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nurseterry · 05-24-2012, 06:31 AM

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I'm looking for advice....
I would like to purchase my very 1st RV, I would like a class C. I will be starting out using it on short excursions and vacations. I eventually would like to go to full time rving. It will be me and my dogs.
What would be a good 1st used class c rv. what year----how old a home would you recommend?
I am 56
Thanks All

WeatherTodd · 05-24-2012, 06:50 AM

you should go shopping at a local dealer. The market on Cs is much smaller than class As so selection might be limited.

Steve Ownby · 05-24-2012, 07:27 AM

Nurseterry,

I would go looking for a Winnebago View or it's sister Itasca Navion. They are built on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis which is used all over the country in local delivery/ work vehicles. It has a diesel engine and is capable of 12-15 mpg. They have been building these models since 05-06 so they should be well represented on the used market. If you look at 3-4 year old coaches the big depreciation hit will be over.

The only down side is the lack of leveling jacks which I consider to be a necessary item. HWH who build a lot of leveling systems now builds a system specifically for these motor homes. I went with friends to HWH's location in Moscow, Iowa and had one of these systems installed. They have hook ups and you can stay in your coach while the work is done. I was very impressed and would go this route with no question.

Buy one of these coaches, take a week of vacation and go to Moscow. In a few years when you go full time, you will know if this coach is big enough or if it's time to trade.

Good luck & let us know what you do.

slapfoot · 05-24-2012, 06:21 PM

Since I have gone the route of a class C and now on my second class A, I would suggest going directly to a Class A. From my experience, it would be cheaper in the long run.

nurseterry · 05-25-2012, 09:17 AM

"Since I have gone the route of a class C and now on my second class A, I would suggest going directly to a Class A. From my experience, it would be cheaper in the long run"

Are the Class A's and Class C's different to drive.?

nurseterry · 05-25-2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapfoot

Since I have gone the route of a class C and now on my second class A, I would suggest going directly to a Class A. From my experience, it would be cheaper in the long run.

Is one easier to drive and maneuver over the other?

Ramblin · 05-25-2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurseterry

Is one easier to drive and maneuver over the other?

Generally, the smaller the coach, the easier to drive and maneuver it will be. However, the smaller the coach, the less amenities and space you will have while camping. I tend to focus on the 'camping' part over the 'driving' part because, if all goes to plan, I will be camping a LOT more than I will be driving.

Steve Ownby · 05-25-2012, 09:35 AM

All above posts make good points. Slap foot is right. If you know what you want then paying your last coach first is absolutely the way to go.

Class As and C's drive differently as do vans and sedans. In a class A you set high and over or in front of the steer axle. A class A generally has a sharper turning angle.

JimM68 · 05-25-2012, 11:45 AM

The sprinter based rv's bid downsides are lack of carrying capacity and price.

You could get a 5 year old 34' A gasser with a ton of ccc for half the price of a 2 or 3 year old sprinter.

I'd still look long and hard at them if it was just me...

For you, look at a class B+, roadtrek comes to mind. Very nice machines, high quality, nice appointments, ford v10 chassis with plenty of ccc, even a slide or 3. Expensive, but way cheaper than a sprinter.