Class A vs Class C handling

haymeadowfield · 09-09-2023, 08:30 AM

How well does a class A handle especially in windy conditions? We currently have a class C and don't like the way it handles. Have already upgraded the suspension. Looking to trade in for something else. Or is a 5th wheel better? TIA

Kevin Cooper · 09-09-2023, 08:57 AM

You say you have done upgrades. Have you had the front alignment done after them with everything in the coach that you would while driving? Need full gas and something in tanks. What air pressure are you running in your tires? Suggested by Jayco, or max pressure or lower pressure?
This can greatly affect the difference of driving fairly straight or jumping all over the road.

TxLoser · 09-09-2023, 09:07 AM

I’ve never driven a C, but I did test drive a new 38’ class A gasser a few weeks back. Only mods on it were Safe T Plus and sumo springs.

I currently own a 37’ FW and hands down the FW/HD diesel combo handled better than the class A. I’ve never drive a pusher so maybe that’s better with air suspension and longer wheel base.

craigav · 09-09-2023, 09:13 AM

As far as driving handling goes, it is hard to get much better than a properly setup 5th wheel. However, I base that on what I have owned and I highly suspect that the largest of the 5th wheels especially with a truck that isn't rated much higher than the 5th wheel's weight would handle differently not too mention the hitch setup where an air ride hitch would be a smoother ride than a standard 5th wheel hitch.

Also to consider, there are only three Class C chassis to choose from with most being the Ford E series, but for a Class A you have even more choices such as Ford F53, Freightliner, Spartan, some with rear engines, some with front engines, and many with their own set of features as well as issues. Point being is that you can't really compare the handling simply based on Class A or Class C as you need to compare based on the chassis manufacture, chassis make\model, engine sizes, motorhome weight, length, and similar differences and even then different model motorhomes would still likely handle differently due to the weight distribution (some reports are that one side is a lot heavier than the other side for example). ~CA

haymeadowfield · 09-09-2023, 03:29 PM

That's a lot of info to consider. Is there a particular brand or model in Class A that you would recommend? Not looking to buy new. Our current one is a Jayco Greyhawk 26. Looking for something comparable in size.

DonC757 · 09-11-2023, 08:13 AM

As far as the ride in general Class A’s definitely have much softer suspension. In a C you feel every pebble on the road.

hoppers4 · 09-11-2023, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonC757

As far as the ride in general Class A’s definitely have much softer suspension. In a C you feel every pebble on the road.

I've owned both platforms and my experience is the opposite. I think the ride depends more on the chassis setup than the class. I went back to a class C because I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on my Winnebago class A to improve the ride. I also found the class C to handle better but that still boils down to the chassis design and improvements.

Etsee · 09-11-2023, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppers4

I've owned both platforms and my experience is the opposite. I think the ride depends more on the chassis setup than the class. I went back to a class C because I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on my Winnebago class A to improve the ride. I also found the class C to handle better but that still boils down to the chassis design and improvements.

I have to agree. I have also owned both platforms, and far prefer the Class C.

DonC757 · 09-11-2023, 07:16 PM

Back to comparing Class A vs C ride. I delivered a 31 foot Fourwinds Class C up to Alaska and now own a Jayco Precept 34G (Class A). Both on Ford chassis. The 34G definitely has a softer ride but I’m only comparing it to that one Class C.

craigav · 09-12-2023, 09:31 AM

Keep in mind that a softer ride and better handling are for the most part opposites of each other. ~CA

JohnK · 09-20-2023, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etsee

I have to agree. I have also owned both platforms, and far prefer the Class C.

I had rear trac bar and Safe-t-plus on the Alante as well as the alignment after those additions.

The Greyhawk 31FK handled way better.

Regards,

John

Smitty814 · 09-20-2023, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppers4

I've owned both platforms and my experience is the opposite. I think the ride depends more on the chassis setup than the class. I went back to a class C because I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on my Winnebago class A to improve the ride. I also found the class C to handle better but that still boils down to the chassis design and improvements.

I have to agree. We have a 2020 Greyhawk 31FP and it has a much better ride than our Winnebago Sightseer class A. Less movement in the wind and quieter ride.

kevinantholt · 09-20-2023, 02:23 PM

All depends on $$$. I had a 45ft Entegra with tag axel. Best way to travel hands down. Didn't feel the wind at all. But again...$$$$

twbelieves · 09-20-2023, 05:18 PM

Class A gas on a Ford F53 chassis absolutely sucks. You would have to spend a fortune to make the F53 chassis reasonable. I have a class c 2011 F 450 that rides fine but on bad roads you will feel every bump. I haven’t modified the suspension and don’t see the need to do it. The diesel pushers are more expensive but worth every dime as long as you have the dime.

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