Hi All - we are researching a purchase of a Class C - around 24 - 27 foot. We are new to this and need hep. We intend to part time travel for several months at a time. Interested in some off grid camping. We would like the ability to just pull up and park while out in Utah (canyons...). There are only 2 of us and a small puppy. We have looked at a Siesta Sprinter (loved), but know nothing about which brands are good and what to stay away from. We do not want a toad but will have a 2 person scooter. Is diesel better? What are suggestions for mechanical for power? I grew up camping but that was either tent or pop ups.....Any suggestions are so appreciated!!!!!
Neil and Connie said
03:03 PM Apr 16, 2017
If you're planning on driving up and finding a spot anywhere in any of the UT, AZ, or CO national parks…and you're planning on going between April 1 and Oct 1…then you need to rethink that plan. Camping sites will be hard to find that time of year anywhere near any of the western national parks.
We've discovered there are two kinds of campers/full timers and neither is really doing it wrong. Howard and Linda for instance…rarely make reservations but they do check out the next place they're going and have plans A, B, C, and frequently D. Connie and I almost always make reservations…we're full timers that travel Easter to November and the last thing we want to do is get somewhere at 1500 and have to find a spot to park…just not our style. Yes…that means we've had to cancel some reservations in the past…and occasionally we actually have to pay $10 or first night or something like that…but that's just the way we roll.
KarenRobert said
03:57 PM Apr 16, 2017
Thanks for the response. We are not planning on out west this year. This will be our "trial" summer and visit family up north (we live in S FL) and short trips around Florida. We are not sure what to buy. Thought Class C but really started out thinking B Class and are now leaning toward that again...We are in early 60s and want easy parking, easy driving....
Neil and Connie said
05:27 PM Apr 17, 2017
You might want to reconsider not having a toad…having to unhook utilities and stow the rig for travel every time you want to go somewhere will get to be a drag…not to mention parking issues you might have in bars, restaurants, etc. If you end up with a 5ver or travel trailer then the tow vehicle works for a daily driver as well…but having to use the whole RV for your daily driver might tend to get old. In any event…no matter when you head out to the NPs in the west…get reservations ahead of time.
Although you can RV in just about any size RV and there's no wrong way to do it…I would tend to think a 24-26 foot class C would get a bit cramped for 2 if you're traveling more than a couple weeks at a time. I love Connie of course, and been married going on 41 years…but we probably wouldn't do well in a rig that small.
bjoyce said
10:18 AM Apr 18, 2017
One thing to know is that Mercedes diesel engines get great mpg, but can only handle B5 fuel (5% bio diesel), while most available is B20. This does cause people trouble. Be careful since many Class Cs are built with little"off grid" camping capacity, one battery, small tanks, etc. For the best Class Cs, look for Lazy Daze (hard to find used since they get sold fast) and Born Free. Also older made in Florida Phoenix Cruisers, before they were bought out and moved to Indiana.
KarenRobert said
09:03 AM Apr 19, 2017
Thanks for the input. Looked at Winnie Minnie's. There is a 22 ft no slides and a 26ft with 3 slides we like. Ford engine, gas V10. Can't decide. Husband wants B for ease of tooling around cities, but have to break camp, etc. So many choices and all have trade offs. Still looking.
Hi All - we are researching a purchase of a Class C - around 24 - 27 foot. We are new to this and need hep. We intend to part time travel for several months at a time. Interested in some off grid camping. We would like the ability to just pull up and park while out in Utah (canyons...). There are only 2 of us and a small puppy. We have looked at a Siesta Sprinter (loved), but know nothing about which brands are good and what to stay away from. We do not want a toad but will have a 2 person scooter. Is diesel better? What are suggestions for mechanical for power? I grew up camping but that was either tent or pop ups.....Any suggestions are so appreciated!!!!!
If you're planning on driving up and finding a spot anywhere in any of the UT, AZ, or CO national parks…and you're planning on going between April 1 and Oct 1…then you need to rethink that plan. Camping sites will be hard to find that time of year anywhere near any of the western national parks.
We've discovered there are two kinds of campers/full timers and neither is really doing it wrong. Howard and Linda for instance…rarely make reservations but they do check out the next place they're going and have plans A, B, C, and frequently D. Connie and I almost always make reservations…we're full timers that travel Easter to November and the last thing we want to do is get somewhere at 1500 and have to find a spot to park…just not our style. Yes…that means we've had to cancel some reservations in the past…and occasionally we actually have to pay $10 or first night or something like that…but that's just the way we roll.
Thanks for the response. We are not planning on out west this year. This will be our "trial" summer and visit family up north (we live in S FL) and short trips around Florida. We are not sure what to buy. Thought Class C but really started out thinking B Class and are now leaning toward that again...We are in early 60s and want easy parking, easy driving....
You might want to reconsider not having a toad…having to unhook utilities and stow the rig for travel every time you want to go somewhere will get to be a drag…not to mention parking issues you might have in bars, restaurants, etc. If you end up with a 5ver or travel trailer then the tow vehicle works for a daily driver as well…but having to use the whole RV for your daily driver might tend to get old. In any event…no matter when you head out to the NPs in the west…get reservations ahead of time.
Although you can RV in just about any size RV and there's no wrong way to do it…I would tend to think a 24-26 foot class C would get a bit cramped for 2 if you're traveling more than a couple weeks at a time. I love Connie of course, and been married going on 41 years…but we probably wouldn't do well in a rig that small.