Excellent, informative video. We have owned 7 motorhomes, 1 Class A, 3 Class C, and 3 Class B motorhomes. As a couple, and often taking one or two people with us, our favorite is a small 24 foot Class C with one slide out on a Ford E350 Super Duty chassis with a V10 motor. The power-to-weight ratio is very good for traveling up hills and short enough to get into fairly tight spots. If you are a "RV newbie" I highly suggest that your rent a motorhome before buying. Also, try to buy used with low mileage. It's much lower priced than new ones, and often will have less problems to start with.
Many people actually live in a class B, so I think it is important to realize it can be a home, not just a place to retreat to after hiking and exploring. It drives like a car and fits in a parking spot easy peaszy😊
For Class B and Class C, there is now a new style that is emerging apart from all the styles that you mentioned. It's the 'office on whell' Class B or Class C RV. There are an increasing number of technology workers that can work remotely and they would like to work from different locations they choose and on wheels. There are two types of such users. There is the single person office working. There is also the couple (two people) working in an office. The RV must allow for sleeping and cooking but it should take much less space to give precedence to the office. Often times, these office on wheels are parked in the city, or nearby a city where the company they are working for is located. It's more likely that they will shower at a gym and eat from a restaurant. So I hope that manufacturers will address this new style of RV use properly.
You should be selling these things. Every salesperson I have come across and most making vids are doofuses that don’t know their products. You are knowledgeable and sincere. Hopefully when we get ready to purchase we will find a salesperson like you. Thanks for the great vid.
A class B is great for a single or couple who tend to be gypsies. We rarely stay long in any one place so gas mileage and quick setup and take down are assets. It is also nice to be able to easily park in shopping centers and on city/town streets. We often only hook up power (if available). We carry enough fresh water for a week or more and dump the "ugly tanks" about twice a week. When we don't need A/C, we don't need much power. Between charging on the road and the power from our solar panels (200 watt) we have plenty. We were on the road about 100 days last year - did all 10 Canadian provinces plus the Yukon. This style is where the B really fits!
I definitely fall into your 3rd category. I grew up camping in a 82 vanagon. My dad still daily drives when there isn’t snow. It is a 1.9 Indirect turbo diesel and gets 32-33 mpg. Watching you I have learned a lot about other campers and ways of camping thanks. It’s good to learn other people’s view points.
We chose the Winnebago 24v because of the fuel economy of the diesel engine and the fact we could have a diesel generator, also because it came with a fiberglass roof, and a porcelain toilet. The quality of workmanship and just the overall experience of driving this RV is well worth the increased price.
Rarely do you need to hook up sewer and city water when camping or traveling. The storage tanks are good enough to go several days without hooking up. We never hook these up full time. All we do is fill our tanks and sewer dump and refill water when necessary. The only hook up when staying at an RV park or camping where there are hook ups is the electrical. This takes all of 5 minutes to hook-up or disconnect. In addition, our class B+ is self leveling. We drive into a spot. Push a button, level the RV, plug in the electrical and we are done. To go somewhere we reverse the process and we are off to go driving around. Our new B+ is slightly bigger than my F-250 alone which was used to pull our former Airstream TT. I can't tell you how much easier it is to maneuver and travel around in a B+ compared to 50+ feet of trailer and truck.
Another advantage of a class B is it can easily be parked "stealth" into a lot of parking places as opposed to a Class C when boon docking. I've seen security run off rv's. Not so with the sprinter style vans.
Great education. I’ve been contemplating RV lifestyle. You mentioned many things I hadn’t even started to consider and gave me a framework with which to start my analysis before jumping behind the wheel. Thanks for the very clear presentation.
A+ truth in advertising! hurrah for your review. 3 R's I have NEVER heard that, but makes sense. wow so thanks and ...best of all: you just won my trust and thumbs up. I've been RV for 30 years, and this is THE BEST honest video. thanks
Thanks for such specific information and details about the topic of your video! I got more out of this than the last 5 trips to the RV dealers. Keep up the good work!
We have a C now and are thinking about a B next. Have never needed a car in 7 years with the C. Unplug, awning in and go! No problem. We camp in state parks and they don't have full hook-ups, just electric.
I have heard one of the biggest cons against the class C is that you have to repack up the interior daily when you travel, you either have to not fully unpack or you need to spend 30 minutes cleaning up every time you want to go somewhere so stuff doesn't fall during driving. Can you provide any incite on this, how true or exaggerated this is? I am a HAPPY travel trailer owner, but I am considering a class C as my next camper, but I love the flexibility of having my RV sit and just hopping in my truck without needing to unhook or clean up. Your experience and knowledge is appreciated. Thank in advance for your response!
Thank you for a very informative video. There are so many things to consider when thinking about purchasing an RV and I like the way you divided it into three categories first and then broke it down further. You hit many of the things that we sometimes do not think about in advance so I really appreciated this video.
As total newbies just starting to look at RVs, this video was invaluable! Really gave a good crash course in what to look for, how things work, and the benefits and drawbacks of not only Class B versus Class c, but also the benefits and drawbacks of trailers versus drive-in RVS. Thank you!
We bought a new 24' class C (Ford cutaway) last year. The v-10 engine is legacy - proven and been around forever. Class C has advantage of outside storage & much larger storage tank capacity. We can access the bath with slide in. I can flat tow a Jeep Wrangler if needed. It was MUCH cheaper to purchase than a diesel or any (basic) class B. Perceived disadvantages: Rubber (EDPM) roof; basically a trailer built on the back of a truck frame; laminated sidewalls; cheaper materials used throughout (cabinets). While most of the class B vans and many class C cutaways were better built - higher quality cabinets/doors, solid roof, etc. - the price also definitely reflects that. I've had an EDPM roof on a pull-behind with no issues. We don't "full time" in ours - it's used for fairly heavy use about 7 months, then is stored (out back). If we were full-timers, I would DEFINITELY invest in a much better built unit. Bottom line is it's about cost/benefit and comfort level. I am mechanically oriented, so repairing any of the major components isn't intimidating. I can buy a whole lot of Dicor sealant and EternaBond tape - or even replace the entire roof - with the thousands of dollars difference. Also, having 40+ gallons fresh water is a must for us - we'd never make it on 20 gallons!
In my opinion, any RV, A B or C, can be any of the 3 Rs. It just depends on the preferences of the traveler(s). Personally, I'd never own anything but a class B because I value the ability to get to tighter places and further off the grid above all else. That's just the kind of travel I'm interested in, but everyone is different. I wold also consider a slide-in truck camper. Although there are significant trade-offs, the lower cost of entry is a big draw, especially since I already own a truck. That said, a class B would still be ideal for me.
Anything with a bathroom and a decent floor plan that you can stand in will do the job. That one that was basically just a tall work van made to be a RV is a good example of that. The benches are basically like sleeping on a camping cot, so you can sleep 2 people okay enough, while keeping the table setup for use by whoever is awake. With the booth seating, you can accommodate a couple of guests as well, even if it's a bit cramped. Pretty much the only thing missing in a lot of these is a practical way to do laundry, which I have some ideas for.
@@InfernosReaper Some company actually sells this sealed plastic ball that you do your laundry in. Just put the clothes, water and detergent in and shake. They rinse a couple times and hang in the wet bath to dry. It's primitive and uses a decent amount of water, but it works. Also, I've never been to a town that didn't have a coin laundry, although they can be expensive to use ongoing.
@@dlg5485 Coin laundry is okay when you're in town and are okay with that compromise. I was more thinking about for people who don't want to do that or can't do that. After looking at stuff on Amazon, I do have some ideas, but don't want to really bank on them, since it involves some product types I haven't dealt with before. If I ever get my finances in order, it'd be something I'd put to the test, because if it works, I could use it at my house even if I don't get in a good enough place to actually own an RV. That ball thing also sounds like it could be interesting as well.
I found that information to be very useful because I’m just now looking at RVs and I’m a single man and I thought about just buying a new truck and a trailer but I’m willing to travel the United States and be able to park where I walked so your post was very helpful and me thinking about looking about a class B.
