recomendations

[50andreadytorv]

My wife and myself have decided we want to get into the RV world . We went to several RV show's and talk to many salesmen . We've come to the conclusion that we want a class A no more then 26 feet . Any recomdation ?

[Travel_n_Man]

I was able to look at the new Vegas "RUVs" at the California RV Show. They are truly pretty cool for the size and money. They are really a small class a motorhome price very well around $69.999 with a gas engine.

Vegas RUV Motorhomes Link >
Axis RUV Motorhomes Link >



The Axis & Vegas Class A RVs are base on a Ford E-350 cut-a-way chassis with a gas engine. What's nice about that is that the frame rails are out wider and the center of balance is lower, both should greatly improve ride quality. This chassis also still can tow 5000#, a must have for me right now pulling my wife's Pathfinder.

I noticed that they both of these motorhomes are very aerodynamic. Fuel economy should be improved also because the front windshield curved both top to bottom and left to right in addition the front of the motorhome is narrower than the rear. Thor Motorcoach has impressed my over the past few years introducing several cool motorhomes. But we still love my ACE, it was the best for us.

I like that these motorhomes have the hidden drop down bunk bed in the motorhome's cabin (we love ours), side view camera's in the mirrors, and LED lights throughout the RV, and a King Denver Mattress. On my older 29.1 ACE I'm going to try ordering a Denver mattress that Thor has is now make standard. Like my ACE I'm happy to see they keep the large oversized pass between cargo bays.

Overall I was impressed for the size and money but the floor plan but work for you.



Happy Tails, Max

[Matt_Colie]

50,

What you have decided today is interesting, but please try to rent or borrow something for a weekend/week if you possibly can. I can guaranty the this will adjust your perspective.

We had been Sailing, Rving and camping for year before we stumbled into the perfect 23' class A. Too bad that they haven't been made for a long time. They also made a 26'.

Matt

[eabc5454]

Thor just came out with two short "RUVs" that comes in that length. They are called the Axis and the Vegas. Have a look at their website - I know nothing else about them. We have the rig in our signature, and have had a great summer in it.

Keep looking until you find the perfect one for you, and make sure that you try the floorplan out thoroughly before you sign on the line. Pretend that you're cooking, sleeping, using the shower, watching TV, using the commode, etc. It makes a huge difference - layout is critical.

Happy camping!

[Effy]

Reliability and build are all relative to the brand not the size. That said a 30’ Mh with a longer wheelbase will ride much smoother than the wheelbase on anything 27’. The smaller the RV the rougher the ride (in general). A longer wheelbase dictates a smoother ride. Heavier can also be a benefit with respect to ride but perhaps not MPG. In terms of MPG the AXIS will be the winner here with probably double digits. The rest on the F53 chassis will get about 8-9 mpg. But the AXIS is a first year model. Lots of bugs to be worked out of that one yet. I would wait for at least year 2 to get some refinements. Some other things about the axis is that it’s on the F450 chassis. Same as a class C. So it will ride much rougher than the F53 chassis that standard class A’s are on. I also didn’t like the shower in the AXIS. It’s small , the curtain, and runs a hose from the faucet. Haven’t seen that since pop ups. If you are going to be in it weeks at a time, you will want space and things that can lend itself to daily living. For not much more money you would be surprised how much more comfortable you would be and how much more you get out of an RV that’s 3 feet longer. Just saying. Our ACE 29.1 gets a bit cramped even at 30’. The 29.2 is much better. Same length but the full wall slide really opens things up. Point being we usually only take week long trips and I could not imagine going smaller than 30’. That’s my opinion. Also if you plan on taking a car or gear you need to look close at real carrying and towing capacity. Some small RVs will leave you almost nothing in terms of CCC. Nothing worse than spending all that money to be miserable on a few trips and wish you’d gotten the bigger one for almost the same money. Cuz once you own it you’d take a bath trying to trade on what you should have bought in the first place. Take your time, spend some time in an RV like you live in it. Might be a good idea to rent a 27’ to get a feel of what it would be like. Then walk through the 30.

