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Floridastorm · 02-25-2022, 10:20 AM

I have reviewed manufacturer's specifications for BT Cruiser, Born Free, Holiday Rambler, Lazy Daze, Chinook, Pleasure Way, and others like Winnebago Aspect, and find these to be what seems are very well built Class B and Class C units at least according to their manufacturing processes. I know there must be others but these are the ones that I reviewed extensively. Most of what I am looking at advertised for sale are units manufactured in 2009 or earlier. So, have no idea of the quality of the manufacturing processes in later models or those that have been absorbed by Thor Industries. Does this evaluation sound about right or am I missing something?

Thanks for your assistance and expertise.

Dave

Winterbagoal · 02-25-2022, 10:29 AM

The only brand you mention that made Class B van conversions prior to 2009 that I am aware, is Pleasure Way. The rest are small C class units. The "B+" is a unicorn, dreamt up by some dealers/manufacturers to make people think they're not buying a class C for reasons unknown.

Floridastorm · 02-25-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

The only brand you mention that made Class B van conversions prior to 2009 that I am aware, is Pleasure Way. The rest are small C class units. The "B+" is a unicorn, dreamt up by some dealers/manufacturers to make people think they're not buying a class C for reasons unknown.

Had to lump them together otherwise I would have had to use Class B and Class C forums with duplication. Since I'm talking about manufacturing processes I guess it would not matter whether class b or c.

8.3Oilbuner · 02-25-2022, 10:51 AM

Good morning Floridastorm; Nothing like research! I own a class a Monaco and are very pleased with the build quality. One of the big reasons I bought it. In your line up of manufactures I see you mentioned Chinook. I live here in Wa. state and the Chinook's were built in Yakima Wa. On travels in the state I used to drive right by the plant next to the freeway through Yakima. I think the last year of manufacture was 2006, but not sure. I looked through many of them at local RV shows. These are very well constructed units. If you can find one, not a lot of them for sale, I would check them out. High quality fiberglass shell and high quality interior. Back in 2005 these units had a MSRP of close to $200K. Of course these older Chinook's don't have all the fancy electronics of the newer units today, but there are upgrades that can be done.

If I was to ever move out of my class a coach to something smaller I would consider a Chinook. Of course there are on Ford E350 or E450 chassis. Some Chevrolet chassis were used also. Go to RVTrade.com and check some of them out. These Chinook's still demand a high price if in good condition. All above is just my opinion. Have fun looking!

dizcom · 02-25-2022, 10:51 AM

You don't say why you're looking at these or what you consider well built. Are you looking to buy a Class B/C from 2009 or older? What do you mean by well built? Good chassis/power pack or good interior fit and finish or both? There are a lot of great rigs out there that appeal to people for different reasons. Floorplan and power pack are set in stone, but just about anything else can be swapped for something newer or better or both. What do you have in mind?

l1v3fr33ord1 · 02-25-2022, 11:20 AM

Dave-

Of the ones you mention in your first post, the following Class B or C units are still made in 2022:

Lazy Daze
Pleasure Way
Winnebago

and the following stopped making Class B or C units or went out of business after the 2008-9 recession:

Born Free

As to the others, I can't say.

I owned a 1997 Lazy Daze for three years. It was well built. Lazy Daze coaches have (as most do) their shortcomings, such as the need to frequently inspect and reseal (if needed) around the roof seams and window openings, to prevent water from getting to the wooden "house" structure.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-25-2022, 09:58 PM

Split the difference with a Class B+ Phoenix Cruiser. https://www.phoenixusarv.com/

spuds · 02-26-2022, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridastorm

Had to lump them together otherwise I would have had to use Class B and Class C forums with duplication. Since I'm talking about manufacturing processes I guess it would not matter whether class b or c.

Actually, there is a huge difference between manufacturing processes of a B vs a C.

A B has the OEM body shell from the auto manufacturer - Chevy van or Sprinter, in general. The exterior of the motorhome was produced by the chassis manufacturer and is integral to the vehicle.

A C is built on a cutaway chassis (as is the marketing-termed "B+", which is just a small C). The entire house (sidewalls, roof, rear cap) is fabricated by the RV manufacturer and the house and chassis are joined.

Mr.Mark · 02-26-2022, 05:28 PM

My #1 reason for buying a Pleasure Way is that they are the only Class B and C manufacturer that offers a 5 yr. warranty to the original buyer. Even if I was buying used, a Pleasure Way would have the quality even though the warranty doesn't transfer to a new owner if under the 5 yr. window.

There are several PW manufacturing video's to show the process and every 'up-fitter' has to be approved by the chassis maker...... ie: Mercedes Benz Sprinter.

Safe travels,
Mark