Anyone have a Class C?

[ftwildernessrick]

Our first motorhome was a class C and my wife was quite comfortable driving it, since it feels like driving a van. She is a little worried driving our 38' class A, so I usually don't require her to.

The overhead bunk, that most have, was a big advantage. That gave you two ready made beds (overhead & rear) without having to open a couch or drop the dining room table.

The only problem I have seen, basing this on 2 friends who have the new longer C's with slideouts, is that they really should equip those big units with 2 roof airs & 5500 generator. In 100 degree + weather with no shade the single roof air just does't cut it.

 

[4mickey2]

sorry to have to say this... but, we have 2 a/c's in ours and the generator is a 7500 quiet diesel generator. now, remember ours is a super "c". it really does have a whole lot of extra goodies that you might not expect.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

sorry to have to say this... but, we have 2 a/c's in ours and the generator is a 7500 quiet diesel generator. now, remember ours is a super "c". it really does have a whole lot of extra goodies that you might not expect.

Oh yes, there are some out there & that is a very nice rig you have.

I think sometimes that since most of the rv industry is up North, they tend to either not figure or do not test their units in extreme heat conditions. My second motorhome, a 1980 Winebago Elandan, had two roof airs, but you could only run both with the generator on. While pluuged up (30 amp) you could only use one which was controlled by a two way switch in the closet (weird huh?). Of course the first thing I did was to run a second 20 amp circuit & a 20 amp plug to handle the second air.

 

[Terapin]

Hello!

We are looking into a class C and really like the side bunk models (31 foot, double slide). We are a family of 5 and frequently travel with my mom as well, so we need lots of sleeping space. I love the rear bedroom.

I have a couple questions that I would love feedback on:

1) the cab-over leaks: are these from the side windows? I like those little windows for the extra light they provide and the airflow in that bunk area. Are those the windows that leak, or are there some windows right on the front?

2) I really like the layout of the Forest River Sunseeker/Forester 3170/3171 but have heard concerns about their quality control in travel trailers. Do the same concerns exist in the Class Cs?

3) What kind of maintence is required on a regular basis? How about on a very, very long trip (say Buffalo, NY to San Francisco and back?

4) What source for information on tips, maintenance, and suggestions do you use?

Thanks so much!

 

[Main Street Matilda]

We opted for a Class C due to a strong recomendation from a friend of ours whose been in the RV industry for nearly 20 years. For a family of 5, he believed it was more practical, especially given that we only wanted something in the 30 ft range. We opted for newer model 32ft Four Winds (over getting an older Class A for about the same price). Nothing fancy, but it easily sleeps all 5 of us. The kids love the cab-over bed and all three kids easily fit up there.

As for air conditioning, our one unit keeps the RV like an ice box (which I like and DH hates.) Our RV friend mentioned that the window on the front of the RV in the cab-over can leak, so we got one without that window. Again, less fancy, but more practical.

I have no trouble driving it since I'm pretty good with driving with mirrors which is the real trick to driving any bigger vehicle. However, I defer to hubby on the backing into sites, so I have no idea if I'd be any good at that.

In any event, what we love most about our RV is that we feel like we're on vacation the minute we step foot in it!

 

[thecplusplusguy]

In any event, what we love most about our RV is that we feel like we're on vacation the minute we step foot in it!

This is the best thing we like about a motorhome over a trailer.

Now no seat belt police here, but if we are in a time crunch to get somewhere and don't want to stop (mine can go 4 to 5 hrs at 60 to 65 only using a 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank) my wife can go in back grab the sandwich stuff sit at the dinette and make sandwiches. We once stopped in a major down pour that you couldn't drive in and I couldn't imagine sitting there for an hour or more in a truck. If it rains and you stop just jump up go in the back and use the bathroom. I have also had people go to the bathroom while I'm driving (I wouldn't recommend that because it makes my MH swerve a little ).

We bought a Jayco Greyhawk Sport (28QB) 30' with no slides (which I regret). No windows in the cab over and no one that has slept up there has complained. I just like the overall experience compared to a trailer. If I'm tired I pull into somewhere go in back and sleep. I don't have to get out.

We bought the class C over an A because of the sleeping capacity. Class A's aren't designed for families unless they have the bunkhouse setup.

Dan

 

[bunny]

Do you pull a car behind? I realize that is not necessary at Fort Wilderness but what about other campgrounds?

