Hi friends,
As we have started looking at class C MHs, I have noticed that the interior design of the units we have seen so far tends to be bland/boring/dated/cheesy. (pick any or all of the previous adjectives) While we were looking at travel trailers, we fell in love with the interiors of the Airstream International series, but we concluded that a class C would better serve our needs than a TT. Both the Airstream Safari and International series offer clean interior design that compliment the clean design of the exterior.
The Winnebago View seems to be one of the few examples of clean contemporary design in a class C motorhome.
By contrast, the class C's I have visited so far have interiors that appear to be a throwback to 1980's tract housing. I don't get the purpose of all the ruffled valances, oak raised panel cabinets, and gaudy upholstery fabrics. I am impressed with the efficient floorpalns and clean exterior design of the class C MHs, but the interiors are a real disappointment. Is is possible to custom order laminates, vinyl and fabrics? Is there an RV manufacturer I have missed that is doing some good interior design?
* This post was
edited 03/26/06 11:26am by Leo Smith *
The higher dollar the Class C - USUALLY - the less gaudy the interior! I personally have NO clue as to who picks the horrid fabrics that are used in motorhomes (believe me - it isn't limited to Class C's!!) Since I don't know what you have looked at - or your price range - really can't recommend anything - but you can do a website search - type "RV manufacturers" into your search engine - it will take you to a website (might be rv.org) and there is a listing of every manufacturer of Class C's - then visit the mfg. websites to see interior gallery's - usually will show you the fabrics that are available.
Snowhawkwoman Big Owl the traveling dogs Xena, Phoebe, and the Spooker Punky - the amazing insane Rving Squirrel 1997 Fleetwood Jamboree 29' The traveling Zoo!
I agree, of the many Class C models out there I have noticed two common elements. 1 - floorplans are almost the same, and 2 - color choices could be improved along with better cabinetry.
Of course, the higher class C you notice and improvement in design and colors. We searched the internet RV manufacturer websites and went to two RV supershows to make a decision.
If you look at the Jayco Seneca models or the Bigfoot models you will notice much improved floorplan layouts and colors. Also, the price jumps as well.
After much consideration, comparison and price vs quality we ordered a Jayco Seneca HD 35GS. You need to look at these models 1st hand to appreciate the interiors and quality. Of course there is a price difference as well.
We decided on the Seneca for 3 reasons: 1 - Class A styling 2 - the price of a Class C (high end) 3 - experience with Jayco workmanship.
Look at Born Free. A nice clean look, no extra junk around windows, no florals, swirls, geometic patterns, no bird houses or hearts. Just simple functional quality which you pay for.
This seems to be getting better over time, with a few more examples that are not embarrassing.
However, I have not seen this improve with price. The materials tend to get better, but the horrible design only seems to move from trailer park to bordello as the price goes up, even on many bus conversions.
* This post was
edited 03/26/06 01:22pm by HiTech *
2002 Gulfstream Conquest Class C
Rolling wired and wireless network
Here is what I've come to conclude. I'm going to buy based on mechanics/layout/quality of build - then I'm going to choose the least horrid fabrics. DW and I have agreed that if we can get everything else we'll either live with the choice or over time replace/recover with something better. We've both said, we're camping not luxuriating. I'm certainly not making excuses but just saying we're going to live with something that doesn't want to make us puke. Having said that I bet the designers have a tough time - that Seneca interior that an above poster loves is something we couldn't live with. Not because it is crappy or bad, but because white carpet and Provinical/State campsites don't mix IMHO. We're more the vinyl floor and darker/stain resistant fabric type. With two boys I'd rather live prepared that pissed when my nice carpet gets muddy. Having said that I'd love to have a quality vinyl and solidly made cabinetry over junk.....
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
I, too, was appalled when I first realized how dreadful most RV interiors looked. But you have to pick your battles. With considerations about floorplans, quality, price, etc., sometimes the particulars of the interior decor can't be given top priority -- I suspect that's why the manufactureres remain oblivious.
As far as interiors go, some things are difficult or impossible to change -- floor plans, wood finishes. Some are really easy to change, like painted/papered surfaces and removable items like valances. In-between are things like upholstery that can be recovered with a bit of money and effort. Remember that a rig that looks "plain Jane" at the dealer can easily be personalized with your own pictures, pillows, and other decor.
In my case, I chose Lazy Daze for its reputation, quality, and floorplan, but immediately redecorated inside. Partly due to age and partly due to hideousness, I've replaced the carpeting, removed valances, and recovered the upholstered areas. What a relief!
HiTech wrote: This seems to be getting better over time, with a few more examples that are not embarrassing.
However, I have not seen this improve with price. The materials tend to get better, but the horrible design only seems to move from trailer park to bordello as the price goes up, even on many bus conversions.
I've also noticed this. To justify a price over $1,000,000 it seems that the designer must deliver an interior fit for a casino. As some manufacturers move toward "Euro design" I'm not so sure we are getting any more tasteful, or just a new (techno) kitsch, another culture's bad taste.
I am glad that someone else feels the way that I do. When it came time to buy my MH, I had a problem deciding on which gaudy interior to get. The colors were all so bad. I am not sure who the interior designer is who designs these but, they sure need to have their head examined. Then again, the demand is high for these MHs ao, I presume that they do not care. Cannot wait for the Japanese to start building them again, they will run circles around these guys and wake them up.
I agree with you about the Winnebago View. The interior was real sharp. What I did, was buy the MH that I wanted with a cool floor plan that I new would work and then I will get it upholstered some time in the near future.
Right now, I need to contend with a couch and dinette that are extremely uncomfortable.
I had a TT before my MH. It was beautiful with white cabinetry, residential sofs bed and wood interior that I feel in love with the minute I walked in the door. It seems the MHs that I looked at all were dark colors instead of light and bright colors that are neutral.
I was bit reluctant to start this post, since good design is in the eye of the beholder. On the other hand, it looks like most of the players in the RV industry are preoccupied with copying each other, rather than looking to the automotive, recreational boating, and furniture industries to see that trends are changing. I have a hard time with the notion that I'm going to spend $50k-$60 (which is a lot of money to me) for an RV with an interior that looks worse than a cheap motel room.
I cannot imagine someone paying $15k for an entry level automobile and putting up with a gaudy interior. Airstream took a gamble with the International CCD series and it paid off by attracting a younger, hip customer base that would have passed on the Airstream "Classic" (raised oak panels and ruffled valances) series.
In the meantime, I will continue my search. Thanks for letting me vent!
Best Regards, Leo
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