Best small Class A?

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by DHart

If you've ever sat on the typical RV sofa for more than about 15 minutes, you will know that doing so really sucks. RV sofas are just plain uncomfortable for long-term relaxing on.

So, the first thing we have done with every RV that didn't already have recliners was to pull the sofa out and put in two very cushy swivel/rocker/recliners. Key is to buy a righ with a sofa that is around 87" in length so you will have room for two recliners. The recliners are great for relaxing in for hours on end, surfing the web, taking naps, or for swiveling toward an off-axis TV. With recliners you have supreme comfort and the ability to swivel toward a front mount tv, if that's what you happen to have. Works a charm!

We sold the BayStar 3124 after one year only because we missed the size and towing capacity of our previous 44' DP and decided to return to that size coach and the diesel power to pull a full-size SUV or pick-up. Our experience with the BayStar was excellent. It performed perfectly without a single problem or repair item issue of any kind!

DHART, Your swivel recliners look pretty comfy! We would unfortunately need the sofa for extra bed, but I love your setup. Glad you found a new BayStar that works for you.

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by JerryP

We love our 2013 - Bay Star 3002. It's 30' 9" long and is very nimble. Relatively simple upgrades make it very stable to drive. See my signature for details.

Jerry, do you know approximately how much $ the upgrades in your signature line set you back? Trying to work these into our plans. Thanks.

[Yarddroid]

Originally Posted by PacificRVer

Congrats Yarddroid on your Bay Star Sport! Nice to see your comments about it. I like that floorplan as well... except I think that model does not have a closet to use as a pantry, am I right?

It has a coat closet and pantry side by side. Both about the same width, but shelves for one side and hanger bar on the other side.

Just as a side note, I think we have watched one or two movies in all the time we have traveled in this...(4000 miles is all but...). tv is just not important to us...really, the tv is not very good quality. Maybe for news or something if you are into that sort of thing...Visio.brand...hooked up with component wiring (coaxial)instead of hdmi...

[JerryP]

Originally Posted by PacificRVer

Jerry, do you know approximately how much $ the upgrades in your signature line set you back? Trying to work these into our plans. Thanks.

Here's what I spent in suggested purchase order....

CHF (Cheap Handling Fix) - free to $200 depending on how you do it.
Blue OX TigerTrac $500 + $120 install
Bilstein Steering Stabilizer & mounting bracket - $200 + $100 install
Front end alignment - $180
5 Star Tune - $450 to $500 depending on if there's a sale going on.
Centramatics Wheel Balancers - $400 + $60 install
Bilstein Comfitrac Shocks - $425 + $160 install
RVIbrake2 - $1300 - I put this last because it's not RV related


Most important: CHF & Blue OX trac bar
I would do the shocks last. You might not need to do them.

It's also good to get an good front end alignment from a truck alignment specialist.

If you have specific questions about any items please ask.

Regards, Jerry

[Mainecoons]

OK, stupid returning RVer here. What is the "CHF?"

Our last rig was a 36 foot Country Coach single slide Allure. For us it was the perfect ride but we simply aren't going to be driving enough to justify the high maintenance cost of the DP and air brakes. Plus we want to go shorter.

This Newmar looks perfect but way out of our price range.

[Dan McMartin]

Originally Posted by Mainecoons

OK, stupid returning RVer here. What is the "CHF?"

Our last rig was a 36 foot Country Coach single slide Allure. For us it was the perfect ride but we simply aren't going to be driving enough to justify the high maintenance cost of the DP and air brakes. Plus we want to go shorter.

This Newmar looks perfect but way out of our price range.

CHF=Cheap Handling Fix

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/cheap-handling-fix-72335.html

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by Yarddroid

It has a coat closet and pantry side by side. Both about the same width, but shelves for one side and hanger bar on the other side.

Just as a side note, I think we have watched one or two movies in all the time we have traveled in this...(4000 miles is all but...). tv is just not important to us...really, the tv is not very good quality. Maybe for news or something if you are into that sort of thing...Visio.brand...hooked up with component wiring (coaxial)instead of hdmi...

Yarddroid,
Thanks for the info on the closets in that unit. It's sometimes hard to tell from pics. Too bad about the tv. Really surprised it isn't hdmi, something good to know about. We have a vizio at home and have had some problems, too. We don't normally watch tv on our trips but plan to go for several months in a couple of years, so that changes the importance of having it.
Appreciate your info!

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by JerryP

Here's what I spent in suggested purchase order....

CHF (Cheap Handling Fix) - free to $200 depending on how you do it.
Blue OX TigerTrac $500 + $120 install
Bilstein Steering Stabilizer & mounting bracket - $200 + $100 install
Front end alignment - $180
5 Star Tune - $450 to $500 depending on if there's a sale going on.
Centramatics Wheel Balancers - $400 + $60 install
Bilstein Comfitrac Shocks - $425 + $160 install
RVIbrake2 - $1300 - I put this last because it's not RV related


Most important: CHF & Blue OX trac bar
I would do the shocks last. You might not need to do them.

It's also good to get an good front end alignment from a truck alignment specialist.

If you have specific questions about any items please ask.

Regards, Jerry

Jerry,
Really appreciate that info. So nice of you to look it up for me. (At least, I couldn't keep that in my head!) And it's also helpful to hear what you think was most important. None of the costs seem unreasonable if it makes the handling and the ride smoother and safer. The RViBrakes2... I'm thinking that's about the tow vehicle but will look that up.

Yes, front end alignment... several have commented on that (can't remember if it's here or another thread). I'm familiar with some of these things and will look up the others and may have further questions.

Thanks again!

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by nothermark

The TV center front over the windshield seems to be a carryover from the heavy hunk of glass days... Even better if they put it on swing arms that dropped it down and latched in either they up or down position.

That's a good suggestion, Nothermark. Just wondering if anyone has tried adding a swing arm wall mount... does that sound like it's possible?

[JerryP]

The ride is definitely safer and more controlled. Crosswinds and 18 wheelers don't have as much effect. Unfortunately smooth might not be the best description.

Regards. Jerry

[PacificRVer]

Originally Posted by JerryP

The ride is definitely safer and more controlled. Crosswinds and 18 wheelers don't have as much effect. Unfortunately smooth might not be the best description.

Regards. Jerry

Yes, would be nice if we had "floating" RVs!

[PacificRVer]

Just want to thank everyone who posted in response to my questions about Class A's. I've read other threads as well and there is a lot of expertise based on experience here! We just ordered the Motorhome Comparison Guide. We hope to purchase within a year but we want to do whatever research is helpful (including driving some of course!) and are also doing this around work schedules. I'll definitely post updates, etc. as time goes on. Thanks again.