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Old 05-22-2018, 12:59 PM   #1
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Compact Class C RV's All The Same?

Howdy everybody,

New member here. I've been looking and researching compact class c RV's (class b's as well) for quite a while now. I'll be retiring by the end of the year and will be looking to buy, well, something in the compact c/b arena.

Is it just me, or do most of the compact class c RV's all look generally the same (especially on Sprinter chassis's)? I mean, even the general floor plans all look extremely similar, with the same slide out orientations and setups (left side lounge slide, full left side slide, rear slide for queen beds, etc).

I hate to say it but even the exteriors are starting to all blend together to the point where one manufacturer doesn't stand out from another. It's like all the manufacturers are in cahoots with one another, and produce cookie cutter RV's (if I didn't know better I'd swear they all come off the same line, with the final stage being someone placing different brand logos on them). Of course, the same goes for class b's as well.

Is there a manufacturer out there that really stands out and is breaking the mold, or am I stuck in deciding on an RV based on build reputation, general quality/fit/finish, and amenities?

The only one that I've seen so far that seems to break the mold a tiny bit is LTV, and in looking at those I've found some quality/fit/finish issues, even though I've read a lot of positive things about them.

Anybody have any recommendations for a lookie loo looking to buy sometime early next year? I'm lost in a sea of RV's and need to make a course correction.

Thanks for any input.
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Old 05-22-2018, 01:37 PM   #2
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SuperJoe-

What do you mean when you say "compact Class C?"

Are you restricting yourself to the Sprinter chassis, or is the more traditional Ford E-series chassis in your definition?
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Old 05-22-2018, 02:02 PM   #3
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Well Super Joe you are 98% right , not 2cents worth of difference in most all class C or B's and the price seems to be the same way .I too have been looking for months and they all seem to use the same everything , and yes you would think they came out of the same plant with just the name glued on at the end of the line.
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Old 05-22-2018, 02:17 PM   #4
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Major differences we have noted are with the OCCC (occupant/cargo carrying capacity.) Pay close attention to the yellow sticker inside the driver's door. Some Sprinters have as little as 500 pounds capacity, which means with two adults and a week's supply of beer you will be overweight.



Also, the Jayco/Entegra RVs have a 2-year warranty which is a year longer than most. Happy shopping.
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Old 05-22-2018, 02:41 PM   #5
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I think there are tremendous differences in the Sprinter based models. The chassis may be similar but implementation varies considerably. Some, like Winnebago, have perfected lighter construction techniques to increase the OCCC without loss of comfort and style. Others use heavy chassis components and particle board cabinets which add unneeded weight to the coach.

It's all in the details and technology with the Sprinters.

As for the traditional Class Cs it really comes down to fit, finish, and warranty service by the company and dealer, IMHO.
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:11 PM   #6
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Have you looked at Coachhouse?
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:42 PM   #7
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Hi l1v3fr33ord1

By "compact class c" I'm referring to coaches such as the Tiffin Wayfarer, Renegade Vienna or Villagio, Winnie View/Navion, that sort of thing. I don't really see a whole lot of difference in these coaches (at least viewing on the web), and those I've actually looked at in person seem to all have the same general construction qualities, most of which I'm not very impressed with (perhaps my expectations are too high).

I haven't truly looked at anything with a Ford "E" chassis yet, and the Ford Transit chassis doesn't appear to be that wide spread at this point in time, at least from what I've found on the web and in person.

That leaves the majority that I've viewed, web or in person, to be on Sprinter chassis's, hence the rant about the lack of "unique-ability" between these class c's. It just seems like everyone is doing the same old thing. I wish we'd see more innovation, but I suppose they are limited by what chassis they are dealing with, and the need to try and keep cost low.

I'm am considering Gulfstream, specifically the BT Cruiser, specifically because it's on a Ford "E" chassis, and I know that LTV makes one on a Transit chassis. To tell you the truth I'm a little scared of the Sprinter diesel, simply because of emissions problems that I've read, and the lack of Sprinter dealer servicing while out across the country. Perhaps that fear is unfounded, and maybe I'm just reading too many negatives about them, but logic tells me to stick with a Ford chassis because every town probably has a Ford dealer (I don't mean to beat that particular topic to death).

In short I guess for mean it's all about as much quality I can get for the massive amount of money they seem to want for these things, and no, I don't really want to purchase used (it's just not my thing for some reason - spoiled I guess).

Best Regards to all.
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Old 05-22-2018, 03:45 PM   #8
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The new Tiffin Wayfarer may be of interest. Tiffins record if good customer support is a plus.
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Old 05-22-2018, 04:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vsheetz View Post
The new Tiffin Wayfarer may be of interest. Tiffins record if good customer support is a plus.
Or maybe not. OCCC of a Wayfarer we looked at last week... 672 pounds.
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Old 05-22-2018, 05:15 PM   #10
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SuperJoe-

If you want quality and uniqueness, you should look at the Lazy Daze. We owned a 1998 mid-bath. All three lengths (24- , 27- and 31-foot) are built on the Ford E-450 chassis.

Plenty of OCCC, too. See the last page of the specs.

Lazy Daze Motorhomes - Photo Gallery
Lazy Daze Motorhomes - Pricing and Specs

Don't be put off by the "crude" Web site; they don't spend a lot of money on it.
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Old 05-22-2018, 06:45 PM   #11
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Or maybe not. OCCC of a Wayfarer we looked at last week... 672 pounds.
Wow. That’s pretty darn limiting. I think I looked at a few B vans that have more capacity than that. Is this low OCCC the fault of the Sprinter chassis itself?
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Old 05-22-2018, 06:54 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1 View Post
SuperJoe-

If you want quality and uniqueness, you should look at the Lazy Daze. We owned a 1998 mid-bath. All three lengths (24- , 27- and 31-foot) are built on the Ford E-450 chassis.

Plenty of OCCC, too. See the last page of the specs.

Lazy Daze Motorhomes - Photo Gallery
Lazy Daze Motorhomes - Pricing and Specs

Don't be put off by the "crude" Web site; they don't spend a lot of money on it.
Well I’m certainly not put off by their web site. I’ve glanced at these before. No offense intended, but that type design is just a little too boxy looking for me. I hold no ill will to anyone with the type, but it seems just a tad too large. I shall continue my quest.

Since my taste seems to favor the compact class c, and they all seem to use the same design, it will ultimately come down to fit, finish and build quality. If your a compact class c owner, please comment if possible on how happy you are with the aforementioned fit/finish/quality of your coach.
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Old 05-22-2018, 06:56 PM   #13
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Well just for gits & shiggles...
Something mebbe a bit different.......
At Least the Quality is included.....



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Old 05-22-2018, 07:03 PM   #14
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Have you looked at Coachhouse?
Hmmm, haven’t hecked them out yet.

I did, however, just check out Coachmen, which is what I originally thought you meant (my bad). While my original general comments about “non uniqueness” still holds true for their Prism, at least the Orion is on a Ford Transit chassis. They deserve another look from me.

Since it appears you’re a Coachhouse owner, or former owner as the case may be, any comments on their build quality, durability, etc? I will check them out as well. More choices out there than I originally thought.

Thanks folks.
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