Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > MOTORHOME FORUMS > Class C Motorhome Discussions
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-06-2024, 10:10 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 23
I want a Class C that's more functional than house like

I previously owned a Class A and spent a year on the road with family of 5. This was the best time of my life. Before that adventure and after, I've longed for a very functional Sprinter van like something from Outsidevan, for carrying bikes and traveling when I retire in a few years.

Recently, I really got intrigued by the Ujoint Offroad UJOR Class C conversions and another few threads in here about the Coachman Freelander 22XG with rear entry door for bike garage. Leaning heavily toward a no slide out Class C with UJOR 4x4 as my go to rig for getting into the backcountry for biking and fishing which is what I like to do most.

Problem is, I just don't see any rig that I really like. The 22XG doesn't really have a proper sized bed and the bathroom/toilet position is a joke. Even a Minnie Winnie 25B which is what Ujoint recommend most can't really accommodate bikes like most camper vans and or the 22XG.

I wish there was Class C that had a more modular approach like a camper van but with more space. I don't really want recliners and TV's. I'd rather have a bike garage, gear storage, tie downs, more off-road capabilities. Like a camper van only bigger. Any suggestions?
The Bruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 10-06-2024, 10:22 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
creativepart's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 3,164
Have you looked at the Winnebago EKKO?
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
creativepart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2024, 10:27 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by creativepart View Post
Have you looked at the Winnebago EKKO?
Yes, I think they are too small. I'd rather have a camper van conversion at that size. That said, I haven't seen one in person.
The Bruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2024, 02:49 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: sea level
Posts: 244
Check out the Thor Outlaw 29 class C with a rear garage and ramp door. Those will easily carry bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s , or even a small UTV.
If the slideout is a dealbreaker maybe look for an old Four Winds Funmover 27 or 29 .
TruckinRound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2024, 05:52 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Meshoppen, PA
Posts: 2,220
Almost sounds like you need a custom build...

Much will depend on how many folks and offroad things you want to carry....
and
What comforts you need or can live around ...

Those 4x4 chassis add ons are cool... BUT height may play a role, depending of your goals in travel....

E450 with a locker rear may help for many offroad adventures also with a professional front winch and rigging pack..

I have seen a few offraod racers with custom RV floorplans that are not glamour but work well most on a larger chassis 10-15 years back, but with the E450 one can be made...

Throw some ideas out and maybe some of us has seen or know a way..
sibe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2024, 08:29 PM   #6
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by sibe View Post
Almost sounds like you need a custom build...

Throw some ideas out and maybe some of us has seen or know a way..
Honestly, if that was an option I would consider it. I've spent a lot of time in the past researching DIY van conversions but never pulled the trigger.

If I could take a 22XG floor plan and move some things around in the back to have more floor space. Maybe a wet bath to accommodate a queen size bed that was possibly elevated if need be. Throw in some L-Track and tie downs and slide out cargo/bike holder. Basically, a bike garage camper van build but on a 25' Class C. I just don't know how realistic something like that is on an RV platform.
The Bruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2024, 09:10 PM   #7
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 67
The new Winnebago View 24T has a large garage, a large bathroom and a murphy bed that can be used with the slide in or out. With the bed up, you have a pair of powered recliners. Being based on the Sprinter chassis, it gets better fuel mileage that F-450 based RVs.
Bnystrom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2024, 09:34 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
RickNC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Wilmington,NC USA
Posts: 1,898
Using a conventional Class C chassis. I would probably use a short class c with a corner bed. Take out the corner bed and have a custom baggage door from RecPro made (50x 26) to install in the rear of the MH to bring bikes in and out( red marked area in photo). Only glitch in my plan is the fresh water tank is often under the bed against the back and bed/bath partition. There is typically a couple of feet left over between the tank and out side wall.
I like the overcab bunk so that is where I would sleep. Alternately you could ditch the dinette and build in a twin bed with a large drawers under neath. I had that on my previous Winnebago. I kept my wife’s piano and my fishing poles in the the one large drawer.
.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3881.jpg
Views:	6
Size:	177.6 KB
ID:	429148  
__________________
2019 Forest River Sunseeker 2850
RickNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2024, 05:40 AM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 67
If you're willing to make some modifications, you can do what I did in our Winnebago View '10DL. We don't often need the bench seat that's behind the passenger's seat, so I built a vertical bike rack that I can swap in place of the seat cushions. It takes less than 10 minutes to make the change and the bikes don't intrude into the living space.

