How Many on Here Down Sized from a Large Class A to a Small Class C

[Ron Dittmer]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

It was so my wife would drive it.

This is a very popular reason, and the Phoenix Cruiser is one of the friendliest rigs to drive given their great aerodynamics, are only 93" wide and 10 feet to the highest point which is the a/c unit. A lot of widows buy Phoenix Cruisers, most notably the shorter models like ours.

My wife is very comfortable driving our PC, especially when we are not towing our Jeep Liberty, but will do so towing or not.

[NLOVNIT]

While I enjoyed driving all the RV's we owned, the larger ones were more white nuckle for me, especially when dragging a toad. By itself, my PC is only a foot longer than the crew cab, full-size truck we used to have & I loved driving that thing. I can feel the "push" when certain designed semi's pass me but I'm not gripping the steering wheel with a death grip with the PC.

[GolfingRVer]

Originally Posted by rolick22

I did the exact opposite (could be a mistake) from a F-250 pulling a 5th wheel to a Renagade Super C. My MPG went from 10 MPG pulling my 5th wheel to 8.5 MPG Super C flat towing my F-250. The only problem it that diesel fuel is a dollar more the Gas.

If you are happy, it was the right decision.

[sibe]

it is all a personal choice, each has their own expectations and limits and goals....

Personally, I am a lower budget rv guy as I have a countryhome get away and use the Rv for a few weeknd warrior trips.. but will venture on a few 1000 milers this summer.. MPG, sure would love the newer tech but I will pay as I go at 7-8 mpg.. LOL 30Ft Class C , if I was serious to do more, I would want a bit bigger or modern slides etc.. 2 stout adults 3 siberian huskies...

[Flyer15015]

We traded in January of '21 from a Jayco Seneca 33ss to a Pace Arrow 37c because the DW could no longer slither down into the cockpit of the Jayco. And once she got in there the seating and foot room was very cramped.
Now she sits up top with a panoramic view and can swivel her seat and get much more comfortable.
Plus, now I get to buy gas instead of diesel, and both coaches get the same milage (7-8).
I'm a happy camper !!!

Mike in Colorado

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by Ron Dittmer

Yes, the older E450 with the 4 or 5 speed transmission and low-gear differential lowers the fuel economy to about that figure.

In contrast, our 2007 E350 with V10 engine, 5-speed transmission and higher-geared differential, our 24 foot aerodynamic rig HERE gets 10.5mpg (trip averaging) when not towing, but drops to 9.3mpg when towing the Jeep Liberty pictured in-tow in the link.

I emphasis "~5000 mile long trip averaging" calculated manually for best accuracy, not a tank-full calculated under optimal conditions, or a number taken off a ScanGaugeII.

Hi Ron,

When you say older what years do you mean?

Thanks,

[Ron Dittmer]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Hi Ron, When you say older what years do you mean? Thanks,

You will need to verify my data, but the 5-speed transmission replaced the 4-speed around model year 2005/2006.

The 6-speed replaced the 5-speed sometime during the past 7 years.

I am a perplexed concerning the rear differential. Prior to the 6-speed transmission and/or dropping the E-series van, the E350's differential gear ratio was always higher than the E450. But since then, the E350 cut-away and stripped chassis for motorhomes can be equipped either way.

With every extra gear, there is a slight improvement in fuel economy, but more importantly, the behaviors of the drivetrain improves by reducing high-rpm down-shifting with every slight incline. This keeps the engine operating more quietly, and the occupants happier.

I hope someone with solid information will adjust my figures.

[Kelm130]

We went from a 36 foot Winnebago Journey DP that was a joy to drive but just more than we needed to a 26 foot TT + nice Ford F150. Missed the motorhome lifestyle so got a 31 foot Winnebago Vista. Decided it was just no fun to drive at all. Curse the Ford F53 chassis sway and tail wagging lol. Even after $4k of chassis upgrades it was still a bear to drive.


We now have a 2019 Winnebago 22M Ford E350 chassis and its so easy to drive and fits all our needs.


When I took all the stuff out the class A that we hauled around I was shocked. Our class C carries everything we really need to camp with and fits in any state or federal park.

[PNWGirl]

No, I am not going to downsize. I have a rig that is perfect for me after RVing for 18 years. I will simply stay longer at places and travel less- for now.

However, my 34' MH, pulling my Explorer, gets 10 mpg (more if I get a decent tail wind). I do not see giving that up either.

[jackreno]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

No, I am not going to downsize. I have a rig that is perfect for me after RVing for 18 years. I will simply stay longer at places and travel less- for now.

However, my 34' MH, pulling my Explorer, gets 10 mpg (more if I get a decent tail wind). I do not see giving that up either.

I think your calculator is broke?

A 34 foot class A "460 or 454" with a 4 speed trans towing a 4600 lb suv could not possible get 10 mpg, unless you are driving 40 mph all the time.

I had a 08 33 foot F-53 V-10, 5 speed trans never saw above 7 mpg "not towing with a tail wind at 62 mph". [6 mpg towing]

Even had the 5 Star Tuning installed.

And before that I had a 2002 27 foot class A with the big GM V-8 8.1 with a 4 speed trans no slide outs never saw above 9 mpg "not towing at 62 mph". [usually was 8 mpg not towing, 7 mpg towing]

[Lt Dan]

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[rolick22]

Originally Posted by GolfingRVer

If you are happy, it was the right decision.

Very Happy. It was a good move for us. I do see some RV'er's or potential RV'er's holding off and waiting to buy or downgrade/upgrade. My thought has been, don't put off your dream of doing what makes you happy because of the current climate. Everyday you wait is one less day of memory's. Whether it's downsizing or upgrading it does not mater as long as you and your family are happy.

[Fushux]

Went from an 05 Monaco Knight 40ft DP to a 22 Jayco Redhawk 31 ft Class C. The maintenance cost on the DP was getting astronomical and we wanted bunks. Couldn’t afford a new DP with the COVID prices.

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by jackreno

And happy you did with gas at $5 a gallon

I sold my 33 foot 6-7 mpg class A and bought a new 2021 small class C/B+ with a 7.3 V-8 that has a average mpg at 11.5 and no need for a toad.

Everyday I am glad I made the change before prices went thru the roof on small class C's

I paid $75,000 in 02-2021 and today that same RV sells for $95,000

RV prices will be coming down soon as buyers decide to put off an RV till fuel prices come down and inventory builds at increasing interest.