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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / May 2007Need advice on buying a new Class C . : 24-28' long.
Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. Ive looked at quite a few and have concluded this length is ideal for me and offers manuerverability in towns. Id like to limit my spending to $70,000 and will be trading in an upper-end Class B Van/Camper in excellent condition and low miles. I like the Gulfstream Vista Cruiser Mini with its Mercedes deisel motor that gets 20 mpg but its silly price of $87,000 msrp i frown upon. I think im more apt to buy something new and a bit more spacious with a Chevy Workhorse engine in it that only gets 12 mpg and have a good $ 30,000 left over for gasoline , etc... such as a Gulfstream Ultra or simular brand. Does this sound rational to you ? If youve had first hand experience with a decent Brand Class C. in this length , id appreciate hearing from you. I need no more than one slide (for the dining table) and something non elaborate in terms of features (Needs to have a Gen., TV., non heated holding tanks are ok) . Can you steer me in the right direction ? Thanks, Dave. > Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. > 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Thanks, Dave. I'd look at Winnebago's class Cs. too many close friends have had quality issues with Gulfstream products for me to applaud your choice, but it is your choice. Personally, from what I know and have seen for myself, I would never buy a Gulfstream motorhome.  SignatureJanet Wilder Bad spelling. Bad punctuation Good Friends. Good Life 'I'd look at Winnebago's class Cs. too many close friends have had quality issues with Gulfstream products for me to applaud your choice, but it is your choice. Personally, from what I know and have seen for myself, I would never buy a Gulfstream motorhome. SignatureJanet Wilder' REPLY: I shall consider Winnebagos then . Whats your take on Four Winds rigs ? Heard anything on them ? Thanks Janet. >> Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. >> 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > Personally, from what I know and have seen for myself, I would never buy > a Gulfstream motorhome. Look at the Itasca, too, also made by Winnebago. The sprinter based models may be what you are looking for. John Andrews, Knoxville, Tennessee >> Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. >> 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > Personally, from what I know and have seen for myself, I would never buy > a Gulfstream motorhome. We've been very happy with our Winne. It's getting dated now but has been relatively trouble free. It is a 27 ft mini-Winne. In recent yrs mfgrs have been have been cutting corners in effort to hold prices down. Qlty of materials in some area I'm sure are not up to the level of our 89. The interior in our still looks almost new. A couple suggestions. Get a model long enough so you can have a separate bedroom in the rear. You'll appreciate it. Ours has the rear BR but at 27' still not hard to maneuver around town. Second thing, give the Ford chassis a look. You might find a rig avail with a PS diesel. Mickey On May 6, 12:09�pm, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. > 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Thanks, Dave. This is only a suggestion because only you can make the final decison: In regards to quality, they all are made as cheap as possible so that the mfg. can make as much profit as possible. They all have some kind of issues, even the $250k+ models. So don't expect everything to be perfect. If you are considering driving it like a car, forget it. You will soon realize that hooking up, taking down, finding a parking spot and other issues, just isn't worth it if you are planning on staying at one place for 4 months or even a week. Plan on getting a tow vehicle. You'll thank me later. :-) It isn't much fun knowing you have to tear down camp to make a trip to Wal-mart to get something you forgot the last time you were out. When you think you found the right one, sit in it for an hour or 2 and see if it is comfortable. If it isn't, keep looking. A good comfortable chair/recliner and bed are 2 of the most important things. You'll be able to adapt to a small shower or kitchen because you'll only use them a couple hours a day, whereas, a bed/chair is used much more on those dreary days. Hopefully you'll be outside most of the time having the time of your life. I hope this helps as others will chime in with more useful info and you'll be so confused that you'll delete this whole NG. :-) Good Luck! Keep us posted on what you decide on and why you made the decision you made. Inquiring minds NEED to know and some of the women on here are just nosey. :-) Hank <~~~likes being horizontal on rainy days and sundays 'In regards to quality, they all are made as cheap as possible so that the mfg. can make as much profit as possible. They all have some kind of issues, even the $250k+ models. So don't expect everything to be perfect.' REPLY: Who do these Manufacturers think we are ? A bunch of Gypsys ?! ( But i understand what youre saying...) 