I've been searching around for a used 3-5 year old low milage class Class C to purchase. I'd like around a 30'-32' RV for family vacations for a family of four. I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on purchasing something smaller to get around in. Perhaps if it was smaller, easier to get around in and more fuel efficient I would use it more often? I don't know. Also, my wife and I would also consider using a smaller RV for shorter and quicker trips and leaving the kids (in their early teens) behind with friends/family. Any thoughts on say a 24 ft vs 31 ft?
Help needed on Buying a Class C - BIG vs small
- Thread starter brubee
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We had a 24-foot Class C. Took it everywhere. But there are only 2 of us plus a big dog and I think it would have been way too cozy with 4 people. Now we have a 28-foot Class A and it's also not so good for 4 people. Most motorhomes under 30-feet have either a dinette or a sofa which makes sitting for 4 people a bit of a problem. Go to dealers, go to RV shows and try sitting in a bunch of different models. Think about what it would be like sitting in the coach on a rainy day, or at night, or while you're having dinner. You'll find the ones that fit.
Wendy
Wendy
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
If you want a 30-32 footer, I strongly recommend a Class A rather than a C. More robust and more room and it doesn't cost a penny more.
As for size, I doubt if that is what would inhibit you from using it more, unless you were thinking of making runs to the grocery store in it. It sounds to me as though you have a bit or trepidation about driving a "big rig", but once you start using it, you probably won't want to stop.
As for size, I doubt if that is what would inhibit you from using it more, unless you were thinking of making runs to the grocery store in it. It sounds to me as though you have a bit or trepidation about driving a "big rig", but once you start using it, you probably won't want to stop.
scottydl
Site Team
^^ I agree with Gary. Fuel mileage is horrible on any RV (get used to the idea now 
) and there really won't be a significant improvement in a smaller RV. But you sure would miss the room!
I too would highly recommend you look at Class A's during your research & shopping phase. They are no harder to drive once you get used to it (doesn't take long), and the additional amount of open space, roominess, and available storage is far superior to a Class C. Generally C's are built with more actual beds (6-8 in many cases) but there are more and more A's based around family usage (rather than retiree usage) these days. It's kinda like comparing a popup/hybrid trailer with lots of flop out beds, to a 5th wheel trailer that may sleep less but is much bigger and more comfortable overall.
FWIW, I grew up camping in my grandparents' Class C and that is all I was shopping for when we started. 26-28 footers. After months of research and actually setting foot in a few Class A's, I was converted and we love the 35 foot Class A we ended up with.
) and there really won't be a significant improvement in a smaller RV. But you sure would miss the room!I too would highly recommend you look at Class A's during your research & shopping phase. They are no harder to drive once you get used to it (doesn't take long), and the additional amount of open space, roominess, and available storage is far superior to a Class C. Generally C's are built with more actual beds (6-8 in many cases) but there are more and more A's based around family usage (rather than retiree usage) these days. It's kinda like comparing a popup/hybrid trailer with lots of flop out beds, to a 5th wheel trailer that may sleep less but is much bigger and more comfortable overall.
FWIW, I grew up camping in my grandparents' Class C and that is all I was shopping for when we started. 26-28 footers. After months of research and actually setting foot in a few Class A's, I was converted and we love the 35 foot Class A we ended up with.
Thanks for all the great replies.
I guess I'll stick with the 30' plus search. I can see how the extra space (especially with kids) would outweigh the benefit of driving a slightly smaller RV.
Up to now all I've researched is a class "C" RV as this seems to be the "RV of choice" for family vacationing. I guess this is due to the overhead bunk and apparently being safer than a class A. Any thoughts on the following would be helpful:
How do you make up on the lost bunk space over the cab in a Class C in a Class A?
Is the safety differential between class A and C really all that different?
Are most class A's diesel?
If I was looking for a 2004-2006 Class C Winnebago (Minnie Winnie or so) and decided to start looking at a Class A equivalent, what would I look at?
Thanks for any help you an provide.
I guess I'll stick with the 30' plus search. I can see how the extra space (especially with kids) would outweigh the benefit of driving a slightly smaller RV.
