A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

Wow, in the new member/introduction section you all answered so many of my questions. I hope you don't mind answering a few more!

I am leaning toward a Class C. In order to whittle down the selections, it seems there is a big difference between MB sprinter chassis and a ford/chevy chassis. Other than gas mileage and the increase in initial cost - I am told the MB sprinter rides significantly smoother. With my disability I am concerned with driving fatigue. I know it is personal preference, but is there a significant difference between the two?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

All rv's can be tiring... My answer is to not travel more on a day than will tire me. That means I rarely drive more than a few hours max. Or 2 for a longer day's drive I split it up with a stop somewhere for at least an hour... Move around.

I elected to stay with gas. Between the initial higher cost then the continued higher maintenance costs a diesel didn't make sense to me. I like the very easy and inexpensive places to get an oil change, for example.

But it is definitely a personal decision.

I think if you test drive them you will be able to tell. I had a 2004 Class B Pleasure Way Dodge Ram 350. I now have a 2010 Pleasure Way Ford E350. The 2004 was mush easier to drive and had more power. The overall ride was about equal but the handling is significantly different.



.

I have a 2012 Itasca Navion iQ on the Sprinter chassis. I do not full time but definitely feel I could in it. I bought it new and it’s been great. I knew nothing about RVs when I got it and have been so thankful it’s been so reliable - both the chassis and house. I’ve had no issues with it at all, have put 56,000 miles on it in 7 years and find it very comfortable to drive. I have 2 dogs and it’s more for them that I try to limit my driving to 6 hours or less each day.

I think you definitely should take any chance you can get to test drive different ones so you can compare how each rides and its effects on you, especially considering your disability. Maintenance costs on a Sprinter would most likely be more expensive than say on a Ford, but I’ve found with its reliability I haven’t had to go in for any problems at all and only take it for service every 10,000 miles. With my lack of knowledge when it comes to the workings of any kind of vehicle and the fact that I’m a woman traveling alone, I feel safer and more confident with the Sprinter chassis. It’s definitely a personal choice, however, based on individual circumstances and desires. I wish you luck in your search. Here are a couple pictures of mine taken last week at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the California Sierra Nevada.



Sandi

I agree with Sandi. I own a 2005 Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit 210B, on the MB chassis. In the 14 years, it has accumulated a bit over 30,000 miles, with an average freeway mileage of 21 mpg on diesel. The oil has been changed 3 times. In Aoril I took it to MB dealer near me and chose to do a big service including items due at 10 years or 160,000 miles. Including that big service and the two previous oil changes husband did, I've spent under $1500 on maintenance ( not including one new set tires due to them aging out not wearing out) in 14 years. My MB dealer checked over everything and said just due to breakdown of modern oils, I only expect to see you once a year for an oil change if you are putting miles on it for big trips. Book said every 10,000 miles. I had forgotten how comfortable it is to drive, but agree with others, I keep my driving to 6 hours or less, preferably less, per day. One caution, around 2014 the engine pollution requirements changed and they began including a DEF ((diesel exhaust fluid) tank and apparatus which is filled with a standardized mixture of urea and water to spray into exhaust to help break down NoX in exhaust. Some people make a big deal about it, but in reality it means adding from a gallon jug into the DEF tank about 2-4 g per 100 gal diesel used. Average cost $8-12. Diesel engines last longer than gas engines and in general get better fuel economy, and would cost more to repair, yet because they are so reliable, one must factor that into average yearly cost for diesel vs gas. I drove mine in June to Oregon and back putting nearly 2000 miles on it and plan more trips in future. Drive both and do your research. No matter which chassis there are ways to alter or improve ride such as anti sway bars or different tires. Mine has Firestone Riderite air bags which I add or release air pressure using a switch above my driving area to stiffen or soften the ride. One thing to consider, in general a diesel chassis can haul more weight so your cargo carrying capacity will usually be more generous. Someone I follow online bought a new Tiffin Wayfarer class C thus year and I was shocked to read, in research at Tiffin, that it's average CCC is only 600 lbs. sounds like a lot until you learn that that includes your weight, weight of pets, often tank weight as well. My LTV has a CCCof 1600 with 2 people each weighing 150 and full water, fuel and propane. When you look at RVs, somewhere inside there is a sticker (mines in closet) with weights and capacities of that RV as it left factory.
Velda

Regarding driving time, I think we all start out feeling like we have to drive 4, 5 or 6 hours. We learn that we only HAVE to drive what makes us comfortable. There were days when I only drove 2 hours before finding a place to overnight. If I felt like more, I drove longer. There were times I stopped somewhere for an hour nap and then continued on driving. My motto became, I'm retired, I don't HAVE to be anywhere in a certain time.

I tow a 5th wheel with a 2004 dodge Ram 3500 dully... I realize that you are looking at a motor home but I am chiming in on
the diesel... it has it positives and cons... cons would be cost of repair and cost of fuel is normally more than gas... but when towing a 36 ft 5th wheel I am getting (last time I checked) 10 cents a gal... when we towed a 24 foot TT with a gas vehicle we got 10 cents a mile big difference in weight and size between the two. my last truck broke down (not engine) but tranny again I had had it ... so said nope not fixing it.. When my nephew towed it back up to Idaho to store it ... for the winter... it cost so much more for the same miles that I was shocked... so I knew then then that when I replaced the truck it would be with a diesel..
sheila