It all boils down to what you prefer. I love the roomy space of a large C but it's overkill for what I want to do. I want to maneuver as close to nature as I want like pulling up 3 feet from the river and fish from my class B. With a B class, (1) I can go anywhere a regular car can go. (2) I can park it in my driveway and not have to pay for RV storage. (3) Maintainance is the same as a regular vehicle. (4) Better fuel economy. (5) It's enough for 1 or 2 people.
I am single and seriously considering purchasing a motor home, traveling in the Spring thru early Fall and then parking it at a RV park during the colder times of the year. I’ve been looking around, your video shed a better light on what I should be looking for, thank you!
Good point you made about class-Bs capability for wilderness camping. In general, they are tougher since they are built inside a steel shell for off-pavement use and don't have the weak corner seams class-Cs have (note: I didn't say off-road, I mean primarily forest service or BLM type dirt roads). They do lack the room as bigger RVs, but their smaller size allows them to go into areas you can't access with big RVs.
I learned more from this video than any of the other dozens of RV videos put together. When you brought up the connecting to utilities in the park, to needing to unconnect to drive somewhere was an Aha moment for me. Now I will look at Trailer RVs more than the Class C or B.
I purchased a Winnebago Spirit 25B that meets all these categories. No slides, no jacks, no stairs, has a couch, access to everything, I can tow my truck with it and get 10mpg. This is my 3rd RV and its perfect. Make sure you get the E450 chassis.
I love your videos. They are always concise, succinct, and educational. Thank you. I hope to be living full time in an evening within the next several years. I have a lot of your videos saved to my rv reference playlist. 😄
Excellent information. I learned a lot. A note on Fords; if things have not changed much, my 31foot 94 Tioga turns almost as tight as a conversion van. Once I got used to it, I was amazed where I could put this rig.
I am retired and picked up a part time job moving RV's. One thing that you said is KEY. When you find the brand and floor plan that you like test drive all that the dealer has. No 2 are alike, one could be quiet and drive nice. Another could handle poorly and rattle like an old school bus. Wind noise is a big thing too. Now you may think that hey it's under warranty when most smaller dealers are not equipped to fix quality issues.
We're looking to buy something with a diesel engine. At first it was a class A, and it was between a 2008 Newmar Mountain Aire and a 2011 Winnebago Tour. But the more we research, we might go smaller in order to take off faster and get into places easier. Long story short, what vehicles would make you think twice about buying them?
For Class B - the easiest thing to do is join all of the car rentals programs in the US. When you plan your trip - always locate the closest office to your destination. Pull up - drop 'em off - they pick up the rental - they follow the Class B to the site. That is your LOCAL exploration vehicle. You can get it with unlimited miles, weekly rates (and better if you ask), and unless you are on the road all year long, renting one of those is a lot cheaper than buying a car, making payments, buying insurance, maintenance costs, etc., not to mention the additional drag on the Class B which will result in lower MPG for the van, costing you additional funds.
I love my 2015 Navion with large sun moon roof. With that said I learned the cargo doors need to open side ways not up! Need pad for knees on ground to get things out. Always get ladder on back to clean roof and inspection of roof. Diesel generator cost more but does not use up all your LP. Learned that a dinette is better than couch....especially to sleep on. Looking to trade to full slide with Coachman Prism. Has leveling jacks and side cameras. Good info!
Great video. You explained a lot and gave me lots to think about. I've been leaning toward a motorhome vs. a 5th wheel or travel trailer. I've found used ones in my price range but I'd still have to get a big enough truck to tow.
I disagree with the idea that you need to tow a vehicle when you travel by class B, we spent 5 nights at campground with hook up and took it out to explore around just like it’s a car simply unplugging takes less than a minute
Never been to a campground so I don't know. Can't you lose your spot potentially if that area gets busy after you've left or do you have a reservation that guarantees your space for a time?
@@Zasaramel If it is a camp ground with connections you almost always have the spot for a certain amount of days. On BLM land or other places without hook ups it is first come first serve most of the time so you would lose it.
I agree that you do not NEED a tow vehicle with a class B, but I think readying the van for travel is more than "simply unplugging". You have to make sure that everything inside is properly stored for travel. So, unless you are super vigilant about always putting everything away immediately and staying "travel ready" at all times, moving the van could become quite a hassle. While I wouldn't bother with towing a car, a couple of bikes or a motorcycle would come in handy and provide added enjoyment.
@@RealChunka - Or a motorized bike/three wheeler. I looked into that option when my hubby was considering a large boat. I figured we'd need some way to get to the closest grocery store when we docked. I actually found quite a few lightweight options.
RealChunka I don’t have a rv but a cargo van turn into rv it easy to just go just make sure u don’t have a cup An ur stove out ( if u don’t have one built in
FYI the Freelander E450 that you demo in this video appears to be a new 28BH & you advised that when the bedroom slide is in you cannot access the bathroom. That is not correct as you fold the mattress on the bed in half before bringing the slide in and thus having access to the bathroom. I own a Freelander 26RS which has the same bedroom slide and have no problem accessing the bathroom, however when the slide is in you can not use that bed to sleep on leaving you having to sleep in the overhead bunk (over the cab). Other then that good video review.
Just catching up on videos. Interesting approach assigning 3Rs to RV types. Technically, any RV class can be in any of the 3R categories, but if we agree with your thought process, I would say it needs reconsideration. 1-Residential I would say 5vers, large Travel trailers, and 40'+ A's fall into this category very well, as they are most like home and provide the most square footage and are absolutely not practical for short trips or urban/suburban areas. 2-Retreat I would say all class C , B and small A fit here. The size is just personal preference to suit the # of people supported and budgets available to provide desired level of comfort. 3-Rest FYI, I believe there is overlap with retreat type here. small C's and B's suit the bill here. In all, I agree with your approach to help categorize RV types to something easier for the lay person, just getting into RVing with a new approach to understanding how these rigs can be thought of. Ideally, if money is no issue, every RVer could probably use at least two rigs, a residential type for our favorite seasonal camp sites, and a small retreat/rest type to support those short weekend trips or excursions that include a one or two night sleep in.
I've had many B RV's...but as the wife and I grew older and developed walking and standing problems we found the B's are just a little too tight for our continued use. We now have a small (23.5 feet) B+ with a corner bed (not on a slide). We have one slide with our dinette...and we REALLY like it. It changes the "rail car" look of a B to a "condo" or small "cabin" look of a B+ (really a C for licensing). We can also park in a standard parking space (albeit we hang over just a bit..although that's never caused us a problem). Our chassis and power plant is a Ford Transit Diesel. A LOT of power and with the unique Ford suspension...the driving matches an SUV....Very smooth...No vibration (like one might find on many larger Class C's with gasoline engines).
@@one1servant We currently have a 2018 Thor Gemini. Note: It's listed as a Class C on the Thor Website...But the industry likes to call it a "B+" because it doesn't have the sleeping bunk above the driver's cab.
Video was great thank you. One thing though we find it's very easy to hook up and take down. Literally under 5 minutes. So please people don't' let that discourage you.
We have a ‘15 B on a MB Sprinter 3500 chassis, full dry bath, one slide and for us, it’s perfect for what we do. We don’t tow and if we need to disconnect to take a day trip into Yosemite Valley, it’s no big deal. We don’t hook up sewer until the last night. And, sometimes we boondock, but only for a day or two, as utility management can be a challenge. Thanks for the vid.
Wife and I looked at some B's this weekend at an RV show. We have 2 grandkids who would love to travel with us but the B's are obviously geared towards 2 people, and most do not have seat belts in their seats behind the driver and passenger. Our g-kids are still small enough to be required to be in safety seating of some type so belts are a must.
scarmenl One of my colleagues is on his 2nd or 3rd Super C, and he loves them. My wife and I decided they weren’t for us. It’s personal preference and how much one wants to spend. Good luck!
