Looking for a C Class 30ft with slideout, what models? Year Circa 2000-2006

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Gerry_UK

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Joined
Dec 10, 2012
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18
I'm just starting out looking for a RV to live in whilst touring the US and Canada.

So I'm looking at doing some serious mileage, don't want a huge great truck, don't want a trailer or 5th wheel, but would like a simple unit for two people (me and the wife).

We did hire a 28ft form El Monte about 12 years ago, and that was fine for 5 weeks, but 12 months it would be a bit too compact.

So I'm thinking a lounge slide-out would just make it a bit more liveable.

Can anyone recommend a model/manufacturer that I should look for?

I intend to keep it around 12-18 months then sell on.

My budget would be 20,000-40,000 $ .

TIA
 
I would suggest that you would be better served by looking for a class A with a slide rather than a class C. With a class A you get a lot more storage space, which you will need if you are going to live in it full time. You will get larger holding tanks and a lot more space to live in. The first 8 feet of a class C are basically wasted space. Stop by an RV dealership and walk through a 30 foot class A and then a 30 foot class C to see what I am talking about.

Class Cs are built on light truck chassis and don't have a lot of cargo carrying capacity. So once you load up a C with all your stuff you will be close to or over the CCC. A class A is a lot easier to drive in my humble since you have such a much better view of the road.

The good thing is that used As and Cs are roughly the same price comparing the same year and length.
 
Thanks for that Tom, I guess you could be right ok let's broaden the search, Class A included.

So any models or makes to look for, or avoid?

Gerry
 
Gerry_UK said:
So any models or makes to look for, or avoid?
The make and model are not nearly as important as the actual condition of the RV. A very expensive RV that has not been maintained properly is not nearly as desirable as a low budget model that has all the maintenance and service done properly.

The most important thing for me when buying an RV is the floor plan. Next comes condition and price.
 
Agreed Tom!  In fact I'd rather have a base model (less to go wrong) and I'm a Petrolhead, so I'd like to see full service history with oil changes being high on must have list!

I'd be happy to buy a $10,000 1999 with a FSH, rather than a 2006 $40,000 with dubious service history.

The layout I'm looking for is rear bedroom with queen size double, separate shower & toilet then kitchen area with fridge/freezer microwave and usual hob and sink are. then a slide-out lounge and dinette area.

El Monte do a CS30 with the right sort of floor plan, I guess their AS32 would be Ok now I'm looking at A class as well.

No idea who's make they use, but I giess they must be reliable for a hire company, so an ex-hire vehicle might be the answer?
 
Gerry_UK said:
El Monte do a CS30 with the right sort of floor plan, I guess their AS32 would be Ok now I'm looking at A class as well. No idea who's make they use, but I giess they must be reliable for a hire company, so an ex-hire vehicle might be the answer?
An ex-hire vehicle might be good, but I would not limit myself to only looking at those models. Since there are relatively few of them around it might take you a long time to find a suitable RV.
 
Ditto what Tom states. Go with a class A, more carrying capacity and more storage capacity. Two very big plus points. Ask us how we know? Good luck shopping.
 
Hi,
I just traded a 2006 Pursuit (class A) to Lazy Days FL that would be in your price range and is in very good shape and just had everything serviced (trans, generator, and engine). Might give them a call.
Ernie
 
Thanks Becks & Ernie n Tara, I appreciate your input, I'm refining my thoughts on what's best.

What's the difference in price between Gas & Diesel? Both at the pump and in terms of Vehicle costs?

Here in Europe Diesel is cheaper to buy 1.40 Euro per litre whereas gas is 1.70.

And Diesel is seen as cheaper to maintain and run, I get about 28 miles per gallon  (10ltrs per 100km) out of my Autocruise Augusta.

But it is only 24ft and weighs 4.25 tonnes.
 
Thanks 99WinAdventurer37G that's much cheaper than here in Europe, about half price!
 
Looking at a class A around 30 feet, with a gas (either Ford V-10 or GM 8.1) engine you could expect around 8 mpg and the national average price is reported to be about $3.50 per gallon. Diesel options on an RV like that are few, you will need to go bigger for a diesel pusher or smaller for a Mercedes/sprinter type. You could figure that diesel fuel will be about 15% to 20% above the price of gas.
 
I would go for the diesel for 2 reasons.  You did not mention any kind of toad for around and about sight seeing.  A diesel will do the pulling more effortlessly, not that the 'C' could not, but it would not be as much of a strain on the diesel.  Secondly the diesel will hold its value better than the gasser.  IMHO.
 
Thanks Blakduke, not interested in pulling a Toad, I'l put a couple of bikes on the back and that will get me round.

I'm looking for scenery and National Parks rather than too much city life, if needed I'll hire a car, or more likely get cab or a bus.

I don't think the extra expense of another vehicle (buying it, towing it, insuring it, selling it) can be justified for my purposes.
 
Gerry_UK said:
Thanks Blakduke, not interested in pulling a Toad, I'l put a couple of bikes on the back and that will get me round.

I'm looking for scenery and National Parks rather than too much city life, if needed I'll hire a car, or more likely get cab or a bus.

I don't think the extra expense of another vehicle (buying it, towing it, insuring it, selling it) can be justified for my purposes.

I use Enterprise car rental, they will come pick you up, and when you drop off the car, they will take you back to your RV. 

Also, take a picture of all four sides of the vehicle when you PU the car, just save them in case you need them. 

Check your Credit Cards as many CC's have a feature which covers the insurance, saving you about $10 a day. 

The other advantage to this is that one can rent PU trucks, convertibles, sports cars, and economy cars, so it's like having a fleet of vehicles at your disposal.  I usually check first to see if there's an Enterprise close to where I'm going. 

Motorcycle rentals are far and few between, and much more expensive than car rentals.  In addition, they always wanted to see the motorcycle endorsement on my license, which, being from the UK, I don't know if you have.
 
I'll second the suggestion for Enterprise Car Rental. We've used them on trips in our boat (where an automotive toad isn't practical) and our RV. Excellent service and usually the lowest prices.
 
We just switched from a 30 ft Class C with no slide outs to a 26 ft. Class A with 2 slides.  This was a great move.  The Class C is a cut away thus the living area is on a different level than the cab area,  you lose 6-8 ft of potential living space.  The captains chairs in a class C do not swivel.  With the two slides in the class A and the panoramic widows in front we the unit is much roomier than the class C.  Also it does not have the built in dinette.  We use TV trays and the Captains chairs.  The Class A feels more like a studio apartment than an RV.
Mike
 
Sounds good, but I think I need the dinette, it's invaluable for some things IMHO.
 
Gerry_UK said:
Sounds good, but I think I need the dinette, it's invaluable for some things IMHO.
Many people find their dinette to be very useful. I am not one of those people. The last two RVs I owned I ripped the dinette out and put the space to better use. My problem with the dinette is that the seats are way too uncomfortable to sit at for any length of time. And I don't like chairs with straight backs.
 
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