Up to now all I've researched is a class "C" RV as this seems to be the "RV of choice" for family vacationing. I guess this is due to the overhead bunk and apparently being safer than a class A. Any thoughts on the following would be helpful:
How do you make up on the lost bunk space over the cab in a Class C in a Class A?
Is the safety differential between class A and C really all that different?
Are most class A's diesel?
If I was looking for a 2004-2006 Class C Winnebago (Minnie Winnie or so) and decided to start looking at a Class A equivalent, what would I look at?
Thanks for any help you an provide.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
I don't think a C is materially safer than an A. The C has an automotive style cabin with passenger car safety features (air bags and maybe a crush zone) and the engine is out front, but in an A you are up high (usually above what you hit) and have a large, sturdy medium truck frame to absorb the impact. And a larger, heavier vehicle wins every time in a vehicle -vehicle crash. Having recently been in a high speed motorhome accident with our Class A, I was pleasantly surprised how well my wife and I were protected.
A's come in diesel or gas and in all sizes and floor plans, including some that sleep more than two comfortably. Still, it is true that most of the market for larger A's is for retired couples, so they tend to be designed for two. But in the 26-32 foot range, there are coaches designed for 4 or more. The Winnebago Vista 32 footer, for example, has a master bed, bunk beds and a sleeper sofa. Shorter version have only the master bed and sleeper sofa. The dinettes also convert to beds suitable for small children.
A's come in diesel or gas and in all sizes and floor plans, including some that sleep more than two comfortably. Still, it is true that most of the market for larger A's is for retired couples, so they tend to be designed for two. But in the 26-32 foot range, there are coaches designed for 4 or more. The Winnebago Vista 32 footer, for example, has a master bed, bunk beds and a sleeper sofa. Shorter version have only the master bed and sleeper sofa. The dinettes also convert to beds suitable for small children.
Winnebago, as well as other manufacturers, makes several models that have a bed, a dinette that makes into a bed, and a sofa bed, so essentially sleeping room for 6. Also, our Sightseer has a flat dashboard that our 85-pound labrador likes sleeping on - we've always said it was big enough to an adult to sleep on.
Have fun looking at motorhomes....it's sometimes frustrating but it's also fun.
Wendy
Have fun looking at motorhomes....it's sometimes frustrating but it's also fun.
Wendy
scottydl
Site Team
brubee said:
According to who/whom? Certainly not anyone who's ever driven/camped in both styles.
Rental agencies or dealerships might try to sell you on a Class C, and you will see more of them rented out on the road because they are a little less intimidating to drive since they are basically big vans.brubee said:
I have never heard that before... in fact I would be inclined to think the opposite, for the reasons Gary mentioned. The heavier weight and higher seating position of a Class A will keep you out of trouble in the majority of crashes that are likely to occur, which are (1) you running into someone (probably rearending them), and (2) someone else running into you. 90% of the vehicles on the road are smaller/lower than you and would strike your RV underneath the spot where everyone is riding. All that being said, RV's are generally unlikely to be involved in crashes overall because you are usually on more controlled roadways (interstate), driving slower than other traffic, and paying more attention than the average auto driver zipping between lanes while typing a text on their cell phone. :
brubee said:
You are usually gaining that bed back somewhere else, couch and/or dinette as previously mentioned. And in a Class A, you GAIN the cab area being turned into living space when camping. Almost all A's have rotatable captain's chairs that turn around and face the "living room" once parked. In a Class C, the cab is wasted space and is pretty useless when camping.
brubee said:
Nope, see above.
brubee said:
Not at all. Many of them you see driving around during the workweek might be DP's (Diesel Pushers), because that's what many retired folks graduate up to and that's when you'll see them traveling. Families more often travel in the afternoons or weekends when work and school is over. Gas rigs are probably just as common on the marketplace especially if you are buying used. Our Class A is gas, the Ford 460 and Chevy 454 being the common chassis options of the 80's and 90's. Now you'll find the Ford V-10 and Chevy 8.1L out there I believe. I won't begin to tell you which one to buy, there are already about a thousand threads with that debate.
brubee said:
The better question is, what WOULDN'T you look at?
