Thinking of going Class C to Class A

Punchdrunk Monkey

Punchdrunk Monkey

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We am planning on retiring soon and the kids are getting older and don't go out with us as much anymore. We have a 32' Coachman Freelander Class C. It has been a great motorhome for us. We only go from San Diego to the desert and beach. But we are hopefully planning on doing some longer trips as we have more time coming up. The Class C is paid for and has no issues. The Class C was great for with all the kids. I think if we are going to drive further and tow a truck behind us, we might need a bigger rig. Not necessarily longer (I need to double check our RV parking spot) but bigger. Bigger tires, holding tanks, motor, brakes, refrigerator, etc. I know everything starts with "what's your budget". We are just starting to talk about it so I would guess around 100k. I have never driven anything with air brakes but I can't imagine it is hard to learn. We would be towing a full size truck (raptor) or the new Bronco :). Maybe even towing a Speed SxS in 2025. 

Right now my boxes to check are:

Gas Vs Diesel - I think I want a diesel because that's what the pro RV'er have but I'm not opposed to a gasser.

I think we are limited to 32'-36' due to storage. I need to confirm

I would like basement storage and outside TV. We are not TV people now but I think if we were out for months at a time it would be cool to watch a sports event outside.

Towing 5-7k or more???

Room for a couple kids if they decide to go.

Larger fridge.

Any tips, advise or good makes/models to look at?

 
$100K Used Diesel will get you a 12-15 year old coach. It should have anywhere from 40-100K mileage. Don't be afraid of mileage on RV's. An RV with low miles is a RED flag, most likely been sitting for longer periods of time. A coach with miles = The coach was used AND MAINTAINED. 

$100K New GASSER is ENTRY LEVEL. Stay away from any Class A chassis rated GVWR under 22K lbs. The best Class A gassers are 24-26K GVWR. Much more stable. 

I would only buy a DP if you're planning on doing some cross country driving or towing over 5-6K lbs.

Maintenance is much higher on a DP vs Gas coach. 

The DP does drive much nicer than just about any gas coach. 

2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT
92K miles
$50K range in value

If I was looking for a Gasser, I would shoot for a 2014-2020 Tiffin Allegro Open Road


 

IMG-3534.JPG

 
Are you going to do engine and chassis maintenance yourself or pay to have it done? Headinjury already covered the cost aspects. But if you're a DIY type person better look at access. DP's are usually a PITA to do anything on. One reason I keep my Super C is the ease of maintenance. The hood flips forward and you can easily get to just about everything. 

 
I don't mind doing my own maintenance. Especially if I'm retired and nothing to do. 

For Example I saw a 2013 Thor Tuscany XTE 360HP super clean for 118k. It seems like a nice coach from the pictures. Modern and clean with Allison 6 speed. 

We are talking about driving across the country but that would be a few years from now. 

 
HEADINJURY said:
$100K Used Diesel will get you a 12-15 year old coach. It should have anywhere from 40-100K mileage. Don't be afraid of mileage on RV's. An RV with low miles is a RED flag, most likely been sitting for longer periods of time. A coach with miles = The coach was used AND MAINTAINED. 

$100K New GASSER is ENTRY LEVEL. Stay away from any Class A chassis rated GVWR under 22K lbs. The best Class A gassers are 24-26K GVWR. Much more stable. 

I would only buy a DP if you're planning on doing some cross country driving or towing over 5-6K lbs.

Maintenance is much higher on a DP vs Gas coach. 

The DP does drive much nicer than just about any gas coach. 

2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT
92K miles
$50K range in value

If I was looking for a Gasser, I would shoot for a 2014-2020 Tiffin Allegro Open Road


 

View attachment 16194
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Hard to argue with the guy who's life has revolved around RVs for just a couple years 😉

We went from a 38' 5er to a 35' super C (Kodiak 5500 chassis) then to the 40' DP we have now. The DP rides the best and has the most room/comfort but is just huge and it feels every bit of it while driving. It doesn't seem to care what is being towed behind it tho. The super C rode like garbage but was very easy to drive. I don't have experience with a standard class C since I needed more towing capacity than they can safely provide for long term. I will advise that the shorter DP chassis can ride weird due to the short wheelbases so keep that in mind. They may also not have full air ride like the bigger unit. Maintenance on a DP is more expensive compared to a gasser, they hold waaaaaaaaaay more engine oil alone.

The newer class A gassers with the 7.3 V8 seem intriguing.

 
Punchdrunk Monkey said:
I don't mind doing my own maintenance. Especially if I'm retired and nothing to do. 

For Example I saw a 2013 Thor Tuscany XTE 360HP super clean for 118k. It seems like a nice coach from the pictures. Modern and clean with Allison 6 speed. 

We are talking about driving across the country but that would be a few years from now. 
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Get the biggest engine you can in the case of a DP. The 360 is likely the 6.7 Cummins which will be taxed IMO. Would suggest at least an 8.3 ISC or an 8.9 ISL Cummins

RE: maintenance, the 8.9 in my Winnie holds 29 quarts of oil.....lol

 
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On RVtrader there is a 2014 Tiffen Open Road 31SA (33') with a V10 ($95k). All my Class C's have had the V10. Not a bad motor, I have never had any problems with mine. But the Class C was limited on towing. How does the V10 tow in a larger Class A? I know there are a ton of them out there.

