Looking to move up to class A next year...questions.

[EricGT]

I have had my 24' class c for 2 years now and due to a reformat of our NFL parking lot, I now have space to park a larger RV.
Plus for a family of 4 and sometimes with 2 additional adults, camping in a 26' RV gets a bit tight.

Anyway, at what length does one really start to feel they are driving a HUGE RV? I am looking in the 30-36' size and wonder if the extra 6' is worth the trade off of the drive-ability in downtown streets such as Baltimore.

We are also looking to tow our Wrangler (4000#) when camping. This makes me feel like perhaps I should be looking at a DP for the extra torque and the addition of air brakes and engine braking. I know the brakes on my Rogue get a bit scary when just towing a trailer full of quads. However, I have never driven anything diesel so I know nothing about starting procedures, air bags, air brakes, etc. Is this something to be concerned with? Do larger gas-powered class a's have better braking systems than the class c motorhomes?

Lastly, I am trying to stick to the Tiffin, Monaco, Newmar, and Rexhall brands. I also like the styling of the Gulfstream's and Winnebago's. Are they of that much lessor quality than the first 4 brands mentioned?

Lastly, is having the drivers side door a big deal as the Tiffin's do? I don't care for how it breaks up the driver's side window. But is it a convenience I wished I had if I don't get it?

Thanks! Eric

[dezolen]

Kiwi_too wrote:
I had a drivers door on the previous MH. Used it some but as others said, it is awkward at best. Do not have one on current Tiffin. Don't miss it.

The Allegro 36LA is top quality in construction and finish. I personally place Tiffin at the top of the MH builders of those mentioned above. From what I have read, Newmar is probably second. Tiffin, Monaco & Newmar all have great reputations in mfg and support.

Have to agree with you as I decided on the Allegro 36LA as well.
Looked at the Winni and it was definitely a step down. (cheap countertops,ugly metal grates over intakes etc)Reminds me of Jaycos'
same cheap looking flooring whether a tent trailer- 5th wheel- diesel Seneca

[bsinmich]

I had a driver's door on my '96 Pace Arrow and could use it if I really wanted to. I am now 10 years older than when we got rid of it and I could not use it except if I was pushed up or down. A bolt broke on my 3 step Kwikee on Tue. Morn and we had a very difficult time getting in and out. We needed a small step and then used my walker with a seat as a step to get in the MH.

[edraff0102]

You will probably get a lot of response to your concerns. I've had 3 MH's. Started with a 27' C. Then went to a 35' gas A. How I have a 40' A DP. The DP is as easy to drive as the C.
Most DP from 38' to 40' are on a Freightliner chassis and will drive the same. I have an 07 Fleetwood Providence 40'. Any of the major manufacture brands would probably be a good choice. Some may have more bells & whistles, but the chassis will almost be the same. Diesels are sure nice towing.

[ThorResidencyNe]

I'm surprised to hear how many people don't want or didn't like having a drivers door. This is my first MH and I can't imagine buying another one without a drivers door. I don't have any trouble climbing in or out. And for me, with 3 small kids (one just starting to crawl), I prefer not opening the side door because of cold air/random car/gas smells, or tracking in outside dirt etc. But, to each his own. Whatever makes you happy, that is what you should get. Good luck.

[JimM68]

Of course everyone thinks what they own is the best....
(including me)

Newmar and Monaco sit right under Prevost....
Tiffen, fleetwood and winnie right under that.
Sport coach and Thor live on the bottom (shall we say "entry level" and be PC?" but they do build nice coaches at a very nice price.

A lot depends on what you're used to...
when first shopping for my first motorhome, the salesman took me out in a tiffen DP... I was so scared I wouldn't drive it!
Bought a 12 year old fleetwood.... it scared me too!

Traded that for my current Monaco DP...
and ain't never looking back. The knight is just soo freeking nice.... it drives soo freeking good... A keeper for ure. Now if only I could finish paying for it...

I do miss that drivers door tho.
Really that is a training issue...
I needa train the wife to motor the step cover in whan I slow to pull up to the diesel pump.
Unfortunately, as anyone who's been married more than a quarter century will atest, there just ain't no mo training at this point.

[kjburns]

Anyway, at what length does one really start to feel they are driving a HUGE RV? I am looking in the 30-36' size and wonder if the extra 6' is worth the trade off of the drive-ability in downtown streets such as Baltimore.

The main concern with downtown streets is right turns. A longer wheelbase means a wider turning radius.

[EricGT]

Well, it's a 35' Winnebago Adventurer for me then.
Now I just have until next summer to start looking for one. 😉

[EricGT]

dubdub07 wrote:

EricGT wrote:

dubdub07 wrote:
I sure hope it is Philly and not Heinz Field. Steelers looked terrible....

Ravens fans actually. As if that is any better. :R

Still Superbowl champs until January. Last Thursday was fun for us, though.....

I'm quite sure! lol

[dubdub07]

EricGT wrote:

dubdub07 wrote:
I sure hope it is Philly and not Heinz Field. Steelers looked terrible....

Ravens fans actually. As if that is any better. :R

Still Superbowl champs until January. Last Thursday was fun for us, though.....

[AllegroD]

I had a drivers door on the previous MH. Used it some but as others said, it is awkward at best. Do not have one on current Tiffin. Don't miss it.

The Allegro 36LA is top quality in construction and finish. I personally place Tiffin at the top of the MH builders of those mentioned above. From what I have read, Newmar is probably second. Tiffin, Monaco & Newmar all have great reputations in mfg and support.

[EricGT]

Daboo wrote:
I have a driver's door..never use it...too hard to climb in and out...i have a 33 ft Winnebago and have had good luck with it...have 76K and no major problems (knock on wood)..tis my belief that a Winnebago is a step above the Allegro and the others you mentioned....good luck

Yeah, the drivers door looks very odd to go in and out. I actually use the side door more on my class c just because if I don't I then need to have the keys to unlock it once I get around to the side.

And no offense, but you feel a Winnebago is better quality than a Tiffin, Monaco, Newmar? I never heard that before. I thought Winnebago's were more mass produced and economical than the other three.
What are the better Winnebago gas models? Obviously this provides a lot more units for me to shop for since there are triple the Winnebago's than the other three.

Thanks.

[EricGT]

dubdub07 wrote:
I sure hope it is Philly and not Heinz Field. Steelers looked terrible....

Ravens fans actually. As if that is any better. :R

[Daboo]

I have a driver's door..never use it...too hard to climb in and out...i have a 33 ft Winnebago and have had good luck with it...have 76K and no major problems (knock on wood)..tis my belief that a Winnebago is a step above the Allegro and the others you mentioned....good luck

[Heisenberg]

I tow a 4500lb Equinox with my new gas Winnebago, no problem in Colorado. I traded from a 1996 Dolphin with a 460 F53. I was really surprised at the power of the new V-10 F53 which is 415 cubic inches, it actually climbs better. It takes high RPM to get the HP and has a really neat transmission which does not hunt and helps with the braking. Just let her wind and go! But ... If I was a full timer I would have a DP.