Gaucho - 3-16-2012 at 03:29 PM
I'm sure your first question is "how do you define best?"
I'm the first to admit, I know nothing about motorhomes. Nada. (My one and only motorhome trip was in 1976 in one of those old GMC spaceship looking
things). But, based on the size of my family (4), fuel and storage costs I feel a class c motorhome would be the right fit for us. We would be using
this motorhome in both the States and Baja.
I'm looking for quality, durability, functionality and if there is such a thing, economy?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
desertcpl - 3-16-2012 at 03:35 PM
I find the best motorhome to be one that is paid for.
are you looking for a new one or used?
forget about economy
I find the later models with basement storage to be a must have
have you come to any decisions on what length you are looking at, what will you be towing, that also might determine size of engine
Pompano - 3-16-2012 at 03:36 PM
Gaucho....
There are many RV forums that have literally thousands of experienced RV owners writing about just that very subject almost every day.
I'm an avid RVer myself and have owned all the various types of RV's..including a nice 25ft Minnie Winnie Class C built by Winnebago. Winnebago is
one of the top-line builders in the field and I would recommend thier Minnie Winnie model as one of the most popular designs to ever come out of the
factory.
The floorplan is one of thee best ..well laid out..everything is handy. A family of 4 is gonna be tight quarters, though..and that's just the way it
is in anything less than 36ft.
My engine was a 'as good as it gets' 350 Chev V-8..best mpg ever was about 12 with a stout tailwind. I pulled heavy boats and trailers with this RV.
She was a good ol gal.
This is my Minnie 25'...a vet of Baja and all of North America, including Alaska and NWT...I went to hell and gone with that rig...having a ball, by
the way!
The one I own right now is a Class A 35ft Southwind by Fleetwood, which is another top-line manufacturer. I have it for sale ....hint,
hint!!. That extra 10 feet over the Minnie is priceless...especially for a family of 4!
my ad on nomads:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=58753#pid7041...
But give those other forums a shot and check for yourself. You have a lot to learn and this is just the start:
Here's one for you:
http://www.rv.net/forum/
Just join, follow the prompts to Class C..and find out all you need to know.
Buena suerte, Pompano
[Edited on 3-16-2012 by Pompano]
wessongroup - 3-16-2012 at 03:40 PM
Always liked this guy's stuff.. prices have really gone up since the last time I looked...
http://www.lazydaze.com/
there are always some for sale "used" ... not sure how it would be for a family of four.. but, they have a pretty good rep ... by owners..
Gaucho - 3-16-2012 at 03:53 PM
desertcpl - I'm thinking between a 29 and 31 footer, but I'm open to something smaller if it's laid out well...oh yeah, definately going used.
Pompano - Thanks for the website, I'll take a look!
[Edited on 3-16-2012 by Gaucho]
Alan - 3-16-2012 at 04:08 PM
One that uses a PowerStroke or DuraMax 
Mula - 3-16-2012 at 04:53 PM
I always liked the Bounders by Fleetwood.
They survived the Alaska Highway trips really well and lots and lots of them did that trip every summer.
Never owned one, but sure have heard good things about them.
J.P. - 3-16-2012 at 05:02 PM
There are a lot of good class C units out there . Of the upmost importance when selecting a unit is the coach construction. what ever material you
settel for the most important one is to limit the number and kind of seams in the coach. The Old Space Ship that was refered to in the begining post
Is still a very desirable coach Today for one reason they Dont Leak. a coach that has multiple joints and seams in the construction Leak I have owned
ever kind of RV known to man since 1973 And the one thing I have learned there Is no One Size fits All.
Happy Hunting
desertcpl - 3-16-2012 at 05:49 PM
the old space ship coach was a GMC,, you still see them running around, they are collectables now.
for a class C , I wouldnt go over 29', over that I find its to much over hang, and to much weight for the frame fully loaded
look at a 26' motorhome with a couple of slide outs, slide out make so much differnce,
Lindalou - 3-16-2012 at 06:12 PM
I have a motor home "class A" for sale. U2U me and I will give you details....Linda
Marc - 3-16-2012 at 06:21 PM
Not a class C, but I kinda like this.