BTW - 30' is not big. Small by class A standards. 40-45' is big

[50andreadytorv]

Thanks all for the recomendations . It will manily be just my me and my wife going on trips . We are not retired yet so we will be traveling 2 to 3 weeks a year and smoe weekends . We came to the conclusion that we don't need a big RV for just us . We went to a rv show and we liked the Vista and Axis but we are still looking for what will be our best option .You know those salesman allway's claim there RV is the best thing since slice bread . I guess in looking for anyone that has one(smaller class A) if they like it ? Are they reliable ? How about getting service on the rv ? We've never owned a rv and in fact we only camped in RV in our teenage years so we want to make the right decision before we invest that kind of money into one . Thanks all

[Effy]

What's your price point? As many have stated there are a few to choose from. The Vista (and it's itasca brother), the ACE, the AXIS, the FR3 all will be competitively priced in the high 60's. You start talking about a FRED (front engine Diesel) and you are in for $100k.

My question is why you landed on 27'? That's a pretty small Rv. Not that it can't be done but unless it's just an occasional weekender I would look for something around 30'. the price difference in some of the models mentioned is negligable. If you are stuck on that length (and maybe you have good reason) I would look at things like Chassis, bath layout, creature comforts etc. The AXIS for example is on the F450 chassis which will ride much differently than the F53. The FR3 lacks a lot of small things like nightstands, cup holders in the front and on the dinette table, the Winnie 26HE is pretty bare bones but good quality, and the Thor ACE has a little more cleverness with respect to storage, and bling. Floorplan is the MOST critical thing in MH selection. From there pick a brand. They all will have a similar floorplan.

[mowermech]

Our first Class A was a 27 foot Pace Arrow. The floor plan was absolutely HORRIBLE! Well, let me explain that; DW was working night shift, and when she went to bed, I could not get to the bathroom!
Anyway, we traded it on a 32 foot with rear bedroom, and it was MUCH nicer!
Now, we have the coach in my sig. and are quite happy. DW says it is the last one.
Over the years, I found that one thing to keep in mind is NOT how many the coach will "sleep"; the number of people you can stand to have in there on a rainy day is MUCH more important!
IMO, 30 or 32 foot is a good length; long enough, but not
TOO long!
Have fun shopping, and good luck in your search.

[NCWriter]

You might look at the Winnebago Via 25Q or Itasca Reyo 25Q. Same floor plan, built on the Sprinter chassis if you are willing to consider diesel.

They are 25 feet, kind of a miniature Class A. Been out a few years. Various floor plans for bed and slide out configurations.

As for resale, the market for used small diesel RVs is quite strong.

[wbwood]

gotsmart wrote:
There are short Class A MHs out there, but I think not in a 26' length. The ACE by Thor comes in lengths of 28' to 31'. Even my Class C is 30' from bumper to bumper.

I would recommend the OP look for something in the 29' to 30' length - for its future resale value if nothing else.

There are 26' models.

Itasca Sunstar Sport 26HE
Winnebego Vista Rally 26HE
Thor Axis 24.1 (even smaller)
Thor ACE EVO 27.1 (a little bigger)
Winnebego Vista 27N (little bigger)

Just to name some...

[gotsmart]

There are short Class A MHs out there, but I think not in a 26' length. The ACE by Thor comes in lengths of 28' to 31'. Even my Class C is 30' from bumper to bumper.

I would recommend the OP look for something in the 29' to 30' length - for its future resale value if nothing else.

[wbwood]

At 26', you will be limited on your choices of an RV. But if you think that is a good size for you, then that is great. Also. depends on the places you will want to visit. It's a better choice for state and national parks. Gives you more options of spaces to get into. The only issue will be motorcoach resorts that might have a size requirement. There are a lot fewer of those and they tend to be on the pricy side.

If you won't be fulltiming, you might want to look at some Class B's around the same size. And as an owner of a Class C, I wouldn't count them out either. They make them with entertainment centers over the cab as well (instead of a bed). The good thing about them (and Class B's) is that they normally are lower to the ground. Meaning fewer steps to get inside. If you have any problems with knees or are getting up in age that it might become an issue, it might be something to consider.

[MarkTwain]

Ummm djgarcia - He wants a motorhome, not a trailer.

thanks for the observation and the 26' length of the RV will still apply.

[eluwak]

My folks like their Winnebago Vista 26HE

[TucsonJim]

Ummm djgarcia - He wants a motorhome, not a trailer.