This was the most useful video I have ever seen on the topic at hand. As a noob who is just getting into the idea of RV life, I really learned a lot from this. Thank you 🙏
We used to have a class C but downsized to a B. As gas was hovering close to $4 per gallon the gas savings was significant. We boondock a lot so parking on the street or parking lot is important. Its a tight living space but doable for a couple with no kids or pets.
I full-time in a Coachmen Galleria class B and it is plenty. This is coming from someone that used to have a New Horizons Majestic 37" luxury 5th wheel -- by far the best 5th wheel on the market. Only thing that killed me was the price of a freaking class B is insane. I would have converted my own, but did not have the time or space to do it. The Galleria is, in my opinion the nicest class B for the money and the quality is amazing.
When you were looking at the tires size I was thinking, you might at least think about how much it is to replace them. Some RVs use more custom tire size that can cost a lot when replacing them. Even if you don't drive much they still can dry rot. Watch for that on used RV's.
This is a lot of great information for someone like me, who wants to get an RV but isn't sure about what I need. This gave me a lot to think about. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this. My friend keeps asking me to travel the country in an RV and is looking at buying a new one and wants me to pick one. I don't really know anything about them. This helps me understand the difference. Thank you again.
Class B and Class C vehicles really do not need to be hooked up when you arrive at a campground. Unless I wand to use the air conditioner or the microwave oven, I can get away with using the 12 Volt electrical system only. My small Class C has a 50 gal water tank and 2 25 gal. holding tanks, so I do not need sewer or water hookups, (though I always dump tanks before leaving a campground). One of the reasons that I use a small Class C (with no slides) is so that I do not have to tow a vehicle to use when I want do some local exploring. My old Class B was constructed using on a Chevy G30 van (with a high fiberglass top). It could be parked in any normal sized parking space. It used a recirculating toilet, and with a 10 gal. fresh water tank.
We’re looking at a smaller Class C...about 25-26 feet. We intend to use it to travel for three to four weeks at a time, three to four times a year. It’ll just be hubby, myself and our cats. No tow vehicle necessary, Enterprise will pick you up. The only thing I don’t like...all the lastest models only have two burner tops.
I have 38foot 98 Monaco dynasty 8.3 Cummins for 2 years. I won't go small. 8.3 is a work horse and it doesn't have dpl. I love it. Plus I use to drive a big rig so its like driving a slightly longer bobtail to me.
JJKHaywood, worst 7.0mpg wind and uphills. 9.5 to 10 in straight away. I average 8.5mpg. I have a 2005 civic hybrid manual as a toad, my mh doesn't even notice its there. 8.3 Cummins is a great engine.
Just want to point out we traded in our grand design 2800bh (lack of payload) and got a thor axis on E-450 chassis, It has a 3k payload and 8k tow rating, We tow a jeep unlimited 4850lb with it. All the other larger gas motor homes we looked at only had a tow rating of 5k.
We have a Jayco Class C 31 fs........it has two slides and we looked and looked for 3 options! 1. To be able to access all places and Bathroom when slides are in .....and it does. 2. Many of the Class C's have a step up to access the bathroom and back of rig. That is problematic for my elderly Mom that we take with us to visit family etc out of state. We bought the rig with that in mind because we are caring for her in our home now and was so weary of not being able to go out of state with visiting our older 2 children, etc and could not always have someone stay with her nor leave her alone! The step seems that in the middle of the night or when we leave her to rest in rig some she might get up and trip or one of us getting up at night! I did not like the step at all in a lot of them. 3. when our rig has slides in.....The bunk beds are accessible to use and also the back queen bed is till accessible to sleep in...just close to the botton draw...No problem! 4. One thing about Jayco....it has that suspension system that is supposed to keep it for an easier, less bumpy ride! We had a smaller class c years ago and it just didn't seem as bumpy as the back bedroom of this larger rig....guess it is because it is longer? 5. The Jayco, so far seems to have much more quality than our older one.......but am really upset that Jayco doesn't allow the so called 3 yr warranty on a newer unit like the one we bought....only had 1800 miles...(1300 from Indiana plant to Fl) and only 500 miles of actual use on it! It basically was a new unit......then salesman and finance guy pulled a fast on on us which never happened with our first one yrs ago...added a ridiculous extended warranty on it.....Sadly my pretty young husband had a massive heart attack after what they think was covid instead of flu about 3 weeks after we bought it.........so much stress after HA and didn't realize what they had done! Time to get the State Attny's involved in some of the lemon laws and so many problems with a lot of the RV's today! What a racket on so many that I have read...... Thanks for your reviews!
Really like this video. Very helpful. Don't totally agree about needing a tow vehicle in a b but still really informative. I wish you'd have covered the "b+" which is basically a wider b or a smaller c. They still have the maneuverability of a b but more room inside.
Excellent review today!! Like how you detailed out different scenarios for each type of camper… thanks for all the information- I think your channel provides some of the best information on RV’s ;). Keep em coming ;)
We have been thinking about downsizing to a class C or maybe even a class B.... But you made some good points, I am thinking now keeping our class A and continuing on our cross country trip coming up soon. Maybe I will downsize when we get back. Thank You for posting this video.
How about a truck camper review? We love ours....nimble with every thing we need. We have a Ram Mega Cab Cummins with big tires and 4WD. Easy to off-load the camper with electric jacks and can use the truck independent of the camper. Great option for folks that can handle small quarters. We love having a a large bed separate from the dinette/lounging area. The Mega Cab hauls our kayak and tools with tons of space to spare. Truck campers are often overlooked in the RV world but it's a really great option for some.
Great advice. I learned so much, considering how many passengers we have in our family which affects our need for sleeping & living area..your advice will help us choose wisely when buying.
I'm getting rid of my trailer. I'm not liking having to hook it up and unhook it everytime I want to go somewhere. I'm upgrading to a Thor Four Winds class C. I'm also going to be living in it. Just take your personal needs into consideration short term or long term. All the best to you!!!😊
I prefer a minivan with just a bed and some storage in the back to any of classes A, B and C. I cook outside and use Walmart or campground bathrooms as appropriate. When weather is bad or I don't feel like cooking I go to restaurants. When I get sick of living in a van, I pick a nice town and rent a furnished apartment for a while or chill out for a couple of days in a fancy resort or hotel.
I'll stick with buying an airplane. Tandem seat with a tail wheel. Open skies. 2 people and basic camping supplies. Fly out to airshows around the country. Pitch a tent. See the other planes. Pack up and fly out to campgrounds with airports. Surprisingly a good number of them. Cost as much as a Class B or C RV. Cheaper on fuel.
I'm with you.. but the constraints of weather limits what you can do and when.. so schedules are out if you want to stay safe. Good Cessna 150 or a Champ.. you bet !
We have a 24' class C with full wall slide. The bath is on the non-slide side, and queen bed is opposite on the slide. The bath is easily accessible while in motion with slide closed. It's perfect size for two of us and two dogs. These can be had for between 70 & 80 grand new. If you boondock a lot, be careful with diesel. Lots of times they stick a propane generator in them. Get a diesel genny which draws fuel from the main tank... like our gasoline one does. Be prepared to pay a 30 grand premium for diesel engine AND diesel genny though. Or if you have a HUGE budget, go solar & lithium batteries. 😳
Enjoy your videos. My one important suggestion would be to state the length of the RV in the begging of the overview and also be accurate. My husband and i are interested in fifth wheels around 35' to fit into national parks, etc. Recently you did a video of one I loved and said it was 37'. It had the layout and basement storage I want. I convinced him to go see it locally and said we may be able to get away with the two extra feet. He loved your video and the rig. But when we got to see it in person we were shocked it was 41'! We absolutely loved it but had to walk away. I was heartbroken as we have looked for a long time. We loved everything about it. It wasn't cheap looking or feeling and had more storage than most we have seen that are affordable. My husband has also changed his mind on the 3/4 ton truck he wants to get based on your videos. He loves your channel. We both do
The older people I know that own RVs aren't fit to climb over anything. It seems like everyone on here is assuming that it's just younger people looking for homes to travel in so they're up for anything.
