Selling Class A to Buy Class C advice

[JimMartin]

We're thinking about selling our 34' Class A Coachmen and buying a 30' Class C. Really want the overhead bunk for our kids. For what I have seen so far I like the Holiday Rambler Atlantis best. What other brands and models should I be looking at?

Here some think we'd like to have:

28-32 foot Class C
2000-2006 model with one or two slides
Fiberglass or Aluminum roof
Ducted A/C and heat
Ford or Chevy chassis
__________________

[PghBob]

"Almost all of the long C's on the E-450 with slides will be stressing the rear axle weight limits. If you really need 30+ feet and slides, I'd recommend the super-C's if your dead-set on a Class C. Or else, plan on eliminating a bunch of stuff you currently carry in your A. The down-size in cargo carrying capacity should be considered carefully."

x2

The longer the Class C, and the more options on it like slideouts, levelers, and such will seriously degrade its OCCC. Good luck with your search. Bob

[Rick_Jay]

This probably won't be popular, but I'd recommend that you keep the class A. Assuming you're happy with it and it's in decent shape. Without knowing the specifics about your class A, you will be giving up about 4' of living space, probably 1,000-1,500 lbs. or more of cargo carrying capacity, storage tank size and that great view out the front window while travelling...to name a few. Maybe a downgrade from 50A service to 30A electrical service and/or hydraulic levelers to boot? Plus, I assume, it's paid for. 🙂

Almost all of the long C's on the E-450 with slides will be stressing the rear axle weight limits. If you really need 30+ feet and slides, I'd recommend the super-C's if your dead-set on a Class C. Or else, plan on eliminating a bunch of stuff you currently carry in your A. The down-size in cargo carrying capacity should be considered carefully.

When we were doing our shopping 10+ years ago, the kids loved the overhead bunks of the C's we looked at. But when it came right down to it, they were happier with the extra space in the A. Kids will sleep anywhere. Plus, I was the one who was going to make the payments! LOL

Or, if you're itchin' for a different rig, check out some of the used class A's out there which might have a different floorplan than yours. There are now many A's which have bunk beds in them. Although, personally, I'm not a fan of those either, but many families really like them.

Whatever you choose, Good Luck and have fun.

~Rick

[Roy_Lynne]

We did the same thing. My mechanic, who exclusively repairs RVs said to get anything but a Forest River. He said Forest River keeps him in business.

[Mich_F]

Looking at the list of "things you would like to have".

28-32 foot Class C
2000-2006 model with one or two slides
Fiberglass or Aluminum roof
Ducted A/C and heat
Ford or Chevy chassis

just about every manufacturer has at least one model that matches all your "likes".
As for what manufacturers to look at, it appears most people on here will recommend whatever they have, unless there's has an issue, then they will tell you to look at something else. 😄

[Dusty_R]

I've read where Winnebago/Itasca, for many years, has the highest % of satisfied customers.

Dusty

[map40]

JimMartin wrote:
We're thinking about selling our 34' Class A Coachmen and buying a 30' Class C. Really want the overhead bunk for our kids. For what I have seen so far I like the Holiday Rambler Atlantis best. What other brands and models should I be looking at?

Here some think we'd like to have:

28-32 foot Class C
2000-2006 model with one or two slides
Fiberglass or Aluminum roof
Ducted A/C and heat
Ford or Chevy chassis
__________________

Funny, some years ago we went from a 1998 Mirada to a 2007 Chateau class C primarily for the same reasons.
I have been in the automotive industry for a long time and been RVing for quite a few years also.
I have owned several motorhomes. Currently I have 2, I use them to rent them out (2007 and 2008 Queen bedroom layout). I went with Four Winds (which also includes Chateau). The are simple, nicely executed and with good materials.
I would go with the bunk layout. It is great to bring kids friends, which is the only way to get my teenage kids to come along.
I would go with the Ford chassis. Easier to find parts.
Hope it helps.

[harley-dave]

we've had a Winnebago-Itasca sundancer 31' class C for 3-4 years now. Minimal trouble. Has better wood cabinets (thicker wood and better hinges), 1 slide, hydraulic levelers all on a E450 chassis. fiberglass roof, ducted heat and AC, enclosed bottom with heat in the plumbing spaces. Large doors on all the storage bins.. I would recommend one to anyone.

Dave

[rockhillmanor]

Check out Four Winds Ford V-10 E450. These also hold their value more than others when it comes time to sell it.