Power, handling, and CCC on Class C RVs

[invmartyc]

I have been hearing stories about class C RV being under powered, especally for towing, is this true? Seems odd with the huge engines that they come with these days.

I also have heard that many of them are very top heavy and their handling is poor.

And lastly, their CCC is extremely limited.

I don't mean to offend and if I do, sorry. I just want to ask true veterans their take on Class C issues. And yes, I do plan to rent one to get my own take on them, just thought all the nice patient folks out there would love to share their vast wealth of knowledge. 🙂

[Lumpty]

I have one of those little 9900 lb C's on a 14,500lb E450. A 305hp V10, 5-speeds in the tranny and 4.56 gears makes for basically regular vehicle-like acceleration solo, as even loaded heavy I'm at maybe 12,500lbs tops.

I also use it to tow a 20' enclosed race car trailer, which puts my all-up weight in the 20k range. I have never been slower than 55 on any interstate grade. Yes, this has meant 3rd gear and 4500rpm, but no way am I holding up traffic. 18-wheelers are down at 35-40 on these same hills.

[wgander]

I would discount anything else you hear from the people causing you to ask your questions.
Even with my toad (the first of which was a Chevy Venture minivan), I have never run out of power. I can usually pass trucks in the uphill truck lane to avoid slowing below 45 MPH, and can accelerate with the traffic on state and local roads.
Handling is OK - and still original, no added options.
My CCC is more than I need, but we don't carry stuff we don't use, tons of books, a tool chest or spare parts. Preventive maintenance minimizes the odds of breakdowns.

[Handbasket]

Handing complaints are almost entirely from Ford E-series owners. The issues are usually resolvable by various means. The Chevy cutaway is more suited to shorter C's (less carrying capacity), but seems to handle quite well with no changes.

Jim, "I'm not hard of hearing. I'm hard of listening."

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Our 28' Class C on the E-450 chassis has gobs of power and 2500# cargo capacity (but we don't have slideouts). Towed our Wrangler up and down the Colorado Rockies with no particular problems. Handles rather well in 35 mph crosswinds. Isn't topheavy because we don't load the upper cabinets to the max. In other words, we've sort of made it exactly what we wanted.

[tatest]

In general, modern C's with 300 HP engines have much better power to weight ratio than A gassers, 4000 to 10,000 pounds heavier with 340-360 HP engines, or small A diesels, 26,000 pounds with 300-350 HP engines.

C's tend to be built close (within 2000 pounds) of GVWR, but this is a choice you have when you buy. You can buy a smaller 9000 pound C on 14,500 GVWR chassis, or you can buy a 12,000 pound C on 14,500 GVWR chassis. The smaller one will have a ton and a half more CCC. You will find the same range of CCC in most smaller A's, gas or diesel, because with a bigger chassis, there is still the tendency, driven by consumer demand for "more house" to use up most of the GVWR.

Towing? A 9000 pound C on a E-450 (20,000 GCWR) could ostensibly tow 11,000 pounds if you didn't load it up with stuff, once you get your hitch issues straightened out. Ford actually recommends limiting towing to 10,000, even if all the GCWR is not used.

[Matt_Colie]

I hate to tell you this, but the answers to all of your questions are very model specific.

Power? Both the Ford V-10 and the GM 8.1 are sound engines. If you think you need more horsepower, slowdown and enjoy the scenery.

Handling? Again this is unit specific. We had a 1979 Cayo Motorvator that I could pull through a highway exit and leave the pickup that had been tailgating some where behind. Big handling mistake is to let even little kids ride in the cab-over bunk. I know the view is incredible, but any weight that high is too much.

Total payload? Again, that comes down to what the builder did and how much tire (Never over load the tires) the unit was set up to mount.

Come back and tell us what C you are looking at and what you plan to do with it.

Matt

[carringb]

Power - The Ford V10 has excellent power and does fine when used within its limits (22,000 combined on the newer ones).

CCC - depends completely on the coach. I've seen anywhere from 1200 to 4,000 pounds CCC on a Class C.

Handling - again it depends. They aren't cars, and some handle worse than others. Biggest thing to watch out for is short wheelbase vs total length. Longer wheelbase is better. Many handling problems are because too much weight has been removed from the front axle, requiring upgrades to make them drivable.

[bob_on_the_go]

I totally disagree with the info. you are receiving about "motorhomes". We have a 2007, 31 foot Lazy Daze MH , Ford 450
V-10 engine. Power is awesome pull a 4,000 lb jeep, handling excellent and loads of cargo carring ability. We have traveled to Key West, Fl. Fairbanks, Ak, Nova Scotia and San Diego, Ca and all parts in between. Climbed the rocky mountains-13,000 feet plus, just
purrrrrs along.

I wonder about your sources of info.

Bob W

[tenbear]

I can't speak for Class C RVs in general, only my Class C.

Power- Adequate. I tow a 3200 pound car and can keep up with the loaded semis.

Handling- Its no sports car but I have no real complaints. Its a fully loaded truck, it is affected by winds.

CCC- Adequate. We don't leave things we want at home because of problems with weight.