Since those pics were taken, I've covered the base to protect the vinyl and made the rear wheel holders adjustable.

BTW, the rear slides on these are extremely reliable and require virtually no maintenance.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	VIew DL Floorplan - Bike Area Highlighted.jpg
Views:	10
Size:	51.1 KB
ID:	429154   Click image for larger version

Name:	Bike rack two views.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	347.5 KB
ID:	429155  

Bnystrom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2024, 11:47 PM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 23
The Coachman 22XG already has a rear entry door and the space by the Murphy bed would be adequate for a few bikes and gear. The problem is I want true 2 person bed that's fixed. Also, the bathroom toilet is really not usable with the door closed. Is it feasible to move some of that stuff around and perhaps make an elevated bed frame like in a van that the bikes can slider under?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Screenshot 2024-10-07 at 10.11.25 PM.png
Views:	8
Size:	612.6 KB
ID:	429202  
The Bruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2024, 02:53 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
nodine's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
Posts: 4,023
Maybe this one will interest you:

__________________
Bob and Pam
2022 Quantum JM31
2023 Colorado Z71
nodine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2024, 05:31 AM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 67
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Bruce View Post
Is it feasible to move some of that stuff around and perhaps make an elevated bed frame like in a van that the bikes can slider under?
Not with a Murphy bed. I don't see how you could do anything back there without making the bed smaller. As it is, you can't use the rear door unless the bed is folded up, correct?
Bnystrom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2024, 05:31 AM   #13
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 76
I experienced a similar struggle while searching for an off-road capable Class B/C rig that was based on a more maintenance-friendly Ford chassis platform.

While attracted to the superior MPG of a diesel engine, I also became increasingly aware of the difficulties MB owners have expressed in locating the correct formulation of diesel fuel. Additionally, the inability to safely idle the engine while replenishing one’s battery bank (without risking loss of warranty MB coverage) was not acceptable for my needs.

While I have seen references to some means of obtaining a ‘high idle’ capacity, as I recall …the circumstances sounded like a quasi-legitimate half measure, that may still risk MB warranty coverage.

Considering that my destinations would be in more remote backcountry areas, I recognized that practicality/ease in sourcing automotive serviceability in virtually any town’s garage would mean a gas engine.

Justin Chenoweth, owner of U-joint Off-road Colorado (whom performed my 4x4 conversion) …he and his crew, are all avid off-road enthusiasts, and have reliably informed me that the cost for an OFF-ROAD tow truck RECOVERY of a stranded vehicle in Moab …can easily run $3K!!

Nope, not willing to risk that on a diesel engine, or a vehicle with marginal ground clearance. The tow distance to the nearest generic garage will statistically be MUCH closer than an authorized Mercedes Benz service center (that is ALSO certified to maintain Sprinters),

The Ford Transit based AeonRV ‘Adventure Class B+’ was a very compelling option to me, but the boutique manufacturer’s production rate was (at that time) backlogged for 18 plus months.

The AeonRV’s fuel economy, while not anywhere close to diesel efficiency …is fairly decent at approx 12 MPG. The rig’s CCC/tow rating is modest, as is the platform’s limited potential to increase ground clearance (Van Compass & Agile Off-road offer 2” suspension lift kits).

While sitting in my friend’s 27 ft Class B+ with two slide-outs …I was awestruck by the expansive living space. However, those gaping holes in the superstructure mean less torsional rigidity, and seem vulnerable to inviting potential alignment issues over time …when traversing terrain often pockmarked with potholes and ruts.

All season off-grid camping is my requirement, and independently generating power to condition the RV interior, means associated thermal losses and difficulties effectively moisture-sealing expanding RV walls …constitute an unattractive vulnerability.