'If you are considering driving it like a car, forget it. You will soon realize that hooking up, taking down, finding a parking spot and other issues, just isn't worth it if you are planning on staying at one place for 4 months or even a week. Plan on getting a tow vehicle. You'll thank me later. :-) It isn't much fun knowing you have to tear down camp to make a trip to Wal-mart to get something you forgot the last time you were out.' REPLY: Dont want a tow vehicle . Thats the convenience that a 24' Class C . offers --- its manueverable in town . I do have a little electric scooter however .. goes up to 20 mph. and lasts 3 hours. 'When you think you found the right one, sit in it for an hour or 2 and see if it is comfortable. If it isn't, keep looking. A good comfortable chair/recliner and bed are 2 of the most important things. You'll be able to adapt to a small shower or kitchen because you'll only use them a couple hours a day, whereas, a bed/chair is used much more on those dreary days. Hopefully you'll be outside most of the time having the time of your life.' REPLY: Heck, I plan on sleeping overnight in it after the RV Dealership closes. Your advice is good and appreciated. Thanks. Dave in Lake Villa wrote:REPLY: Dont want a tow vehicle . Thats the convenience that a 24' > Class C . offers --- its manueverable in town . I do have a little > electric scooter however .. goes up to 20 mph. and lasts 3 hours. It doesn't matter if your RV is 16" long, you will still have to unplug the electric and store the cord, roll up the awning, remove any leveling devices and unhook your sewer line........just to go get a loaf of bread. Then you have to get everything back out when you get back to your site. An electric scooter can't be driven down the road so unless there are sidewalks where you camp you will be SOL. Even with sidewalks, scooters are slow, so going to the store and back might take 1-2 hours. SignatureJerryD(upstateNY) > 'If you are considering driving it like a car, forget it. You will > soon realize that hooking up, taking down, finding a parking spot and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > down camp to make a trip to Wal-mart to get something you forgot the > last time you were out.' > Dave in Lake Villa wrote:REPLY: Dont want a tow vehicle . Thats the > convenience that a 24' [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Even with sidewalks, scooters are slow, so going to the store and back might > take 1-2 hours. I have to agree with Jerry. We traveled in a pick up camper for 5 years, mostly weekends and vacations. It was our only vehicle and it was a pain to hook and unhook every day. I did, however love the spontaneity of having a small RV, however. That said, we are always seeing our winter visitors driving their Class C's to the WalMart or grocery stores in town. SignatureJanet Wilder Bad spelling. Bad punctuation Good Friends. Good Life 'It doesn't matter if your RV is 16" long, you will still have to unplug the electric and store the cord, roll up the awning, remove any leveling devices and unhook your sewer line........just to go get a loaf of bread. Then you have to get everything back out when you get back to your site.' REPLY: Jerry, Im already doing this with my current Class B Van/Camper and its no problem ; I only get a CampSite with water and electric and until im in the Site for the evening, i dont even hook up the Site water as i have a 20 gallon fresh water tank. I never get Site sewer hookup , and since its just me in the rig, if i 'personally dump' once a day in the toilet , its a miracle -- I usually use toilets in restaurants , gas stations, etc.. I never use the awning...in fact i took it off to save the 80 lbs of weight . No jacks on a Class B --- has rear air bags. So, if i decide to run out to WalMart for something, or go out for dinner at a restaurant, all i have to do is disconnect the electric -- a full 30 second job. Dave > 'It doesn't matter if your RV is 16" long, you will still have to > unplug [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > dinner at a restaurant, all i have to do is disconnect the electric -- > a full 30 second job. Dave Sounds like you've got it simplified to the max there, Dave. Good for you. I've noticed the RVs that rarely do any traveling around are the ones that are the biggest and the hardest to free up from all the ties that bind. It seems the bigger they are the bigger pain it is to get underway so they sit for maybe a month at a time at a campsite that lacks luster. May as well camp in your driveway. I tow my Airstream with my Ford F-250 crew cab. It's easy enough to unhook the hitch (750 pound tongue weight) and unplug the lights and brakes. Then I can do my running around in the pick-up. I think this is the most sensible way to go RVing. I only have to connect everything once to the facilities at the site and I only