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im learning · 03-29-2023, 07:37 AM

I have a friend that just recently lost her husband. They had a 5'er that they used but that has been sold now and she is looking at possibly buying a class c but still looking. She called me about looking at a 09 Winnebago Vista 26p. This is a class a with auto level, 2 slides and walkaround queen bed. It is laid out just like a class c but is a small class a but it is only 26ft long. From the pix that she sent, it does look pretty nice but is a 5hr drive to go see it. Now my question is with this being 12ft high and only a small wheelbase, don't you think that this thing would be kind of squirrelly to drive? They said that the suspension is all stock so what you see is what you get. I said that I will go with her but I would like to alert her to any potential problems ahead of time if possible. She also has never driven their past campers so that would also be a concern but she is capable of learning. Just wondering if anyone here would have any experience with this motorhome or any thoughts about this at all. Thank you

AlanTerry · 03-29-2023, 07:47 AM

Just have a pre purchase RV inspection with someone experienced with Winnebago. I understand the roof seams are a weak spot.

The Ward Den · 03-29-2023, 07:56 AM

I can't say from her perspective, but if she never drove the fifth wheel, then I would almost be inclined to think learning to drive a single 26' vehicle would be easier than towing something of a similar length.

Going forward is, well, pretty straight forward, but backing up could be quicker to pick up than learning the turning nuances with a trailer. A big box rolling down the highway will never be as smooth as a truck and FW, but with a little after market additions it can be quite bearable.

Not sure if this was ever on her radar, but setting up and tearing down camp would also be a little easier in a motorhome.

Country Road · 03-29-2023, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im learning

I have a friend that just recently lost her husband. They had a 5'er that they used but that has been sold now and she is looking at possibly buying a class c but still looking. She called me about looking at a 09 Winnebago Vista 26p. This is a class a with auto level, 2 slides and walkaround queen bed. It is laid out just like a class c but is a small class a but it is only 26ft long. From the pix that she sent, it does look pretty nice but is a 5hr drive to go see it. Now my question is with this being 12ft high and only a small wheelbase, don't you think that this thing would be kind of squirrelly to drive? They said that the suspension is all stock so what you see is what you get. I said that I will go with her but I would like to alert her to any potential problems ahead of time if possible. She also has never driven their past campers so that would also be a concern but she is capable of learning. Just wondering if anyone here would have any experience with this motorhome or any thoughts about this at all. Thank you

A 15 year old coach for a novice I do believe will be overwhelming. I think she should enter the RV life with a TT and get the feel of it first. Be safe.

fred42 · 03-29-2023, 08:49 AM

im learning,

You seem to have learned very well.

She should not buy this RV. The Winnebago Vista 26p is the poster child for low wheelbase/length ratio poor handling.

Length 26.83’
Wheelbase 158”
GVWR 16K
Wheelbase/Length Ratio: 49%

I love short class As but the industry insists on making them with low W/L ratios and low GVWR. The low GVWR means you cannot move cargo weight forward without overloading the front axle. In America, anything small is immediately considered entry level. The manufacturer wants the unexperienced RV customer to have a non curb hopping, SUV like experience before they sign. So they test drive these with no cargo or water and hardly any gas. Low W/L ratio also increases tail swing. Some pickup trucks have longer wheelbases than this.

W/L ratio and GVWR are the only two handling issues you can’t fix after you buy it. I suggest shopping first for W/L ratio and GVWR, then look at the floorplans that are left.

**NLOVNIT** · 03-29-2023, 10:03 AM

I agree a small A or C will be a nice fit for a solo. I also agree on a 3rd party inspection of anything she's considering purchasing. Money well spent. I wouldn't go that old for a novice RV'r unless she wants to dump a bunch of money in upkeep. And while RV'ing can be done sans toad, figure she'll still need to tow something at sometime if she wants to sightsee in an area. I went with a C/B+, but then I drove every combo we had over 20+ years of RV'ing so I knew exactly what I wanted for just me.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-29-2023, 10:31 AM

I don't think a 26 ft Vista will drive any worse than a 26 ft class C, but there is a learning curve for an A vs C due to the difference in driver position.

As for the age, that's not an A vs C question. Unless she is considering something less than 2-3 years old, she is going to have to deal with routine repairs, plus maintenance is an outgoing need for any RV. And even a new one is going to row some problems within a few years. We don't know if she is prepared for that or not. It's more house maintenance than vehicle, but even the vehicle stuff (oil changes etc) are more hassle. You probably can't drop into the local Jiffy Lube with a Class C or an A.

Isaac-1 · 03-29-2023, 09:18 PM

I too am fond on small Class A coaches, as you can see I have one a 28 ft Safari Trek, and I too would be concerned about the short wheel base, my coach is 29'5" with a 178 inch wheel base, which can certainly make it twitchy to drive on the open highway, though various suspension modifications help.

MakTruk · 03-30-2023, 10:42 AM

I just drove a 29' National class A 2400 miles on nothing but fresh swaybar bushings and 90 psi in the airbags. Wasn't "twitchy" at all. Infact it was one of the most pleasant excursions Ive ever had in an RV