Class A or C models


First of all I would like to thank all who have responded to my eariler questions,its much appreciated. My wife and I plan to retire and cruise North America and are trying to decide on an RV size and model. We have looked at large class C models locally but havent been in a small class A. I am leaning towards somrething like a Thor ACE 29.1 or a similar size. Something around 28 feet or so should be big enough for a couple,shouldnt it?....PS...I am over 6'3" and need the extra headroom......thanks !........any recommendations would be appreciated!
 

JCZ

Member
Some would say that 28' is to small to full time in. However, we just bought a 23.5' 5th wheel (27' over all length from bumper to king pin) to full time in. We wanted something small enough to fit in any campground or back in the boondocks.

Do you plan on pulling a toad? Do you plan on spending much time in the mountain states? If so, then you may want to consider a small diesel MH. Also, for longevity of the motor itself if you plan on doing a lot of traveling.

In doing our research, I quickly learned that there's a huge disperity in quality from one mfg. to another. I was concerned about buying something that "looked good" and would regreat it five years down the road. Eventually I learned about RV Consumer......kind of like the Consumer Reports for the RV industry. They don't accept any advertising and are beholding to nobody. Kind of pricey......I don't remember if it was $75 or $125 but cheap when you consider what a financial mistake the wrong RV could be.

They rate value, reliability, overall satisfaction and rated by "weekender/vacation/snowbirder or full timer".

Not saying it's the perfect reliable source but it does give you a good starting point for a particular make or model that you may be considering. After joining RV Consumer, I immediatly dropped two of the considerations I had previously and found a unit that is rated very high in quality and still in the same price range.....a model that I wasn't even aware of.

Just a suggestion.
 

Clay L

Senior Member
I know a lot of full timers that used to have a Class C before they bought a Class A.
We started with a 30 foot Class A with no slides and after about a year traded it in on a new 2004 35 footer with two slides. We needed the extra room and cargo carrying capacity.

Most full timers find that they need at least 1500 pounds per person of CCC.

There are folks that full time in vans and slide in pick up campers so not every one needs the space and CCC that most of do but small spaces and no room for everyday items are not suitable for most.
 

JCZ

Member
Quite a following that full time in the small molded fiberglass trailers. A couple of them only 13' long. They actually have forums for the molded fiberglass trailer owners.

Now I think that would be a bit small.....I at least need room for the recliners and to be able to pass each other in the trailer without one having to sit down first.
 

C Nash

Senior Member
Start with your budget and what you can afford. If it fits your budget and you are confortable in it its the right one. pick out several different models and then research them. Take your time. Half the fun is looking. Good luck
 

Cruzincat

Member
Still dreaming of getting our first RV, but I did find one factor that seems to eliminate a class C, unless that is all I can afford when the time comes. In going to shows and looking at Class Cs, I noticed that, when parked and in the back, if I wanted to see what was outside in front(through the windshield), I would always have to bend over, even if seated. I think over time, that would get to be annoying and maybe even hard on my back/neck. Has anyone who has had a class C, discovered this to be a problem?
 

Pillaz

Senior Member
Whether you purchase a Class A or C, I would suggest getting a model with Hydrolic Jacks. It makes set up and break down much easier.
 

JCZ

Member
Don't get a 5th wheel......no front window. We kind of like it that way.....keeps the noseys walking up and down the driveways of the RV parks from looking in.

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LEN

Senior Member
Ya an lot of those NOSEYS can become friends for life. Most share the need for new adventures and good times be it by the fireside at evening get togethers or pot lucks, hiking that new trail just discovered or the new/old road into the sunset. JMO

LEN
 

C Nash

Senior Member
I'm with you Len. I like to sit outside and speak to all the "Noseys" passing by. Amazing how fast friends can be made in a campground.
 

JCZ

Member
LEN;82665 said:
Ya an lot of those NOSEYS can become friends for life. Most share the need for new adventures and good times be it by the fireside at evening get togethers or pot lucks, hiking that new trail just discovered or the new/old road into the sunset. JMO

LEN

Not exactly what I'm talkin bout Len. I can be as social as anybody but I don't care for people trying to look in to my living quarters to see exactly what we're doing wether it's the s&b or the RV. While I can and do enjoy socializing with the best of em I also enjoy my privacy when we choose to go there.

Personally, I think it's rude when people are strolling through a camp ground and have no problem trying to stare into other people's RVs.....show a little respect and courtesy for others.

That's what I'm a talkin bout.
 

C Nash

Senior Member
If I dont want them looking in I just close the curtains. Hard to go by a rv and not look. Just a camper admiring your rig IMO. Does not bother me at all. Been camping for 45+ years and never even thought about it. If I am inside I just wave JMO. Hey JCZ if you come by ours it will be ok if you take a picture of me inside waving at you LOL. The pic you posted in your blog were awesome picture and thanks for sharing them.
 

JCZ

Member
Thanks for the complaments Chelse. I do get in to the photography.

However, I'm not sure I'm communicating clearly. I'm not talking about the casual observer just checking the rig out....I'm talking about those that are intent, staring, to see what's going on inside. Like I said I value my privacy and I try to respect others as well. Sorry.....feel like I'm beating a dead horse here with what my thinking was behind my original post.

Thanks again for the compliments. I have many trip reports and campground reviews (similar to my first blog) however they're posted directly to
other forums. Now that I've learned how to do a blog, going forward I can share them with everybody.
 

H2H1

Senior Member
well not to be rude, but if camping in a camp ground and most get real crowed and it upset you that some one is looking at you are your rig. Than I think I would do more bood docking with a little more privately. BTW , Ilike Nash, do like your pictures of Q. that place looks like you was dry camping. But never the less, you took some great pictures, really enjoyed looking at them
 

JCZ

Member
H2H1;82684 said:
well not to be rude, but if camping in a camp ground and most get real crowed and it upset you that some one is looking at you are your rig. Than I think I would do more bood docking with a little more privately. BTW , Ilike Nash, do like your pictures of Q. that place looks like you was dry camping. But never the less, you took some great pictures, really enjoyed looking at them

Come on Hollis.....that's not what I said or alluded to, let's not twist it. I think I've made my self clear....in several posts I spelled it out.....people "staring" in to your RV trying to know all your business. Not the same as a casual glance or somebody checking out the exterior of your rig and I've already said that.

Again, that's not what I'm referring to. Just don't know how to express it any clearer but if I'm the only one that has a problem with it.......then we can move on here. :)
 

LEN

Senior Member
If they stare at me at my age or the wife(did I just say that) I take it as a complement. When your wrinkles are older than most of the people in the CG, am I showing my age. I never really have had a problem as the privacy screen is up till we are fully dressed and the rest of the time I could care less. And in the boondocking areas there aint anyone close enough to see much.

LEN
 

H2H1

Senior Member
Hey JCZ, I never meant to be rude or disrepectfull, I appreicate your privacy and we all like it. In the summer I leave my door open but we do have a screen on the door way. I have cover the screen with lexan to keep the cool air in, but allows me and other to look in. But when it come to night time, and I see someone trying to peek in, well I pul out my JUDGE and go hold court. once again sorry if I over stepped my ground, never meant to. HAPPY CAMPING, MY FRIEND
 

C Nash

Senior Member
Well JCZ guess you see we have opinions and give them. Thats whats so great about this country. Think I see what you are saying now if gets to peeping toms like Hollis I might breech the old 12 ga pump LOL. Most all understand the sound of a pump shotgun putting a shell in the barrell. Hey at least you got the board hopping. Keep the comments coming. Would also like to see so of your other pictures.
 
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