HELP … My husband is 6'7" and 380 lbs any ideas on showers that could hold him ? we are looking into a C class … that is the only thing holding us back .. I enjoyed your points on each one helped me a lot.... Karen and Denver
Rofl. America. We have 3 new rvs . Ones a 20“, ones a 32“ and ones a 40“..... but they all cost exactly the same. One costs more because it’s smaller, and the other costs more because it’s longer.... American dream...
Are you sure you wouldn't have access to the bath on the coachman? Couldn't you leave the door open and crawl across the bed? The Jayco Seneca I almost bought was 38+ ft. It was on a freightliner chassis with a 340 HP Cummins. Yet the MSRP was over $250,000.
Nice Job comparing the classes. Definitely, the difference between towable and motorhome for us is the advantage to go between cab and living compartment. It's not just convenience, it's safety. We have the 2nd floorplan you noted (Winnebago View) which is 25' 5" so almost as short as some Class B's. Vicki absolutely will not do a wet bath and with needing a toad and storage (not mentioned), those are the major differences between B and C for us. We have lived in our View for up to 7 months at a time, but there's just 2 of us and a cat, and we needed a toad. The View/Navion is also diesel and gets about 15mph - a nice sweet spot in the motorhome spectrum, but not as convenient as a Class B and not if you have kids.
Great video as usual btbrv. Wonder if ford is has plans to change the e class body style. They've been running that same body with slight variations of grill and headlights for a long time.... also, i always like to point out maintenance on traditional rv's tends to be higher. All the ones i ever worked on im my years of turning wrenches were generally very low mileage. That was the problem...they would get used once a year and parked. Here in az the heat is hell on belts and hoses. Not to mention pack rats. With a tt or 5er your main mechamics are tires, wheel bearings and brakes. Just some food for thought. Thanks again bud. Keep em coming.
I think ford will only update the e chassis when they are forced too, as the market lacks any real competition. Why change things if is only going to affect your botton line. Which is really disappointing. Obviously if any improvements can be easily transferred from the f 450 chassis then it has better odds of appearing on the e series. Generally the buyer in this market (not the RV'er, the manufacturer) is more concerned with price than features.
One thing you didnt cover is talking about the roofs. You talk about the length and getting into spots but the worst part of most RVs is the roof. For me after dealing with several RV's and the absolutely terrible rubber roofs I would do anything other then the small B with the standard van roof. Sorry to drop this on here but the Rv industry is using this garbage and should have a class action suit filed against them for the millions of dollars they have cost people. Pay attention to the roofs and the material they are made of. A rubber roof for camping around trees. Great thought. They should think that far ahead about the roofs. On small branch even falling on it let alone hitting it while driving and its damaged. Plus the life of the rubber is a joke.
I've never understood why so many roofs leak. This should have been solved decades ago. Boats don't leak. Cars don't leak. What's the problem with the RV industry making NEW RVs leak when driven off the lot? It's not rocket science. My friend has one and three years into ownership he's looking to fix it.
Robert Kasper Sr. Could you but the stuff they use to seal bed liners to seal the roof. Can’t remember the name of the product. Just a thought I’m so confused as to what to buy. Or build my own
@@eastside313yahdig.2 rent one first, even just for a week, you will learn about the issues of the lifestyle which will bring home whats important to you. You will find out what your happy to compromise on for your objectives. Its so personal.
ive own all 3 . really the only thing that matters is what your going to want to do with it camp. live . single . or family living. stealthy . or noticeable . save money . etc .
My favorite is a small toy hauler, because there's a lot of things you could do in the garage and if you don't get a fifth wheel toy hauler, just conventional toy hauler, you can always get a new truck or SUV; not out a lot of money compared to the class A or Class C motorhomes. Trailer is having a diversified RV portfolio. I like the garage portion, great projected patio, plus some have bath tubs and frt kitchen. I hate gallery kitchen, traffic flow issues. Garage is great storage for toys, or thro in air mattress, great sleeping. Slide outs are okay, but just another problem, when least expected. Solar panels are must have, better then generator…. Class A Motorhomes okay if you're going to be mobile. They're very expensive to maintain they have a lot of toys on them so be ready for breakdowns. If you wreck them, Ins. are very poor. Not many mechanics really know how to work on them, expensive $$ beast. Class C motorhomes are very mobile to get around, sleeper over the cab is a waste of time : either too hot or too cold for good sleeping and if your senior, it's very risky getting in and out of there. Plus if there's two people sleeping up there, the frame over the cab really can't support much activity. I would prefer a truck frame chassis with a trailer attached o it, because if you don't like the truck frame chassis you can always get another one, just removed the trailer. I have a Class A, Trailer and Truck camper. Truck and SUV are the only two of all of the above, which have Lemon Law Protections. RV in general, carry no help from the courts and RV warranties, are collection of A-Z products and not insured by one manufacturer.
You should tell everyone about the problems of the bump out on the sides, sometimes the mechanism for moving it in and out will seize up with it halfway out and it is very difficult to get to the mechanism because it's under the floor.
Excellent, informative video. We have owned 7 motorhomes, 1 Class A, 3 Class C, and 3 Class B motorhomes. As a couple, and often taking one or two people with us, our favorite is a small 24 foot Class C with one slide out on a Ford E350 Super Duty chassis with a V10 motor. The power-to-weight ratio is very good for traveling up hills and short enough to get into fairly tight spots. If you are a "RV newbie" I highly suggest that your rent a motorhome before buying. Also, try to buy used with low mileage. It's much lower priced than new ones, and often will have less problems to start with.
It is so personal. Its a compromise from the get go, but we all have different levels of ability to compromise for the freedom RV's bring.
Still don't know what class you're dead
What is the best place to buy
I have watched hundreds of RV videos. This was one of the most informative, concise & honest explanations I have seen to date. Thank you
only watched a few but agree. No bs just useful info. Esp for me a non usa person.
Many people actually live in a class B, so I think it is important to realize it can be a home, not just a place to retreat to after hiking and exploring. It drives like a car and fits in a parking spot easy peaszy😊
That's what I'm thinking. Ease of parking and getting around. I'm starting to look for my first RV and a class B looks like a good start to me.
Class B for me for the ease of driving and parking. It will provide the three Rs for me.
I like a smaller RV, however In my opinion the Winnebego that was walked-through @3:36 was in the ball park but its just a little too small
Glad to know this Cheryl because I won't to buy one to live in
Good for stealth camping unlike the bigger motorhomes.
For Class B and Class C, there is now a new style that is emerging apart from all the styles that you mentioned. It's the 'office on whell' Class B or Class C RV. There are an increasing number of technology workers that can work remotely and they would like to work from different locations they choose and on wheels. There are two types of such users. There is the single person office working. There is also the couple (two people) working in an office. The RV must allow for sleeping and cooking but it should take much less space to give precedence to the office. Often times, these office on wheels are parked in the city, or nearby a city where the company they are working for is located. It's more likely that they will shower at a gym and eat from a restaurant. So I hope that manufacturers will address this new style of RV use properly.
You should be selling these things. Every salesperson I have come across and most making vids are doofuses that don’t know their products. You are knowledgeable and sincere. Hopefully when we get ready to purchase we will find a salesperson like you. Thanks for the great vid.
A class B is great for a single or couple who tend to be gypsies. We rarely stay long in any one place so gas mileage and quick setup and take down are assets. It is also nice to be able to easily park in shopping centers and on city/town streets. We often only hook up power (if available). We carry enough fresh water for a week or more and dump the "ugly tanks" about twice a week.
When we don't need A/C, we don't need much power. Between charging on the road and the power from our solar panels (200 watt) we have plenty. We were on the road about 100 days last year - did all 10 Canadian provinces plus the Yukon.
This style is where the B really fits!
rdvqc Thanks for the tip. Your post help me make my decision
@rdvqc Very helpful feedback.
I definitely fall into your 3rd category. I grew up camping in a 82 vanagon. My dad still daily drives when there isn’t snow. It is a 1.9 Indirect turbo diesel and gets 32-33 mpg. Watching you I have learned a lot about other campers and ways of camping thanks. It’s good to learn other people’s view points.
