What models you are considering? Looking at something on the smaller end (22-25’) as drive ability and parking are important. We originally had experience with a Sunseeker on a Mercedes chasis, as our friends purchased a new one in summer 2019. Looked at very many at the Harrisburg PA show, but narrowed them down to Entegra Odyssey on Ford 350 and Chevy, and then Minnie Winnie also on Ford.
Lifestyle? We are 50s empty nesters who live in an urban loft apartment and only limited summer parking for camper/RV and then storage for winter. We have had a Intech Luna (Teardrop) for two seasons and really like it for size and some luxury. But, with our group that we camp with, 5-6 times per season, going to nicer RV parks, we’re finding the need for facilities a much greater issue. Originally were interested in Nest and keeping to a light towable behind a smaller Jeep. But increasing interest in much further travels beyond season to season camping is leading us to RVs.
How do you intend to use it? Both summer camping and 2-3 trips per year.
How many people? 2 mostly but on occasion another couple who will need some comfort.
Do you like to cook and have space, or do you like comfort on a couch? Couch is much less of an issue, but really so is cooking space. We’re outdoor folk and really enjoy the outdoor galley kitchen of the teardrop.
Do you need an overhead bed, or an entertainment center? Second bed for couple would be a good feature. Don’t need entertainment center, and kind of turned off by the outdoor TVs on many of the Class Cs, but also would need to add something to Nest when there are only plus and nothing installed.
Are you new to RV's? Yes, have only used a towable
We drove the Ford Chasis and it was so very truck like that it was a turnoff campared to Sprinter. Have heard just recently that Ford coming out with a new one for 2020. Will this be on the level of Merc. sprinter?
Advice from all of you Pros?
More room in the drivers area,smoother more comfortable ride just to name a few things.
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 WORKHORSE VORTEC
Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C
Gulfstream makes the BT Cruiser which is a moderately priced line, It's slightly narrower than many of the other C types, Its slightly more streamlined than many, especially compared to the models with an over cab bed. Sizes run from 22' to about 32' BT Cruiser
There are also some other similar lines, some higher in price and quality that have a strong following Phoenix cruiser
You may find one of these to be a better compromise.
Happy hunting
Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)
2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 Old grouch, 1 wonderful wife, and two silly poodles.
Take a look at Road Trek widened van camper conversions. Nimble, versatile, expensive, lacking in elbow room also useful as transportation vehicle.
Bordercollie wrote:
Short Class C's have less comfortable sleeping and limited cupboard and storage space. Need to convert a sofa into a bed or sleep in overhead can get on your nerves. A 27 footer without slides and rear bedroom with RV Queen bed is the best compromise compared to a much longer or shorter rig/floor plan.
Short Class C's have less comfortable sleeping and limited cupboard and storage space. Need to convert a sofa into a bed or sleep in overhead can get on your nerves. A 27 footer without slides and rear bedroom with RV Queen bed is the best compromise compared to a much longer or shorter rig/floor plan.
Agree w/above.
Ours is a 25'model that runs 26' in real length. I have no issue with the ride or performance of the Ford E-chassis / V10 combo. I like not having a slide(s) at this point in my life. Have no problem with space in it.... I like it more than I thought I would, we like the physical size of it for many reasons. However.... One of the ONLY things we don't prefer about the one we have is the corner bed. A queen that you could get around would make all the difference in the world (to the good).
2015 Itasca 25b Ford E350 V10
You don't want things to be too cramped. The only way to find out without actually buying one is to rent one or spend a few hours in various floorplans 'roll playing' that your camping in it. Make a list of your stuff and configure where it's going to be stored and how your stuff will be used.
All rvs no matter how much you spend have problems. Don't think if you buy one that's more expensive that it will be less problematic.
I found the best and most honest info was from the mechanics who repair them. I found a few rv mechanics that actually steered me away from buying units that have frequent recurring issues, saving me thousands of up front dollars.
If you desire more detailed info, feel free to send me a PM and I will go through things with you.
Good luck in your decision.
Regards, Bob
- 2019 Grand Design 29TBS (had a Winnebago and 3x Jayco owner)
- 2016 F-150 3.5L MaxTow (had Ram 2500 CTD, Dodge Durango)
- 130W solar and 2005 Honda EU2000i twins that just won't quit
Pirate wrote:
I see many of the comments go toward Chevy vs Ford on the C. Is there any real good reason other than the Ford vs Chevy?
The Ford E450 and the Chevy 4500 are the only two "conventional" class C chassis that exceed 25 feet in length. Shorter models open up more chassis options such as the Ford E350, Ford Transit, Chevy 3500, Mercedes Sprinter, and Dodge Promaster.I see many of the comments go toward Chevy vs Ford on the C. Is there any real good reason other than the Ford vs Chevy?
The Ford E350 and E450 are most affordable, most capable, and most friendly for wheel base adjustments which is why they are most popular. But they are the least comfortable, handle worse, are least fuel efficient, and are most noisy which is why the others are in the game. I personally don't find the deficiencies to be but only a minor nuisance except for the poor handling of which I was able to address our E350 rig with some aftermarket suspension upgrades. To be even more fair about it, I wonder how the other chassis' would fair if used in the exact same application with the exact same wheel base.
The Super C category of class Cs are in a league of their own, built on serious truck chassis's.
* This post was edited 10/14/19 05:48pm by ron.dittmer *
2007 Phoenix Cruiser model 2350, with 2006 Jeep Liberty in-tow
Dusty
ron.dittmer wrote:
The Ford E350 and E450 are most affordable, most capable, and most friendly for wheel base adjustments which is why they are most popular. But they are the least comfortable, handle worse, are least fuel efficient, and are most noisy which is why the others are in the game. I personally don't find the deficiencies to be but only a minor nuisance except for the poor handling of which I was able to address our E350 rig with some aftermarket suspension upgrades. To be even more fair about it, I wonder how the other chassis' would fair if used in the exact same application with the exact same wheel base.
