I am looking for who builds the best in quality to regards of quality wood, trim, appliances, furniture, coverings, etc. on a Ford E450 gas engine chassis.

I see Thor, Jayco, Winnebago, and a couple more out there.

I am looking for one between 26 to 32 foot long with a slide out and one that my wife can drive too. We are in the towing business so she is used to having to drive something like this if needed. The gas engine I want-no time for def issues.

It will be pulling a Honda Crosstour on a dolly and most trips will be under 350 miles with some maxing 600 hundred.

Later some will push out west from Georgia.

All input is greatly appreciated!

Forest River.

Phoenix Cruiser - while technically a B+, the research I've done makes it a clear winner.

That's just my opinion

Mike

While there are small variations in build quality between the main new Class C MH manufactures they are all very close. Some use one supplier over another and have different techniques of "glue and screw" and price does play a part.

We recently moved from and 25'Airsrteam to a 30'Coachmen. In our area of DFW' they all have representatives so over a two year period of looking and poking we found the floor plan which best suited our needs and pocketbook.

I would suggest your quest for the best actually begin with the best floor plan first, bed/ventilation second, than bathroom and followed with kitchen area. These areas are what is most important on a living/camping/traveling basis. The finishing touches and color is almost always left to the wife for obvious reasons and happiness. She chose the inside I chose the chassis/outside and options.

The choice of a Ford chassis is a good one although we did choose the Chevy route for other reasons ... less heat, better millage, quieter and service cost. Obviously this is an area of personal choice along with research and what is "right" for you and your wife. You can't go wrong with the Ford.

BTW, the largest volume dealer and heaviest price discounter in America is south of DFW in Alvarado TX and they sell to folks from all over the country who fly in or drive and tow back. Outstanding sales and service experience with many repeat customers.They discount 25/35% off the top and upfront depending on the unit.

I highly recommend you investigate Motor Home Specialties on the internet.

Good luck on your search!

According to the big RV place near us: A Winnebago on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. That'd be a diesel, though.

Sales dude claimed it "drives like a car." I'm sure that's a bit of an exaggeration, but, comments I've read, elsewhere tend to indicate they do handle very nicely.

We looked at, walked though, poked and prodded every Class C they had on their lot, and a few bigger/smaller ones. That's the one we liked best.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
According to the big RV place near us: A Winnebago on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. That'd be a diesel, though.

Sales dude claimed it "drives like a car." I'm sure that's a bit of an exaggeration, but, comments I've read, elsewhere tend to indicate they do handle very nicely.

We looked it, walked though, poked and prodded every Class C they had on their lot, and a few bigger/smaller ones. That's the one we liked best.

Can confirm. My boss had a camper based on a Sprinter. WOW, was it well appointed.

When we were looking for a top quality Class C high on our list was Leisure Vans out of Canada.

https://leisurevans.com/


They might be a little small for your needs depending on what you re looking for but the quality is top notch.
There are tons of videos on their website where the owner explains all the nuances.

Winnebago/Mercedes combo big bucks but great quality. Plus fuel savings. Chris

I have just started this evaluation as well but with a starting preference for the Mercedes Sprinter diesel. Having owned Mercedes Diesel cars and an SUV, I am a fan of the motors. So far I like a particular floor plan offered by Forest River but have not been to poke around in them yet.

Born Free

We had several very satisfied friends with Lazy Daze RV's.

Lazy Daze.

They are custom built.

I don't think an airstream on a sprinter chassis would disappoint.

Dutchman?

American

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:
Born Free

I like those!

quote:

Originally posted by Flashlightboy:
Lazy Daze.

They are custom built.

Last I checked they have about a 18 month wait list.
They are pretty bare bones in terms of options. No slide outs no auto leveling system or power awnings. This how they claim such high reliability.
If you don't want or need those things then they are a great coach.

I looked very strongly at Nexus. Custom made as well. You can locate where you want electrical outlets placed USB ports etc. They are fairly new but gaining a strong following.

I know you mentioned you want to stay away from diesel. But honestly, if you're towing a car behind a motorhome that size, it's going to put a lot of load on a gas engine and the torque of the diesel really is the way to go.

I currently live in a 13 year old Coachmen. It's ok, but easy to see that the materials were chosen for cost over quality. If I was buying new, I'd go for one of the custom/low production manufacturers mentioned above. Born Free, Phoenix Cruiser, Lazy Daze, Nexus, and Leisure Travel are all high quality. Some of those skip the dealers and sell straight to consumers, which cuts down on costs. At least one of them will have a floor plan for you.

I knew nothing about motorhomes when I started looking, and bought an information package from RV Consumer Group. It was money well spent. I suggest going to any camping shows in your area, and spend some time checking out units on dealer lots.

You didn't say if you're buying new or used. Used will of course save thousands of dollars. Depreciation is fast with a motorhome.

This is the equivalent of Sig Forum for motor homes and campers. Lots of helpful folks willing to share their years of experience and answer any and all questions. I suggest you spend a few days reading first before posting with questions.

If you ask a questions that's been asked a thousand times before and has been answered 1000 times you might get some back lash.

RV manufacturers are overwhelmed right now and are cranking out some pretty poor quality to try to keep up with demand. Low gas prices for the last couple years has brought camping back in a big way.

You have to make reservations at a campground well in advance if you expect to find a place. Sometimes almost a year ahead.

I would emphasize Nexus. We have been working with them for about a year on a design that includes a outdoor kitchen.

We will be putting a deposit down later this year for delivery in 2018. They have been more than excellent to work with.

I appreciate all the input!