sassycake
hot springs ar
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Joined: 07/27/2008
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we are newbies at this and are just starting to look. we want a new class c 24-27' with at least one slide. we have narrowed our choices down to the coachmen freelander, winnebago access or the forest river sunseeker. can anyone with experience or knowledge of these give your opinions on which would be the best overall. we are more interested in durability and dependability than all the bells and whistles although they would be nice. also my husband is 6'2 and wants more space.  thanks
melody
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Bordercollie
Garden Grove, CA, USA
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Joined: 03/07/2002
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Recommend a 27 footer or larger with rear bedroom, most RV's have an "RV Queen-sized" bed. 27 footers usually have bed croswise with access from the foot and right side, longer rigs may have access on both sides and foot of bed.
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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Joined: 02/28/2005
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you can get by with out a lot of things but a good bed is a must in my book,vacations can get very tireing if you cant get a good night sleep.pick one with a good sleeping set up.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
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ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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Joined: 02/26/2007
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Melody,
I was going to suggest you include a Phoenix Cruiser on your list, but your husband at 6'-2", may feel a bit cramped.
Not as a set rule, but in general, a typical class-C with the huge bed over the driver's area like the Freelander, is more suseptable to water leaks with age, than one with the small aero-dynamic cap. If you don't need the cab-over bed, then don't look at those models. If you gotta-have that bed, then by all means, do look at them.
A few other thoughts on narrowing your search....maybe the models you mentioned have them.
- arched/crowned roof
- rolled-over-the-sides fiberglass sheet roof
- 5 sided rear fiberglass cap with the seams brought in from the corners
Bought new in June 2007, Phoenix Cruiser-2350
Fits inside our garage.
Dingy towing a red Toyota MR2 Spyder
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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Joined: 06/24/2006
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A bit about reliability, when talking about class Cs there are really two chassis, the ever popular Ford and the GM. so no matter what brand you chose, the chassis is made by one or the other. And this is true with most all of the appliances inside, from the generator, refrigerator, oven Etc Etc, all most every thing put inside is made by someone else, and just installed.
So look for quality of workmanship, and of course the floor plan and colors you like.
And I agree with the others about the 27' or longer, with a walk around queen size bed down, that was a must for us, and you wont be sorry about this, its a lot easier to make up the bed, and its always ready, you wont want to climb up to the overhead every night, its for kids and storage.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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check what the roofs are made of, I believe only one of those will have a fiberglass one. the others either TPO or rubber.
bumpy
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Scrib
Maplewood
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Joined: 05/31/2007
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30,000 hard miles and counting - lol
Picking a model really depends on your individual requirements; ours were 28' length (max for our pad at home and the kind of camping we do), a full-length QB (I'm 6' 3"), big fresh water tank (we don't camp w/ hookups) and sleeping for 5.
good luck!
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buchrob
Stanstead QC
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Joined: 10/10/2002
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Whatever you choose, make sure you try out the bed, sofa and dinette to make sure things fit. Sleeping with feet hanging above and beyond the dinette gets tiring fast.
Also, do a pantomime of making a simple sandwich or salad on the kitchen counter. Does it work?
Finally, check out the bathroom. Can anyone actually move in the appropriate manner when seated, and can taking an imaginary shower actually work?
'99 Glendale Royal Expedition 24' Class C
2003 Subaru WRX wagon as toad.
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catman2130093
Florida
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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Check Coachmen out carefully, I read here that they may be having solvency problems...I have a 3 slide 28' Forest River Lexington that I like, but it has not been trouble-free.....
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klhutch
Sububan Chicago
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Joined: 09/14/2005
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We have a new 2009 23 foot Freelander which is really 24 feet long and we love it. The rear corner queen bed is generously sized and no issue to get in and out of or to make. It is so much better than making up and tearing down a bed every day. The cargo hold is cavernous. It works well for two, even with our four dogs but if you are set on a slide you would need to step up to the 26 foot model. The Forest River and Winnebago models you mention appear to be comparable. Consider your storage needs, many of the Freelanders have huge storage areas. I'm not sure about the other two brands but if you don't carry a lot of gear that might not be the issue for you that it is for us.
I think you are wise to limit the length to that range. Everything you want should be available in that length and it is just easier to deal with on the road, in parking lots, and at the campground. Make sure your husband spends as much time as he can in the cab of each model you consider. I am 5'10" and the legroom in the Chevy cab of the Freelander is just at the lower limit of comfortable for me with the seat all the way back. The Ford may be better or worse for your DH and some brands will have structures behind the driver's seat that will limit its rearward travel and recline angle while others will not. You cannot simulate an 8 hour trip sitting in a cab in a showroom or on the sales lot but spend at least 15 minutes and more if you can in the driver's position to try to get a good "read" on how it fits you.
Ken
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