We are soon to move from a class C to a class A. We recently had an experience with our class C where the entry door mechanism broke making it impossible to gain entry through the coach door. We had to think what we would have done in a class A had we not been able to gain access through the front doors of the coach. So we've been evaluated the importance of a driver's side door in shopping for a class A. Besides access, I like the idea of being able to use the door for fuel and other quick stops without having to track through the coach to/from the driver's seat. I feel like I would use it a lot.Many Tiffin's have the side door, some Newmar's, but it seems more rare in other coaches, although it is an available option on some.Would be interested to hear from folks on this, particularly those who maybe had some of the same concerns as us while moving from a C to an A.Thanks much,Mike

In my Fleetwood Southwind, there's only one ste for the side door, which makes it extremely difficult for me to get in and out of. However, it is another entry/exit point in an emergency. It's also very nice if you're having to work under the dash.Brian

Like you, I started with not only a class c, but the first was a micro-mini class C, a Toyota, Dolphin, second a full size class C and I did get addicted to having the driver's side door, especially with the difficulty of exiting through to cabin in the Dolphin. My first class A was a 3 year old used Allegro Bay and my first thought was a positive. That positive lasted through the second or third time I tried climbing up to get in and balance and pivot to get out and down. After the first week, never used it again. Would not ever pay extra to have one. Just my 2¢ worth of opinion.

After 2 class A with the drivers side door, it would be a deal breaker for me to not have one. I use the drivers side door whenever fueling and it's another great escape point in and emergency.

Our Newmar has a driver's door and I use it a lot.

I've had A's with and without Driver's door. When I don't have one (like now) I miss it. I didn't use it a lot when I did, but it was extremely nice to have when I did.

Pro's and Con's of Driver side door? | Good Sam Community

supercub
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
In my Fleetwood Southwind, there's only one ste for the side door, which makes it extremely difficult for me to get in and out of. However, it is another entry/exit point in an emergency. It's also very nice if you're having to work under the dash.
Brian
mustang652
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Like you, I started with not only a class c, but the first was a micro-mini class C, a Toyota, Dolphin, second a full size class C and I did get addicted to having the driver's side door, especially with the difficulty of exiting through to cabin in the Dolphin. My first class A was a 3 year old used Allegro Bay and my first thought was a positive. That positive lasted through the second or third time I tried climbing up to get in and balance and pivot to get out and down. After the first week, never used it again. Would not ever pay extra to have one. Just my 2¢ worth of opinion.
deereone
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
After 2 class A with the drivers side door, it would be a deal breaker for me to not have one. I use the drivers side door whenever fueling and it's another great escape point in and emergency.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Our Newmar has a driver's door and I use it a lot.
Les_Balty
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I've had A's with and without Driver's door. When I don't have one (like now) I miss it. I didn't use it a lot when I did, but it was extremely nice to have when I did.
Fer2005
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I've got one in my Suncruiser and use it all the time. It may not be as big a deal with a DP, but my gasser has the hump to climb around to get to the back of the coach.
PDDGM
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Our's has a drivers door, and I only use it when just a fuel stop. If I have to get out to walk the dog, etc I use the side door. It would not be a deal breaker for me if it didn't have one. The extra exit is nice and being able to work under the dash from the ground is easy, but the step in and out is hard to use and the handle came off so have to use the door frame for handle. Again, ok but not a big fan.
mike_brez
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I use mine all the time. I think I sure would miss it. I'm in pretty good shape so getting in and out is a non issue as of right now. Mine is also almost 20 years old and as no wind noise or leaks.
Richert
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I use the drivers door a lot, I want it. Handy when fueling, checking in, backing in to CG spot, connecting and disconnecting my towed, dump station, etc.
wny_pat1
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Have climbed in and out of the drivers doors of Class 8 cabovers and conventionals road tractors for well over 20 years, and now that I am retired, I don't have to anymore. Besides it takes a toll on one's knees!