805gregg - 3-16-2012 at 06:58 PM
Lazy Daze is the best class c. I've had 2 class a's and decided if I need to haul around that much crap to go camping, I was missing the point, it's
camping. I now have a Lance camper on a 1 ton 4x4 Dodge, both my wife and I like it the best, eat outside enjoying the outdoors and not haul around a
small house.
bajamedic - 3-16-2012 at 07:22 PM
Do your family a favor and avoid the class C, just sayin.
I have a 29 foot Tioga, Class C, 2001 Ford E450 with the V10, the family does not like the rough ride and they really can't see where we are going,
they only see a few feet past the front bumper unless they stand on their tippy toes to look out the front window. The positives, well we average 8-9
mpg and the V10 power is not bad.
The family enjoys traveling with the Toy Hauler, pulled by my old Dodge Ram; they can see where we are going, the ride is much better, 12 mpg pulling
fully loaded in the mountains, so the Class C just sits in the barn most of the time. JH
Note: I don’t want to sound unappreciative of the motorhome, I just would not do it again.
[Edited on 3-17-2012 by bajamedic]
[Edited on 3-17-2012 by bajamedic]
mcfez - 3-16-2012 at 07:55 PM
Perhaps a good question to yourself is this: how many miles do you plan to travel with a RV?
We bought a Fleetwood Pace Arrow and had a blast. Just all 14,500 miles of fun .....it wasn't worth the cost per mile for us. You should really
investigate if you are really going to put in mega miles...or not.........renting one for several weeks each year is far cheaper.
[Edited on 3-17-2012 by mcfez]
wessongroup - 3-16-2012 at 08:13 PM
Heard gas was 4.40 for regular, 4.60 for diesel, here today .. def a consideration ..
Think we will see $5 before election ???
[Edited on 3-17-2012 by wessongroup]
Jayco / Holiday Rambler
djh - 3-16-2012 at 08:32 PM
Class C's are great. Many folks prefer them... For lots of reasons
I own a 1989 Jayco 27' Class C now.... I really like it. Great floor plan for family
Overhead queen bed
Rear bedroon with 2 twins
Dinette converts if needed
Ford 460 F.I. GREAT Engine.... Tons of power, tows well, 10 mpg almost always.
Mine only has 34,000 miles on it and I keep it in covered storage, so it is still like new.
My last was a Holiday Rambler 24' C with the same engine. VERY SOLID coach construction. The rear bath was big, but made it more of a 1 couple rig.
Great resale value on Holiday Ramblers if you keep them in good condition.
I've had others, but they were inferior either in coachwork or mechanicals.
Good Luck!
djh
Gaucho - 3-16-2012 at 10:36 PM
Thanks everybody for the feedback. I have ALOT more research to do...
chuckie - 3-17-2012 at 07:54 AM
The best one is the one you dont buy...Everyone I had was a moneypit...Just like BIG boats..expensive to operate ,maintain. With Fuel prices going
north fast.?..run the numbers
desertcpl - 3-17-2012 at 08:41 AM
to the OP
as you can see there is enought options to fill several books.
first there is no such thing as a perfect RV
its in the eye of the beholder,
suggestion would be just make the plunge and buy a nice used one, with the understanding that after some time you will form your own option on what
works best for you and your family, so if you dont put to much into this one you can trade for some thing more to your liking
Pompano - 3-17-2012 at 08:48 AM
Reseach, research, research...you got it. Everybody has thier unique and favorite way to go RVing...you must find your own style.
To save a lot of hours pouring thru the sales sites, try this unbiased book for your choice. It helps to narrow the field.
RV BUYERS GUIDE
http://www.rvbg.com/
Lee - 3-17-2012 at 09:11 AM
Got a '02 Lazy Daze and heard it's called the Cadillac of Class C's. The 30' might work. Factory is in Montclair, CA -- there's a LD forum that
discusses why most people like this brand. Also have a '08 5th Wheel, 3 slides, perfect.
Whether it's a Class A or C, travel trailer/5th Wheel, different RVs serve different needs.
I'm satisfied with my RVs and both have been good decisions. No problems though RV dealers and their service department (LD aside), are not all
equal.
At 10 mpg while towing, gas vs. cost of motels might be a wash. It's nice to have my own bed and flat screen televisions when traveling.
There should be some pretty good deals out there right now. Go to the big RV shows when they come around.