There are so many options that it's mind boggling. RVtrader.com and eBay are two sites that I did a TON of research on, and are great to see what's out there even if you have no plans to buy from those sources. You can search by length and RV type, so that will narrow down to what you're looking for. Every major manufacturer of Class A's will have lower-end starter models (possibly good for the first time buyer like yourself) and move all the way up to high-end options.And before you ask, don't be afraid to buy an RV model that's no longer being made... that's pretty common. The "guts" of most motorhomes (appliances, generators, engine/tranny, electronics, etc.) are common across the board and replacement parts are used for decades in some cases and can almost always be found aftermarket.
ArdraF
Well-known member
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This is the season for RV shows. You need to go to some so you can see first hand what is available. Yes, they're new for the most part, but still what you need is ideas and you can get those at RV shows. Check Motorhome magazine for a list of shows all around the country.
ArdraF
ArdraF
steve_c
Member
The class A motorhome's are nice and do have move living space. But they do not make up the queen bed over the the drivers seat that you will loose in a class A. The dinette folds down but only small kids would be able to sleep on it. And if your two kids are older they may not want to sleep together on a fold out sofa. And some sofas do not fold all the way out, they just lay flat. Realy only one person can sleep on that type of sofa. We decided to go with a 31 foot 2008 Winnebago Access and love it. It has one slide out and enough sleeping areas for my wife and I plus our 4 kids.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
There are different types of sleep sofas and some convert to a double bed. But bunks or a real bed are a better choice for kids.
Bikeswimlaugh
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Hey there....
Just last week we brought home our first RV...a 2006 Tioga 31M
I can't say enough about this rig..it's 31-feet in length and has 2 slide-out's. The rear bedroom slides-out with 2 windows on each side so you can see outside from the bed. In the front, you have a couch opposing the dinette: AND WE LOVE THIS. Just today we had friends over and two were sitting on the couch across from the 3 people sitting in the dinette and one person standing in the kitchen: all of us in a cirular-like area....it's like a family room and just as we'd hoped. The alternative is a typical floorplan where the couch & dinette are on the same wall and it really bisects the room.
The biggest feature, IMO, about the Class C is that is has the bunk over the cab....the kids LOVE this and gravitate to this area. You can't beat the functionality. Up front, it feels more like a typical SUV and my wife is more inclined to offer to help drive...BUT I've driven Class A's and it's really just a matter of psychologically getting past the notion that it's intimidatingly large: if you can drive a C, you can drive an A and vice-versa!
Class C's almost always come in gasoline only. There is a small RV with a Mercedes diesel and I've been warned to run from it!
As for size, we too considered just wingin' it with a 24-foot cutie....but I've been assured that once you bog-down a big V8 or V10 it's all about the same mileage. It makes sense, the frame is just a bit longer and all that framing isn't going to vary the load enough to see a marked difference between horrible and terrible mpg
Class A's come in both gas & diesel. A diesel will get better mpg, last about a half-million miles and is almost uneffected by weight...diesels simply proclaim "yeah, bring the load...I've got more torque n' power then Vegas has hookers" BUT, with the diesel comes a higher purchase price and when repairs call, expect to pay heavily!
If you have a family and want the bunk, you can't beat a Class C. We used our friends triple-slide 39-foot Class A with all the bells n' whistles...and while it had a washer/dryer, central vac and exterior TV and other bling...we are actually happer in our Class C.
The 31M is well designed, the passage way to the rear offers privacy in that people in front can't see into the back. The bathroom has the toilet & shower in the corners, giving you room. Hate to say it, but that 39-foot Class A still has a closet-bathroom and I felt coffin-confined while using the toilet (doesn't help that I'm built like a line-backer).
That said, if you don't need the bunk, GO FOR THE CLASS A...and this is coming from a guy who owns a Class C. Why? Because there is more value!! I've been shopping hard and even had access to the auctions. I can't explain it or understand it...but there are better deals on Class A's right now.....plus Class A's almost always come with levelers, more storage, back-up cameras and other additional features.