We chose the Winnebago 24v because of the fuel economy of the diesel engine and the fact we could have a diesel generator, also because it came with a fiberglass roof, and a porcelain toilet. The quality of workmanship and just the overall experience of driving this RV is well worth the increased price.
Rarely do you need to hook up sewer and city water when camping or traveling. The storage tanks are good enough to go several days without hooking up. We never hook these up full time. All we do is fill our tanks and sewer dump and refill water when necessary. The only hook up when staying at an RV park or camping where there are hook ups is the electrical. This takes all of 5 minutes to hook-up or disconnect. In addition, our class B+ is self leveling. We drive into a spot. Push a button, level the RV, plug in the electrical and we are done. To go somewhere we reverse the process and we are off to go driving around.
Our new B+ is slightly bigger than my F-250 alone which was used to pull our former Airstream TT. I can't tell you how much easier it is to maneuver and travel around in a B+ compared to 50+ feet of trailer and truck.
I never hook up as mine is totally off grid. If you are able to flat tow a car you could notice no real gas difference (I didnt).
Another advantage of a class B is it can easily be parked "stealth" into a lot of parking places as opposed to a Class C when boon docking. I've seen security run off rv's. Not so with the sprinter style vans.
Great education. I’ve been contemplating RV lifestyle. You mentioned many things I hadn’t even started to consider and gave me a framework with which to start my analysis before jumping behind the wheel. Thanks for the very clear presentation.
A+ truth in advertising! hurrah for your review.
3 R's I have NEVER heard that, but makes sense. wow so thanks and ...best of all:
you just won my trust and thumbs up.
I've been RV for 30 years, and this is THE BEST honest video. thanks
Thanks for such specific information and details about the topic of your video! I got more out of this than the last 5 trips to the RV dealers. Keep up the good work!
We have a C now and are thinking about a B next. Have never needed a car in 7 years with the C. Unplug, awning in and go! No problem. We camp in state parks and they don't have full hook-ups, just electric.
I have heard one of the biggest cons against the class C is that you have to repack up the interior daily when you travel, you either have to not fully unpack or you need to spend 30 minutes cleaning up every time you want to go somewhere so stuff doesn't fall during driving. Can you provide any incite on this, how true or exaggerated this is? I am a HAPPY travel trailer owner, but I am considering a class C as my next camper, but I love the flexibility of having my RV sit and just hopping in my truck without needing to unhook or clean up. Your experience and knowledge is appreciated. Thank in advance for your response!
Hoping to get a class B in next 5 years. Might be living in one if rents keep going higher
Thank you for a very informative video. There are so many things to consider when thinking about purchasing an RV and I like the way you divided it into three categories first and then broke it down further. You hit many of the things that we sometimes do not think about in advance so I really appreciated this video.
As total newbies just starting to look at RVs, this video was invaluable! Really gave a good crash course in what to look for, how things work, and the benefits and drawbacks of not only Class B versus Class c, but also the benefits and drawbacks of trailers versus drive-in RVS. Thank you!
Your much happier for not getting mansplaining spazzed
We bought a new 24' class C (Ford cutaway) last year. The v-10 engine is legacy - proven and been around forever. Class C has advantage of outside storage & much larger storage tank capacity. We can access the bath with slide in. I can flat tow a Jeep Wrangler if needed. It was MUCH cheaper to purchase than a diesel or any (basic) class B.
Perceived disadvantages: Rubber (EDPM) roof; basically a trailer built on the back of a truck frame; laminated sidewalls; cheaper materials used throughout (cabinets).
While most of the class B vans and many class C cutaways were better built - higher quality cabinets/doors, solid roof, etc. - the price also definitely reflects that. I've had an EDPM roof on a pull-behind with no issues. We don't "full time" in ours - it's used for fairly heavy use about 7 months, then is stored (out back). If we were full-timers, I would DEFINITELY invest in a much better built unit.
Bottom line is it's about cost/benefit and comfort level. I am mechanically oriented, so repairing any of the major components isn't intimidating. I can buy a whole lot of Dicor sealant and EternaBond tape - or even replace the entire roof - with the thousands of dollars difference. Also, having 40+ gallons fresh water is a must for us - we'd never make it on 20 gallons!
This is the most informative video I have seen on all of TH-cam. Thank you
In my opinion, any RV, A B or C, can be any of the 3 Rs. It just depends on the preferences of the traveler(s). Personally, I'd never own anything but a class B because I value the ability to get to tighter places and further off the grid above all else. That's just the kind of travel I'm interested in, but everyone is different.
I wold also consider a slide-in truck camper. Although there are significant trade-offs, the lower cost of entry is a big draw, especially since I already own a truck. That said, a class B would still be ideal for me.
Anything with a bathroom and a decent floor plan that you can stand in will do the job.
That one that was basically just a tall work van made to be a RV is a good example of that.
The benches are basically like sleeping on a camping cot, so you can sleep 2 people okay enough, while keeping the table setup for use by whoever is awake.
With the booth seating, you can accommodate a couple of guests as well, even if it's a bit cramped.
Pretty much the only thing missing in a lot of these is a practical way to do laundry, which I have some ideas for.
@@InfernosReaper Some company actually sells this sealed plastic ball that you do your laundry in. Just put the clothes, water and detergent in and shake. They rinse a couple times and hang in the wet bath to dry. It's primitive and uses a decent amount of water, but it works. Also, I've never been to a town that didn't have a coin laundry, although they can be expensive to use ongoing.
@@dlg5485 Coin laundry is okay when you're in town and are okay with that compromise.
I was more thinking about for people who don't want to do that or can't do that.
After looking at stuff on Amazon, I do have some ideas, but don't want to really bank on them, since it involves some product types I haven't dealt with before.
If I ever get my finances in order, it'd be something I'd put to the test, because if it works, I could use it at my house even if I don't get in a good enough place to actually own an RV.
That ball thing also sounds like it could be interesting as well.
I found that information to be very useful because I’m just now looking at RVs and I’m a single man and I thought about just buying a new truck and a trailer but I’m willing to travel the United States and be able to park where I walked so your post was very helpful and me thinking about looking about a class B.
John Fisher “
I really like the description of the 3 Rs: residential, retreat, and rest. Really defines the use very clearly.
It all boils down to what you prefer. I love the roomy space of a large C but it's overkill for what I want to do. I want to maneuver as close to nature as I want like pulling up 3 feet from the river and fish from my class B. With a B class, (1) I can go anywhere a regular car can go. (2) I can park it in my driveway and not have to pay for RV storage. (3) Maintainance is the same as a regular vehicle. (4) Better fuel economy. (5) It's enough for 1 or 2 people.
Can one use a class b as a permanent home for 2 people?
David Gabrie people use a tent for a permanent home for 2 people. It boils down on what you can live with.
That's awwwfully cozy quarters. I'd have to be veRy comparable or one of will wind up outside .
yes you are correct...It depends on what you prefer...fishing poles are one thing....coolers, kayacks, bikes camping equipment are something else....
This gave me a totally different way of looking at RVs. Very informative video, thanks.
I love how detailed you are on your videos. Thanks so much for taking the time to produce them.
I am single and seriously considering purchasing a motor home, traveling in the Spring thru early Fall and then parking it at a RV park during the colder times of the year. I’ve been looking around, your video shed a better light on what I should be looking for, thank you!
Good point you made about class-Bs capability for wilderness camping. In general, they are tougher since they are built inside a steel shell for off-pavement use and don't have the weak corner seams class-Cs have (note: I didn't say off-road, I mean primarily forest service or BLM type dirt roads). They do lack the room as bigger RVs, but their smaller size allows them to go into areas you can't access with big RVs.
I learned more from this video than any of the other dozens of RV videos put together. When you brought up the connecting to utilities in the park, to needing to unconnect to drive somewhere was an Aha moment for me. Now I will look at Trailer RVs more than the Class C or B.
