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01-26-2018, 12:36 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 17
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Small class A gas or Small class C diesel?
I am ready to retire and want a newer Motorhome. I've had 2 class C's and one class A previous and liked them both.
Now I want something to haul my 2 door Wrangler, and other toys.
I would like to stay small 35' or less class A or a smaller diesel C for convenience and fuel consumption.
Would I get better with a class C ?I love the feel of an A and all the storage, along with auto leveling etc. But if I save on fuel, well that makes a difference.
There's lots about big rigs but not about the small ones, so I need help!
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01-26-2018, 04:32 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: south
Posts: 521
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we just went through the same decision making process.
fuel mileage was very important to me.
so we bought the diesel. sprinter chassis... it's great. it gets 14 to 15 but we don't tow. ours is right at 25 feet long. drives easy. but, we are already looking for an A.
tow capacity is low.
interior room is cramped. it works, but cramped.
the floor has 2 "step ups" at two different locations, you must step up as the floor level changes.. we nearly trip/fall.
you mentioned 35 foot... that would be awesome... get a level floor!
unless you are extremely agile at 3a.m. headed to the facility!
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01-26-2018, 05:43 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SW Louisiana
Posts: 9,198
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Keep in mind that the better fuel economy of diesel is often at least partly offset by their higher maintenance cost (oil changes, etc.) even before you consider the higher initial purchase cost. It is not all about what you pay at the pump, but instead total $$$$ per mile.
__________________
2002 Safari Trek 2830 on P32 Chassis with 8.1L w/ 400 watts solar 420Ah LiFePo4
2017 Jeep Cherokee Overland & 2007 Toyota Yaris TOADs with Even Brake,
Demco Commander tow bar and Blue Ox / Roadmaster base plates
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01-26-2018, 11:48 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockriver
we just went through the same decision making process.
fuel mileage was very important to me.
so we bought the diesel. sprinter chassis... it's great. it gets 14 to 15 but we don't tow. ours is right at 25 feet long. drives easy. but, we are already looking for an A.
tow capacity is low.
interior room is cramped. it works, but cramped.
the floor has 2 "step ups" at two different locations, you must step up as the floor level changes.. we nearly trip/fall.
you mentioned 35 foot... that would be awesome... get a level floor!
unless you are extremely agile at 3a.m. headed to the facility!
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Well I am leaning toward the A for the same, space and comfort.
Thanks for your imput
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01-26-2018, 11:51 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 17
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Thanks I do think that paying a few 100 each month or so on fuel and get the comfort, etc. is the way I will go
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01-27-2018, 12:24 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Alabama
Posts: 144
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We owned a 28' class c gas and it was great until we got a 35' class a gas and there is no comparison in room or ride and we towed a jeep wrangler with both with no noticeable difference in ability. The class c got on average 9-10 mpg towing the jeep the class a gets a solid 7 sometimes 8 towing the jeep, but the difference in room more than makes up for the minor fuel burn difference. Had the 8.1 GM in both but with the Allison in the class a and I feel it is a great combination.
You will hear varying opinions and although I would like to have a 400hp dp you really have to look at the maint. and fuel cost difference as well. The bottom line is what do you really want and can afford.
We are pretty much happy with our current rig but that is us. Good luck
__________________
2001 Thor Four Winds Class C (sold)
2005 Tiffin Allegro Bay 34XB (gently used) Sold
2006 Tiffin Allegro Bus 38DP Work in progress.
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01-27-2018, 08:13 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Whitehouse Station, NJ
Posts: 828
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If you want diesel Class A in 35’ range, I think the Tiffin Red 33AA is a great option. I’m considering downsizing to that unit.
__________________
Randy & Ella (terrier mix rescue)
2020 Winnebago View 24J
Downsized from 2013 Tiffin Phaeton 40QBH
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01-28-2018, 12:06 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riverat
We owned a 28' class c gas and it was great until we got a 35' class a gas and there is no comparison in room or ride and we towed a jeep wrangler with both with no noticeable difference in ability. The class c got on average 9-10 mpg towing the jeep the class a gets a solid 7 sometimes 8 towing the jeep, but the difference in room more than makes up for the minor fuel burn difference. Had the 8.1 GM in both but with the Allison in the class a and I feel it is a great combination.
You will hear varying opinions and although I would like to have a 400hp dp you really have to look at the maint. and fuel cost difference as well. The bottom line is what do you really want and can afford.
We are pretty much happy with our current rig but that is us. Good luck
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That what I remember from my previous homes it just been awhile. It makes my decision easy, no second guessing, thanks
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01-28-2018, 01:50 AM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 19,203
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About the Diesel Class C...?
The Eurovan cab/chassis would be hard pressed to tow a Jeep...and are rare at 35'. Plus at about 10" less wide in the overall width than typical North American Class A's and C's, they are noticably smaller inside.
So, are you thinking about a Ford F550 or Ram 5500 Super C? Diesels are no longer found in full sized van cab/chassis.
From my research, these Class 5 cab/chassis RV's are very well made and have very nice appointments...plus can tow more than 10,000lb.

Price point is equal to a premium gas Class A in similar decor.
Best luck
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01-28-2018, 10:33 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SC
Posts: 364
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I can tell you the new Dynamax Isata 5 30fw, Isata 5 30FW Class C Motorhomes by Dynamax, the Bay Star Sport 2812, Winnebago Vista LX 27N and Phoenix Cruiser 2910T really turned my head but in the end I think I'll stay with my LTV Unity Sprinter. If either of these offered an all electric coach, recliners, recliner sofa, televator TV/2 chair dinette across from sofa recliners, and liquid air ride. I'd make the move. But with my 16 mpg, comfortable drive, easy manuverability, floorplan and upgrades I've made this Sprinter works great for us. Sure just a little more room would be great but not worth loosing what we have to get it. Good luck with your choice.
__________________
2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
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01-24-2019, 04:47 PM
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#11
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Member
Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Ft Worth TX
Posts: 98
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There are two smaller Super C motorhomes that have a diesel and most of the features of a larger class A. One is on the Ford 550 chassis with the 6.7 Ford diesel. The other is a Dynamax Isata 5 that is on the Dodge 5500 chassis with the Cummings 6.7. Both rival the better class A’s in features and both have as much power as anyone should need. I have the Thor with the 6.7 diesel and tow a Jeep Wrangler. I can average 10-11 mpg towing. Never downshifts on Hills. Waiting to get to The Rockies to see how it does on Monarch or other passes.
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01-24-2019, 05:06 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: North Ridgeville, OH
Posts: 2,461
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I suggest looking for a class A and get a better quality one used. We love our Newmar, but Tiffin and Winnebago make a good product. Even with the class A gas motorhomes, cargo capacity can be limited depending on which Ford chassis is used.
__________________
Retired but busier than ever!  :
2015 Winnebago Via 25T, Blue Ox Avail,
Brake Buddy, 2015 Chevy Malibu
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01-24-2019, 09:37 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Where we park it!
Posts: 13,145
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We started in a C but after a 18 months decided it was too cramped plus small tow capacity. So we traded up this year to our A and so glad we did.
__________________
momdoc
2018 Tiffin Allegro RED 37PA
2020 JEEP Trailhawk
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