 

[thecplusplusguy]

I just started pulling a car this year. It seems to handle it just fine, but mine fully loaded, for a weekend with just the 2 of us, is only 12,500 pounds (I weighed it). A class C with 1 or 2 slides is going to be closer to its limit with a family and all there stuff, but it should still handle from people I have talked to.

Dan

 

[Main Street Matilda]

We pull our Camry with our Class C. We've had no problems towing the car and it doesn't feel like the motor is struggling to pull it.

Even for our shorter trips, we like being able to hop in the car and go.

 

[kkwis2]

Hello!

We are looking into a class C and really like the side bunk models (31 foot, double slide). We are a family of 5 and frequently travel with my mom as well, so we need lots of sleeping space. I love the rear bedroom.

This is what we just got about a month ago! The layout was THE selling feature for me. Ours has the rear bedroom, set of bunks, bed above the cab, and the table and couch morph into beds. Tons of sleeping space! After I saw this model I lost interest in anything else.

 

[Terapin]

What brand did you get may I ask?

Any feedback on the Forest River FOrester 3171?

 

[kkwis2]

We got a used 2009 Winnebago 31J. We just used it last weekend for our first extended trip (3 nights - previously we had only done one night). It was awesome! We did buy a 4" memory foam pad for the rear mattress - found out the last time that we could feel the springs through the mattress. That made it much more comfortable.

We are now planning a trip next June to FW which will include 6 adults and 2 kids. Great to know that we can accommodate everyone!

Happy hunting!

 

[dtum]

We love our 5er, but i've been toying with Class A or C because they seem easier to level and set up. Since it would be sitting most of the time (we both work full-time) do you have to do anything special since it has an engine, etc--especially in the winter. Winterizing our 5er is so easy-what do you do for the motorized parts of the A or C? Towing doesn't sound very nice with a C or A and i think that is holding me back. You've got the length of the C and then add 10' more for the TV--that seems like a lot to go around corners in small towns.

 

[Terapin]

We don't plan on towing anything. Our trips are going to be longer trips, for the most part. We plan on renting a car locally if we need a second vehicle. Towing over long distances just doesn't make sense when you realize how cheaply you can rent a car for a few days, here and there. Also, I don't want the hassle, or the poorer handling and manouerability as you mentioned. Our main goal is to make the long drives (from Toronto area to Florida and to California) as pleasant as possible for all involved. Squishing together, as a family of 5 and sometimes 6, in the cab of a truck, just isn't an appealing thought!

 

[dtum]

Guess renting a small car would be cheaper than towing one. I'd think that would cut down on the already low gas mileage.

 

[belvista]

What brand did you get may I ask?

Any feedback on the Forest River FOrester 3171?

This is our second Forester, we got the 3171DS early summer. Had a 3121DS before, we also looked at the Winnebago 31J and the Jayco Greyhawk 31FS. Lots of little options that we appreciated, I am 6'2"+ and I don't hit my head, aly pillow top is great for extended trips, exterior entertainment center, artic package, exterior shower, lots of storage in and out, nice enclosed dump station etc.

We just came from a 3week tour of western Canada with a 11year old, 14year old and the two parents. Lots of room, a couple of things I would change, but overal was good. Was very comfortable driving(even through the mountains) and sleeping arrangements. We went for the 32inch LCD at the front so the kids could watch movies(brought the total of TV's to 3) and give us an hour and a half break while on the road

Also love the pulling over for lunch in a cool motorhome instead of a "hot box", potty breaks or snacks don't mean you have to pull over while in city traffic or on the highway. I didn't really say that :-O

Give a shout if you have any questions about the Forester.

 

[Terapin]

I guess with your post count you can't respond to PMs yet, so I'll ask my questions here:

1) What options did you get, if any? There are several things we are considering including the a/c with heat pump, the inverter, the upgraded generator, the Fantastic Fan, the backup camera, the power driver seat, and one or two others. We're also considering the full body paint.

2) Where did you buy your rig?

3) Which beds did the grandparents use? We're they comfy enough?

4) How was the handling?

5) How did you haggle pricing?

6) Anything you'd do differently?

7) All the TVs are marked as 'OPT' except the one facing the kids' bunks. Was that standard?

Thanks so very much!

This is our second Forester, we got the 3171DS early summer. Had a 3121DS before, we also looked at the Winnebago 31J and the Jayco Greyhawk 31FS. Lots of little options that we appreciated, I am 6'2"+ and I don't hit my head, aly pillow top is great for extended trips, exterior entertainment center, artic package, exterior shower, lots of storage in and out, nice enclosed dump station etc.