I purchased a Winnebago Spirit 25B that meets all these categories. No slides, no jacks, no stairs, has a couch, access to everything, I can tow my truck with it and get 10mpg. This is my 3rd RV and its perfect. Make sure you get the E450 chassis.
This was the most informative and best video that I have ever watched and I have watched a million of these things. Thank you so much!
I love your videos. They are always concise, succinct, and educational. Thank you. I hope to be living full time in an evening within the next several years. I have a lot of your videos saved to my rv reference playlist. 😄
Excellent information. I learned a lot. A note on Fords; if things have not changed much, my 31foot 94 Tioga turns almost as tight as a conversion van. Once I got used to it, I was amazed where I could put this rig.
Please review more of the smaller RV:s
Attila Morvai yes please
I need to no more about b and c
I am retired and picked up a part time job moving RV's. One thing that you said is KEY. When you find the brand and floor plan that you like test drive all that the dealer has. No 2 are alike, one could be quiet and drive nice. Another could handle poorly and rattle like an old school bus. Wind noise is a big thing too. Now you may think that hey it's under warranty when most smaller dealers are not equipped to fix quality issues.
We're looking to buy something with a diesel engine. At first it was a class A, and it was between a 2008 Newmar Mountain Aire and a 2011 Winnebago Tour. But the more we research, we might go smaller in order to take off faster and get into places easier. Long story short, what vehicles would make you think twice about buying them?
For Class B - the easiest thing to do is join all of the car rentals programs in the US. When you plan your trip - always locate the closest office to your destination. Pull up - drop 'em off - they pick up the rental - they follow the Class B to the site. That is your LOCAL exploration vehicle. You can get it with unlimited miles, weekly rates (and better if you ask), and unless you are on the road all year long, renting one of those is a lot cheaper than buying a car, making payments, buying insurance, maintenance costs, etc., not to mention the additional drag on the Class B which will result in lower MPG for the van, costing you additional funds.
mrmelvis love this.
Clear as mud. Car rental outfits don't have RV's.
mrmelvis Could you be more clear about the car rental thing?
I think that what he is saying is just rent a car when you arrive at your destination. Like as if you flew into vacation spot.
mrmelvis great idea & sound logic as well.
Mine was used to get 50 miles per gallon. 1.9 fiat no turbo diesel. Old but still good. Has toilet and shower. I love it
I love my 2015 Navion with large sun moon roof. With that said I learned the cargo doors need to open side ways not up! Need pad for knees on ground to get things out. Always get ladder on back to clean roof and inspection of roof. Diesel generator cost more but does not use up all your LP. Learned that a dinette is better than couch....especially to sleep on. Looking to trade to full slide with Coachman Prism. Has leveling jacks and side cameras. Good info!
Great video. You explained a lot and gave me lots to think about. I've been leaning toward a motorhome vs. a 5th wheel or travel trailer. I've found used ones in my price range but I'd still have to get a big enough truck to tow.
I disagree with the idea that you need to tow a vehicle when you travel by class B, we spent 5 nights at campground with hook up and took it out to explore around just like it’s a car simply unplugging takes less than a minute
Never been to a campground so I don't know. Can't you lose your spot potentially if that area gets busy after you've left or do you have a reservation that guarantees your space for a time?
@@Zasaramel If it is a camp ground with connections you almost always have the spot for a certain amount of days. On BLM land or other places without hook ups it is first come first serve most of the time so you would lose it.
I agree that you do not NEED a tow vehicle with a class B, but I think readying the van for travel is more than "simply unplugging". You have to make sure that everything inside is properly stored for travel. So, unless you are super vigilant about always putting everything away immediately and staying "travel ready" at all times, moving the van could become quite a hassle. While I wouldn't bother with towing a car, a couple of bikes or a motorcycle would come in handy and provide added enjoyment.
@@RealChunka - Or a motorized bike/three wheeler. I looked into that option when my hubby was considering a large boat. I figured we'd need some way to get to the closest grocery store when we docked. I actually found quite a few lightweight options.
RealChunka I don’t have a rv but a cargo van turn into rv it easy to just go just make sure u don’t have a cup An ur stove out ( if u don’t have one built in
FYI the Freelander E450 that you demo in this video appears to be a new 28BH & you advised that when the bedroom slide is in you cannot access the bathroom. That is not correct as you fold the mattress on the bed in half before bringing the slide in and thus having access to the bathroom. I own a Freelander 26RS which has the same bedroom slide and have no problem accessing the bathroom, however when the slide is in you can not use that bed to sleep on leaving you having to sleep in the overhead bunk (over the cab). Other then that good video review.
Just catching up on videos. Interesting approach assigning 3Rs to RV types. Technically, any RV class can be in any of the 3R categories, but if we agree with your thought process, I would say it needs reconsideration.
1-Residential
I would say 5vers, large Travel trailers, and 40'+ A's fall into this category very well, as they are most like home and provide the most square footage and are absolutely not practical for short trips or urban/suburban areas.
2-Retreat
I would say all class C , B and small A fit here. The size is just personal preference to suit the # of people supported and budgets available to provide desired level of comfort.
3-Rest
FYI, I believe there is overlap with retreat type here. small C's and B's suit the bill here.
In all, I agree with your approach to help categorize RV types to something easier for the lay person, just getting into RVing with a new approach to understanding how these rigs can be thought of.
Ideally, if money is no issue, every RVer could probably use at least two rigs, a residential type for our favorite seasonal camp sites, and a small retreat/rest type to support those short weekend trips or excursions that include a one or two night sleep in.
I've had many B RV's...but as the wife and I grew older and developed walking and standing problems we found the B's are just a little too tight for our continued use. We now have a small (23.5 feet) B+ with a corner bed (not on a slide). We have one slide with our dinette...and we REALLY like it. It changes the "rail car" look of a B to a "condo" or small "cabin" look of a B+ (really a C for licensing). We can also park in a standard parking space (albeit we hang over just a bit..although that's never caused us a problem). Our chassis and power plant is a Ford Transit Diesel. A LOT of power and with the unique Ford suspension...the driving matches an SUV....Very smooth...No vibration (like one might find on many larger Class C's with gasoline engines).
What model do you currently have?
@@one1servant We currently have a 2018 Thor Gemini. Note: It's listed as a Class C on the Thor Website...But the industry likes to call it a "B+" because it doesn't have the sleeping bunk above the driver's cab.
The Sprinter based RVs even though they are diesel usually have a 5000 lb tow rating, while the gas E350 or E450 usually have a 7500 lb tow rating.
Video was great thank you. One thing though we find it's very easy to hook up and take down. Literally under 5 minutes. So please people don't' let that discourage you.
We have a ‘15 B on a MB Sprinter 3500 chassis, full dry bath, one slide and for us, it’s perfect for what we do. We don’t tow and if we need to disconnect to take a day trip into Yosemite Valley, it’s no big deal. We don’t hook up sewer until the last night. And, sometimes we boondock, but only for a day or two, as utility management can be a challenge. Thanks for the vid.
Wife and I looked at some B's this weekend at an RV show. We have 2 grandkids who would love to travel with us but the B's are obviously geared towards 2 people, and most do not have seat belts in their seats behind the driver and passenger. Our g-kids are still small enough to be required to be in safety seating of some type so belts are a must.
My interest in one of the Super C's. I know they are basically a class A with the engine in the front. But to me that seems much better.
scarmenl One of my colleagues is on his 2nd or 3rd Super C, and he loves them. My wife and I decided they weren’t for us. It’s personal preference and how much one wants to spend. Good luck!
I love the super C's just being able to get out my own door to fuel up without tripping over everyone's stuff.
This was the most useful video I have ever seen on the topic at hand. As a noob who is just getting into the idea of RV life, I really learned a lot from this. Thank you 🙏
We used to have a class C but downsized to a B. As gas was hovering close to $4 per gallon the gas savings was significant. We boondock a lot so parking on the street or parking lot is important. Its a tight living space but doable for a couple with no kids or pets.
