Topic: Owners of Class A & Owners of Class C would you rather the other ? (Read 1121 times)

fishon71 · « **on:** November 16, 2009, 02:04:16 PM »

I would just like to hear from owners that own or have owned a Class A and wished they had a Class C and vice versa. Maybe you have owned both and can tell me what you liked and disliked about each. I know there are pros & cons of each like anything so I would like to get it from the horses mouth!

2KViggen · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:16:34 PM »

Do not own both but went on a trip with relatives who have a 31ft class C (ford) vs my 38ft class A (WH).

I like the added room with the extra/larger slideouts of the A so we can sleep a LOT more people & hold a lot more stuff then they can. I also like the automatic levelers so the RV doesn't rock/roll when people get in/out & also with wind.

The only downside of the A over the C I feel is the added heigth, just have to pay more attention to low stuff

MPG on the trip was withing 1mpg average for the 5000 miles we traveled.........

No clue on how they drive.... I would like to see how a C handles the wind & all that. I would think the C would have more power going up hills since it weighs a bit less but zero first hand experience there.

JNewkirk77 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2009, 04:14:48 PM »

I'm still fairly new to this, having only had our "C" for about three months, but I can tell you that I like the handling and the shade that the cabover gives. I drove all the way across Missouri on a bright, sunny day and didn't even need sunglasses.

As far as leveling, we've had no problems thus far, although I'm with 2KViggen, I'm not fond of the rocking when someone walks around. I'm looking into portable jacks that would minimize that issue. I've tried using floor jacks and a length of 2x6 under the frame to stabilize it. That has worked, but it isn't exactly an elegant solution.

Our Jayco Designer has Class A-type storage compartments on both sides, so storage is most definitely not an issue. We've got ample room for anything and everything, plus some. I've seen very few like that on the market; most have smaller compartments and less overall room, unfortunately.

JSplaine · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2009, 10:49:34 PM »

We rented a new 28' Class C to see if we liked RVing and loved it. Purchased a 1992 28' Class A and love it more. The visabilty on the road is fantastic. You get more respect and right away from others in a tall Class A. The Class A is not any harder to learn to park and manuever.

mphy98 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2009, 07:24:58 PM »

My neighbor has a class c and he was the one to convince me to buy an a. He showed me about handling and other differences. I was convinced.

Wendy · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2009, 10:08:50 PM »

Had a 24-foot Class C. Now have a 28-foot Class A. Like the Class A better. More spacious (well, ok, it's longer and it's got a slide). The A has tons more storage. Doesn't feel as top-heavy as the C did. Cockpit area in C isn't really part of the living area like it is in the A. On the other hand, the Class C had more sleeping areas (corner bed, dinette, overhead bed). If we had kids, we'd probably choose the C over the A.

HTH
Wendy

Geoff_T · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2009, 03:57:07 PM »

Hi

I'm new to USA RV'ing but had RV's when I lived in the UK.

I am very happy with my 29 foot Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher Class C as we take family along with us. The Searcher sleeps 8 and we have no problems with space... in fact, we did not want one with slide outs. We also have a Great Pyranese Dog we take along, who loves the room, compared to car trips.

I suspect that Class A are more suitable for couples or smaller familes that want a "home from home".

I am more than happy with the facilities in our Searcher!

scottydl · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2009, 09:37:46 AM »

This is a *little* different than the typical Class A vs. Class C thread...

(btw, there are dozens of those if you want to use the Search feature)

I've driven a 27' Class C for work projects, and have owned a 35' Class A since June 2007. I also had camping exposure to my grandparents' 1973 24' Class C as a kid. When I first started shopping for an RV, I fully expected to end up with a Class C. It was all I knew and they seemed perfectly capable. UNTIL the first time I stepped into a Class A on a dealer lot. I was truly AMAZED at the difference in headroom, open space, and overall "feel". And these are for rigs with no slides. The Class A driving area is essentially part of the living area, which a typical Class C chassis cannot do. Driving a Class A was a little different than the Class C, but something that I easily became used to and quite enjoy to this day. I do usually have to wear sunglasses when I drive though, that big ol' windshield lets in a lot of light.

Bob Buchanan · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2009, 12:38:09 PM »

The most popular RV rentals are 24' Class C's. That's because they are easy to learn to drive and sleep more bodies than a Class A. However, once the length increases it is no longer easier to drive than a Class A so the only advantage then is the number of bodies it will sleep. It still sits on a Van chassis - and more and more weight and length effects the ease of driving. That was my experience with a 29' Tioga Class C. It was the worst in highway wind of any of the 5 RV's I've owned in 10 years as a full time RVer.

Other things I began to hate about the Class C was that once parked, I had to bend over to see out the front window -- plus the electric outlets were located on the bottom on the upper cabinets vs. lower and in the walls. That lead to a bunch of cords hanging from all my cabinets.

