Who makes the best Mercedes Class C

[bryanfba]

We are looking for a new smaller RV going from a class A to a class C and would like the Mercedes Benz chassis for the dependability, safety features, driving comfort. Needs to be able to tow a JL Jeep. What should we consider.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by bryanfba

We are looking for a new smaller RV going from a class A to a class C and would like the Mercedes Benz chassis for the dependability, safety features, driving comfort. Needs to be able to tow a JL Jeep. What should we consider.

Unity is right up there at the top of the quality pile. Winnebago is very popular ie: View & Navion and they tend to use higher end appliances and cabinets than they do in the lower models. As far as dependability you may want to do some research, they have their issues just like all the brands. Check out Sprintersource.com ask questions about the chassis in the chassis forums and about the coach in the coach brand forums further down the page.
The GVWR of the Sprinter RVs is 11,030 and the GCVWR is 15,250 which only leaves 4,220 for the Jeep when fully loaded unless you can pack light enough to keep the MH under 11,030. We tow a TJ and we are about 300-400 lbs under the GCVWR of our Sprinter Class A.
Pay very close attention to the weight ratings and don't believe what the sales person tells you, on your test drive take it over the CAT scale and do the same with your Jeep.

[KidzBox]

We have a Winnebago/Itasca/Navion IQ and are super happy with it. I think a lot comes down to floor plan. We like the rear slide for the Queen bed and side slide for dining.

We get good diesel mileage and it drives like a charm.

Word of caution would be try to avoid the European Domitec fridge

[2cyber71]

I put the Entegra on top.
I think it’s the Quest model.
The one we liked was the 24R
It’s a grade above the rest.
Last yr at the Hershey show they were going for $20,000 more than the others
I think the Winnie was going for $169,000and the Quest was $189,000
But the quality is definitely better.
I think you might get a better deal now since the manufacturers are all in a bind with todays's rates.
I would buy it before buying a Unity or a Wonder. I think it’s a better all around unit that the Leisure Travel units

[creativepart]

The Winnebago View/Navion are the number one selling motorhome in the country of all kinds. It out sells all others.

Winnebago isn't perfect, but neither is anybody else. But Winnebago makes the majority of their parts, furnishings, mounts, tanks, etc in house. Plus, they have detailed plumbing, wiring, painting, and parts diagrams/lists ONLINE for all motorhomes.

And one other FYI, while the Mercedes Sprinter Chassis is a fine chassis with many unique features it too isn't perfect with numerous issues and problems.

NOTE: The View and the Navion are virtually identical. Winnebago used to have a sister company called Itasca. They closed off that brand in 2018. The View was a Winnebago and the Navion was an Itasca. Both sold in such massive numbers that Winnebago decided to keep both models in the lineup even though the Navion was no longer an Itasca and that it was virtually identical to the View. There are subtle differences and finishes between the two.

[2cyber71]

I should add also, if you’re towing a Jeep JL. The Mercedes has a 4000lb limit.
Unless something changed in the last yr.
So a 2 door is it.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by 2cyber71

I should add also, if you’re towing a Jeep JL. The Mercedes has a 4000lb limit.
Unless something changed in the last yr.
So a 2 door is it.

The towing capacity is 5,000 lbs but the GCVWR is 15,250 so by the time you subtract the 11,030 GVWR of the 3500 chassis you are left with 4,220. Some people are able to keep their chassis weight below 11,030 which gives them more for the toad. If you can keep your chassis loaded to no more than 10,250 you can tow the full 5,000 but that's not easy to do as the CCC is low to begin with.

[boiledowl]

Originally Posted by bryanfba

We are looking for a new smaller RV going from a class A to a class C and would like the Mercedes Benz chassis for the dependability, safety features, driving comfort. Needs to be able to tow a JL Jeep. What should we consider.

Is a Mercedes chassis more dependable than the others?

[luvlabs]

Originally Posted by boiledowl

Is a Mercedes chassis more dependable than the others?

Not really. Mercedes are mechanically very sound as long as you service them per Mercedes instructions. Mercedes is somewhat mediocre when it comes to electronics, however. And then there is the cost and availability of Mercedes service. Having said all that, our experience with our Navion was overall pretty good.

[gwrace]

I've been a long standing member of Consumer RV for years. Most of the American made stuff out of Indiana tends to rate pretty low on quality and reliability. Winnebago included. Coach House gets 5 stars and LTV gets 4. We ended up ordering an LTV Wonder MBL with AWD on the Ford transit. Did not want the extra expense of the diesel chassis or increased costs of fuel, DEF and diesel maintenance. But there is a long lead time. So far been waiting a year.

[Jim from BZN]

Originally Posted by bryanfba

We are looking for a new smaller RV going from a class A to a class C and would like the Mercedes Benz chassis for the dependability, safety features, driving comfort. Needs to be able to tow a JL Jeep. What should we consider.

We have a 2019 Tiffin Wayfarer TW and couldn't be any happier with the coach. The workmanship is superior and Tiffin's support is great. We've only used them for small stuff and answering questions. When you compare other Class C's, look at the bay/basement storage doors (hinges) and where you are going to put your "stuff". With the TW we can operate everything with the slide in. Out, it has more room in the main salon area. We've towed a 2018 Jeep Wrangler 2dr JK Sport and it's like it's not even there. We're selling it and now are towing a 2022 Ford Ranger Tremor without any issues.

[SeeTheUSA]

Originally Posted by Jim from BZN

…. snipped …. now are towing a 2022 Ford Ranger Tremor without any issues.

All pounds:

— Gross Combined Weight =15,250,
— minus Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Gross = 11,030 …
—— Leaves you with a total of 4,220 to tow.

At 4,571 pounds curb weight with the Tremor (very cool truck!), you are overloaded.

The hitch is rated for 5000 (that’s how they are sold) but your Tiffin on a Sprinter chassis isn’t. Pretty much the same issue with any Sprinter-based Class C, toad needs to be pretty light. Insurance companies are getting smarter (based on the questions I was asked recently).

Which supplemental brake did you set up the Tremor with?

[Dizzee2020]

Originally Posted by SeeTheUSA

All pounds:

— Gross Combined Weight =15,250,
— minus Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Gross = 11,030 …
—— Leaves you with a total of 4,220 to tow.

At 4,571 pounds curb weight with the Tremor (very cool truck!), you are overloaded.

The hitch is rated for 5000 (that’s how they are sold) but your Tiffin on a Sprinter chassis isn’t. Pretty much the same issue with any Sprinter-based Class C, toad needs to be pretty light. Insurance companies are getting smarter (based on the questions I was asked recently).

Which supplemental brake did you set up the Tremor with?

Yep! I tow a 3,800 pound Ford Maverick Hybrid behind our LTV Unity.

[RV_Lee]

When I was looking at them I really liked the Dynamax ones. They make full slide and rear slide versions, now one that is all electric/solar. I'd put them, Renegade, Leisure, Winni and Tiffin towards the top. The Entegra mentioned above is a rebadged Jayco, fyi.