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why a class c over a class a ?

homer1959
Explorer
Explorer
Hi, i wonder what is the advantage to buy a class c over a class a ? There is some 28 foot class a that are not much more expensive than a C, so tell me what i dont understand !
40 REPLIES 40

homer1959
Explorer
Explorer
Thats why I was prudent in my previous message, I certainly dont want to start a strerile debate, its all matter of choice, the truckers a hauling weight 5 times heavier that their truck...if its well done with the proper gear its absolutly possible to do it safely, but hey what is safe 100% of the time all the timet ? So i'm out lol 😉

super_camper
Explorer
Explorer
homer1959 wrote:
Im not gone and still watching, however we changed our decision after sitting in a forester......dont take me wrong , to each is own but i fell in love with a new F150 , the cab comfort is FOR US very important, and the interior and the ride of a xlt is in another league.

I know that we will loose some of the nice attributes of a motorhome, they have very strong point, but hey this is why there is so much choice !

Our choice is no better or worse than yours, its just different, at the end what is important is a cold one nearby the fire iisn't ? Have fun guys and millions of thank for your input !
Different yes, better or worse is up for debate. I committed a long time ago not to tow a trailer heavier than my tow vehicle, its simply not worth the risk to me.

homer1959
Explorer
Explorer
Im not gone and still watching, however we changed our decision after sitting in a forester......dont take me wrong , to each is own but i fell in love with a new F150 , the cab comfort is FOR US very important, and the interior and the ride of a xlt is in another league.

I know that we will loose some of the nice attributes of a motorhome, they have very strong point, but hey this is why there is so much choice !

Our choice is no better or worse than yours, its just different, at the end what is important is a cold one nearby the fire iisn't ? Have fun guys and millions of thank for your input !

super_camper
Explorer
Explorer
j-d wrote:
Easier to service since more of the coach is an ordinary van. Faster and less expensive availability of parts and tires. Safer in a frontal crash.
x2. This is a huge advantage to a class C

CT51
Explorer
Explorer
Looks like the OP has moved on, but for those of us that like C's, I remembered two more of the reasons I prefer them.

One, the windshield. RV's spend a lot of time on the highway, and cracked windshields will happen. With an A, you're dependent on a dealer who usually sublets the repair to a windshield guy. The result is often messy or in some way inferior to what you had. With a C, you just call Safelite, and they come to your driveway and you will not be able to tell the repair from new.

Two, 16 inch wheels and tires. Any good tire shop can mount and balance, and you can carry a spare and change it yourself. This is a great peace of mind while on the road.

And a bonus point: Any large class C will come with air bags, so you can adjust for weight and balance perfectly left to right so no leaning like many class A's.

I really do like A's for the obvious reasons, but you just give up too much convenience that comes with the C for me.

CT51

pnichols
Explorer II
Explorer II
homer1959 wrote:
ROFLMAO off road...gravel pad !!! you made my day LOL



Well ... maybe this is a little more "off road" for a Class C ... four wheel drive not necessarily required.

It just takes the will to go for it at slow speeds, a little taller tires for more ground clearance, the lower differential ratio for crawling that one gets in the E450, and the short wheelbase you get with a small Class C:



2005 E450 Itasca 24V Class C

wbwood
Explorer
Explorer
lfcjasp wrote:
Class A's are generally absolutely gorgeous and luxurious, maybe more so than Class C's.

I think it will depend on the coach. There are some A's that are from luxurious. And there are some C's that are more luxurious than many A's.
Brian
2013 Thor Chateau 31L

lfcjasp
Explorer
Explorer
Class A's are generally absolutely gorgeous and luxurious, maybe more so than Class C's. They do have great floor plans, too. But we'll never have one for one, make that two reasons: Class C's have two cab doors (driver's side and passenger side) and one house door. Most Class A's have only one door, period. A deal breaker for us. Some Class A's, esp. gas ones, maybe easier to work on, but there is no issue with our E-350. Took it to a Ford dealership for an oil change, no problem:)

That said, I'm glad a lot of people like Class A's...keeps the neighborhood interesting and they do class things up.

Also I can drive our mh...don't know about an A...

CT51
Explorer
Explorer
I've had every type RV, and my 32' class C is definitely my favorite. The point about being lower to the ground is pretty important to me. My total height is 10'10". Most new class A's are around 12'6" to 12'10".
When you're driving around neighborhood streets, older state parks, strange towns etc, that 2 feet is the difference between ripping your roof off and clearing by a foot. Also, some class C's like mine don't even require a retracting step. The door is low enough that you just step into the RV. This is surprisingly useful and convenient when you are getting in and out packing/unpacking, and when getting the RV into position while setting up. Same goes for the two front doors at ground level. You can just hop in and back out while getting in exactly the spot you want, leveling etc. Also power windows on both front doors-great when cruising thru campground looking for best spot. Some floorplans, like mine, have a north south 80" queen bed, which allow an incredible amount of storage accessible thru three rear openings. Finally, no sun in the eyes! I've had several class A's, and you're always fiddling with the visors trying to block the sun or to stop them from rattling. With the C, the overhead is like a giant baseball cap blocking the sun.