Am now back in a 34' Class A on a ford chassis with a 15' slide and am a happy camper. If you have several children traveling with you and need the sleep space and don't stay on the road that long, a 24' range Class C may work well for you. Otherwise, would suggest you strongly consider a Class A.

The best way to find out is to Rent, Rent, Rent -- until you feel comfortable with one or the other . . .

Ken & Sheila · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2009, 05:52:35 PM »

Ok, I have a 43 ft Class A. But there are many places where a 24ft class C would be better. Anyone for two motorhomes??

ken

Bob Buchanan · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2009, 06:56:24 PM »

Quote from: Ken & Sheila on November 27, 2009, 05:52:35 PM

Ok, I have a 43 ft Class A. But there are many places where a 24ft class C would be better. Anyone for two motorhomes??

Ken, I have seen a small Class C as a toad behind a Class A a number of times. Once was in Benson, AZ -- we were in the same park. The next day I drove my Jeep down to Tombstone -- and there he was in the Class C. He was telling me that this allowed him to drive the Class A to a major stopping place, then use the Class C to explore that area in more depth.

scottydl · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2009, 07:04:09 PM »

Quote from: Bob Buchanan on November 27, 2009, 06:56:24 PM

Ken, I have seen a small Class C as a toad behind a Class A a number of times.

That's even better than the Class A that I saw towing a Travel Trailer not long ago!

When the kids are older and need/want their own "space" I had thought of towing a pop-up trailer behind our MH. You'd certainly need a pull-through site for that kind of setup.

Bob Buchanan · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2009, 07:46:13 PM »

Quote from: scottydl on November 27, 2009, 07:04:09 PM

That's even better than the Class A that I saw towing a Travel Trailer not long ago!

Was spending the night (late 90's) on the parking lot at Boomtown Hotel & Casino in Verdi just outside of Reno -- and noticed a large segment of that lot blocked off and reserved. Around noon, 6 Prevosts drove in and parked in that area. Each had a huge garage kinda trailer painted with the same colors and striping as the Prevost they were behind.

Around 6 PM, a well dressed couple came out of each Prevost, dropped the door on each trailer -- and exited in a shiny Mercedes Benz sports car. Not sure what time they returned but it was early the next AM.

Then around 11 or so AM, the same couples exited each Prevost -- this time dressed in leather. They dropped the trailer doors again, only this time exited on a very cool Harley!! They drove off the lot in a roar -- and didn't return until late that same night.

I later talked to a security guy and he told me they do this every month or so - call ahead to the VIP person to set everything up for them. Would imagine their set limit on the crap tables was pretty high as well . . .

scottydl · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2009, 11:09:43 PM »

Quote from: Bob Buchanan on November 27, 2009, 07:46:13 PM

Around noon, 6 Prevosts drove in and parked in that area. Each had a huge garage kinda trailer painted with the same colors and striping as the Prevost they were behind.

Some people really gotta rough it, huh?

Sounds similar to the DP + trailer I captured on film in this thread a couple years back. And where did I see it parked? Wal-mart. Ha!

Wendy · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2009, 01:05:24 AM »

Quote from: Ken & Sheila on November 27, 2009, 05:52:35 PM

Ok, I have a 43 ft Class A. But there are many places where a 24ft class C would be better. Anyone for two motorhomes??

That's why I wanted to finish the VW Vanagon and tow it behind the Class A.....figured we'd have the best of both worlds. But Mike says no.

Wendy

Richard 34A · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2009, 09:36:39 PM »

I've owned fifth-wheels and Class A MH's, but never a Class C, so I can't make a direct comparison. At one time, a Class C had the advantage of more sleeping capacity than a Class A, but that has changed in the last few years, since a lot of Class C's that had a bed in the cabover area now have a T.V. and cabinets, and Class A's now have bunkbeds.

I like the visability and headroom of a Class A, along with typically larger fuel, water and waste tanks, larger propane tank, more basement cargo capacity and a larger GVWR over a Class C. But, the Class C is a little lower in height and some feel that it is easier, or less intimadting, to drive.

borg1of2 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 29, 2009, 04:31:06 PM »

Not an RV Owner, currently looking to purchase. However, the last 3 years I've rented. The first two were Class C and this year was an A. Based on that limited experience I offer my observations.

I found that I prefer a class A. Here are my reasons.
Class A's seem to offer more storage space, especially in the main bedroom
Class A's typically have a levelers which were nice, however if you owned a C you could at least get the kits to help level, but for rentals, the C's didn't have them.
Class A's have basement storage, I know not all, which seemed to offer an additional insulation layer that was valuable for our October trips.
Class C drove a little easier being a little closer to the road, but I adapted well to both very quickly

It's a tough decision and you need to figure out what exactly your looking for, but in my research a 30 foot A versus a 30 foot C, the A's just seem to have a little more of what seems to be important for my RV experience.

Hope this helps.

