Class A to Class C

[FCCSNomad]

For those of you that have downsized, do you regret it? My wife and I are seriously thinking of doing just that. The thing that I fear the most is going from diesel to gas. The size difference we think we can get used to. We travel 9 months out of the year and camp host a couple of months. Truth of the matter is that I am getting older an find that a 40 footer and Toad are a little stressfull often. So other than size, is the loss of power something I can get used to? Any opinion will be helpful. Thanks

[TonyDi]

I think one consideration will be that you will be losing storage space. Plus load capacity will be lower. However if you can get use to that...there are many people that full time in a class C.

Good luck with your decision.

[NRR]

I went from a 36’ gasser to a 28 foot class C. Mine has 100cf of storage under the bed in back. The Ford v10 has lots of power. I made sure it had “Tow/Haul” so there is engine breaking going downhill.

The cab over bed becomes a storage area when I travel. If I were to be out nine months I would have picked a larger unit with a real nice bathroom and shower plus a slide or two.

Hope this helps.

[Pappystoy]

It will take some getting use to but the savings may be worth it. Plus the handling may be easier. Camp sites may be more available.

[harleyjs]

We went from a 31 ft class c to a 34 ft class a diesel because of 5 month use. We would give up if we had to go back to a c.You will be giving up your flat floor thruout the coach and the ride of a diesel can not be beat. Look for a shorter class a diesel.

[jacwjames]

We went from a 31' Class C to a ~40' Class A and haven't looked back. The Class C hand a low towing capacity so we never even tried to tow a vehicle. If we went on long term trip we would drive a separate vehicle, a RPITA. The Class C did have a high CCC but not enough space to reach the limit.

Our Class A drives great and it is not stressful to drive. I can drive all day long and not feel fatigued, have driven +800 miles on several occasions.

The 128 gallon fuel tank is another plus. In the Class C we had to stop every 300 miles for fuel.

Bottom line is we probably wouldn't go back to a Class C.

[NRR]

My class C has a 5k hitch. Also, I have two steps to get into it. Then there are the three doors to get out of it. What is not to like about that?

[okie143]

I am also looking at going from an A to a Super C. I like the Dynamax because it has a powerful diesel engine but also carries a high price tag. I also like the Jayco Seneca as it has a big diesel engine and both brands can reach 34, 35 ft if you want. However, if I wanted a 34+ footer I would stay with the Class A.

The other problem is most class Cs have a cockpit you climb in and have to climb out of when going to the fridge or the bathroom.

However, I am getting older, fatter, and lazier so I need something I can maintain easier. Also, I only have a 5k tow hitch on my Class A. Thank goodness my wives' car is a little thing.

[38Chevy454]

As suggested, get a Super C with a diesel engine. Most are in the 34-37 ft range, have more than enough tow capacity and storage with the basement boxes like a Class A has. Super C is a whole lot easier maintenance with the engine access than a Class A.

[ArmandV]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

The 128 gallon fuel tank is another plus. In the Class C we had to stop every 300 miles for fuel.

I have a 55 gal. gas tank in my Class C and I can drive over 400 miles on a full tank.

[OLYLEN]

We down sized from 40DP to a 31' C and are enjoying it as well we did the A. Yes we are not taking as much unneeded stuff and there is some planning but the plus is fitting in sites we could not before. We still have a 4-runner as a towed and stay with if not passing the pushers up the pass's. Can dry camp as long as we did in the A but have to make a little water concession. This is our 2nd winter in the SW and the only thing I would add is a bedroom slide as this would give a lot more clothing storage.

LEN

[Gary RVRoamer]

Obviously a very personal decision - we all have different wants & needs.

I don't think the gas engine will be a concern - the V10 has oodles of horsepower. It just revs a bit higher to produce it, and the noise is under your feet so it's quite obvious. Plus, you may miss the air suspension and other excellent aspects of the Class A diesel chassis, e.g. the large fuel tank (range) and greater rigidity.

My suggestion would be to look at a smaller Class A. The Tiffin breeze, for example, or the Thor ACE.

[rapid rick]

I agree with gary, also look at the winnebago 27n,nice layout for a short class a. I started with a 24 ft class c, went up to a 36 ft class a, would not go back to a class c . The 27n I would consider as a nice
happy medium.

PS, after reading the review of the Jamboree 30d in the march issue of motorhome magazine, I am amazed how the unit ever left the factory with (weight issues)?????? and the shower step down is definetly not for the elderly owner. Before choosing a class c look closely at all models and makes, and the flat floor from front to rear is also very important.

[Podivin]

If we're suggesting alternate class A, I'd suggest Winnebago Vista 29VE - it has (IMHO) a great floor plan and plenty of storage.

To answer the original question, *I* wouldn't want to switch to a C, but as already stated that's really a personal decision based on what YOU require.