Mods feel free to move this thread if it's in wrong category.(oh, please let me know if you do) ;)Okay, I'm not a COMPLETE newb as I had a Toyota v-6 mini back in the 80's that we drove satisfactorily across the country.Now I am "contemplating" diving in again. Maybe. Very senior. Active but close to 80. :@I believe it would be a Class C as I don't want to drive a bus.Priorities are:Ease of handlingSmall enough to handle larger city streets easily2 beds (small is OK but we don't do well in same one)Enough water to take showersFuel economy would be a minor concern but still....Should I look for new or used? I tend to "used" as this is sorta an initial foray into the unknown.Do "certified" RV dealers exist?Fire away with any help.Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.Agree or disagree?Thanks all.

There are some small C models with twin beds. Winnebago fuse comes to mind. FuseSome like the Fuse are even on Sprinter chassis which is smaller, and more economical than the E series Fords. And these have been around long enough for there to be used units available. "Certified" Dealers???Not really except some that are certified rip offs.

For ease of handling and parking in town, I'd stay around 26 feet or so. Too long of a C and you end up with a really big rear overhang.

2big wrote:Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.ABSOLUTELY ! I think your biggest issue is finding a B+/C that is not "too big" that has adequate bathroom/shower space and water for more than 1 or 2 days "off grid". Most are really designed to be "hooked" up".Smaller size B+/C are built on the Mercedes or Ford transit chassis.Don't be afraid of "all electric" (no propane). I, for one, would enjoy a AC/DC powered compressor refrigerator. As long as it has 2 batteries AND solar AND you are not planning on cool weather camping, it is not a problem.

Most RVs have enough fresh water but also check the holding tank capacities...gray and black. You won’t always have access to fresh water and a dump. Great campsites on U.S. 395 in California but many are dry camps.

Hi 2biWelcome to the forums.Buy used.Stay away from diesel. What you save on mileage is not much, and what you pay for oil changes will eat up any savings. Cost of repairs is astronomical.Wheel base to length is best at about 55%. Below 50% they become hard to drive. 176" wheel base works well with 27 feet.Fresh water capacity may be around 44 US gallons. Some times it is possible to add an extra fresh water tank (mine has that feature).Use a water saver shower head.Look for a 10 gallon water heater in the unit that is both propane and electric fired.If the RV is five or more years old, consider replacing hoses and, of course, tires.Three things to look for:1. water leaks.2. look harder for water leaks.3. LOOK EVEN HARDER FOR WATER LEAKS!2big wrote:Mods feel free to move this thread if it's in wrong category.(oh, please let me know if you do) ;)Okay, I'm not a COMPLETE newb as I had a Toyota v-6 mini back in the 80's that we drove satisfactorily across the country.Now I am "contemplating" diving in again. Maybe. Very senior. Active but close to 80. :@I believe it would be a Class C as I don't want to drive a bus.Priorities are:Ease of handlingSmall enough to handle larger city streets easily2 beds (small is OK but we don't do well in same one)Enough water to take showersFuel economy would be a minor concern but still....Should I look for new or used? I tend to "used" as this is sorta an initial foray into the unknown.Do "certified" RV dealers exist?Fire away with any help.Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.Agree or disagree?Thanks all.

Newbie here. Maybe wrong forum but here goes. | Good Sam Community

wanderingaimles
Explorer
Dec 08, 2019
There are some small C models with twin beds. Winnebago fuse comes to mind.
Fuse
Some like the Fuse are even on Sprinter chassis which is smaller, and more economical than the E series Fords. And these have been around long enough for there to be used units available.

"Certified" Dealers???
Not really except some that are certified rip offs.
drsteve
Explorer
Dec 08, 2019
For ease of handling and parking in town, I'd stay around 26 feet or so. Too long of a C and you end up with a really big rear overhang.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2019
2big wrote:
Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.