have to disconnect it once. Makes it easier to move on to see some different scenery because you don't spend all your time hooking an unhooking. The truck, by itself, is a good way to run errands and scout out the next likely destination. Harry Harris SignaturePosted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com > Sounds like you've got it simplified to the max there, Dave. Good for > you. I've noticed the RVs that rarely do any traveling around are the > ones that are the biggest and the hardest to free up from all the ties > that bind. It seems the bigger they are the bigger pain it is to get > underway so they sit for maybe a month at a time at a campsite that > lacks luster. May as well camp in your driveway. Size has little to do with it. The larger RVs have automatic or semi-automatic levelers, the smaller ones need boards to get level. It took us longer to set up our Mini-Winnie and the truck camper than it took us to set up our two fivers that had 4-point semi-automatic leveling systems and the 37 foot motorhome which also has a 4-point hydraulic system. Almost all conventional RVs (not counting pop up trailers) have 3 basic connections to dirt: sewer, water and electric. One can use all, one, two or none of them. Cable TV connections don't depend upon the size of the RV. Neither does a ground mounted TV satellite system or Internet satellite on a tri-pod. I've seen these gizmos on all size RVs. > I tow my Airstream with my Ford F-250 crew cab. It's easy enough to > unhook the hitch (750 pound tongue weight) and unplug the lights and [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > itself, is a good way to run errands and scout out the next likely > destination. Having towed two trailers, I have to agree that it's easier to drop the trailer in the RV park and ride around in the truck. We tow a little car behind the motorhome and it was a whole lot easier to hitch and unhitch the trailer than it is to disconnect and reconnect the car, especially with the auxiliary braking device. While we were fulltiming, we spent most of our time on the road traveling. Except for 3 month winters the last 6 years of the 9 years we fulltimed, we never spent more than 2 weeks in any one place. Most of the time a lot less. Single nights were more the rule when we doing our big summer adventures. You need to get out more and see how others RV. SignatureJanet Wilder Bad spelling. Bad punctuation Good Friends. Good Life 'I've noticed the RVs that rarely do any traveling around are the ones that are the biggest and the hardest to free up from all the ties that bind. It seems the bigger they are the bigger pain it is to get underway so they sit for maybe a month at a time at a campsite that lacks luster. May as well camp in your driveway.' REPLY: I often look thru regional and national RV magazines in the classified ad section ; there are a TON of used Class A's for sale.. i mean page after page. Some very reasonable. By me, i see Class A's in driveways and parking lots for sale constantly. Could be the gasoline cost is killing the average Joe-American with a Class A. Im sure more are staying at C.G's given the MPG. I like my Class B, but, it is impractical for living in 4-5 months out of the year (at least for me) ; however , some even go full time in them... usually one person with a dog for company. Im looking forward to a spacious Class C. that feels a bit more like home. Dave. We are also thinking of going to a class C. Haven't started looking yet but will be soon. Know about the towing issues as we've camped for years. Is 31ft. the largest Class C made??? Just wondering. We will not be fulltiming but will take extended trips. Thanks for any info you can give. I've been reading about everything I can find but more info sure won't hurt. TIA Sheryl On May 6, 10:09 am, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > Ive decided to semi retire very soon and wish to purchase a new Class C. > 24-28' long for just me to live in 4 months in the sunbelt each year. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Thanks, Dave. Dave - having faced the same decision process you are facing now about a month ago - and getting some very interesting advice, allow me to share... First, I was admonished to purchase the comparative guide (http:// www.rv.org/readcd.html) as this is the best source of information regarding product quality. I ponied up the $110 and got it in the mail in about two days. It was an eye opener. Janet is an advocate for the Winnebago's over the Gulfstreams - the relative ratings between the two are only marginally different in the size you are looking. Second, I was warned to run, not walk, away from Gulfstream. I had spent quite a bit of time looking at the Mini and it looks pretty - but if you look underneath, in drawers, on the roof, it isn't exactly the best built. Third, I was told to look at the Winnebago's. I did - the Itaska navion and the Winnebago View - they are identical excpet for the paint and interior fabrics...identical. Look in the rear storage