klutchdust wrote:

before you purchase whatever unit you decide on, be sure and have it inspected by someone who has experience with RV'S. One of the most important inspections needs to be for water damage, especially around the front above cab area. Appliances and systems, air conditioner, heater need to be checked. How about the service/maintenance on the chassis. Money well spent before you purchase.
There hasn't been one trip made where I haven't had something require attention. I keep a note pad and write down what to take care of before the next trip. Appliances are easy to replace and the builders use
the same brands. I have used mobile mechanics when out and about and you can get a quicker response than a brick and mortar repair shop. If you get a Ford V-10 buy a few spare ignition coils and carry them with you.
Best of luck in your adventure, see you in the Sierras!

bobndot wrote:

Also the sideview. Its fine when going straight. In a class c the cab portion is narrower than the coach portion. You have take intersections at more of a right angle otherwise the coach will block your side vision.

toedtoes wrote:



Remember that with ANY motorhome, your visibility is much more limited than in a car. If you already have difficulty backing in to spaces in your camry, you're going to be miserable with the motorhome.

You can't see out the back of the motorhome. The only way to see behind the MH is with a backup camera and that's going to be a small view. In addition, it's not just what's behind you, it is what's above you. Tree branches hanging over the site in particular.

Trying to back in and park a motorhome, especially by yourself, when you are tired is not fun. Doing so with bad vision, etc, - well don't camp near me.

In addition, the body of the motorhome is not as sturdy as the body of a car. That slight dent you got in the camry when you backed into a boulder is going to do a lot nore damage to the motorhome.

pnichols wrote:

For what it's worth, the picture below shows the non-slide floor plan of our 24 ft. Class C that's built on a Ford chassis that provides decent ground clearance ... along with 55 gallons of fuel, a 4000 watt built-in generator, and an 18 gallon propane tank.

It's wheel wells are not under the dinette, they're under the refrigerator area and galley area. All of the areas under the dinette benches are available for storage, so the dinette table and two benches can be completely removed to make room for one or two full recliners. Installing only one recliner in that area would make room for a nice table right beside it to eat on, hold a laptop, hold books, etc., when camped. Also note the stock rotating and sliding lounge chair opposite the dinette area.

One can sleep in the rear corner bed, and use all of the large overhead cab area to provide a huge amount of storage. Seven(7) outside storage areas provide additional storage.

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mountaintraveler wrote:



To think of it, I have some experience driving big pickups I rented from Home Depot, that was easy. I hope class C isn't terribly hard as I'd be driving off the lot with my sedan car in tow, towing for the first time too (need to tow car quite a long distance where I'll put it in storage)

Grit dog wrote:

This thread is like a bad car wreck (figuratively, so far). You know it’s not good. But can’t look away….

bobndot wrote:



How are you planning to tow it ?
Renting a dolly or car hauler ?
I think that would be less expensive.
Setting up a dingy to tow is expensive , i spent $3k to set up my car.

I have to ask you if other options are open for you because a motorhome will be limited to where you can go. You can get hung-up if you try to go into places that too tight or too rough. Those places can experience less sunlight to dry out the ground. Damp ground or mud will be your enemy and cell service for help might be a problem.

Too bad you didn't keep the pickup. Is that an option for you ?
Doing your type camping into rough places, a truck camper would offer you ground clearance, 4WD and no low rear overhang.

Have you considered modifying a van ? The Ram and Transit offer taller roofs so you can stand inside. There are many YouTube's on basic insulation and wall coverings.

Driving a motorhome requires using the sideview convex mirrors. Will that be a problem for your vision ?
You also will find it easier to tilt down the sideview mirror when backing into tight spots, especially with heavy bush cover, stumps and rocks. Its a big plus to be able to see your rear bumper and rear wheels. Its easier to judge your distance. Most class c’s don't have power mirrors. Tilting down the drivers is usually enough for me to see. Power side-views would nice .