Small Class A

[Papa_Jim]

We have used our current coach for about 8 years. It is a high end DP, and we mostly enjoy it. When we’re parked we enjoy the living space. When we’re driving, it is very good on the highway. It is very quiet and rides smoothly. It is extremely stable with wind and OTR trucks. However, we think that it’s too big and cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in too many situations.

Our coach has no slides. We’ve considered that a much shorter coach with slides might be friendlier for us to travel in while still offering good living space. We recognize that there are some 26’ to 28’ Class A coaches with excellent floor plans for our tastes.

However, we can’t find any high end DP in this 26’ to 28’ size. Does that mean they don’t exist? If that’s the case, then it appears we must choose from an array of “entry level” coaches, whatever that means. I notice that they all have a Ford gas engine in the front, leaf and or coil spring suspension, and a lot of coach sticking out in the air behind the rear wheels. This all leads me to wonder that while we may be happy with the livability of the floor plan, will we be happy with the ride and the handling on the road? We spend more time traveling as opposed to parking.

So, we are requesting any and all thoughts, advice and opinions. In particular, if anyone has made the switch from a DP to a smaller gas Class A, how has it worked out for you?

Jim

[Lifemember]

Well Jim, I have never owned a high end DP but I do have a smaller 26 foot class A. My reason for choosing the smaller one is I don't need a toad. It is an older unit 1996 but was well taken care of. It would be considered an "entry level". Has less stuff to go bad. I don't care for slides, just one more thing too give trouble.

I have the P37 chassis and don't have the handling problems that some say they have. I have more then enough of power on the hills. The newer chassis are said to even be better. Heck just go and test drive a couple to see what they are like. You may decide to keep the High end DP or get a smaller gas unit.

[Danielsand]

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

We have used our current coach for about 8 years. It is a high end DP, and we mostly enjoy it. When we’re parked we enjoy the living space. When we’re driving, it is very good on the highway. It is very quiet and rides smoothly. It is extremely stable with wind and OTR trucks. However, we think that it’s too big and cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in too many situations.

Our coach has no slides. We’ve considered that a much shorter coach with slides might be friendlier for us to travel in while still offering good living space. We recognize that there are some 26’ to 28’ Class A coaches with excellent floor plans for our tastes.

However, we can’t find any high end DP in this 26’ to 28’ size. Does that mean they don’t exist? If that’s the case, then it appears we must choose from an array of “entry level” coaches, whatever that means. I notice that they all have a Ford gas engine in the front, leaf and or coil spring suspension, and a lot of coach sticking out in the air behind the rear wheels. This all leads me to wonder that while we may be happy with the livability of the floor plan, will we be happy with the ride and the handling on the road? We spend more time traveling as opposed to parking.

So, we are requesting any and all thoughts, advice and opinions. In particular, if anyone has made the switch from a DP to a smaller gas Class A, how has it worked out for you?

Jim

I went the other way, so I'll chime in.

I can't imagine anyone been "happy" with short gasser, vs. luxury DP. Yeah,.....maneuvering 40'+ DP is not always fun, but there is no comparison in ride quality, and/or ammenities. I fought my DW regarding slides. ALL coaches I checked out, had LIMITED space when the slides are in (and that's not taking in equation of extra maintenance/potential problems with slides). I am staunchly against slides. Ride quality? NOTHING (and that's absolutely nothing!) rides like commercial buss chassis on airbags. NOT available on short gasser.

We all have our "wants" vs. our "needs", but I went from 34' gasser, to 40' luxury DP, and I'll never look back. Since I don't want slides,....my next coach will be 45' Prevost (if I live long enough to get tired of this one!).

You need to ask yourself only ONE question: Do you mostly drive (long distance), or do you mostly park (not too far away)? I mostly drive, and park for short time (night or two) in easy to get in/out state parks, casinos, friends houses, and such. I am not RVing to "meet new people", "socialize", or enjoy pools, club houses, and "activities". I drive (a LOT), and I want maximum comfort while doing it. I don't want to stay in campgrounds (I detest "rules"), I don't tow a car "to get around", and I do what I want/when I want (all in, or with my DP bus). Example,......I'll drive to Las Vegas, park, take dogs for a walk/excersize, take shower, change into fancy duds, call a cab, go out for dinner/show/party, go back to my DP, go to sleep, and leave in the morning, when I'm good and rested. That's what WE like, and your situation might be different.

BTW,....there is no short, luxury, DPs that I'm aware off. But IF you want to drive a short gasser to a campground that you will stay in until it's time to go home,.......short gasser will do just fine.

There is no "right", or "wrong".......the choice depends entirely on your lifestyle (and we all have different one).

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

We have used our current coach for about 8 years. It is a high end DP, and we mostly enjoy it. When we’re parked we enjoy the living space. When we’re driving, it is very good on the highway. It is very quiet and rides smoothly. It is extremely stable with wind and OTR trucks. However, we think that it’s too big and cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in too many situations.

Our coach has no slides. We’ve considered that a much shorter coach with slides might be friendlier for us to travel in while still offering good living space. We recognize that there are some 26’ to 28’ Class A coaches with excellent floor plans for our tastes.

However, we can’t find any high end DP in this 26’ to 28’ size. Does that mean they don’t exist? If that’s the case, then it appears we must choose from an array of “entry level” coaches, whatever that means. I notice that they all have a Ford gas engine in the front, leaf and or coil spring suspension, and a lot of coach sticking out in the air behind the rear wheels. This all leads me to wonder that while we may be happy with the livability of the floor plan, will we be happy with the ride and the handling on the road? We spend more time traveling as opposed to parking.