Btw, I'm adding hydraulic levelers this week to my 31M....some HWH brand levelers, the only brand my local shop recommends. Cost? Almost $5,000 so if you like level, factor that into your decision! And you don't think level is important until you try to sleep and the bed is turning!!!!!! (I've got inner ear issues, long story).
The Class A's have bigger tires and roll nicer. The Class A's have bigger frames too. Yeah, they weigh a fair amount more but pretty much get the same sucky mpg as the C's
Neither one is right or wrong, it's just preference and what suits you. I have 3 kids and the bunk screamed tree-house: SOLD
Just last week we brought home our first RV...a 2006 Tioga 31M
I can't say enough about this rig..it's 31-feet in length and has 2 slide-out's. The rear bedroom slides-out with 2 windows on each side so you can see outside from the bed. In the front, you have a couch opposing the dinette: AND WE LOVE THIS. Just today we had friends over and two were sitting on the couch across from the 3 people sitting in the dinette and one person standing in the kitchen: all of us in a cirular-like area....it's like a family room and just as we'd hoped. The alternative is a typical floorplan where the couch & dinette are on the same wall and it really bisects the room.
The biggest feature, IMO, about the Class C is that is has the bunk over the cab....the kids LOVE this and gravitate to this area. You can't beat the functionality. Up front, it feels more like a typical SUV and my wife is more inclined to offer to help drive...BUT I've driven Class A's and it's really just a matter of psychologically getting past the notion that it's intimidatingly large: if you can drive a C, you can drive an A and vice-versa!
Class C's almost always come in gasoline only. There is a small RV with a Mercedes diesel and I've been warned to run from it!
As for size, we too considered just wingin' it with a 24-foot cutie....but I've been assured that once you bog-down a big V8 or V10 it's all about the same mileage. It makes sense, the frame is just a bit longer and all that framing isn't going to vary the load enough to see a marked difference between horrible and terrible mpg
Class A's come in both gas & diesel. A diesel will get better mpg, last about a half-million miles and is almost uneffected by weight...diesels simply proclaim "yeah, bring the load...I've got more torque n' power then Vegas has hookers"
BUT, with the diesel comes a higher purchase price and when repairs call, expect to pay heavily!If you have a family and want the bunk, you can't beat a Class C. We used our friends triple-slide 39-foot Class A with all the bells n' whistles...and while it had a washer/dryer, central vac and exterior TV and other bling...we are actually happer in our Class C.
The 31M is well designed, the passage way to the rear offers privacy in that people in front can't see into the back. The bathroom has the toilet & shower in the corners, giving you room. Hate to say it, but that 39-foot Class A still has a closet-bathroom and I felt coffin-confined while using the toilet (doesn't help that I'm built like a line-backer).
That said, if you don't need the bunk, GO FOR THE CLASS A...and this is coming from a guy who owns a Class C. Why? Because there is more value!! I've been shopping hard and even had access to the auctions. I can't explain it or understand it...but there are better deals on Class A's right now.....plus Class A's almost always come with levelers, more storage, back-up cameras and other additional features.
Btw, I'm adding hydraulic levelers this week to my 31M....some HWH brand levelers, the only brand my local shop recommends. Cost? Almost $5,000 so if you like level, factor that into your decision! And you don't think level is important until you try to sleep and the bed is turning!!!!!! (I've got inner ear issues, long story).
The Class A's have bigger tires and roll nicer. The Class A's have bigger frames too. Yeah, they weigh a fair amount more but pretty much get the same sucky mpg as the C's
Neither one is right or wrong, it's just preference and what suits you. I have 3 kids and the bunk screamed tree-house: SOLD
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
Pretty good summary, bikeswimlaugh (BTW, do you have a name?). I'll just add that Class A's with bunks, sleeping lofts and other C-like layouts are appearing on the market now that more families are interested in Class A's. Tiffin, Newmar, Thor and others are offering them.
Here's the advice my wife and I were given... Buy the RV you want 5 years from now. Many folks find they eventually trade up to a Class A. You end up spending more $$ in the long run if you start out too small.