Locating a well built, non-slide out, gas fueled Class C with generous CCC/tow capacity …narrows down available options quickly.

Phoenix RV USA offers a couple of Ford E-450 based rigs on Quigley Off-Road 4x4/suspension lifted chassis conversions. Unfortunately, those models feature slide outs (…with a documented history of problems).

If cost were no object, a purpose built Ford F-550 based Class C over-landing rig, like what EarthRoamer or Storyteller Overland offers, would be attractive …but my budget was far less than $450K.

A highly skilled DIY’er with RV restoration experience who’s undaunted by a lack of factory support, could use their ‘sweat equity’ to renovate a vintage Born Free or Chinook Class C, and have a 4x4/suspension lift conversion completed.

The result could be an inexpensive but very competent off-road adventure rig. (I don’t fit the buyer description, though)

After the preceding observations and limited options were considered, my efforts to produce a satisfactory solution involved a 23 ft Coach House Class B+ that underwent a U-joint Off-road 4x4/suspension lift conversion.

There were required compromises and sacrifices …we all know there’s no ONE specific RV that can ‘do it all’. In my case, I reluctantly sacrificed fuel efficiency.

The V-10 powering my 2020 Platinum 220TB (twin bed) is a thirsty beast, so 8-10 MPG is the trade off for having a robust 4,012 lbs of cargo carrying capacity, 7,000 lbs tow rating.

The 55 gallon tank is necessary, as it also powers my Onan 4K generator …(producing 90 amps) and/or I can safely idle my rig for hours while the DC-DC charger sends up to 49 amps to the 600ah battery bank.

The 600w of rooftop solar can be augmented by two portable bi-directional 220w solar panels that plug-into an MPPT port on the vehicle.

The super-efficient Dreiha Atmos 4.4 AC, is almost as energy conserving as a mini-split HVAC unit. I can run the AC at a 75 degree set point in dehumidifier mode for 10 continuous hours.

I accidentally left the AC system on after parking it at home (without reconnecting to shore power) …and noticed it still running 2 days later!

The 6 cu ft fridge/freezer can operate on 3 energy sources, but propane is most efficient, as is comfort heating using the furnace …although the AC has a very responsive & quiet heat function as well.

The on-board air compressor, 12K winch and auxiliary off-road lighting, heated Scheel-Mann orthopedic seats StarLink Mini satellite receiver, 10” Kenwood infotainment head unit …all place substantial loads on the robust deep cycle battery, which again …is why a safe (risk-free) engine idling requirement, meant a gasoline fueled solution for me.

Interior/exterior storage is plentiful …even without dual expedition sized Owl Van gear boxes and cargo trays.

For theft-free/weather proof secure storage of our MTBs, I remove a twin bed mattress and both bikes/wheels are attached atop bunk platform (seen in photos).

So, where do I sleep then? I had a folding ottoman constructed (with removable matching upholstered cushion) that conveniently stores behind the electric fold-out loveseat. The ottoman extends the loveseat into a bed that accommodates a person 6’2” in height.

My spouse, our dog and I comfortably lounge on the spacious sofa-bed, watching movies on the foldout 32” TV.

I believe that the specific automotive ‘mission description requirements’ and consequent sorting criteria guiding my search, remain sound …given my objectives and budget.

I’m not suggesting that my particular compromises and efforts at creating a solution are optimum or acceptable for everyone’s use-case …only ours. Your individual mileage will vary.

Good luck!
CH220 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2024, 05:36 AM   #14
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 76

Name:   IMG_1585.jpeg
Views: 7
Size:  40.5 KB
Attached Images
 
CH220 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
ats, class c



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
More than you want to know. CaptainGeezer New Member Check-In 8 09-09-2015 01:51 PM
More batteries rather than more solar panels? PeaceOwl Going Green 49 05-11-2015 12:29 AM
Relocate chair to make it more functional Waiter21 MH-General Discussions & Problems 5 04-25-2015 06:17 PM
More confusion than ever about DTV converter box, with one more question GG1 Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum 81 10-16-2008 07:21 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.