So, we are requesting any and all thoughts, advice and opinions. In particular, if anyone has made the switch from a DP to a smaller gas Class A, how has it worked out for you?

Jim

Jim,

It appears that Tiffin has given up on the 28' Breeze and it's not currently available. That leaves the 32' Breeze and perhaps the Winnebago Journey 32' if they are still building that floorplan. The problem is, you need a certain physical amount of real estate behind the rear axle for the engine/transmission. That means the wheelbase gets shortened in order to get a short overall length. It gets really hard to build a good riding/handling, short wheelbase coach.

You are going to have a tough time finding a short DP with the ride comfort and road manners that you are accustomed to. To get down into that size range, it will require a front engine. The Winnebago Via is built on the Sprinter chassis & you get a diesel but lose the air suspension and air brakes.

[Easyrider]

We and a lot of others I would bet are going in the opposite direction that you are, that is we have been getting larger rigs as time goes on and not started "downsizing" yet. We think our 33' gasser with slide outs is great. But I've never owned or driven a diesel pusher. I would never get a rig without slide outs. I've been in rigs much longer than ours with no slide outs and will take a shorter rig with slide outs every time. A long rig with slide outs would be the best in my opinion and I hope to have one someday. I imagine that going from a diesel with air suspension to a gasser with spring suspension would take more adjustment than the other way around. In my case I don't know what I'm missing because I haven't tried it yet, so I think my gasser is fine. Danielsand is completely correct in saying how you use your RV will determine how well you like any particular type. We still work so our gasser fits our needs very well for weekend camping and vacation traveling. Once we retire we hope to upgrade to a diesel pusher for extended traveling and maybe full-timing. Whatever you get, I think the floor plan will be what really determines how well you like it. You'll get used to driving a gasser, but I don't think anyone can get used to a poor floor plan.

[Gary RVRoamer]

How about the Allegro Breeze DP, at 32 ft? That's about as short a pusher as you a re going to find. Buyers with that much loot aren't buying smaller than that. Most of them are looking in the 42-45 ft class! There simply aren't enough buyers like you for the manufacturers to cater to them.

You can find some small front diesels on The Sprinter chassis too.

[Scarab0088]

Gary beat me to the suggestion...and please notice this RV has the brand-new 5.0 Cummins V8 Diesel engine (first in an RV that I know of).

Warning about any RV on the Sprinter or similar Euro-chassis (Class A, C or B+)...they have a different track (wheel width) which is translated into the house dimensions...like:
http://winnebagoind.com/products/cla...6/via/overview
Beautiful RVs - BUT - as much as a foot narrower along the whole house compared to the normal 8.5ish foot wide North American built RV.


Best luck

[NC25T]

Fleetwood has the 33ft excursion which is a entry level DP

As stated under 30ft there is the Mercedes sprinter chassis, a few options available on that chassis

In regards to living with a gas RV the only way to know is to drive one. I had zero complaints with the ride or handling of my bounder 38P which was on the workhorse chassis, I thought this behaved better vs the ford chassis.

[Papa_Jim]

Moving to a 33' is really no advantage to what we already have.

I understand why the tail is so long on a short diesel coach, but why are the tails so long on the gas coaches?

Jim

[nothermark]

FWIW The longer the tail overhang the shorter the wheel base thus the shorter the turning radius with a given front wheel turning limit. I suspect that is part of your answer. It also unloads the front axle that is already loaded with the engine and transmission.

If you look it is also one way prices are shaved. For a given length the longer wheel base units have higher capacity but cost more.

FWIW a 27 ft A is pretty pared down. A 30-32 ft unit has a lot more space in places where 6 inches here and there are a big deal. Take a look at the Baystar and Baystar Sport then compare anything else to them.

[Traxless]

And alternative that might be of interest are the Super Class C. A good example of a well built Super Class C Diesel is the Nexus.

https://nexusrv.com/motorhomes/super-c-diesel/

Hope this helps.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

Moving to a 33' is really no advantage to what we already have.

I understand why the tail is so long on a short diesel coach, but why are the tails so long on the gas coaches?

Jim

To minimize the length of the drive shaft.

[George Schweikle]

I respectfully doubt that drive shaft length has anything to do with the issue.

This is a simplistic explanation since coach weight balance is affected by floor plan and appliance location. However, the long rear overhang on all gas coaches, especially class C, is due to limited weight capacity of the front suspension. In order to carry the overall weight, the coach is extended (cantilevered) toward the rear where the dual tire rear axle has higher carrying capacity.

In a theoretical example of cantilever, think of a playground teeter-totter where one end has to be balanced against the other end but there isn't enough weight on one end. In order to achieve equilibrium, the end with less weight must be lengthened.

And, front weight issues are not limited to gas coaches. Just search some of the DP posts to see where some manufacturers have changed front axles/tires, and at least one other DP owner is raising considerable ruckus over his overloaded front suspension.

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

...I understand why the tail is so long on a short diesel coach, but why are the tails so long on the gas coaches?

Jim

Originally Posted by barmcd

To minimize the length of the drive shaft.

[donnickerson]

We moved from a Beaver Patriot Thunder to a Newmar Bay Star Sport 2903. Yes, it is not "high end" and yes it has a Ford gas. It is much easier to drive, much easier to squeeze around camp grounds. Do I miss my Beaver? Sure. Am I ready to go back. NO