Ron Butler
Federal Way WA.
Senior Member
Joined: 02/29/2004
View Profile
 Offline
|
ltex wrote:Hello All. I am looking for some assistance on our MH purchase. I've been doing lots of research but haven't gotten some questions answered. I'm posting these questions in this forum since it seems a large number of class A people have worked their way up and owned class C's in the past.
My wife and I are looking at buying a used RV in the next 6-9 months. We originally wanted a TT, mostly b/c of low cost, but couldn't find one roomy enough to be pulled with the smallish SUV she drives.
Our MH will be used for: 1. tailgating Cowboys games, 2. music festivals in/around Texas, 3. weekend retreats with 6 year old daughter(and a friend I'm sure) and the dog, 4. The occasional trip to the coast in the summer, 5. the occasional trip to New Mexico to ski in the winter. Definitely not full timing, just some recreational time. We really don't care about slides and fancy upgrades in this, our first rv.
We are going to buy used and the budget will be around 25K. I'm looking for opinions on class a vs class c on issues such as:
1. quality of MH available in our price range
Haven't been following the price of rv's lately, but this should be a buyers market. Use the resources of the internet to see what the asking prices are and what is offered at that price. Keep in mind, that you shouldn't have to pay asking price, so you should be able to shop a higher price and then offer what you have. If not enough, there's always more rigs out there!
I would also recommend picking up your local area RV Trader magazine each week. That will also give you a good idea of what is avaliable locally. I had close to a years issues and was able to keep track of the ones that were still around, generally because they were prices too high, as well as the new ones just coming onto the market.
2. suggestions of class to purchase based upon our perspective use pattern
5 years ago we started looking for our first rv and didn't know what the difference was between a class a or c!! After sitting in the drivers seat there was no question that we preferred a class a. You sit higher and have far greater forward visabilty in a class a. For us, that was important, because of our age and wanting to travel fulltime. Your younger, so that may not be as important to you at this time. The other thing was a class a has a greater cargo carrying capacity, so that was important for us. For your purposes, that probably isn't that important, but you do need to watch that. Class A's will generally have greater ccc than class c's. Some of the rigs out there, by the time you and passengers get in, you can just about carry a change of underwear and have a can of pop each!! You would probably be fine with either type of rig for what you want to do. Opps, your daughter would probably have more fun using the upper berth on the class c however, more like "real camping"!!
3. maintenance costs, hassles, advantages/disadvantages for the
classes
Can't think of any differences.
4. any reliability issues that may come up between the classes
Again, can't think of any differences.
I would say that you would want to have a generator in either type of rig that you get. Class A's should have them, but some of the older Class C's may not have come with them.
Good luck in your hunt. Take your time, ask lots of questions and remember, it's a buyers market out there now.
I think that is it, but I am sure I will add questions if this thread grows. Thanks to all who take the time to reply.
Ron & Carolyn
Sadie the Irish Terrier
Happy the Lakeland Terrier
From sailing yacht to land yacht
KE7BZC
M/V Lothlorien
GO HUSKIES
|
Dynasty40
Hangtown, Northern California
Senior Member
Joined: 02/07/2008
View Profile
 Online
|
Itex...check out the site below for comparison shopping. They are mostly consignment units but you can pull up each individually and compare. Most have many pics and floorplans attached. (DW can spend loads of time figuring out a floor plan that will fit your needs) For the guys, you can also search the "sold" section to get a pretty good feel for value other than NADA. Once you get a feel for the rig you want you can search in earnest to find the best value for your money. I've owned several Class Cs, 4 Class As and am on my second DP...For the money you are looking to spend, I would say the Class A is your best bet...JMO..Enjoy...I've also included a link to CrankyApe which deals mostly with repos..but thats down the road a bit for you..Good luck in your search...
RVs For Sale with Floorplans
RV Repos
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Dynasty Baron 40PFD
|
OleRVer
Orlando,Fl.
Senior Member
Joined: 04/06/2004
View Profile
|
The only advantages I can think of of a C over an A is, safer drivers compartment. GM and Ford have spent millions on the safety and ergonomics of their van chassis, better fuel economy because of generally lighter weight and lower rear end gear ratios. Possible more sleeping arrangements because of over head bunk. Now I've runout of advantages.
