Re: Class A vs C Reply #25 – August 24, 2017, 09:35:18 pm Approximately 20 years ago I picked up a copy of a writeup at the LD factory titled "Below are listed some interesting thoughts concerning RVs in general and motorhomes in particular." The writeup is dated November 1994, but likely still has some relevance. Section II of the writeup covers "Should I purchase a Class A or Class C motorhome." Section II states that LD built a Class A in 1966 and a second one 34 feet long in 1988/1989. There is a picture of the 34 foot Class A here: The Lazy Daze Companion: History of Lazy Daze. Based on the construction of these two units, Section II states that LD discovered that: 1) a Class A is more subject to heat build up in the cab on a hot day because it does not have the cabover that a Class C has and the AC in a Class A will be add-on (with perhaps less efficiency) compared to factory AC in a Class C; 2) a Class A will generally be less stable in windy conditions and have decreased performance and mileage because of additional weight; 3) getting in and out of a Class C is easier because of the two cab doors; 4) a Class C will have factory AC, cab heater, dash board, various switches, cab doors, and windshield whereas these are add-on or aftermarket in a Class A; and 5) repair work on a Class A can be more difficult and expensive because of the various non-factory add-on components. The preceding words are my paraphrase and not direct quotes from the LD writeup.Paul H. 4 Likes
Re: Class A vs C Reply #26 – August 24, 2017, 10:51:57 pm Yes, we had many of those same issues with our two Class As. i sorta forgot some of that. The Winnebago had the most ridiculous sun visor set-up I had ever seen. When not deployed, it was folded up at the top of the massive windshield, completely out of reach of the driver and passenger, especially when seated and belted in. One had to pull the rig over , unstrap, stand up,, and unfold the visor! Absurd design. I made a metal hook on the end of a 3 foot handle that I kept by the side of the dog house (the engine hump for you non-class A folks) that I would grab when needed to deploy the sun visor while driving. The Hawkins had different, user-friendly design.As for mpg, believe it or not, I got better mileage in the Hawkins diesel pusher than I did with the Chevy V-10 or the current Ford V-10. Of course, that was off-set a bit by the higher prices for diesel.
Re: Class A vs C Reply #27 – August 25, 2017, 07:46:46 am But the view out of the class A windshield is awesome. Hot though since you're sitting in a greenhouse.Driving the LD is a very different experience, I do like the shade though. But have to remember not to step up on the running board as I'm entering or exiting or I'll hit my head. And need to look up as I'm pulling into a gas station, came close to hitting the overhead cab once.Interestingly in our 45' Newell at 55,000# I got almost as good mpg as the LD driving 60 mph. But that just shows the efficiency of a Diesel engine with a range of well over 1200 miles. And if I could disassemble the LD into pieces I could carry almost half of it in the basement storage.Different beasts and designed for different roles. You'll probably never see a 45' class A where you can find a LD. Just can't fit. Had quite a few instances where we had to pass up a campground because we were too large or couldn't make the turn into a site.
Re: Class A vs C Reply #28 – August 25, 2017, 09:59:08 am Yep, all true. Size does matter! I do like those diesel engines, though. Our Cat 6-banger was virtually bullet proof. Ran like a top. Simple, could tow anything. Two drawbacks were the noise at idle, especially in a nice quiet campground in the morning as you warm her up to hit the road. Neighbors just loved us for that . . . also, that engine was sure no bargain at oil change intervals, which on a diesel are more frequent. She took a whopping 28 quarts at each change!I suppose I am being more nostalgic than realistic about that diesel pusher, but I did like that rig a lot. Of course, we came by it as a real bargain, used with minimal miles through a guy, who knew a guy, who knew another guy, etc. I'm sure we could not have afforded it as a new rig. We absolutely lucked into that one. It was apparently bear-proof, too. Once up by Yosemite on the east side just outside the Tioga gate, a camping neighbor took a photo of a big black bear trying to break into the motor home while we were out fishing early one morning. Tried hard but never got in. He (she?) did have its way with our ice chest that we left out on the picnic table. Didn't take long to rip that wide open! All that was in it was a watermelon, so no loss.2
Re: Class A vs C Reply #29 – August 25, 2017, 10:07:53 am I still remember cool mornings when I forgot to turn on the pre-heater and fired up the 8v92 Detroit years ago. No mosquitoes around for a week! 1 Likes
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Topic: Class A vs C (Read 739 times)
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