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johnboy2 · 02-01-2011, 08:29 AM

I hope this is the right area for this question. I want to downsize my 36dp, with something small like a Rialta or something of that nature. I would also downsize my saturn toad with something like a smart for 2,
I am very interested your thoughts, and hearing from those who have made a switch.
Our lifestyle is one of when we take a trip we usually go for 5 or 6 months at a time. I KNOW IT WILL BE A BIGGGG ADJUSTMENT!

thanks
john

John H... · 02-01-2011, 09:07 AM

John, That will be a big jump, but if it's small enough you may not need a toad. We had a B+ before this "A" and used the same toad we still have now. A 2002 Chevy Tracker. However the B+ was about 30' and was no different than a "C". Not sure why they classify it as a B+. It was a Ford 450 with the 6.8 V-10. Towing cap. was 3500#. Now we are trying to sell the "A" and go back to a "C" which DW would drive.

Wanabee FTer · 02-01-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboy2

I hope this is the right area for this question. I want to downsize my 36dp, with something small like a Rialta or something of that nature. I would also downsize my saturn toad with something like a smart for 2,
I am very interested your thoughts, and hearing from those who have made a switch.
Our lifestyle is one of when we take a trip we usually go for 5 or 6 months at a time. I KNOW IT WILL BE A BIGGGG ADJUSTMENT!

thanks
john

Would you mind if I ask why you would like to downsize?
Just curious because at 32.5' I would still like to go larger some day.

John H... · 02-01-2011, 09:35 AM

I love the Class A and know I would like something even a bit larger, but My wife drove the "C" but won't drive the "A". Only reason to go back is to have her share in driving.

johnboy2 · 02-01-2011, 10:05 AM

we do alot of national parks,forests and state parks and more and more thay don't want anything larger than 33 or 34 feet. there was a time when we could talk our way in but its geting harder.
our plan is to do the western states ca,or, wa . the guides and web sites we are looking at it looks like we may again be limiting our options.
( Just my opinion )

FDchief · 02-01-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John H...

John, That will be a big jump, but if it's small enough you may not need a toad.

I would still like a tow. It is kind of a pain to get set up in a site, then break down to go grab a gallon of milk or to sight see IMHO.

johnboy2 · 02-01-2011, 04:29 PM

Greg I'm with you I don't want to break camp to go to trail heads shopping or siteseeing
john

John H... · 02-01-2011, 05:21 PM

I understand completely. You just have to check towing capacity of your MH and go from there....

wildtoad · 02-01-2011, 05:40 PM

I had a Rialta. Good gas mileage (17-19), very compact, nice for a couple weeks. Liked it while I had it as it was an upgrade from a VW Camper. I would not get another one for the following:

Bathroom/Shower is an absolute joke. You have to slide it out, hang a shower curtain, pump the water out of the floor pan, and you have a pullman syle bathroom sink. Very small holding tanks.

Tires. Very few choices. When last I looked only Continental provided tires that could support the weight and they were difficult to find. This may have changed.

The Rialta has a very nice VW V6 engine/tranny but you can't find a VW dealer that works on them. This too may have changed but I doubt it.

While I have seen a few folks pulling a toad, as I remember the manual said no.

Looks nice, drives nice (except if you get in tire ruts in asphalt).

Good luck in your decision process...

PHESPE · 02-11-2011, 06:40 PM

Look at a Winnebago Via or Itasca Reyo - 25', MB Diesel engine, 15MPG, Pull a Smart for 2.

That's what I did except I pull a MINI Cooper S

Oh! I downsized form a 40' diesel pusher 30,000 lbs - Great coach - Really loved it But just too big for a old man to handle/drive/park etc.

PHESPE