The A will give you more usable interior space as the front seats become part of the your living room when you swivel them around. Your daughter won't have to "lean" down to look out the front window, if you go with a Ford V-10 or later Workhorse, your turning ratio is actually shorter than the same size C, as the cramp angle is 50 degrees. Generally higher cargo and towing capacities and larger exterior storage areas. Better views from the drivers area as you sit higher and usually have a bigger windshield, and I'm sure others will come up with more. Most A's will have a sofa and a booth like a C to make beds. The C can have the overhead bunk that kids usually love. JMHO, but sit in each style, alone, with your family and try to visualize how you will use it.......I'd go A all the way....
|
rebel462
ontario canada
Full Member
Joined: 09/30/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I started out 4 years ago with my first ever class A 34 foot 1984 Citation with a 454 chev engine,paid $18,000.00 for it,private sale low milage, good strong motor.First run was just for a day time outing to a local Walmart, Felt like king of the road sitting in the parking lot having lunch. First thing that bothered me on the road was the engine noise and the heat from the motor,I then added fans under the dog house to help that problem, it did have a drivers door ,found that to be a nice ,saved climbing over the hump in the floor .
One week later was Our first over night stay at a casino one hour from home. Had tickets for a show their but no rooms available at the casino hotel, nice chance to use the RV.Filled up the water and gas tanks and off the two of us go.
Had a real good time at the show and nice thoughts to have the comfort of my own sleeping quarters in the parking lot.
Problems started first thing in the morning when I went to use the shower!! the shower head was about 10 inches below me,I am five foot eleven,190 pounds. No way could I get low enough without the door beeing pushed open this put water all over the floor.
That was enough for me on my first night to stay in it,I drove it to a local dealer and traded it for a 1997 DP Winny vectra with a cat diesel and 6 speed Allison trans. After driving the diesal for about 15 miles with the salesman and standing in the shower it did not take anything else to make up my mind about the purchase The Vectra also has a queen size bed as opposed to the other motor-home that had a double. The Vectra has no slides,it does have a drivers door and is a mid entry door .CCC is 5489 pounds.
Since then I have traveled about 25000 miles with the new coach.The newer trade cost me another $90,000.00 at that time.
Two years later I purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee for a tow vehicle and now have the complete package.
What a way to travel.
Hope some of this helps .
Hope you have good luck as I did in what ever you end up with.
|
ed1
Nesconset NY USA
Senior Member
Joined: 02/26/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
We moved up from a 20 ft Class C to a 33 ft Class A about 5 years ago. Here's a few differences:
-I disliked the low ceiling sleeping on the over cab bed in the C, and got a nice queen sized bed in the A, with a roomy slideout bedroom.
-We had bunk beds for the kids in the C, and it's not as convenient to pull out the folding bed in the A.
-Visibility is much better in the A, but my wife would drive the C but not the A. This has shortened our driving days and put more stress on me. The view from the C is similar to a car, so it is easy to adapt. The seating location is very different for an A, so it takes some time to learn to position the rig on the road.
-Obviously, much more storage in the A, allowing us to travel comfortably for weeks at a time.
-The A has a generator, and self leveling, definitely a convenience.
-The bigger A requires a separate car for getting around. We rent, but many people tow- this is a significant additional expense (car + tow gear). A small C can be parked almost anywhere. As noted above, some Cs may not have the capacity to tow a car.
-We got much better gas mileage on our small 4-cylinder Class C, but it may not be a big difference with a larger V-8 Class C.
-Despite what you hear about how wonderful that big diesel pusher is- the fundamental enjoyment of camping and traveling is just as good in a small motorhome as in a big one, so get what works for you and enjoy the lifestyle.
-I don't think maintenance will be much different- similar systems and components.