And to echo the other comments, go with Class A now. Diesel pushers are preferred. You'll have a quieter drive with the engine in back. MPG is a little better than gas. And diesels tend to be longer lasting.
The economy has made it a buyers market. You can find very good deals on Class A (used or new). We bought used.
Do your homework. Look for a coach that has solid construction and a good reputation for reliability and manufacturer support. Most of the chassis, engines, and other do-dads are the same from builder to builder. It's just how they assemble them.
When you're ready to buy, go to all the online sites (rvtrader, rvusa, etc.). Check eBay. Check Craigslist (we found ours there of all places).
If you buy used, spend $200 and have a RV shop inspect the unit BEFORE you buy (make the offer contingent upon this). Don't worry about the small stuff. A $50 part you can handle. It's a used RV and will some stuff that needs to be fixed. You just don't want to get home and find out you have a $3500 repair to deal with. If it's fixable, negotiate it as part of the price (if you want the RV).
Don't be afraid to go back and look at a 10 yr old RV. There are some very nice 2000 diesels that have been well maintained. You'll save $$$ and have a very nice motorhome. Ours is a 2001 and we couldn't be happier with it.
And to echo the other comments, go with Class A now. Diesel pushers are preferred. You'll have a quieter drive with the engine in back. MPG is a little better than gas. And diesels tend to be longer lasting.
The economy has made it a buyers market. You can find very good deals on Class A (used or new). We bought used.
Do your homework. Look for a coach that has solid construction and a good reputation for reliability and manufacturer support. Most of the chassis, engines, and other do-dads are the same from builder to builder. It's just how they assemble them.
When you're ready to buy, go to all the online sites (rvtrader, rvusa, etc.). Check eBay. Check Craigslist (we found ours there of all places).
If you buy used, spend $200 and have a RV shop inspect the unit BEFORE you buy (make the offer contingent upon this). Don't worry about the small stuff. A $50 part you can handle. It's a used RV and will some stuff that needs to be fixed. You just don't want to get home and find out you have a $3500 repair to deal with. If it's fixable, negotiate it as part of the price (if you want the RV).
Don't be afraid to go back and look at a 10 yr old RV. There are some very nice 2000 diesels that have been well maintained. You'll save $$$ and have a very nice motorhome. Ours is a 2001 and we couldn't be happier with it.
Bikeswimlaugh
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2010
- Posts
- 47
RV Roamer said:
Thank you, and my name is Steve.
And yes, several Class A's are now featuring the same floor plan as the 31M and some also have drop-down bunks as well.....but the OP rather indicated an interest in buying something used.
FYI, McMahon's RV in Irvine reports being 'up' 30% from where they were this time last year. The economy may be off, but RV yards are moving product and the buying at the auction was high...dealers stocking-up on inventory. I wouldn't say it's a sellers market, but it's not quite the blood in the street many people imagine. Heck, we went to see a 2001 Coachmen Santara and just 3 days later it was sold!
There are plenty of deals out there, but don't be surprised to find someone next to you looking to buy it too! But always remember; when you think the deal of your life just got away, a week later comes a better deal!
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
Wholesale RV shipments are more than double what they were a year ago and dealers are breathing again.
The following are my thoughts on a Class C. We own a 2002 Winnebago Minnie 29n. It was ideal for wk-end use while fishing in AK & housing up to 7 adults for a couple nites. The 2 of us lived in it for 2 months while our new home was being finished & found it cramped.
The biggest limitation on the larger class C's is the weight limit on its tires. When loaded with slide(s) the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is very marginal. Without a slide ours has a CCC just under 2000#. This has been barely adequate for us. In order to use the full CCC the weight must be ideally distributed in order to avoid overloading the tires on 1 corner.
The biggest limitation on the larger class C's is the weight limit on its tires. When loaded with slide(s) the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is very marginal. Without a slide ours has a CCC just under 2000#. This has been barely adequate for us. In order to use the full CCC the weight must be ideally distributed in order to avoid overloading the tires on 1 corner.
