Going from 40’ A to 30’ C, comments?

[RonNBama]

Wife and I bought a 2001 Monaco Executive when Grands were very young. They have now out grown Gramps so we are considering a smaller Class C gasoline engine rig. I can see the disadvantages of smaller holding tanks, less inside space and probably suspension. I can also see easier maneuvering, maybe a little better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs (although I do my own). What am I missing? The 500HP Cummins will certainly be missed. We will definitely be looking at a sale or trade for older model year unit. Maybe find owner-to-owner trade/swap? Never had a C but sure looks like they would be easier for my Senior self to handle. What say Ye O’omnipotent Monacoers?

[jacwjames]

We owned a Class C before we got our Windsor. I don't miss it at all, wouldn't go back. Some of the things that stick out in my memory is the ride. Getting blown around in high winds, when passing semi's was not fun. It would wear you out after a fairly short drive. The noise from the engine was terrible and the heat from the doghouse was worse. I even added some extra vent holes in the front fender flare with tubing to divert air across the engine, it helped but it was still hot. This was an older Ford chassis (which a whole other story) with 460, we got ~7.5 mpg. The towing capacity was low also, would need a real small car to be able to tow.



Maybe a newer Class C would have improvements. Maybe you should rent one for a week and give it a try.



Not sure what I'd do if we were to get rid of our Windsor.

[amosnandy]

Originally Posted by RonNBama

Wife and I bought a 2001 Monaco Executive when Grands were very young. They have now out grown Gramps so we are considering a smaller Class C gasoline engine rig. I can see the disadvantages of smaller holding tanks, less inside space and probably suspension. I can also see easier maneuvering, maybe a little better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs (although I do my own). What am I missing? The 500HP Cummins will certainly be missed. We will definitely be looking at a sale or trade for older model year unit. Maybe find owner-to-owner trade/swap? Never had a C but sure looks like they would be easier for my Senior self to handle. What say Ye O’omnipotent Monacoers?

You'll have to start by getting rid of a lot of "Stuff". But I see lots of people downsize when the time is right.

I don't know what kind of traveling you do, but you won't be able to go like your did in a DP. I upgraded from a A gasser to a DP last year and what used to be a brutal ride from home to Mexico was so much easier.

Plan shorter travel days, more trips to the grocery store. More gas stops and more frequent tank dumps. But you are right your costs will go down and you can visit a lot of places you can't get a DP into.

[Elwood58]

Storage space will be an initial challenge, but you will figure out quickly what you really need. Mileage will be better for sure. Drives and handles more like a car/van.

We had a C for 16 years, and were out for 9 weeks once. The Dometic Fridge was faultless. We ran the 4K generator and roof AC while driving on warm days. Holding tanks were not a big deal. Batteries needed an upgrade day one. Ours came with a single 12V marine style wet cell. We replaced with 2 AGMs, as adding water took acrobatic skills we did not have.

[RonNBama]

Had not thought about the engine noise and heat. You are probably right in that we are “spoiled” by the storage space and ride of the DP.

Thanks for the input. 👍👍

[Massparanoia]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

We owned a Class C before we got our Windsor. I don't miss it at all, wouldn't go back. Some of the things that stick out in my memory is the ride. Getting blown around in high winds, when passing semi's was not fun. It would wear you out after a fairly short drive. The noise from the engine was terrible and the heat from the doghouse was worse. I even added some extra vent holes in the front fender flare with tubing to divert air across the engine, it helped but it was still hot. This was an older Ford chassis (which a whole other story) with 460, we got ~7.5 mpg. The towing capacity was low also, would need a real small car to be able to tow.



Maybe a newer Class C would have improvements. Maybe you should rent one for a week and give it a try.



Not sure what I'd do if we were to get rid of our Windsor.

There’s a huge difference between a 30 year old 460 v8 chassis and a new one

[RPrince]

Don't do it!

I owned a 2013 Coachmen C for about a year and 4000 miles. That was as long as I could stand the engine noise, lack of power, inadequate cooling from only one A/C, and no storage, and too small holding tanks. Also, it rode and handled "overloaded" even though it was built on a E450 chassis.

Randy

[RonNBama]

Thanks for the ideas. I feel that if had not grown accustomed to the “extras” offered by the DP, I would be perfectly happy with a smaller coach. Now that folks have given me food-for-thought, I will probably stay with the DP. Perhaps on a shorter chassis, but I am “spoiled” at this point.

[barmcd]

We thought about the same thing you are and decided we'd look at a diesel powered class C like the Sprinter if we ever decide to down size. I'm not sure we can do it though.