I can't decide! But since I actually kind of like more urban stealth camping, the class B would blend in more.
I full-time in a Coachmen Galleria class B and it is plenty. This is coming from someone that used to have a New Horizons Majestic 37" luxury 5th wheel -- by far the best 5th wheel on the market. Only thing that killed me was the price of a freaking class B is insane. I would have converted my own, but did not have the time or space to do it. The Galleria is, in my opinion the nicest class B for the money and the quality is amazing.
When you were looking at the tires size I was thinking, you might at least think about how much it is to replace them. Some RVs use more custom tire size that can cost a lot when replacing them. Even if you don't drive much they still can dry rot. Watch for that on used RV's.
Will S very true
Very informative. Liked that you gave the pros and cons for all the units.
This is a lot of great information for someone like me, who wants to get an RV but isn't sure about what I need. This gave me a lot to think about. Thanks.
Plan for your lifestyle and budget. Never buy new!
Thank you for sharing this. My friend keeps asking me to travel the country in an RV and is looking at buying a new one and wants me to pick one. I don't really know anything about them. This helps me understand the difference. Thank you again.
This video is exactly why I subscribed to your channel
Class B and Class C vehicles really do not need to be hooked up when you arrive at a campground. Unless I wand to use the air conditioner or the microwave oven, I can get away with using the 12 Volt electrical system only. My small Class C has a 50 gal water tank and 2 25 gal. holding tanks, so I do not need sewer or water hookups, (though I always dump tanks before leaving a campground). One of the reasons that I use a small Class C (with no slides) is so that I do not have to tow a vehicle to use when I want do some local exploring. My old Class B was constructed using on a Chevy G30 van (with a high fiberglass top). It could be parked in any normal sized parking space. It used a recirculating toilet, and with a 10 gal. fresh water tank.
Well, this video answered a lot of questions for me. Thank you so much for posting.
2:49 Now THAT is a thing of beauty! Perfect for a cross-Canada trek! --BucketListTings
We’re looking at a smaller Class C...about 25-26 feet. We intend to use it to travel for three to four weeks at a time, three to four times a year. It’ll just be hubby, myself and our cats. No tow vehicle necessary, Enterprise will pick you up. The only thing I don’t like...all the lastest models only have two burner tops.
I have 38foot 98 Monaco dynasty 8.3 Cummins for 2 years.
I won't go small. 8.3 is a work horse and it doesn't have dpl. I love it. Plus I use to drive a big rig so its like driving a slightly longer bobtail to me.
jong lee do you manage 9-10 mpg with your 8.3 Cummins? I think it is a good power train for MH.
JJKHaywood, worst 7.0mpg wind and uphills. 9.5 to 10 in straight away. I average 8.5mpg. I have a 2005 civic hybrid manual as a toad, my mh doesn't even notice its there. 8.3 Cummins is a great engine.
jong lee thanks for the mileage numbers.
Ah, the C8.3, such a great-sounding engine!
Another excellent , highly informative video from my fellow Corpus friend. I have had a B, C and two TT's. It all depends on what your needs are.
Just want to point out we traded in our grand design 2800bh (lack of payload) and got a thor axis on E-450 chassis, It has a 3k payload and 8k tow rating, We tow a jeep unlimited 4850lb with it. All the other larger gas motor homes we looked at only had a tow rating of 5k.
Jayco gas Class C's have a true 7,500 lb tow rating, diesel class C's have a 5,000 lb rating
We have a Jayco Class C 31 fs........it has two slides and we looked and looked for 3 options!
1. To be able to access all places and Bathroom when slides are in .....and it does.
2. Many of the Class C's have a step up to access the bathroom and back of rig. That is problematic for my elderly Mom that
we take with us to visit family etc out of state. We bought the rig with that in mind because we are caring for her in our home now and was
so weary of not being able to go out of state with visiting our older 2 children, etc and could not always have someone stay with her nor leave
her alone! The step seems that in the middle of the night or when we leave her to rest in rig some she might get up and trip or one of us getting
up at night! I did not like the step at all in a lot of them.
3. when our rig has slides in.....The bunk beds are accessible to use and also the back queen bed is till accessible to sleep in...just close to the botton
draw...No problem!
4. One thing about Jayco....it has that suspension system that is supposed to keep it for an easier, less bumpy ride! We had a smaller class c
years ago and it just didn't seem as bumpy as the back bedroom of this larger rig....guess it is because it is longer?
5. The Jayco, so far seems to have much more quality than our older one.......but am really upset that Jayco doesn't allow the so called 3 yr
warranty on a newer unit like the one we bought....only had 1800 miles...(1300 from Indiana plant to Fl) and only 500 miles of actual use on it! It basically
was a new unit......then salesman and finance guy pulled a fast on on us which never happened with our first one yrs ago...added a ridiculous
extended warranty on it.....Sadly my pretty young husband had a massive heart attack after what they think was covid instead of flu about 3 weeks after
we bought it.........so much stress after HA and didn't realize what they had done! Time to get the State Attny's involved in some of the lemon laws
and so many problems with a lot of the RV's today! What a racket on so many that I have read......
Thanks for your reviews!
Thanks for a great comparison of the RV types. Very informative and well-done
Hands down one of the best comparison review videos I've watched yet. Very well done.
Really like this video. Very helpful. Don't totally agree about needing a tow vehicle in a b but still really informative. I wish you'd have covered the "b+" which is basically a wider b or a smaller c. They still have the maneuverability of a b but more room inside.
You have the best informational RV videos on TH-cam!! Thanks!!
Excellent review today!! Like how you detailed out different scenarios for each type of camper… thanks for all the information- I think your channel provides some of the best information on RV’s ;). Keep em coming ;)
We have been thinking about downsizing to a class C or maybe even a class B.... But you made some good points, I am thinking now keeping our class A and continuing on our cross country trip coming up soon. Maybe I will downsize when we get back. Thank You for posting this video.
How about a truck camper review? We love ours....nimble with every thing we need. We have a Ram Mega Cab Cummins with big tires and 4WD. Easy to off-load the camper with electric jacks and can use the truck independent of the camper. Great option for folks that can handle small quarters. We love having a a large bed separate from the dinette/lounging area. The Mega Cab hauls our kayak and tools with tons of space to spare. Truck campers are often overlooked in the RV world but it's a really great option for some.
Love, love love that Winnebago class c. Just what I am looking for.
U.K. viewer - brilliant review and description/explanation of the A,B & C RVs, particularly for those new to these vehicles. 🙏 😏
Another very informative and insightful video! Thank you very much!
Great advice. I learned so much, considering how many passengers we have in our family which affects our need for sleeping & living area..your advice will help us choose wisely when buying.
I'm getting rid of my trailer. I'm not liking having to hook it up and unhook it everytime I want to go somewhere. I'm upgrading to a Thor Four Winds class C. I'm also going to be living in it. Just take your personal needs into consideration short term or long term. All the best to you!!!😊
I prefer a minivan with just a bed and some storage in the back to any of classes A, B and C. I cook outside and use Walmart or campground bathrooms as appropriate. When weather is bad or I don't feel like cooking I go to restaurants. When I get sick of living in a van, I pick a nice town and rent a furnished apartment for a while or chill out for a couple of days in a fancy resort or hotel.
I’m thinking to buy a class b to go to work, go to the gym and may be go for a little vacation.
I'll stick with buying an airplane. Tandem seat with a tail wheel. Open skies. 2 people and basic camping supplies. Fly out to airshows around the country. Pitch a tent. See the other planes. Pack up and fly out to campgrounds with airports. Surprisingly a good number of them. Cost as much as a Class B or C RV. Cheaper on fuel.
I'm with you.. but the constraints of weather limits what you can do and when.. so schedules are out if you want to stay safe. Good Cessna 150 or a Champ.. you bet !
Greg as one who lost their medical, you don’t need one for these.
You don't need one to fly light sport either
Can you drive the airplane to the local stops you want to visit?
