Best Engines for 18'-24' C/B Class Rigs?

[joyontheroad]

Hi y'all! I'm new here so please forgive any fauxpas at least until I get the culture here! : )

I've been obsessively shopping for a Class C or B rig for myself and my furbabies since October 09. I know what floorplan I want now and the max length (24') - I know how to check out the NADA value guides and compare that way - but I have found it WAY harder to find intelligible, clear, 'connected to a motorhome engine/gas mileage/power/suitability' statistics and comparisons on Motors/Engines+Trannis. Not to say its not "out there" but so far I haven't found much that I can 'hang onto' once I'm on line shopping again because it is so scattered and not related to a motorhome situation. Sooooo, I'm hoping some of you have some experience and/or advice/knowledge of this important subject you could share with me and others seeking this information BEFORE they buy...

Thanks in advance for whatever you can share,
Joy in Wenatchee, WA

[Getupngo]

Joy, some people here will offer good advice ... but a basic for me is to get an engine that has readily available parts and can be worked on anywhere. I had a older "B" with a fiat engine. Yeah. *forehead on keyboard*

Learn from my mistakes.

I hate to send you to another web site, but if you post the question on RV.net, the guys there will fall all over each other to offer opinions. They may even call each other names -- it's great spectator sport as well as a good resource. Good luck.

[joyontheroad]

Fabulous response GUAG!!! Thank you so much, I will follow your suggestion!
: )

[Bethers]

One reason I got a C was for ease of getting service. I happen to prefer Ford over Chevy - but there will be just as many who prefer Chevy - so that is a personal choice. I do like that I can get service easy with my Ford. I also prefer gas over diesel - you have to weigh what would work best for you.

That said - get a rig with the higher weight rating - and make sure it has a good tow rating - even if you don't intend to tow. I have the E350 - and would not buy again unless it was the E450 which has the higher raiting. That is for towing purposes - as I don't have a problem with carrying weight. And I'm not now towing, but have considered getting a toad - which would be difficult with the current rating. (Now, again, I love my rig - and I'm full-timing - which wasn't what I thought I'd be doing when I purchased - and it's worked so far for 5 years - but would be a deal-breaker buying next time in my situation).

[Acadianmom]

My second Class C was a 24' with a smaller Chev engine. I don't remember the Chevy engine numbers but it was not strong enough for the weight. It was ok on flat ground but I made one trip out west and could hardly get up the mountains. I have a 23' motorhome now with a Ford E450. I wouldn't have anything less. It can climb mountains with no problem.

Martha