 
Punchdrunk Monkey said:
I don't mind doing my own maintenance. Especially if I'm retired and nothing to do. 

For Example I saw a 2013 Thor Tuscany XTE 360HP super clean for 118k. It seems like a nice coach from the pictures. Modern and clean with Allison 6 speed. 

We are talking about driving across the country but that would be a few years from now. 
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Not a Fan of the Tuscany , I sold a few in the 2011-2014 years.

Punchdrunk Monkey said:
On RVtrader there is a 2014 Tiffen Open Road 31SA (33') with a V10 ($95k). All my Class C's have had the V10. Not a bad motor, I have never had any problems with mine. But the Class C was limited on towing. How does the V10 tow in a larger Class A? I know there are a ton of them out there.
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This coach is a VERY sought after coach. Tiffin would be my #1 choice of all in your price point. 
Unfortunately all Gas coaches have a max towing of 5k lbs. My opinion, I would add the Banks kit if it didn't have it already. I would feel safe towing up to about 7K with the correct hitch set-up. 

Just my .02 👍

 
HEADINJURY said:
I would only buy a DP if you're planning on doing some cross country driving or towing over 5-6K lbs.



If I was looking for a Gasser, I would shoot for a 2014-2020 Tiffin Allegro Open Road


 
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I love my Tiffin Allegro Open Road - I didn't feel the need to spend the money for a DP - all my trips are So. Cal. Glamis, desert, river - one trip to Yosemite.  Tows good - 22' Universal with Funco.  Stable, no issues or concerns - not fast, bit slow going up some grades but driving in So. Cal. - that's really not much of an issue.  It will never tow as nice as a DP but if I'm only driving 4 hours to destination - no problem.    

If I was driving across country or longer distances - I would go DP - so much safer and more comfortable.  I'd never want to tow a trailer across the country with gasser.  truck or jeep towed behind as dingy - might not be bad but never done that.   

 
HEADINJURY said:
$100K Used Diesel will get you a 12-15 year old coach. It should have anywhere from 40-100K mileage. Don't be afraid of mileage on RV's. An RV with low miles is a RED flag, most likely been sitting for longer periods of time. A coach with miles = The coach was used AND MAINTAINED. 

$100K New GASSER is ENTRY LEVEL. Stay away from any Class A chassis rated GVWR under 22K lbs. The best Class A gassers are 24-26K GVWR. Much more stable. 

I would only buy a DP if you're planning on doing some cross country driving or towing over 5-6K lbs.

Maintenance is much higher on a DP vs Gas coach. 

The DP does drive much nicer than just about any gas coach. 

2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT
92K miles
$50K range in value

If I was looking for a Gasser, I would shoot for a 2014-2020 Tiffin Allegro Open Road


 

View attachment 16194
Click to expand...
Have you driven the gassers with the new Ford V8?  I have heard great things about the new motor.  

 
I would consider upping your budget to the 150K range and it will open up to more coaches and choices.  Would also get you in some really nice new gas Class A coaches.  

 
Sand Shark said:
The new 7.3.  It has a lot more hp and torque over the V10 and bonus is your don't have to spin the crap out of the motor to get to the peak numbers.  
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How new are they? What model year RV's are they in? I haven't seen any of them.

 
I was looking at the Allegro Open Road and the prices are all over the place. Well high and higher :). 2015s range from 80k to 120k all in the same mileage. 

Guess next is try and guess what I can sell my current Class C for. @HEADINJURY what is a 2006 Coachman Freelander 32' with the SuperSlide on 450 chassis with V10 and 24k miles go for?

 
Punchdrunk Monkey said:
How new are they? What model year RV's are they in? I haven't seen any of them.
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They use them in the 2021 models.  Not sure if they used them in late 2020 units.  Motor is supposed to be really good.  I talked to a few class C owners that have them and they were loving the motor. 
 



 
I'd be careful towing a Raptor. My buddy lost his Moho and Raptor due to the Ford. Still no one is taking blame but the end result is the same. They're both GONE! My first and only moho was $125,000 when I started. DP. Love it. Gave me problems but anything you USE will cause problems eventually. Batteries / Tires / Water Pump (Sink&Shower) AC's,  you name it. You'll become very aware of the simple things to check on every trip which i'm sure you did with the Class C. I think the reason mine has done so well is because We're always using it. Yearly maintenance at the same dealer has helped too. They know my rig. They Know when I'm coming in for service (Oct) Pre Glamis Season. Good luck finding the one. You'll know in your Gut when it's time. I'd spend more money than you think. There's some real good rigs out there! Peace 

 
ElCaminoManT said:
Get the biggest engine you can in the case of a DP. The 360 is likely the 6.7 Cummins which will be taxed IMO. Would suggest at least an 8.3 ISC or an 8.9 ISL Cummins

RE: maintenance, the 8.9 in my Winnie holds 29 quarts of oil.....lol
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Great advice!

I remember a couple of guys had bought DPs with about 350 hp. After their first trip to St Anthony, they both bought 450 hp DPs. After the 2nd trip, they both bought 550 hp DPs. As soon as you start towing a car or a trailer and hit some big hills you realize why people buy 550 hp RVs.

 
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