We have a 24' class C with full wall slide. The bath is on the non-slide side, and queen bed is opposite on the slide. The bath is easily accessible while in motion with slide closed. It's perfect size for two of us and two dogs. These can be had for between 70 & 80 grand new. If you boondock a lot, be careful with diesel. Lots of times they stick a propane generator in them. Get a diesel genny which draws fuel from the main tank... like our gasoline one does. Be prepared to pay a 30 grand premium for diesel engine AND diesel genny though. Or if you have a HUGE budget, go solar & lithium batteries. 😳
Enjoy your videos. My one important suggestion would be to state the length of the RV in the begging of the overview and also be accurate. My husband and i are interested in fifth wheels around 35' to fit into national parks, etc. Recently you did a video of one I loved and said it was 37'. It had the layout and basement storage I want. I convinced him to go see it locally and said we may be able to get away with the two extra feet. He loved your video and the rig. But when we got to see it in person we were shocked it was 41'! We absolutely loved it but had to walk away. I was heartbroken as we have looked for a long time. We loved everything about it. It wasn't cheap looking or feeling and had more storage than most we have seen that are affordable.
My husband has also changed his mind on the 3/4 ton truck he wants to get based on your videos. He loves your channel. We both do
This was so informative. Thank you. Can you do a video on class c's by price. Cheapest to more expensive.
At 7:57 why can't people climb over the bed to get into the bathroom when the slide is in?
dibaby1970 I was wondering the exact same thing?
Cause humans are lazy.
That's exactly what I said leave the door open climb over the bed
The older people I know that own RVs aren't fit to climb over anything. It seems like everyone on here is assuming that it's just younger people looking for homes to travel in so they're up for anything.
@@jamesb2148 May experience in my house; without a cup of coffee first I would be danger to myself or others . Safety first believe.
HELP … My husband is 6'7" and 380 lbs any ideas on showers that could hold him ? we are looking into a C class … that is the only thing holding us back .. I enjoyed your points on each one helped me a lot.... Karen and Denver
Rofl. America. We have 3 new rvs . Ones a 20“, ones a 32“ and ones a 40“..... but they all cost exactly the same. One costs more because it’s smaller, and the other costs more because it’s longer.... American dream...
Which is your favorite used?
I am with you those Class B vans costing as much as motorhomes is bs..... But that is why there is a huge preowned market
I’m looking to be a 1st time buyer ... I’m looking at a Minnie Winnie ... Do you think that would be a good choice..???
🌹💙 Thanks for being honest with your pros and cons! 😉 We’re considering on buying our first.
Are you sure you wouldn't have access to the bath on the coachman? Couldn't you leave the door open and crawl across the bed? The Jayco Seneca I almost bought was 38+ ft. It was on a freightliner chassis with a 340 HP Cummins. Yet the MSRP was over $250,000.
I'm pretty sure that bed fold in half. Giving full access to the bathroom. Source: Other Full Slide Out Camper C's
@@RythePeerGuy
Folds in half? Brilliant idea.
7:25 curved kitchen counter totally rad. Id prefer barn slide sideways doors on all bathroom as closets as bedroom
Excellent and informative video. I don't want a huge long thing to drive so I think I like the travato 59 KL the best for me. Thank you.
Nice Job comparing the classes. Definitely, the difference between towable and motorhome for us is the advantage to go between cab and living compartment. It's not just convenience, it's safety. We have the 2nd floorplan you noted (Winnebago View) which is 25' 5" so almost as short as some Class B's. Vicki absolutely will not do a wet bath and with needing a toad and storage (not mentioned), those are the major differences between B and C for us. We have lived in our View for up to 7 months at a time, but there's just 2 of us and a cat, and we needed a toad. The View/Navion is also diesel and gets about 15mph - a nice sweet spot in the motorhome spectrum, but not as convenient as a Class B and not if you have kids.
Great video as usual btbrv. Wonder if ford is has plans to change the e class body style. They've been running that same body with slight variations of grill and headlights for a long time.... also, i always like to point out maintenance on traditional rv's tends to be higher. All the ones i ever worked on im my years of turning wrenches were generally very low mileage. That was the problem...they would get used once a year and parked. Here in az the heat is hell on belts and hoses. Not to mention pack rats. With a tt or 5er your main mechamics are tires, wheel bearings and brakes. Just some food for thought. Thanks again bud. Keep em coming.
I think ford will only update the e chassis when they are forced too, as the market lacks any real competition. Why change things if is only going to affect your botton line. Which is really disappointing. Obviously if any improvements can be easily transferred from the f 450 chassis then it has better odds of appearing on the e series. Generally the buyer in this market (not the RV'er, the manufacturer) is more concerned with price than features.
One thing you didnt cover is talking about the roofs. You talk about the length and getting into spots but the worst part of most RVs is the roof. For me after dealing with several RV's and the absolutely terrible rubber roofs I would do anything other then the small B with the standard van roof. Sorry to drop this on here but the Rv industry is using this garbage and should have a class action suit filed against them for the millions of dollars they have cost people. Pay attention to the roofs and the material they are made of. A rubber roof for camping around trees. Great thought. They should think that far ahead about the roofs. On small branch even falling on it let alone hitting it while driving and its damaged. Plus the life of the rubber is a joke.
I've never understood why so many roofs leak. This should have been solved decades ago. Boats don't leak. Cars don't leak. What's the problem with the RV industry making NEW RVs leak when driven off the lot?
It's not rocket science. My friend has one and three years into ownership he's looking to fix it.
Robert Kasper Sr. Very good point there sir
Glad I read this because I’m looking to purchase one when I retire to travel
Robert Kasper Sr. Could you but the stuff they use to seal bed liners to seal the roof. Can’t remember the name of the product. Just a thought I’m so confused as to what to buy. Or build my own
@@eastside313yahdig.2 rent one first, even just for a week, you will learn about the issues of the lifestyle which will bring home whats important to you. You will find out what your happy to compromise on for your objectives. Its so personal.
That second winnebago rv was just about perfect to live in....in my opinion.
ive own all 3 . really the only thing that matters is what your going to want to do with it camp. live . single . or family living. stealthy . or noticeable . save money . etc .
Well done and well explained. Appreciate the pricing guidelines especially. Thank you.
My favorite is a small toy hauler, because there's a lot of things you could do in the garage and if you don't get a fifth wheel toy hauler, just conventional toy hauler, you can always get a new truck or SUV; not out a lot of money compared to the class A or Class C motorhomes. Trailer is having a diversified RV portfolio. I like the garage portion, great projected patio, plus some have bath tubs and frt kitchen. I hate gallery kitchen, traffic flow issues. Garage is great storage for toys, or thro in air mattress, great sleeping. Slide outs are okay, but just another problem, when least expected. Solar panels are must have, better then generator….
Class A Motorhomes okay if you're going to be mobile. They're very expensive to maintain they have a lot of toys on them so be ready for breakdowns. If you wreck them, Ins. are very poor. Not many mechanics really know how to work on them, expensive $$ beast.
Class C motorhomes are very mobile to get around, sleeper over the cab is a waste of time : either too hot or too cold for good sleeping and if your senior, it's very risky getting in and out of there. Plus if there's two people sleeping up there, the frame over the cab really can't support much activity.
I would prefer a truck frame chassis with a trailer attached o it, because if you don't like the truck frame chassis you can always get another one, just removed the trailer.
I have a Class A, Trailer and Truck camper. Truck and SUV are the only two of all of the above, which have Lemon Law Protections. RV in general, carry no help from the courts and RV warranties, are collection of A-Z products and not insured by one manufacturer.
You should tell everyone about the problems of the bump out on the sides, sometimes the mechanism for moving it in and out will seize up with it halfway out and it is very difficult to get to the mechanism because it's under the floor.
I think retreat style RV is big enough for 2 (or plus one kid) to live in there full time.
Good discussion between the three classes.
Thank you for this video! So educational! I know zero about these, but TH-cam videos have seduced me into an all consuming fascination!
Carson Lee Buy one. You will be consumed with calling yourself an a- hole. Want some education? Spend 0 on these. Find a different pastime.