compartment. Notice the plastic floor? Look at the fit and finish of the shades. Look at the seals around the slideout. Take it out and drive it up a moderate incline. Can you maintain 50 miles per hour? >From a stop to 50 miles per hour going up hill - is it even possible? The 2007's are different than the 2008's. The Sprinter platform went to a 3.0L 6 from the 2.7L 5 cylinder. Ask the sales guy why. Ask him if it gives you more horsepower. Then read the specs. Look at the skirting around the bottom of the 2007 - Rough edges along all the seams. Look at the 2008. Molded corners. Ask the salesman why they use all the plastic as opposed to fiberglass or metal. Talk to the mechanic and ask him what he routinely fixes on the C's. Ask about the leaks. Ask about the windows - how are they put in? Are they dual pane or single pane? Did you notice on the Gulfstream they ar acrylic? Why do you think that is? Now for my advice - run, don't walk, away from both. They are far too pricey for far too little. I didn't buy either one. js 'Now for my advice - run, don't walk, away from both. They are far too pricey for far too little. I didn't buy either one. js' REPLY: Thanks much JS for the tips. Since you have the $110 Comparative Book , have you found the RV thats right for you, or, are you still shopping ? Dave On May 7, 3:54 pm, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > 'Now for my advice - run, don't walk, away from both. They are far too > pricey for far too little. I didn't buy either one. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Comparative Book , have you found the RV thats right for you, or, are > you still shopping ? Dave No - found one - ordered it. Delivery in September. js 'No - found one - ordered it. Delivery in September. js' REPLY: JS, What are you getting ? Whats your take on the Coachmen Freelander Class C ?? Thanks for the help. Dave On May 8, 11:21 am, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > 'No - found one - ordered it. Delivery in September. > js' > > REPLY: JS, What are you getting ? Whats your take on the Coachmen > Freelander Class C ?? Thanks for the help. Dave Lazy Daze 23.5FD They say Coachmans are fine - but I don't have the disk so I couldn't tell you for sure. After enough test drives I came to the conclusion that quality build was more important than pretty or gimmicks. Until I drove the LD I thought all coaches rattled. I was wrong. Low tolerance fit and finish, high quality materials, and attention to detail are things you can't find and shouldn't expect on a lot of the less expensive mass produced Class C's. If you live in Southern california, its worth a trip to Montclair. js 'They say Coachmans are fine - but I don't have the disk so I couldn't tell you for sure. After enough test drives I came to the conclusion that quality build was more important than pretty or gimmicks. Until I drove the LD I thought all coaches rattled. I was wrong. Low tolerance fit and finish, high quality materials, and attention to detail are things you can't find and shouldn't expect on a lot of the less expensive mass produced Class C's. If you live in Southern california, its worth a trip to Montclair. js' REPLY: Yes, ive heard good things about Lazy DaZe RV's. Im in Illinois and id prefer to buy locally . Im narrowing down my choices between Coachmen , 4 Winds, and Gulfstream...with Coachmen being favored. Perhaps when you get back you could look up a 2007 Coachmen Freelander 24' for me , and email if you dont mind. I sure would appreciate it. Theres 2 Coachmen Dealers within 1 hour from me and they both have the Freelander model, although one has been a Rental rig. Thanks JS, Dave On May 8, 5:57 pm, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > 'They say Coachmans are fine - but I don't have the disk so I couldn't > tell you for sure. After enough test drives I came to the conclusion [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > both have the Freelander model, although one has been a Rental rig. > Thanks JS, Dave Dave - I sent you a reply to your personal e-mail on Friday. js 'I sent you a reply to your personal e-mail on Friday. js' REPLY: JS, Got the email. Thanks. I sent you one back. P.S, JS, What does the Book say about Four Winds Chateau model (24-28') ??? I liked this RV quite a bit and theres a new 2007 on supersale at a big RV Center for $49,999 near to me . Dave On May 7, 4:05 pm, DaveInLakeVi...@webtv.net (Dave in Lake Villa) wrote: > P.S, > > JS, What does the Book say about Four Winds Chateau model (24-28') ??? > I liked this RV quite a bit and theres a new 2007 on supersale at a big > RV Center for $49,999 near to me . Dave Unfortunately I am traveling this week and the disk is at home. If memory serves, Fourwinds is a mid-tier (3 points out of 5). If you can wait till Friday I can check. The top performers (5 points) include Born Free and Lazy Daze. The criteria are based on evaluations around reliability, quality ratings, resale value, and drivability. js |
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