Ed
2002 Holiday Rambler Admiral 32
|
|
|
bsinmich
Holland, MI
Senior Member
Joined: 11/18/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
The main advantage of a C is the cabover bunk. An A will bew a little larger and allow sleeping on a sofa or dinette plus a bedroom. The extra storage on the A in the lower compartments is great. Most Class Cs do not have their water tanks inside while A's have their tanks in heated compartments which will be handy in winter. We had 2 Granddaughters for a month in our 35' 1996 Pace Arrow for 3 summers in a row and had no problems with space or storage. We actually had more storage and sleeping space in the 35' than we have now in our 38'.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
|
fish doctor
los angeles
Full Member
Joined: 10/14/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
we bought our 31 ft 1999 sea breeze this march for 26k
24k miles v10 no slides great condition
lots of bargains out there now
your best buying power is with the currant market.
a class a will have the towing power you want and a better floor plan
rent a class c for a weekend and than go sit in a class a .
1999 sea breeze limited 1310 31 no slides
ford v10 19.5 goodyears
wife mary 26 yrs and 2 dwarf dogs
|
catkins
Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 10/27/2003
View Profile
|
Useable space and visibility are two big differences. Class A's sit the driver higher for driving and when parked you look straight out and can see. In a class C generally there is a step down to the driving compartment and you cannot see out the front windshied without bending down....also makes a difference for where everyone sits and what they see when moving down the road.
I loved our Class C but now that I have a A, for us I do not think we would go back. In the class A we also gained higher weight capacity, more storage to make use of the capacity and MUCH larger holding tanks. Our A also has slides which make a huge difference in livabilty for us. A class C with overhear bunk would not work for us more mature folks but is great for kids......... floorplan and useage should be big drivers for what you are looking for.
As stated, beware the capacities of the Rv for carrying itslef, you, your stuff AND fluids/propane (It all adds up!!) AND towing capacity/hitch rating. Whatever you end up with, have many safe adventures!
|
rockhillmanor
On the Road
Senior Member
Joined: 12/06/2003
View Profile
|
You post keeps repeating the word 'occasional'.
Seems to me a used C would be the way to go.
Why buy a huge 'new' MH and pay payments when it is sitting in your driveway (IF your city will even allow this), the majority of the time?
The cabover in a Class C is considered a 'very cool place to sleep' to children! My friends go on vacation and when they come back all their kids talk about is how they got to play and sleep in the cabover of the MH!
They are out of the way at bedtime and they can keep their favorite toys up there to play with during the day too, you can keep an eye on them AND that leaves the rest of the MH for the parents to enjoy!
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 Blue Ox
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
|
WA1RI
FL
Senior Member
Joined: 09/26/2004
View Profile
|
It all comes down to what will work best for you. Go to the dealers, ask if you can look by yourself. most salesmen are commission only, and not all will be patient with someone a year away. Some lots keep units locked, some unlocked.
Sit in it, everyone in different areas, see what it would be like to 'live' in it for your trips. This will narrow down the floorplan for you. Keep notes. If you look in a Coachman Mirada and don't like it, write it down. After looking at many coaches over the next couple months it will help to look back.
Ask about reputation of the mfg and model. Some have great ones, some not so much. There will always be an owner with negatives, but such is life,., just get an overall feeling.
When time is right, ask a salesman about a test drive. Explain your timing up front, most are very understanding. The ones that aren't, well do you really want to work with him?
If private party sale is more what you are looking to do, be careful. Be very careful about pricing, some folks are so upside down on their units that they need to much to get out from underneath.
Don't let low miles lull you into thinking it is a great value. 10 year old coach with 5000 miles is getting ready to need lots of maintenance. Look real close at the sidewalls of tires. Most coach tires get replaced for sidewalls, no tread.
What you don't easily see in a low miles coach are the hoses, belts, seals etc. lack of use means drying out.
We can all spout why an A or a C is better, but that is only each of our opinions, what really matters is you and your use. A small A means converting dinette to bed each night, a C might eliminate this.
Good luck and have fun, the looking is almost half the fun!
Bill & Jolene / FL
1997 Southwind 35P
2006 Yamaha 1100 Classic &
1970 Norton Commando 750 in state of recuperation (Almost road ready!!!)
6x12 Enclosd trailer
|
|
|
|