CT51

NAUTIQUE
Explorer
Explorer
Homer,
Give both a try to see what you're most comfortable with.
Floor plan is probably the #1 factor, but you also must like driving it!
I started with an older small 24' "C". Now have an older 30' "A".
I like'd em both! 😄

The "C" was easy to maneuver, but didn't have the storage or towing power.
Also felt closed-in while driving with a house blocking my mirrors.
(Cab-over leaks were also a problem that steered me towards the "A".)

The "A" is great to cruise in with that big panoramic windshield! Also makes a great area to relax in with the nice front view & the swivel seats
Overall I do really like the "A"
Although, safety wise, I gotta say that an "A" is a little funky when you realize that you're sitting up there on top of a chassis and about all that surrounds you is fiberglass! - Slow & Easy is the way to go!

I Gotta say - A Super-C is on the top of my list when I start looking for a retirement rig down the road.

So - just look into all the factors & be happy with your choice.
Best of luck!
Our Portable Summer Cottage II : 2000 GBM LANDAU - 99 F53 chassis
Tweaked w/: Allure floor, Sumitomo ST718's, Bilstein's, Steer-Safe, UltraTrac rear trac bar, CHF & Poly Bushings. Pulling a 97 Jeep TJ- Pics & Mods * GBM Thread * F53 Thread
LIFE IS GOOD! :C

Healeyman
Explorer
Explorer
For ME, a big thing is that no matter what direction I drive and what time of day it is, with 2 feet of overhang all around...

I NEVER have to sit in the sun!!!

Tim

RVWithTito
Explorer
Explorer
Here is a video I like that answers your questions quite well. I hope this helps. I love my Class C. Good luck!
2007 Four Winds 31F Class C; Ford E450 Chassis; 250 Watts Solar;

RV Solar, Towing, DIY and Tips on my website RVwithTito.com
Watch My Video Tips at YouTube/RVWithTito

homer1959
Explorer
Explorer
Many excellent point of view, ill stick with my first choice then sunseeker 2650 !

Thats why there is so much choice ! To each is own !


Thanks to all !

G7ARYM
Explorer
Explorer
Let me count the ways. Yes, the Super C and lower end A’s have similar house appointments all from the same makers and many living area floor plans are similar. For us the Super C had an oven, big deal with the person I travel with. The seats up front are used as storage when stopped but the area above is not lost as it is a large entertainment center with two large storage cabinets and a full width pull out drawer for more storage or a 7’ long bed with the pad provided. Then for some of us there is a large advantage to a Super C based on a commercial truck chassis due to its design and intended use. The truck is used as a box truck, small passenger tour bus, flat bed tow truck and a few dozen other applications. It is used, abused; beat up, flogged, ridden hard and put away wet by employees who have no respect for the vehicle. Now, if I use the rig as if I was the owner and cared about its care and feeding the truck will outlive me. Then some of us like the driving position of a truck cockpit which is not much different from my full size van in steering wheel and peddle position over the Lazy Boy chair in the corner of a family room with picture window feel ahead of the front wheels. Finally, all of the pieces which go around or move are up front under a clam shell hood where all fluids and filters are easy to see and change without removing a panel under the bed or the closet. Oh yes, did I mention cooling of the engine, transmission and turbo inlet temperature? All cooling radiators are up in the cool air in front of the large heat generating pieces of metal rather than the last thing in the rig way behind the hot metal out of the fresh cooling air. The dash air on its lowest temperature setting with the fan on low was too cool for my wife as we climbed out of the Colorado River eastbound on I-40 when the outside air showed 104. And the water temp gage actually moved two needle widths to the right on the long climb out. Get in, turn it on and drive. It’s as complicated as an anvil with few systems to monitor and maintain. It’s a truck, nothing fancy. Also let me add one other difference to consider. Try driving west for a few hours on a hot summer day with the sun in your eyes and a huge expanse of glass allowing the interior to heat up. On my Super C the sun rarely gets to the side windows and almost never shines through the windshield until the end of the day when we are at our destination. The large front overhang is not visible to me above the windshield so does not interfere with seeing out to drive. And since we do not sightsee from inside the rig the lack of Class A glass is not an issue. Just another thought, do you know how little it costs and how easy it is to replace a truck windshield? Factor that difference into your future expense with a Class A.
Again, your mileage may differ and be happy whichever way you go.