Community Forums

Chardah84 · 04-23-2013, 11:24 AM

I am considering my first RV. Going to be for weekend family use (2 adults and 2 teen boys) and an occasional cross country trip. I'm thinking a small to medium used class C. I would like to keep the cost under $15k. I would like to hear opinions from some seasoned RVers. Thanks!

Toyduck · 04-23-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chardah84

I am considering my first RV. Going to be for weekend family use (2 adults and 2 teen boys) and an occasional cross country trip. I'm thinking a small to medium used class C. I would like to keep the cost under $15k. I would like to hear opinions from some seasoned RVers. Thanks!

I suppose a lot depends on what type of campground you plan on using. National Parks, or RV Parks?

We went from a Class C to an A, then back to a C. We loved our A, but we do like using State and Federal parks in our area and our Class A just wouldn't fit.

If the Class C is sized right, cross country can also be fun. You just need to find the right interior that suits your taste and family.

Also, our Class C fits on our property with our home, no rental/storage cost.

Go Dawgs · 04-23-2013, 01:00 PM

Class C should suit you fine. If you are going to National Parks try to keep it under 28'. I know in the PNW our National Parks are limited on size. Most state parks are fine for size. Floor plan is a big thing and if you want slides. How old are you looking at. W/O slides you should be able to find a decent C around $15k. If you spend all your time outside like we do slides aren't as important. We have an 03 26' Chateau Sport.

mikell · 04-23-2013, 04:27 PM

It took us 5 months to find our C. Craigs list and everything else I could hunt thru. Missed many a good one because we wanted to wait till the weekend to go see it. Finally a deal to good to be true, I low balled them and they took it. About $1000 worth of repairs, bent driveshaft no spare shot battery and a couple of other minor issues the first run of 1000 miles a couple of weeks ago no issues. Even the delamination was fixed for $300. Bluebooked at 16k got it for 9k the front tires are a year old the rear 2. Keep looking and have the money lined up

Chardah84 · 04-23-2013, 05:52 PM

Thank you everyone! Very helpful!

RanCarr · 04-28-2013, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chardah84

I am considering my first RV. Going to be for weekend family use (2 adults and 2 teen boys) and an occasional cross country trip. I'm thinking a small to medium used class C. I would like to keep the cost under $15k. I would like to hear opinions from some seasoned RVers. Thanks!

With two teenagers (any pets?) a small Class-C would be awfully cramped, especially if it has no slides. No one would have any privacy. If you hit a few days of bad weather you may all start feeling claustrophobic. I would look at those in the 26 to 28' size. Over 28' and like someone already said, you may not fit in some of the older RV parks and CGs.

The best bet would be to take the wife and sons with you when you go looking and get everyone's opinion. Try to get something you all agree on.

Murf2u · 04-28-2013, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RanCarr

With two teenagers (any pets?) a small Class-C would be awfully cramped, especially if it has no slides. No one would have any privacy. If you hit a few days of bad weather you may all start feeling claustrophobic. I would look at those in the 26 to 28' size. Over 28' and like someone already said, you may not fit in some of the older RV parks and CGs.

The best bet would be to take the wife and sons with you when you go looking and get everyone's opinion. Try to get something you all agree on.

Not to single any one person, but I hear these kinds of comments quite often. I still don't understand them. Do a lot of people go "camping" and just sit watching TV in a different place or something?

A lot of people still "camp" in tents, we did for many, many years. As a guess-timate I'd have to say that over the years the DW & I have stayed in a 8' x 12' for more than the equivalent of a full year. No problem.

By comparison our 24' C is positively spacious!!

Chardah84 · 04-28-2013, 08:10 AM

All input appreciated! Thank you!

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-28-2013, 08:11 AM

Welcome to IRV2.

Cliff

puttin · 04-28-2013, 08:57 AM

Chardah84,

We started out with a '96 Tioga 24-D. We were very excited to own it and had some really fun times- towing our boat up to the lake, camping for 3 or 4 days, then packing it all up to go home. That was a very sweet, dependable rig. We finally traded it in on a brand new Jamboree 31-M in 2004. (We couldn't keep climbing over eachother to get out of the corner bed in the Tioga). The Jamboree was also a kick in the pants and I loved how it looked. We got the one with the entertainment center in the cab-over instead of the bunk. In my humble opinion, I would stay with a big mfg.- either Fleetwood or Winnebago, and try to find a floorplan that fits the family. We now own a class A by Winne and have found it extremely dependable and with terrific customer support...We have had very good luck with all three of our motorhomes and have very fond memories of both our class C's. I know you'll end up having fun no matter what you buy- welcome to the forums and happy camping!!

Aguyfromcalg · 04-28-2013, 09:39 AM

It's great having a class c.

The size you are considering will give you the ability to get into almost any location.
You may not know Grandville Island in Vancouver B C. I can get in there with my 30ft.
My suggestion is to look at the kitchen counter space and the location of the bed. I would in my humble opinion avoid a corner bed.
Do you have a list of your " must have?"
Items and things you want?
Good luck in your search.

DogNPonyshow · 04-28-2013, 02:57 PM

My DH and I traveled cross country twice in our 8' camper with 5 large dogs. Two in the truck cab and 3 crated in the camper where the dinnette space is.

If we can do that 2,adults and 2 teens can be comfy in a 24-28 foot class C. (Grin)

We currently have a 28foot C and it is very comfy w dinnette sofa queen walk around in back and queen bunk overhead.
Myself and for gal pals spent a weekend in it at a horseshow very comfortably recently..

Ours doesn't have a slide.

TXiceman · 04-28-2013, 07:33 PM

The class C you will find for $15K will most likely require some work. It will be an older one and before I would take it on the road, I would service the brakes, transmission, engine oil, generator oil, wheel bearings, tires if over 5 years old. Then you will need to be concerned with the refrigerator, air conditioner and water leaks and damage.

If you shop carefully, you can find a serviceable unit, but it will take some maintenance.

Ken

wanderso · 04-29-2013, 10:01 PM

You should be able to find an ok rig in that price range. Ours is a 2001 Jamboree 24D we bought in November 2011 with 18k miles and good condition. The only issue was the fridge wouldn't light consistently but was fixed at no cost by the dealer. We paid $19k then which was below book value. I see like units selling close to your range now.

We are happy with it. No slides but I didn't want that to keep cargo carrying capacity up and avoid leaks.