Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 01-15-2017, 03:43 PM

My wheelbase is 51%. I did not do the CHF but have added a Road master RSSA front steering stabiliser.

Lifemember · 01-15-2017, 04:06 PM

On the PLUS side, we have a 26 footer and don't use a toad. If UPS Can get in so can we.
Does not take longer then 15 minutes to setup or break down for departure. I can change the tires if needed.

We have an older MH with the 16 inch tires. It rides like a UPS truck. It handles fine with a little push from the big rigs passing by.

Unicorn Driver · 01-15-2017, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifemember

On the PLUS side, we have a 26 footer and don't use a toad. If UPS Can get in so can we.
Does not take longer then 15 minutes to setup or break down for departure. I can change the tires if needed.

We have an older MH with the 16 inch tires. It rides like a UPS truck. It handles fine with a little push from the big rigs passing by.

Hi Lifemember,

We spoke on the Damon thread, what 26ft rig do you have?

Lifemember · 01-15-2017, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Hi Lifemember,

We spoke on the Damon thread, what 26ft rig do you have?

1996 Damon Daybreak 26 foot. 36.6 k miles 280Hr on the gen.

Dan,

4x4van · 01-15-2017, 06:59 PM

I went from a 27' class C to a 31' class A. Significant difference in driving experience. Although I love the A, I definitely KNOW that it's a bigger rig. Wider, taller... Bigger (a rear view camera is a must). But it's still small enough to get into most campsites, etc. I'm also used to the class A style cab-forward design, where you sit over the front tires than behind them, so that helps me out. Overall, I love the taller viewpoint and the wide expanse of visibility. Not sure how I'd feel about a bigger (35'+) rig, but I love my "smallish" class A.

Unicorn Driver · 01-16-2017, 08:24 AM

Hi Dan 4x4 van,

I kind of wished I went for something shorter. This is our first coach so it's our learning one.

Unicorn Driver · 01-16-2017, 09:59 AM

I called the dealer Ibought the Damon to find out what smaller A's they sell. He said they will be selling Newmar soon (which I could not afford new anyways). Something like a Ithaca Reyo would be perfect. If I do change it won't be for another year or 2 at the earliest and try to sell and buy privately.

Lifemember · 01-16-2017, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stMH

I called the dealer Ibought the Damon to find out what smaller A's they sell. He said they will be selling Newmar soon (which I could not afford new anyways). Something like a Ithaca Reyo would be perfect. If I do change it won't be for another year or 2 at the earliest and try to sell and buy privately.

You will get use to the 32 by then and might end up liking the extra room. 32 is not a bad size. we wish ours was 28 but that would be about it for us We only go on two week trips in the summer then back home for a week. Then out again in a different direction.

Rkesselus · 01-16-2017, 10:35 AM

Considering towing and total length we had to stay in the 35 foot range. We tow a 24 foot cargo Trailer with all our toys. Wanated to update to DP Searched for quite awhile found a 2000 Tiffin Allegro Bud that met the requirements. Little shorter wheel base than the 40 to 45 foot jobs so turning and backing was made easier. Handling is better than my 32' Thor good power 300 Cat 3126 and what a great ride.

Unicorn Driver · 01-16-2017, 11:03 AM

I love driving the 35 footer, having 2 sofas and a dinette is great, also the coach is fully useable with the slide in. From what I see the shorter coaches have bedroom slides, my wife doe snot what a j bed either.

Hikerdogs · 01-16-2017, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stMH

My own 34' 9" class A is on 19.5"wheels and 30amp service but a 20,500lbs chassis. My wife does not want to drive it so hence going to look at smaller rigs.

Take a look at the Winnebago Adventurer. Our 2013 model 32H is 33' 3" long. It's built on a 22,000 lb. Ford F53 chassis with a 228" wheelbase and 22.5" wheels. It drives and handles fine on all types of road surfaces.

Our previous motorhome was a 2001 Winnebago Adventurer 32V. It was actually 32' 11" long and built on the 20,500 lb. Ford F53 chassis. It had a 208" wheelbase and 19.5" wheels.

The new one rides, drives, and handles considerably better than the old one.

Isaac-1 · 01-16-2017, 11:32 AM

We have a 2002 Safari Trek 2830, actual overall length bumper to rear ladder is 29.5 ft. I only have about 1500 miles and 10 days in it, but so far I think it is a great size. My experience driving larger stuff is limited so I can't help much on that comparison, mine being on the P32 platform certainly benefits from some suspension upgrades the previous owner did (Trac bar, SS bell cranks,etc.) as well as a couple I have added (front sway spreader bar, Sumo Springs).

Mine has a 178 inch wheel base which allows me to mostly fit in a standard parking space if I can back in and have the rear overhang a curb or concrete parking bumper. There are still limits to where I can and can't fit as I still have the same sort of height and width limitations as other class A's, and I think the Trek is a great trade off between class A living space and ability to get in and out of places, sure it is no class B Sprinter, but on the other hand it does have a bathroom bigger than most Class A's out there and a decent size kitchen, which were 2 requirements my wife demanded, instead a toilet and tiny corner sink inside the the shower like most small class B's.

Unicorn Driver · 01-16-2017, 01:02 PM

29.5 sound to be an ideal length.

biggcrisp · 01-16-2017, 01:45 PM

Pros/Cons of a short class A:

Pros- possibility of fitting into a small parking space.

Cons- looking at a big class A with envy. Lol

My rig is 28' and even though my wife chose it, she still doesn't have the confidence to drive it. Most class B's are in the 26' range, easy to look at and say "anyone can drive that".