Winnebago Vita MB diesel vs. Thor Four Winds Ford v10 gas

[andyviv]

Just started looking for class c motorhome and already saw a couple that might work for us. Since newbie, want 24’ as a starter— seems easier length to handle and have been told can fit in most camp sites. Really looking for cheaper used, but the new ones are being discounted almost 40% off msp by dealerships—it is cheaper to buy new 2020 than used older one. WOW! It is winter in Mich and not time of year that they make many sales, so suspect dealers might need some cash flow or just cover their costs. Figure they make most money on repairs than sales anyway.

The two we liked most are:

Winnebago vita 24f — Mercedes Benz sprinter diesel engine, 6 cylinder, vita was new model for Winnebago last year. Vita line appears to be an entry level line and not much info online to research since so new. Still has lots of features we really liked. Reviews say they are easy to drive (haha— I’m a newbie).Things we are concerned about are electric residential frig/freezer (not dual gas/propane), small fuel tank, not sure how many Mercedes dealers available in US when we need help, NO winter type protections on the tanks and underbody, and diesel not gas.

Thor Four Winds— 2 models we liked, one without any slides. We like that they both have arctic packages for colder winter and have gas (our first choice instead of diesel), Ford v10 engines, which seem highly recommended from online search, big fuel tank, “Dual” power refrigerator/freezer, and easier location of microwave and bigger. They are not as discounted as Winnebago, so Thor would actually cost more for same length motorhome, but haven’t negotiated any pricing.

There are features we liked and disliked in both.

Also a question is, which one would hold it’s value best if rv’ing diesn’t work out for us and want to sell in a year or two?

Looking for any and all comments!

[Rufflesgurl]

Welcome to the forum from No. Central CA. My first RV was a 35' diesel pusher Class A. Second 2016 Winnebago Navion 24G
also a diesel. Both purchased new but I have heard when you purchase used someone has already taken "the hit." I now have my 24G
on consignment to sell. The 24G was easier to drive than the longer Class A but I'm not so sure it would be comfortable for 2 plus a dog. I always travel solo with my pup and the pup loves to be along with me. Good luck on your RV search and enjoy your travels with
your pup along!

Linda

[Bethers]

Like cars prices go down considerably when you take a new one off the lot. Some of both gas and diesel do better than others and rv's are holding value right now better than in the past (one reason you're seeing good prices on new).

Personally I'd only get a residential fridge in an rv if you weren't going to travel (like people who have summer lots and leave their rv's). And definitely were not intending to ever boondock. You have way more options with the gas/electric fridges (like when Judy flies off to family and leaves her rig in an airport parking lot with the fridge on gas, for example).

As to size, I started with a 22 1/2 foot class C. My current rig is a 26 foot class C. I've driven a 32 foot C. I feel no difference between them driving except being aware of turning radius. Personally I like smaller because of how I like to camp. But you'd adjust quickly to driving any size. (I also have driven larger Class A's and personally prefer the C's. But those with A's would differ lol). And when I tie a car there's no difference with the length... I have to be more conscious of whether or not I could get stuck and not be able to turn around. That's a headache that I've decided to deal with right now. I went years not towing, then a few towing, then a couple without and just got a toad again. I do prefer the freedom without a toad. But for various reasons I need one at the time.

BTW, I think most of us were newbies when we got our rigs. My first time driving my rv I was heading out full-time. Sink or swim. Luckily I loved the lifestyle immediately. That was 2005 and I'm hoping it will continue for many, many more years.

[monik7]

In your search for the perfect RV for you and your hubby, be sure to check out reviews on the quality control of different RV manufacturers. This is just as important as finding the right model that fits your needs. In reading various forums, I’ve seen complaints about the lack of quality control within certain manufacturers in the last few years. Some buyers have complained about having long lists of things discovered in there walk-through or shortly thereafter that had to be fixed before they could even take their first trip. The last thing you’d want would be to have to leave your new RV at the dealer for a month before you could take it on the road. Those are the types of information you’ll want to learn BEFORE you sign on the dotted line so you can make an informed decision to buy or not.
Sandi

[BirdbyBird]

All good things to consider. As for how much space? Have some good discussions with your significant other. I have observed couples traveling together in small RVs, but I would imagine it takes special couples and a lot of compromise and great communication. Many of us that travel in smaller rigs are most often traveling by our selves with or without our dogs, of course. Only you know what moving around room and storage spaces might be needed to travel down the road comfortably.