Scott

scottydl · « **Reply #17 on:** November 29, 2009, 06:05:58 PM »

Quote from: borg1of2 on November 29, 2009, 04:31:06 PM

in my research a 30 foot A versus a 30 foot C, the A's just seem to have a little more of what seems to be important for my RV experience.

Very concise way of comparing the two, and a comment I completely agree with - I just could never come up with those exact words.

aka Porky · « **Reply #18 on:** November 29, 2009, 08:25:19 PM »

I've had both a 26' class-C and a 34' class-A. Both relatively small, and both used. I learned on the C and love the A.

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #19 on:** December 02, 2009, 05:04:48 PM »

We owned a Class C three Class A's ago. Besides our Class C being a hunk of junk, there is NO way I would ever want to climb up in that overhead bunk again! We did like the "shade" for the driver's area though in that Class C.

The Class A has so much more room in front, and is able to carry so much more CCC, we would never go back....although the new Sprinter Chassis Class C's look REALLY NICE!

So maybe I should never say NEVER!

DonTom · « **Reply #20 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:21:38 PM »

Quote from: borg1of2 on November 29, 2009, 04:31:06 PM

Class A's seem to offer more storage space, especially in the main bedroom

Welcome to the forum.

But Class C's give you a choice to use the area above the cab for sleeping or for quite a bit of extra storage space.

And our Class C has a lot of storage space under the rear bed.

-Don- SSF, CA

Wendy · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2009, 12:31:47 PM »

We like the openness of the Class A cockpit with the seats part of the living area when they're turned around. Plus the A has WAY more outside storage than our old C had. I also like the views out the A's windshield. On the other hand, that great big windshield lets in a lot of cold or heat, which can be good or bad depending on the temperature inside and out.

Wendy
Anza Borrego SP

bsinmich · « **Reply #22 on:** December 03, 2009, 01:44:51 PM »

I have owned 2 Class C's and on my second Class A. My feeling is that with a Class C you are always looking for a leak from the cabover section. That much weight stuck out will cause a little bouncing a lot of the time and eventually weaken the seams so they can leak water. The roof has to be taken care of on both A's and C's but it is a lot easier on the A's. For sleepin a Class C will usually give more sleeping capacity even if it is very cosy sleeping. Our 38' sleeps 2 very comfortably.

scottydl · « **Reply #23 on:** December 03, 2009, 02:30:45 PM »

Quote from: bsinmich on December 03, 2009, 01:44:51 PM

Our 38' sleeps 2 very comfortably.

I would hope so.

I remember when I was shopping and doing the "A vs. C" debate in my own head, I was surprised that the smaller C's had so many more beds in general. But A's are usually designed for comfort and open space, not jamming in as many people as possible - something you find with C's, TT's, and pop-ups. Class A's are certainly large enough to install extra sleeping accommodations if needed, they just may not include them from the factory.

FrontrangeRVer · « **Reply #24 on:** December 03, 2009, 02:37:53 PM »

Quote from: scottydl on December 03, 2009, 02:30:45 PM

I would hope so. I remember when I was shopping and doing the "A vs. C" debate in my own head, I was surprised that the smaller C's had so many more beds in general. But A's are usually designed for comfort and open space, not jamming in as many people as possible - something you find with C's, TT's, and pop-ups. Class A's are certainly large enough to install extra sleeping accommodations if needed, they just may not include them from the factory.

I think Scotty hit on a very good point. There is no doubt that the Class A's over the years have catered to the 2-person sleeping theory when the Class C's have been on the "family sleeping" areas theory.

scottydl · « **Reply #25 on:** December 03, 2009, 04:07:59 PM »

Quote from: FrontrangeRVer on December 03, 2009, 02:37:53 PM

There is no doubt that the Class A's over the years have catered to the 2-person sleeping theory when the Class C's have been on the "family sleeping" areas theory.

Yep, and very similar (I've noticed) to 5th Wheels vs. Travel Trailers for anyone shopping there. I see more retired couples with 5ers, and more families with TT's. Of course that's not always the case (a 5-person family down the street from me has a nice bunkhouse 5er), just an overall trend.

BernieD · « **Reply #26 on:** December 03, 2009, 08:29:08 PM »

I recall two sayings regarding Class A vs Class C

Class A; cocktails for 8, dinner for 4, sleeps 2

The number of sleeping positions in Class C's and Class A's is inversely proportionate to the price. The lower the price, the more you can sleep.

billwild · « **Reply #27 on:** December 10, 2009, 02:17:27 PM »

I just went from a 28' class c to a 40' class A diesel pusher. I really noticed a difference right away. Not only the width and length and height, but the complexity. Now I am dealing with hydraulics and complex electronics, 2 twelve volt & 4 six volt batteries, along with that complex and expensive to maintain diesel engine in the back. I do love the comfort but kind of miss the easy maintenance that I could do my self.

Bill

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Author Topic: Owners of Class A & Owners of Class C would you rather the other ? (Read 1121 times)