expect in maintenance and retained value when we sell it.

Class C

IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2019
davelinde wrote:
A quick tack on to my thread... Our vehicles are a bit older and the newer cars are basic. This week I rented a new car with some features I kind of like... the cruise control has both a speed and following distance setting and will basically put itself in traffic and keep itself there. It also warns about rear cross traffic when I put it in reverse and warns about blind spot traffic when I signal to change lanes.

It got me wondering if the newer C's had these kind of options too?

They may be coming,I have seen Former Rentals that have rear cross traffic warning when in reverse.
DrewE
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2019
I think Ford is upgrading the dash systems in the E series chassis this year or next year, so in a couple of years some of these sorts of things may start appearing--at least adaptive cruise control. Rear cross traffic presumably relies on a backup camera, which my not be integrated into many class C's (at least with the factory systems); similarly I don't know if the sensors needed for blind spot monitoring would be included. If you don't have convex mirrors, adding a stick-on one is a tremendous help in checking blind spots in ajacent lanes.

The Ford E series is not generally at the cutting edge of vehicle technology; things take awhile to trickle down there. My '98 lacks a good bit of advanced vehicle technology, such as the dash mounted glove box and the digital odometer display, but it does get me where I want to go reliably and in reasonable comfort.
davelinde
Explorer
Sep 13, 2019
A quick tack on to my thread... Our vehicles are a bit older and the newer cars are basic. This week I rented a new car with some features I kind of like... the cruise control has both a speed and following distance setting and will basically put itself in traffic and keep itself there. It also warns about rear cross traffic when I put it in reverse and warns about blind spot traffic when I signal to change lanes.

It got me wondering if the newer C's had these kind of options too?
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2019
Hi Dave and Tammy,

Significant-downsizing is always a major adjustment. You will compromise in every category from a physical perspective. But as you are hoping for, going small and more simplistic has all it's own advantages. Considering a 25 foot Sprinter-based rig is going quite small. The good news is that many small floor plans are offered. Your biggest compromise will be sleeping arrangements. If you must sleep together in a walk-around bed, then there are just a few available floor plans to choose from. They come in a rear slide-out or side slide-out Going a bit longer than a Sprinter can offer, say around 26 feet, I think you will find more choices, especially if sleeping separately, each in your own single bed.

I am partial to the Phoenix Cruiser brand we have for the price/quality ratio, the rig we have HERE, owned since 2007. I am also fond of the capability/cost/maintenance ratio the E-series has which gets some criticisms over confinement and noise at high rpm. Be sure to compare all the pros to the cons between chassis choices and the unique benefits of each fuel type, gasoline and diesel. As you noticed, a Sprinter diesel typically is outfitted with a propane generator. Another Sprinter deficiency is idling for hours at a time has severe consequences. Then adding the cost of Sprinter maintenance and limited service centers. But the Sprinter is more tamed and comfortable.

CLICK HERE to look at all the various Phoenix Cruiser floor plans, many less than 26 feet. Model 2351D offers a double bed in a slideout. I feel the over-all length of 24'-11" is a whole lot of "capable" motor home in as small of a package possible without sacrificing anything. Phoenix offers optional auto-levelers and much much more.
AJR
Explorer
Sep 09, 2019
I have had two rigs that were close to impervious to crosswinds and big trucks going by. The first was a F250 6.0 PSD pulling an Arctic Fox 22H w/Reese W/D & friction sway bar.

The second is my current class C, see sig. The stock Chevy 4500 chassis with 47k miles on it does not get antsy until the crosswind is over 30mph. Another plus is no V10 engine noise.

Outside storage gets good at around 26’ to 28’ and up of coach length depending on floorplan. My last class C & this one have about 100cuft of storage in the back. If you get a class C with an overhead bed. That can be used for inside storage also, I did. My current rig has an entertainment center over the cab. But there is a surprising amount of room behind the TV that swings up & out of the way. The tow vehicle can carry the bicycles.

As far as drivetrain religion goes. I think it is more experience than religion. Being a Ford guy I like the V10 if you can put up with the noise and dog house. I almost did not even look at my current rig because it is Chevy based. But it has the kitchen counter space I wanted. So I did a long test drive and bought it. Also my mechanic likes the engine. Oh, I have learned to buy use RV’s.

I top off the LP every spring. I do not travel when it is near freezing out. I only turn on the water heater in the morning for a shower and then turn it off. The water stays hot all day. I also use electric space heaters to supplement the furnace.

Decisions, decisions, decisions…. Hope the above helps with yours.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Sep 09, 2019
We started out tent camping then got a tired VW Westphalia van, then a Dodge Van camper conversion, then an old Higgins Delta "C" and finally our 2004 Tioga 26Q "C". For some time we have been content to just unfurl the awning and relax out doors. You don't need a rolling hotel, with fake fire place, etc., etc., like on those TV shows to enjoy the hobby/lifestyle. Making a wood fire and cooking bacon and eggs for breakfast, reading a good book, playing my guitar, and later grilling chicken parts for dinner and looking at the night sky with my cheap telescope is my current vision of adult motorhome camping.
Dusty_R
Explorer
Aug 30, 2019
If I remember right the gauge on the tank it self is not adjustable, but I think that the gauge inside the mh is adjustable.

Dusty
DrewE
Explorer II
Aug 30, 2019
camperdave wrote:

Not only that, but there's only one tank unlike a typical towable. So when you're out, you're out. And of course propane gauges are not exactly accurate... Mine at least shows empty when there's still at least a 1/4 tank (usable) left. I end up filling up before I need to, but without a changeover valve and second tank I'm not sure what else to do about it. :?

The gauge on the propane tank itself should be more accurate than that (it's a mechanical float in the tank), though it's often rather obscured by the sender for the display inside the motorhome, and sometimes is not in a very visible location at all.
camperdave
Explorer
Aug 29, 2019
davelinde wrote:

One thing that does seem low is the amount of propane spec'd for a lot of rigs, and it seems especially odd for those with propane gensets. I'll need to dig into that more.

Not only that, but there's only one tank unlike a typical towable. So when you're out, you're out. And of course propane gauges are not exactly accurate... Mine at least shows empty when there's still at least a 1/4 tank (usable) left. I end up filling up before I need to, but without a changeover valve and second tank I'm not sure what else to do about it. :?
RobertRyan
Explorer
Aug 29, 2019
PartyOf Five wrote:
x2 Benz - I would seriously look at how much you can do without, and all the features the MB chassis offers vs. the well-worn domestics. Smaller will be easier as cities get bigger, and as we all age...

Having driven a E450 in the US could not agree more. Although we have moved to the IVECO Daily Chassis here, that has positive aspects of both the Sprinter and E450

Forum Discussion

Life is full of compromise...

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Tire life?

Battery Life?

Air bag life span

Taking a vacation from our full time RV life

Onan Generator Life