Pirate wrote:
I see many of the comments go toward Chevy vs Ford on the C. Is there any real good reason other than the Ford vs Chevy?
The Ford E450 and the Chevy 4500 are the only two "conventional" class C chassis that exceed 25 feet in length. Shorter models open up more chassis options such as the Ford E350, Ford Transit, Chevy 3500, Mercedes Sprinter, and Dodge Promaster.I see many of the comments go toward Chevy vs Ford on the C. Is there any real good reason other than the Ford vs Chevy?
The Ford E350 and E450 are most affordable, most capable, and most friendly for wheel base adjustments which is why they are most popular. But they are the least comfortable, handle worse, are least fuel efficient, and are most noisy which is why the others are in the game. I personally don't find the deficiencies to be but only a minor nuisance except for the poor handling of which I was able to address our E350 rig with some aftermarket suspension upgrades. To be even more fair about it, I wonder how the other chassis' would fair if used in the exact same application with the exact same wheel base.
I would agree with most of this,the house part on both chassis will be
identical from what I have observed. But as Ron has said the Fords are the least comfortable, handle worse, are least fuel efficient, and are most noisy.
As for the thing that was bought up was how the two different chassis would fair in the same application and same wheelbase,here is what I know.
The Tioga 26Q that I have is on a Chevy Chassis
I drove more than a dozen of the same RV all on the Ford E350 Chassis,the Chassis wheelbase is the same as those on the Chevy 3500 Chassis. The Chevy based RV rode better and overall was all around a better choice for me.
Andy & Lee + Molly, the 4 lb Chihuahua
2020 Tiffin Wayfarer 25RW...towing a
2007 Chevy HHR LT2 w/2.4L EcoTec,
Blue Ox Aventa LX, Brake Buddy Classic
FMCA #F359977 - Colonial Virginians, Past President 2012-14, 2018
Our E450 24ft Class C has handled just fine right from the time I drove it new off the dealer's lot. I've always attributed it to the chassis being well within it's specifications in carrying only the weight of a small Class C.
It's cab floor has never been overly warm, but it does have heat shields underneath between the cab flooring and the engine exhaust pipes coming from each side of the V10.
It used to ride rough in the rear, probably due to it's rear suspension having weight rated leaf springs and shocks well beyond what the loaded coach requires. I eliminated the rough ride in the rear by installing special rear shocks. I don't think of this issue as a "handling" problem, per se. Probably a stock Chevy 4500 chassis under a small Class C would also ride rough in the rear.
I'm 6'2" and can still get by OK in the cab driving and when leaving the driver's seat to go into the coach.
In other than with a Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 chassis, how does one find a heavy duty chassis under a small Class C in the U.S.? IMHO, the other chassis types now being used for small Class C motorhomes in the U.S. can be too close to their design maximums under certain conditions when in motion.
* This post was edited 09/09/20 11:35am by pnichols *
2005 E450 Itasca 24V Class C
I still plan on getting my own front end alignment done, making sire the caster is +5.5 or better. I also plan on getting a Road Master reflex steering stabilizer. When I hit pot holes which is inevitable on most interstates, the front wheels do seem to flutter back and forth a little before settling back to a straight position.
pnichols wrote:
I'm a bit of an outlier, I guess.
Our E450 24ft Class C has handled just fine right from the time I drove it new off the dealer's lot. I've always attributed it to the chassis being well within it's specifications in carrying only the weight of a small Class C.
It's cab floor has never been overly warm, but it does have heat shields underneath between the cab flooring and the engine exhaust pipes coming from each side of the V10.
It used to ride rough in the rear, probably due to it's rear suspension having weight rated leaf springs and shocks well beyond what the loaded coach requires. I eliminated the rough ride in the rear by installing special rear shocks. I don't think of this issue as a "handling" problem, per se. Probably a stock Chevy 4500 chassis under a small Class C would also ride rough in the rear.
I'm 6'2" and can still get by OK in the cab driving and when leaving the driver's seat to go into the coach.
In other than with a Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 chassis, how's does one find a heavy duty chassis under a small Class C in the U.S.? IMHO, the other chassis types now being used for small Class C motorhomes in the U.S. can be too close to their design maximums under certain conditions when in motion.
I'm a bit of an outlier, I guess.
Our E450 24ft Class C has handled just fine right from the time I drove it new off the dealer's lot. I've always attributed it to the chassis being well within it's specifications in carrying only the weight of a small Class C.
It's cab floor has never been overly warm, but it does have heat shields underneath between the cab flooring and the engine exhaust pipes coming from each side of the V10.
It used to ride rough in the rear, probably due to it's rear suspension having weight rated leaf springs and shocks well beyond what the loaded coach requires. I eliminated the rough ride in the rear by installing special rear shocks. I don't think of this issue as a "handling" problem, per se. Probably a stock Chevy 4500 chassis under a small Class C would also ride rough in the rear.
I'm 6'2" and can still get by OK in the cab driving and when leaving the driver's seat to go into the coach.
In other than with a Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 chassis, how's does one find a heavy duty chassis under a small Class C in the U.S.? IMHO, the other chassis types now being used for small Class C motorhomes in the U.S. can be too close to their design maximums under certain conditions when in motion.
Erroll, Mary
2021 Coachmen Freedom Express 20SE
2014 F150 Supercab 4x4 w/ 8' box, Ecoboost & HD Pkg
Equal-i-zer Hitch