Community Forums

IamJerryP · 09-22-2014, 08:06 PM

Which is the most practical
Van would be shorter.
I had a van many years ago, and liked it
Cant decide which to look for.
I am leaning more towards a van, but want to make sure the truck does not have some advantages they I am not considering
I want some less biased opinions.
Just fell in love with a Chateau 23U this weekend, Or at least the floor plan anyway.

Thoughts on truck vrs Van chassis

Full.Monte · 09-24-2014, 08:19 AM

I spent 20 years traveling with a 11 ft 6 inch truck camper, so that's where I'm coming from, with all the biases that brings. Personally, I wouldn't consider a class B camper because of the storage issues. They look great sitting on the lot empty, but where do you put all your gear? They are also very expensive for what you get compared to a Class A. And the Class A has all that basement storage with all those locker doors for access. My "little" Class A is only 27 feet long and I haven't found a campground yet that says it's too big for their spaces. Yes, mileage isn't wonderful, so that would be a disadvantage.

CarlAda · 09-24-2014, 09:13 AM

It's not quite as simple as truck vs van chassis. For instance, my chassis is a medium duty truck frame (Kodiak) with a Duramax 6.6 engine. 330 HP, 36 foot long coach with lots of storage. You won't find that in a van chassis coach. With a van chassis, you're limited on coach size and the storage may or may not be an issue. Much of it depends on what you want out of your motorhome. Maybe you're just a weekend warrior ... then a smaller class C will suit you just fine. How many do you plan on sleeping? How long do you go? Dry camping or full service campground? What other activities are you going to be doing that will require hauling gear around to support that activity? As you can see, there are a lot of questions you need to address before anyone can offer any sound advice.

Mich F · 09-24-2014, 10:13 AM

If you are talking about a Class C motor home, it would be very difficult to find one with a truck chassis, other than a super C like CarlAda has. Almost all are built on a van chassis. I know there have been rental companies that had "regular" Cs made on a truck chassis, although they are few and far between. What class motor home are you looking for ?

IamJerryP · 09-24-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mich F

If you are talking about a Class C motor home, it would be very difficult to find one with a truck chassis, other than a super C like CarlAda has. Almost all are built on a van chassis. I know there have been rental companies that had "regular" Cs made on a truck chassis, although they are few and far between. What class motor home are you looking for ?

C class under 30 foot.

Big Bear Local · 09-24-2014, 01:01 PM

Thor is making Class C on Ford truck chassis. They have so much more room in the cab. If I were to buy new Class C today that is what I'd buy. The Ford van cab has no leg room. The Chevy has lots of leg room but are harder to find.

Mich F · 09-24-2014, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campingman

Thor is making Class C on Ford truck chassis. They have so much more room in the cab. If I were to buy new Class C today that is what I'd buy. The Ford van cab has no leg room. The Chevy has lots of leg room but are harder to find.

I think those are all super Cs with the smallest being 34' or so.

Ajayabb · 09-24-2014, 03:58 PM

Jayco makes a class c on a Freightliner chassis called the Seneca I saw one of them while we were camping. That thing was really nice

38Chevy454 · 09-24-2014, 09:44 PM

Agree a Super C on a truck with conventional style cab is going to be a lot bigger inside driving area than a van chassis. It is also a lot easier to work on the engine vs van. However Super C are usually larger 34 ft and up like suggested.

I think for what OP wants, a van chassis is pretty much what all of the choices will be based on.