ZPENGUIN
COLUMBUS, OHIO
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Joined: 06/30/2008
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Could anyone tell me which is better as for as fuel mileage. A Class A motorhome Or a Class C motorhome......Both using the same engine, and are the same size in length.......
WHY IN THE HELL SHOULD I HAVE TO PRESS ONE FOR ENGLISH
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ernestfortier
Palmdale, Calif.
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Joined: 01/11/2005
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Will they both be the same GVWR or will the MH be able to carry more? If they are equal in all ways including GVWR and differential and transmission then they should have the same fuel mileage.
Ernie Fortier
99 Bounder 34V
2 honda 2K paralled (for economy)
5.5 Onan onboard
96 Geo Tracker 4x4 Auto. convertable
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Aridon
SE Florida
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How about pick the one that you will enjoy the most because the actual fuel difference is negligible in the grand scheme of things. All things equal (costs, floor plan etc) no way I'd pick a Class C over an A. You miss out on far too much storage and comfort IMO.
2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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ZPENGUIN
COLUMBUS, OHIO
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Let me put it thisd way... I'm thinking about buying a 30 foot motorhome, with a Ford V-10 which is better class A or C.............30' V-10 eng.
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rvtommy
blooming prairie minnesota
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Joined: 07/15/2004
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My 3550 Rex 2001 275hp gets 14mpg. (6 in city and 8 hwy = 14) good luck rvtommy
this is rvtommy
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rvten
Crossville,TN
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Joined: 11/30/2000
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The A will have the V-10 3 vlave engine.
The C will have the V-10 2 valve engine.
So the HP will be different in the 2 engines.
Tom & Bonnie
Crossville, TN.
Aspect 29H 2008
Class C passed Class A owner
Pontiac G6
There is NO such Thing as a B+
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Rick Jay
Greater Springfield area, MA
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ZPENGUIN,
Welcome to The Open Roads Forum!!! 
I've been on this forum for a fairly long time, and for the most part, you will see comparable mpg numbers for the Ford V-10. In fact, an interesting thing is that in some cases, folks with 36' long class A's will report the same mpg numbers (and possibly better) then folks in 30' class C's. Real interesting as the A's will weigh in about 50% heavier.
It turns out that in vehicles of this size and approximate weight category, at highway speeds wind resistance seems to be the predominant factor in determining fuel efficiency. The C's, while smaller, apparently are not quite as "slippery" in terms of the air moving past them, probably due to the turbulence created by the overhead cab. While the A's are heavier, their front end is "smoother". If you never travelled at highway speeds, I suspect you might see a benefit to the lighter weight of the C's. But most of use spend the majority of our travel time on the highways, so aerodynamics is a bigger factor than the weight.
As was mentioned, the difference in mpg will be negligible. Your driving style, terrain, fuel blend, etc. will all have more of an effect. Drive both A's and C's and see which you prefer. Personally, I like the better view and spacious cab of an A. But there are those that prefer the cozy (cramped) fit of a van. (OK...I never said I wasn't biased! LOL )
Make sure you find a floorplan that suits your needs with sufficient storage space inside and out, and sufficient cargo carrying capacity for your crew. I you'll be towing a vehicle behind, then make sure that whichever RV you look at has a sufficient tow rating as well.
MPG....figure 6 - 9 mpg. On some tanks you'll get in the 6's and wonder "What happened?". On other tanks you'll get in the 9's and say "Wow...9 mpg!!!!". But when you average it all out, you'll probably find the true number to be in the 7's somewhere.
And an extension on that...don't "compromise" by getting a 30' class A instead of a 36' class A because you think you'll get better gas mileage. You most likely won't...at least not that you can easily measure. A motorhome is all about convenience, and the proper floorplan is a major factor. You don't want to spend the next couple of years saying "I wish I got a motorhome that was 4' longer!!! Ahhhh....but at least I'm getting an extra 0.01 mpg!!!" LOL
Again, welcome and good luck,
~Rick
2005 Georgie Boy 3625 DS on a Workhorse W-22 (Class A)
Rick, Gail, 1 girl (12-Angel), 1 girl (7), 2 boys (8 & 5), 1 plump Golden Retriever.
2001 Honda Odyssey with Demco Aluminator tow bar & tow plate, SMI Silent Partner brake controller.
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OleRVer
Orlando,Fl.
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Joined: 04/06/2004
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Rick kinda laid it out pretty well as did the others, but here is my 2 cents worth. Traditionally the C's get a bit better mileage because of the rear gear ratio and lighter weight. (traditionally)....the class A should have more usable interior space as the front seats swivel, making your living room larger, more cargo capacity also. Sit in the drivers seat of both for a while and see which is more comfortable. The Ford class A chassis's also have more cramp angle on the front steering, thus actually turns sharper, having a smaller turning radius. So, guess which one we prefer??.....keep us informed!
* This post was
edited 07/01/08 11:59am by OleRVer *
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vanman250
Indiana
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Joined: 01/21/2004
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rvtommy wrote:My 3550 Rex 2001 275hp gets 14mpg. (6 in city and 8 hwy = 14) good luck rvtommy
So that's why my gas mileage is so bad, I've just been doing the math wrong.
vanman250
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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rvten wrote:The A will have the V-10 3 vlave engine.
The C will have the V-10 2 valve engine.
So the HP will be different in the 2 engines.
I thought the 2v had been phased out around 2006.
3v seems to be a way better motor, make sure that is what you get.
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