Community Forums

Sally L · 11-09-2014, 07:27 AM

I started my RV experiences in a 2007 Monaco Cayman XL. We were not full-timers, but we did travel as far west as Arizona from our home in Maine. That MH had to be sold when I lost my 'driver'... I felt that was just too large a rig for me. Now, two years later I am looking to purchase a 24-25 ft Class C MH. I know I want to have automatic leveling jacks, a rear camera (3 point cameras would be even better), an automatic awning, and a rear bed! I am not sure at this point if it would be better to go gas or diesel, however.

I still will not be going full-time, but I do intend to take a few longer trips as I have not hit all the National Parks in Utah and further west, nor have I driven the Pacific Coast Highway. I also have 4 grand children and I would like to spend summers taking them on trips. I may even get tired of the snow, ice and cold we have here in Maine and will head south come Feb.

I have learned a lot from the forums and plan to continue exploring them.

bdickson · 11-09-2014, 07:43 AM

nothermark · 11-09-2014, 08:07 AM

Sounds like a good plan to me. ;-)

FWIW I would go gas. The only thing I see around in diesel is the Mercedes chassis that is marginal at best. You will need to drive it *a lot* to make up for the difference in overall cost when you balance fuel economy against the higher fuel cost of diesel most places and the higher cost of maintenance on the diesel drive train.

I would also skip automatic leveling. Very few if any short C's have a leveling system. Partly because one seldom needs it and partly because I suspect there is not a lot of room to put one in. The good news is that one can usually move around a bit and get pretty level. We carry a couple of 2x10 step ramps that have been all we ever needed in some really bad places. If you have to compromise we like the tail a bit higher than the front so we sleep with out feet down hill. ;-)

FWIW using a 2 step ramp is easy. First issue is that if you miscalculate and go off it nothing gets broken. Second issue is judging the distance to move to go up the ramp when alone. What I do is shut down. Get out one or 2 ramps and place them by the tire in line with the direction of travel. Get back in and leave the door open. Start up and hold the door with your left hand and the wheel with the right. Look down at the ground and sight on a spot on the vehicle lined up with something on the ground. I usually use a trim screw and any kind of mark or plant or stone. Judge the distance of a ramp step and slowly move that far. Shut down and go look. If you need to move a bit more repeat only move the amount you think you need to. Try it on flat ground and you will see how it works. If you need to put a piece of tape on the edge of the door opening to use as a guide mark to focus on.

I also think you will find automatic awnings an issue but electric awnings are easy to get. You just need to remember to close them.

Fred1609 · 11-09-2014, 09:41 AM

Good on you for getting back into RVing on your terms.....you'll be just fine in whatever rig you choose.....

Safe and Happy Travels.

**JohnRR** · 11-09-2014, 10:08 AM

It's nice to see you here, and I hope your plans work out well for you.

Superslif · 11-09-2014, 10:14 AM

I see many woman traveling around in class C's. There are some nice designs out there in the 28' range. You have to watch the size of the fresh water tanks, they for some reason tend to be on the small size. 30 to 35 gallons is small anything over 50 is much better.

Sally L · 11-09-2014, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothermark

Sounds like a good plan to me. ;-)

FWIW I would go gas. The only thing I see around in diesel is the Mercedes chassis that is marginal at best. You will need to drive it *a lot* to make up for the difference in overall cost when you balance fuel economy against the higher fuel cost of diesel most places and the higher cost of maintenance on the diesel drive train.

I would also skip automatic leveling. Very few if any short C's have a leveling system. Partly because one seldom needs it and partly because I suspect there is not a lot of room to put one in. The good news is that one can usually move around a bit and get pretty level. We carry a couple of 2x10 step ramps that have been all we ever needed in some really bad places. If you have to compromise we like the tail a bit higher than the front so we sleep with out feet down hill. ;-)

FWIW using a 2 step ramp is easy. First issue is that if you miscalculate and go off it nothing gets broken. Second issue is judging the distance to move to go up the ramp when alone. What I do is shut down. Get out one or 2 ramps and place them by the tire in line with the direction of travel. Get back in and leave the door open. Start up and hold the door with your left hand and the wheel with the right. Look down at the ground and sight on a spot on the vehicle lined up with something on the ground. I usually use a trim screw and any kind of mark or plant or stone. Judge the distance of a ramp step and slowly move that far. Shut down and go look. If you need to move a bit more repeat only move the amount you think you need to. Try it on flat ground and you will see how it works. If you need to put a piece of tape on the edge of the door opening to use as a guide mark to focus on.

I also think you will find automatic awnings an issue but electric awnings are easy to get. You just need to remember to close them.

I appreciate your input. I have been leaning toward the gas... my only concern was going into the higher elevations. But, I am thinking that I will not be on a time schedule and going through areas at a slower pace is a good thing! Your thoughts have now been added to mine.

As for the jacks, my concern is my ability to get out and crawl under to place any ramps as well as being able to actually drive/back onto them. I sure have noticed that very few Class C have them. I thought it was very important to keep your MH level when parked. I will check further.

I mislead you on the automatic awning... what I meant was electric. I just do not want to have to crank it out by hand - esp if I am trying to get it back in and it is windy!

Thanks for your ideas and input... I will be posting more once I make up my mind and make a purchase.

DieselTech39 · 11-09-2014, 11:55 AM

Glad you're aboard. Best of luck in your search for a new rig. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

MSHappyCampers · 11-09-2014, 12:00 PM

Hi Sally! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the bunch here!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**JohnRR** · 11-09-2014, 12:11 PM

Go for the things that you want that make the experience enjoyable for you after all you've earned it.

Automatic levelers, electric awning, and floor plan lend themselves heavily to your enjoying your trips so if it's in your budget go for it.

jdny · 11-09-2014, 01:02 PM

Welcome to irv2

Tom-NC · 11-09-2014, 01:12 PM

Hi,
Sorry for your loss of your driver and welcome to IRV2.

A Class C is a good choice and I would definitely go for a gas coach with the automatic leveling or manual leveling (using buttons) plus the awning ( now they have automatic awnings too).

You will enjoy the National Parks and the Class C will make it enjoyable parking.

Lastly you should really enjoy this great ciouyntry of ours as there is a lot to see.