RichNewcome wrote:
usmcshepherd
I have had maybe 8-9 diesel pushers. I invented the Tru-Center steering stabilizer because my first DP handled so bad in the wind. In 2015 I returned to RVing after 2 years off and I bought a 2015 Seneca TS. The ride was very good, the Seneca was the easiest to drive RV I had owned. It tracked best had a great ride and was near as quite as most DP's, not all, not a provost or a signature or a navigator, but for sure close to the entry level units in the $250-$300K range.
I loved the Seneca, but it was a big rig, 40 foot long, 13'4 high and 28000 pounds, so after 15000 miles and two summers I sold my Seneca and bought a new Winnebago Aspect 30j. I bought the Seneca because I wanted the truck part to be reliable and it was as i had almost zero issues. It was just too big for my present usage. The wife and I are travelers, not campers, we now travel from casino to casino, or from BBQ to BBQ. The Seneca made us park far away. I do not like to pull a dingy, so a 32 foot 30J aspect is my downsizing effort. I may end up with a dingy again as it is very hard to see much without one. Our must have list was: a walk around bed we can use without putting out slides, a good size shower and bath, a couch and dinette and a factory built chassis and cab. I did look at many options including sprinters. Most were overloaded with only tanks full and the interiors were just too small. The winnebago brand I have known for 40 plus years and today some models do get strong reviews. My Seneca listed for $240K and I purchased for $165K and sold two years later for $144K. The new Aspect listed for $137.5K and I paid $92K for the new 2016. Used units were not a lot cheaper. I got delivered from Florida Jan 2017 so i have no idea what I have bought. I plan on adding steering stabilizer front and rear sway bars even before my first ride. The Seneca needed nothing, but even with air ride I expect the adds i have picked will be well worth their cost on the Aspect.
In 1978 my first RV was a 24 foot Leprechaun class C on a Ford van chassis after that a 26 foot GMC and later many DP's including (2) Prevosts conversions. Now at 72 years old we are going back to the beginning with a B+ on a Ford E-450 van chassis. I am hopeful we can keep having fun traveling in RV's for years to come. I love to drive, the wife loves to play penny slots so now we see America again by way of the casinos.
For me the journey is the goal, and the stops are just windows to the world. I love the view out the windshield so much I try not to drive at night in fear I will miss something. I encourage everyone who can make it happen to spend as much time as possible discovering America and Canada in a RV of some type.
You ask why most people prefer a Class A over a Super C of similar size. I had a smaller (33')DP and traded for a similar sized Super C Nexus 32SC. Like most comparisons there are trade-offs. For me the Super C pros are;
- A massive engine and body structure in front of me instead of a short area of fiberglass
- Less worry about a flying stone hitting a huge windshield (happened a couple of times)
- Several things are easier to reach while driving, i.e. sunvisor, things on the dash
- Like having the cab door for easier exit
- Seems more natural having the steer wheels out in front instead of under or slightly behind me
- The road seems wider since I am sitting closer to it
- The rig seems narrower since the cab portion is not as wide
(Those 2 characteristics lets my wife feel confident enough to drive it)
- Feel less concern over possible breakdowns since more truck repair places would welcome me
- Biggest was the over-cab sleeping area for the grandkids. No climbing over a pulled out couch.
On the con side;
- The ride seems harsh compared to the air suspension. The Jayco Seneca just has rear air bags. I feel confident that it wouldn't compare favorably to full air suspension.
- The engine noise level is greater than the DP
- The usable inside space is reduced as much as the engine hood length
I really liked the Jayco Seneca, however my RV garage, is only 40' long. (I wasn't the original owner)
I agree with Hank85713 about the ability for passengers to utilize facilities while in motion. Often I drive from breakfast to lunch with no stops. During that time my will go to the bathroom 3-4 times plus getting me water or snacks. Add a couple more passengers and more potential stops are avoided.
Everyone's wants, utilizations, and financial justifications are different. My $.02 worth is, if you want a Super C, get a Super C.
