Just want to know why you chose the C vs the A, what pros and cons you could think of. We are a family of 5 me and hubby, 4yo, 3yo, and 7mo kiddos.
Is it easier to maneuver. Easier to drive? Anything you can give me will help a ton!!!
Charlotte
Oh our price range is somewhere between 20 to 60K staying closer to 30K.
Thanks again!!!!
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edited 05/12/08 06:54am by an administrator/moderator *
We bought a new Class C last year, and are already looking at upgrading to an A. It really depends on your overall budget, wants, limits, etc... I would say with your price range, you may find a C more convienient and a better value than an A. Keep in mind that a C is on a van chassis and an A is on a bus / coach chassis. This does make "some" difference, but it really depends on many things like suspension, air bags, chassis type, etc...
Take a look at both -- buy what you like. Chances are your rig will change and evolve as your family does.
Tim & Cindy
2008 Holiday Ramber Admiral 35SFD
Enjoy our travels and meeting new people
Still working FT as a professional (both of us)
Former Army (7 Years) and Persian Gulf Veteran
Rollincool wrote: You're gonna get the same answers. All posts are seen in the "new" page. It's just going to look like a double post. And sometimes it's gets the mods pissy.
Well I learned something new!!! to the mods sorry I didn't know there was a place we could see the new posts....I will discover it after I post this. Rollincool thanks for filling me in!!!
I saw your question in the Class A forum. Did not reply because I own a class C. You can see all the post that are made by clicking "Newest" just below the RV.NET logo.
We own a larger Super C. We do not see many as we travel around. But do see the smaller C's. Ease of use and storage. We have one friend that owns a class A. His wife very seldom drives it. But drove their Class C about 50% of the time. At 35' our MH is not much smaller than many Class A's. But sitting in the drivers seat it feels much more like driving a larger mini van.
With today's rising fuel cost the Class C may be a better buy. A 29' should get close to 10 mpg if you watch your speed. Class A's will get closer to 8 mpg. Many Class C's can be found in the price range you are looking for. Do your studying about what to look for when buying a used MH.
I chose a C because it's built on a basic Ford chassis: Can be serviced almost anywhere and was built by a company that specializes in trucks. Class A's feel dangerous to me because there's nothing (i.e., no hood) to protect the driver in a collision. Also, I could get a top-quality C for a reasonable price. And of course A's have lost any cost advantage due to using diesel fuel.
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edited 05/12/08 06:57am by an administrator/moderator *
OK - I was going to let this pass, but I will bite on this one. I was looking for a Class A, rented one (a low end 34 foot gas coach), then (on the basis of that experience) bought a small Class C (24 foot Navion). Here is why:
1 - Class A was a bear to drive. Noisy, slow, and wide. Did I say noisy, every bump in the road was followed by loud crashing sounds from somewhere inside the coach/suspension. The radio was useless. Had to think about routes and stops carefully, so that you didn't get into a difficult situation. Parking at shopping centers, even getting gas took some thought.
2 - Once you arrive at your campsite, you DO NOT want to move the coach. We ended up renting a car to get around.
3 - Very nice to live in, however. In other words, a bear to drive, but nice to live in. Therefore, if you drive to Florida and stay there for the winter, it would work out fine. If you like to move around, the Class A is a "production."
On the other hand, my Navion is much smaller and narrower. Plenty big for my wife and I, however. Here is what we like about it:
1 - A pleasure to drive. Quiet with good power and handling. You can carry on conversation and enjoy the satellite radio while traveling. HUGE difference.
2 - Can park almost anywhere, navigate streets without thinking about it. In other words, you can sight-see from this unit.
3 - Fuel economy is 15 plus mpg, not 8 mpg.
While many Class C people do trade up to Class A's, on the Yahoo View/Navion Group, we see many people doing the opposite to eliminate the "hassle" factor.
JCWWBT wrote: Just want to know why you chose the C vs the A,
One reason only in my family: Sleeping room.
The queen size bunk over my cab sleeps 2 adults or up to 4 kids depending on size.
My C has places for 8 to sleep but if you have smaller kids (and we do some times) you can sleep more, plus when we travel each kid can have small amount of 'their own space'... we chose strictly for family travel and knew the extra sleeping quarters was a must.
Class C engine can be serviced at your local Ford/Chevy/Mercedes/etc dealers. Class A..to a RV Dealership for the most part. Could pose a problem if you break down and have no insurance or road recovery plan in certain parts of the country.
With your growing family, you may find that the "C" is a much better starter RV. Most will hold 6-8 people, while you don't see those numbers in the "A"....usually. You probably won't want to keep taking the kitchen table down into a bed each night. With the lower cost of a "C", you can invest in your trips and of course GAS!
I've never driven a Class "A", though I have driven similar school buses, and there is a big difference in the feel between an "A" and a "C". As mentioned before, the "C" is much more like a van, and many wives are willing to drive them, while they won't drive the "A". You will have more storage and weigh capacity in the "A", but you should find that the "C" is more than sufficient, if you plan and pack carefully.
The "A" typically has nicer interiors, with more "bells & whistles", but many of the "C" rigs are getting fancier too. With all those small children, you may not want fancy just yet?
The fact that you can get more into a smaller "C", instead of having to invest in a much larger "A" to hold your family, will also allow you to visit campgrounds that might not allow (fit) the larger "A"....and some of those smaller places are just where you'll want to go with your children!! National Parks, etc.
We have a 31C, and it's huge! At least it seems that way to us. It's got a large slide, but more often than not, we don't even put it out, as there seems to be enough room anyway. I have also found that the "A" often has less headroom than the "C", which seems strange, but it's probably because of the storage, as well as the difference in the chassis. I'm 6'7" tall, so that was also a factor for us.
Another factor about the chassis height that might be of importance to you and your little ones....it's a long way down to the ground, if they should happen to fall down the steps. Many of the "C"s have 2-3 steps...the "A" usually had more.
As mentioned, fuel will be a factor, but from what I've seen, not as big a difference as you might think. It will depend on the size vehicle you go for, and how you drive, where you drive. A diesel used to be more economical, but with the higher price of fuel vs. gas, that savings is lost at the pump, and with the cost of repairs.
You may find that you can buy an older "A" for the same price as a newer "C"....and that is tempting, as we assume that the "A" is a better vehicle, but it really comes down to what is right for your families needs. Go to some RV shows and Dealers, and look at them. Don't get caught up in how fancy they are....look at what you family needs. Also remember, you won't be buying that new one...not with the budget you are suggesting, but you can find a nice older unit. We just bought our 2000 Winnebago, and paid $25K for it....we're very happy!
Good luck, Happy Hunting!!
Bill, Claudia, and the Paps
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
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Rollincool thanks for filling me in!!!