We just came from a 3week tour of western Canada with a 11year old, 14year old and the two parents. Lots of room, a couple of things I would change, but overal was good. Was very comfortable driving(even through the mountains) and sleeping arrangements. We went for the 32inch LCD at the front so the kids could watch movies(brought the total of TV's to 3) and give us an hour and a half break while on the road

Also love the pulling over for lunch in a cool motorhome instead of a "hot box", potty breaks or snacks don't mean you have to pull over while in city traffic or on the highway. I didn't really say that :-O

Give a shout if you have any questions about the Forester.

 

[mnsprk]

We love our 5er, but i've been toying with Class A or C because they seem easier to level and set up. Since it would be sitting most of the time (we both work full-time) do you have to do anything special since it has an engine, etc--especially in the winter. Winterizing our 5er is so easy-what do you do for the motorized parts of the A or C? Towing doesn't sound very nice with a C or A and i think that is holding me back. You've got the length of the C and then add 10' more for the TV--that seems like a lot to go around corners in small towns.

You don't need to do anymore to the engine than you do to your car or pu, and winterizing the back is no different than your 5thw. As to towing, our TOAD tracks better (with a tow bar) than our 5th wheel did, since it's not as wide. The only thing that can cause concern is the swing of the rear over-hang.

 

[belvista]

I guess with your post count you can't respond to PMs yet, so I'll ask my questions here:

1) What options did you get, if any? There are several things we are considering including the a/c with heat pump, the inverter, the upgraded generator, the Fantastic Fan, the backup camera, the power driver seat, and one or two others. We're also considering the full body paint.

2) Where did you buy your rig?

3) Which beds did the grandparents use? We're they comfy enough?

4) How was the handling?

5) How did you haggle pricing?

6) Anything you'd do differently?

7) All the TVs are marked as 'OPT' except the one facing the kids' bunks. Was that standard?

Thanks so very much!

We are just going out, I will answer shortly.

 

[belvista]

I WILL ANSWER EACH ONE

Originally Posted by Terapin
I guess with your post count you can't respond to PMs yet, so I'll ask my questions here:

1) What options did you get, if any? There are several things we are considering including the a/c with heat pump, the inverter, the upgraded generator, the Fantastic Fan, the backup camera, the power driver seat, and one or two others. We're also considering the full body paint.
Our options:
• Higgins Fern interior / Cherry wood
• Taupe exterior skirt paint
• Onan microquiet generator up charge
• Water filter system
• CO detector
• Cab-over entertainment center with 32” LCD TV
• 19” Flat TV in bedroom
• Back-up camera with rear view mirror monitor
• Additional coach battery
• Inverter (allows the cab-over LCD to work without being plugged in-great for the kids while going down the highway)
• Outside entertainment center
We had the A/C with heatpump on the last unit. We preferred to run a couple of baseboard heaters (quieter) or the furnace than the heatpump. We thought about the full body paint (looks good), but I couldn’t find out if they clearcoat after the paint. With the added cost we couldn`t justify it.
2) Where did you buy your rig?

• I don’t want to put the dealer’s name on this site, please send me an email at belvista (at) shaw (dot) ca since I can’t send you an PM yet. I hope it is alright to post my email.

3) Which beds did the grandparents use? We're they comfy enough?

• We used the queen bed in the back, kids in the bunkbeds on the side, grandma on the couch. She found it very comfy.


4) How was the handling?

This is the second Ford E450 chassis with the Triton V10 and Torqshift we have owned, it is great on the highway and very good in the mountains. Never did we feel it was out of control, my wife has no problem driving in on the highway. I was even surprised by the gas mileage compared with our GMC Duramax pulling a 5th wheel. We have talked to many people who also tow a small car (<5,000lbs) or horse trailer with no problems. Great way to travel with kids.


5) How did you haggle pricing?

6) Anything you'd do differently?

• Our last Forester had one more skylight. This made it lighter in the living area. I am not sure if that was because we ordered it with a magic fan. I would look into that.


7) All the TVs are marked as 'OPT' except the one facing the kids' bunks. Was that standard?

• Only the one facing the kids bunk is standard. The one in the rear bedroom ended up being exactly the same as the kids. Both operate on 12v as well.


Thanks so very much!