Question on 30' E450 Aspect/Cambria

[Brad Burgess]

I am new to the forum. Have owned four DPs and now looking to downsize. Need the space in the 30' models noted above. I am concerned about the effect of the REALLY long rear overhang on these units. Does this configuration impact handling and towing a toad? Visually it just seems extreme. Comments from owners of this length E450 coaches are sincerely appreciated.

Thank you.

Brad Burgess

[Harvard]

We have a 30 foot E450 and yes we did initially have handling issues that were resolved by increasing the caster from 3.5 degrees to 5.5 degrees.

Here is a link to our story circa 2011

E350/E450 Handling Problems are caused by too little + CASTER

[OLYLEN]

I have the 31' Mini so about the same. I do tow a 4-ruuner with the alignment and a hitch U bolt type tightener and a new front stabilizer, mine was shot. Do the alignment as suggested above first then see how things go. If needed, I did not, then a track bar and do look at the front stabilizer. If the unit is new I have heard the manufacturer's are paying for the alignment but about $200, the front stabilizer about $500, and the rear track bar about $500 plus install.

LEN

[Caswelld]

Originally Posted by Brad Burgess

Need the space in the 30' models noted above. I am concerned about the effect of the REALLY long rear overhang on these units. Does this configuration impact handling and towing a toad? Visually it just seems extreme. Comments from owners of this length E450 coaches are sincerely appreciated.

Brad,

I just checked on the 2017 Cambria 30J model. According to the RV Consumer Group rating, the 30J has a handling rating of 80 out of 100 (4 star). That is described as "good handling and control under most windy conditions." Of course that doesn't answer your question about towing. But it would be a stable platform.

We're also considering down-sizing and we have considered the Cambria and the Jayco Greyhawk. I like the "J Ride" package that should make the E450 handle & ride really well. The problem for me is that I'll not pay $100K+ for a MH that looks like a $6000 travel trailer from the rear. It seems that when Jayco moved the Melburne name to the Mercedes chassis they abandoned the up-scale E450 class C. So we're still looking.

We have a year or two before we will make a change, so maybe another product will come along.

We test drove the Navion on the Mercedes chassis and it drove really nice, loved it. It has much more cockpit room than the E450. But the living part is just too small for us. The manager at Reliable RV in Springfield MO said that in his recent visit to the factory the designers were talking about adding a heavier Mercedes chassis to the Navion line. Hope it happens

[TJFogelberg]

We bought a 2017 Minnie Winnie 31D in Oct and agree that visually the overhang in the rear looks "extreme". But the unit is handling well and fully loaded was not over GVWR. It is extremely easy to drive and park and set up. Also, the RV is fully functional with all 3 smaller slides in. (There are only a few drawers we can't easily access when slides in.) Ours has airbags which seem to add to the smooth ride. We love the spaciousness of the unit and didn't want a DP or Class A. The visual effect is a small price to pay for all the benefits. We tow a 2002 Honda CRV.

[youracman]

On my 31 ft, the PO had added Helwigs front and rear and a Steer Safe. I had the positive caster increased as suggested by Harvard (above post) and the handling is now "acceptable" i.e., no more "white knuckles".

Of more concern to you, perhaps, will be the OCCC of a 30 or 31 ft Class C after owning most any Class A. Most of the longer Class C's are pretty durn close to the GVWR when they roll out the manufacturer's door. If your need for the additional storage involves "fluffy" things......no problem. In my case, the listed cargo carrying capacity is about 1000 lbs. My toad is very light, so I carry tool boxes and such in it ..... that way I am well under the GVWR for the coach and well under the GCWR too. The weight thing deserves some "study time" IMHO whereas the folks with big ol' diesel pushers don't have to sweat it much.

Good luck with you downsizing quest.............. Ed S in Denver