ABSOLUTELY ! I think your biggest issue is finding a B+/C that is not "too big" that has adequate bathroom/shower space and water for more than 1 or 2 days "off grid". Most are really designed to be "hooked" up".

Smaller size B+/C are built on the Mercedes or Ford transit chassis.

Don't be afraid of "all electric" (no propane). I, for one, would enjoy a AC/DC powered compressor refrigerator. As long as it has 2 batteries AND solar AND you are not planning on cool weather camping, it is not a problem.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2019
Most RVs have enough fresh water but also check the holding tank capacities...gray and black. You won’t always have access to fresh water and a dump. Great campsites on U.S. 395 in California but many are dry camps.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 08, 2019
Hi 2bi

Welcome to the forums.

Buy used.

Stay away from diesel. What you save on mileage is not much, and what you pay for oil changes will eat up any savings. Cost of repairs is astronomical.

Wheel base to length is best at about 55%. Below 50% they become hard to drive. 176" wheel base works well with 27 feet.

Fresh water capacity may be around 44 US gallons. Some times it is possible to add an extra fresh water tank (mine has that feature).

Use a water saver shower head.

Look for a 10 gallon water heater in the unit that is both propane and electric fired.

If the RV is five or more years old, consider replacing hoses and, of course, tires.

Three things to look for:

1. water leaks.
2. look harder for water leaks.
3. LOOK EVEN HARDER FOR WATER LEAKS!

2big wrote:
Mods feel free to move this thread if it's in wrong category.
(oh, please let me know if you do) ;)

Okay, I'm not a COMPLETE newb as I had a Toyota v-6 mini back in the 80's that we drove satisfactorily across the country.

Now I am "contemplating" diving in again. Maybe. Very senior. Active but close to 80. :@

I believe it would be a Class C as I don't want to drive a bus.

Priorities are:
Ease of handling
Small enough to handle larger city streets easily
2 beds (small is OK but we don't do well in same one)
Enough water to take showers
Fuel economy would be a minor concern but still....

Should I look for new or used? I tend to "used" as this is sorta an initial foray into the unknown.

Do "certified" RV dealers exist?

Fire away with any help.
Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.
Agree or disagree?

Thanks all.
lhenry8113
Explorer
Dec 08, 2019
We recently bought a used (2017)smaller Class C-24ft. It's a Forest River Forester LE- 2251SLE. Particularly wanted a 450 Chevy chassis with gas engine-has a 6.0 gas engine. About a month after purchase my wife and I (plus dog) took it on a 1600 mile trip-1 way. Very easy to drive-easy to set up- easy to park. It's easier to take on short trips with enough room for longer trips. Also, being smaller I can keep it in my driveway, plugged in and always ready to go.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 08, 2019
You’re exactly on the right track.
Rent first if in doubt.
Small to med size C is imo, the best compromise between mobility, ease of setup/breakdown, size/space/comfort and easy to drive.
Just depends how much space, tank capacity and luxury you want.
Some are good in a B or a big B (vans), some want or need more “space.”

Either way, awesome for you guys. Don’t hesitate. You could be traveling by Xmas!
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 08, 2019
And yes, lightly used IMO is preferable to new for a few reasons.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2019
Welcome to the Forum,you will get a lot of good advice here and I will just give you some just to help out :B

One way to go if you want a used RV with verified maintenance is to look at the Rental Market. More than 100 people here on the forum have been very happy with their choice.

This worked out very well for me.

It is a very long thread but there is a lot of good information. You don't have to read it all but you will get the idea just going thru it.
Powertour
Explorer II
Dec 09, 2019
Class C is fine, I'd stay under 26 & possibly get one without a slide unless you really want one with a slide.

100% have the opinion that USED is the only way to go.

We love our Class C with the exception of the corner bed..... that thing causes 2x more arguments between the spouse & I than backing does. It's such a PITA but it's hard to get a small coach without getting jammed with a corner bed.