Community Forums

Redram77 · 06-16-2015, 11:26 PM

Hi, I am looking to buy a used RV for a trip to the east coast with the family.
Have had a trailer for years, but think RV is better suited for this trip (6 of us crammed into a pickup for 5000 km is likely a bad idea)
Not sure whether to go a or c class. Would appreciate any advice or input from those with experience owning one. What kind of fuel mileage can I expect? Would a compareble sized c get same as an a? Also heard a would have fewer issues as far as drivetrain is concerned.
Thanks in advance

Mike and Cha · 06-16-2015, 11:49 PM

We have a Class A and love it. If you go with a Class A I would look for something with bunk beds, or one of the ones with the drop down bed over the drivers compartment. As for traveling in it you will enjoy the drive much better than pulling a trailer. We did that too but driving the Class A is much easier in my opinion and you don't have to stop for others to use the bathroom or get something to eat. Also the kids can watch TV while you travel or sit at the table and play games or whatever.

As for gas mileage depending on what you buy you can depend on around an average of 8 mpg. The Class C may get a little better, but one thing to consider is you will have more weight carrying capacity in a Class A than a Class C, which you will need if you are carrying 6 people and all the cargo for them. As far as drivetrain issues I'm not sure what you are referring to, we have had no issues with ours. Good luck in your search.

Mr_D · 06-16-2015, 11:56 PM

I would budget for 7 mpg and be happy if it was higher. Our '98 35' Santara got 6.0 to 7.5 depending on the wind, hills etc.

jkicklighter · 06-17-2015, 05:28 AM

I'm in search mode also - have settled on Class A, diesel pusher. Looking for older coach - depreciation on these is ridiculously high - which means a coach that someone once paid 250k for you can buy at 15 years old for 20-30k. The older diesels should outlast the bodies and roofs on these.

Traveled a bunch with a buddy in his Newmar Allstar - 6-8 of us including kids and it really is a nice way to travel.

SarahW · 06-17-2015, 06:48 PM

Many times you will find better sleeping arrangements in a C class, unless you buy an A with a drop-down bed over the cockpit or bunks. When you say "6 of us," is that adults or are there smaller children? Comparably sized A's and C's with similar engines will get similar mileage.

jenandjon · 06-17-2015, 06:57 PM

Had a class C. Really liked it. Now have a 5er. Want a class A.

Mr_D · 06-17-2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkicklighter

I'm in search mode also - have settled on Class A, diesel pusher. Looking for older coach - depreciation on these is ridiculously high - which means a coach that someone once paid 250k for you can buy at 15 years old for 20-30k. The older diesels should outlast the bodies and roofs on these.

Very true we paid less than half sticker for the Magna but still $60,000 under NADA low retail

Redram77 · 06-18-2015, 10:51 AM

Sarah, when I say six of us, it's 2 adults and 4 kids ranging from 2 to 12 years old. The 12 year old is starting to require more "space" lol

sirpurrcival · 06-18-2015, 11:05 AM

I find that despite their size, Class A's often don't do well with more bodies because of the configurations of most of them. Queen/King in the back and a pull our bed in the front. Comfortable for 4 maybe. There are bunk models that might be more appropriate but really, you know better than anyone here what your size and space needs actually are. Then it is simply a matter of getting out there and finding what suits your needs in a budget that works for you. Whether it is a C or an A is really not that important.

You need a good kitchen to prepare meals and good options for sleeping. While watching TV en route is nice, it is basically and optional extra. Presumably you want your kids to enjoy the trip rather than camp in front of a TV which they can do at home. Oh yes, the bathroom is going to be important so you want to make sure that is adequate to the need as well.

Steve Ownby · 06-18-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirpurrcival

I find that despite their size, Class A's often don't do well with more bodies because of the configurations of most of them. Queen/King in the back and a pull our bed in the front. Comfortable for 4 maybe. There are bunk models that might be more appropriate but really, you know better than anyone here what your size and space needs actually are. Then it is simply a matter of getting out there and finding what suits your needs in a budget that works for you. Whether it is a C or an A is really not that important.

You need a good kitchen to prepare meals and good options for sleeping. While watching TV en route is nice, it is basically and optional extra. Presumably you want your kids to enjoy the trip rather than camp in front of a TV which they can do at home. Oh yes, the bathroom is going to be important so you want to make sure that is adequate to the need as well.

Comfortable numbers of people in a class A is as follows:

1. 6 for refreshments
2. 4 for dinner
3. 2 for over night

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

**NLOVNIT** · 06-18-2015, 11:28 AM

What's your budget? There are Class C's out there now that have bunks as well as the bed above the cab & sofas. You'd have plenty of room in one of those for around $60k in a Jayco.

Lori-

Gocoffeer · 06-18-2015, 11:29 AM

REDRAM... I think the used Class A rig will be a more happy medium for the trip. The cost at this time is a bit lower than a nice used CLASS C....due to the demand for CLASS C rigs. There is more room and much nicer floor plan layouts available. If you look for rigs longer than 36ft you can get a washer dryer in the floor plan. You get more tank hold capacity...more fold out bed areas...and more space not to be up in eachothers face. Think 7MPG and you wont be disappointed in the calculations of fuel. I get 8 MPG average in my older gas Fleetwood Bounder and 5.5-6mpg if traveling with genny running to keep roof top AC unit on.

wolfcreek · 06-18-2015, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Comfortable numbers of people in a class A is as follows:

1. 6 for refreshments
2. 4 for dinner
3. 2 for over night

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

Ain't that the truth!

jenandjon · 06-20-2015, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redram77

Sarah, when I say six of us, it's 2 adults and 4 kids ranging from 2 to 12 years old. The 12 year old is starting to require more "space" lol

My kids sleep in thier tent. Even the 5 yr old is out there with his big brother. We started out with a slide in pickup box camper and 4 kids. They really had no choice at that time. Now they don't want in the camper. IT gives them their own "space"