Class C or Travel Trailer RV Show

Welcome to the Class C or Travel Trailer RV Show! Join us as we dive into the ultimate RV showdown, comparing the pros and cons of Class C motorhomes and travel trailers to help you choose your ideal road companion.
Are you dreaming of hitting the open road in your own RV? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to plan your next adventure, we've got you covered. In this video, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both Class C motorhomes and travel trailers, giving you valuable insights to inform your decision.
John is set on a Class C, while I'm leaning towards a Travel Trailer. Can we find common ground and agree on the best RV for our future adventures? Stay tuned to see if we can reach a consensus and discover the reasons behind our preferences.
But it's not just about us - we want to help you too! By sharing our thoughts and experiences, we hope to assist you in considering the pros and cons of each type of RV, ultimately aiding you in making the right choice for your own journey.
So, whether you're already an avid RVer or just starting to dream of life on the road, join us as we navigate the world of RVs and embark on our quest to find the perfect road companion. Who knows, maybe we'll meet you out there on your Next Trail someday
Come with us as Our Next Trail helps you find your next trail!
🎼MUSIC:
Enjoy listening to our great music and sound effect source with Epidemic Sound @ www.epidemicsound.com
Creative Commons Images Used:
"File:Class-Super-C-Motorhomes-Diesel-Class-C-RV.jpg" by Motorhomes is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
"Super Duty Pulling Travel Trailer" by DiamondBack Covers is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

[@daydreamer0923]

30z is the rig I dream of owning. Good choice. ✌️😉

[@johnwilloughby7314]

❤ buy the Travel Trailer

[@ourrvsunsets]

So exciting that you are looking for a new rig!! We owned an Imagine prior to upgrading to our Brinkley 5th wheel. We loved that trailer and it took us to so many wonderful places. If it wasn't for the fact that we needed a bit more room we would still be in it. We only had one issue with it and that was addressed by Grand Design. I have no problems recommending an Imagine travel trailer. Ken - You won't have any problems pulling it. It may take a short time to get used to it, but in no time you'll be pulling it and backing it like a pro. Just go slow at first and you'll do fine. Lastly since we upgraded to a Brinkley 5th wheel I want to make you aware that Brinkley is now starting to ship travel trailers as well. We are super happy with the build quality of Brinkley, they're built even better than Grand Design. Additionally their customer support has been completely amazing. We had a couple issues that were caused by dealer incompetence and they stepped in and took care of it with no charge to us. I would really recommend having a look at their travel trailers as well. Super excited for you guys. Getting that new rig can be a little stressful but it's so much fun after you get it on the road.

[@adriannurse1502]

Hello, I just found your channel and subscribed. My wife and I have one of the big Class A diesel pushers so I can give you a little perspective from a motorhome owner. 1. You have full access to the kitchen and bathroom while driving. No more stopping at every other exit so my wife can use the bathroom. She also makes us snacks in the afternoon while I am driving. 2. Leveling. With a motorhome you just push a button and you are done. With a trailer you need a level and blocks. It can take multiple tries to get it right. 3. Rainey days. In a motorhome you just pull into a rest area and you are already inside. In a trailer you have to get out of the truck and run back to the trailer. Then you have to unlock the door and put your steps out before you can get in. 4. Temperature. Your trailer is not climate controlled while you are towing. So if it's cold or hot out until you hook up to power the interior of your trailer will either be stifling hot or freezing cold. In a motorhome your interior is always climate controlled when traveling. 5. They say the tires on a travel trailer are just good enough to get you out of the dealership and to a tire store. 6. If you get a trailer make sure to get a generator. You can't even stay the night in a Walmart parking lot without electricity. Motorhomes come with one and they share the same fuel tank as the main engine. 7. And finally, if you get a trailer don't mess around with small trucks. Get a 3/4 ton truck, preferably 4x4, and be done. That will make your towing so much easier. And remember the bigger the truck the bigger the brakes. On occasion you will be going up and down hills. Those bigger brakes will save your bacon coming downhill. Other RV'ers have talked about coming down from a mountain and burning up their brakes on the way down. Then having to find an auto repair shop immediately and having new brakes installed. Have you ever considered a small Class A? They have more room inside and are very easy to drive.

[@ournexttrail]

Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions. We have not considered a small class A. We’ll have to look into this. Thank you! We appreciate the subscription & views!

[@marklovelace297]

So glad you are joining our community, joined a few years ago and never looking back! It is freedom!

[@gosoteva]

I ran across your video and you do have a challenge. One we went through 2 yrs ago and made a mistake that we just rectified. I hesitate to give specific advice because everyone’s situation is different, but be sure to take into account what your travel goals are….how you travel, where you travel, how long you will stay, how nimble you want to be. I will go on record that I do not like “traditional” Class C’s with the monstrous front overhang….had one yrs ago. More recently we had a 30’ class A that we really liked, but I smacked in the front and the insurance co totaled it due to rising costs. This was when Covid had driven prices through the roof so our only affordable choice was a travel trailer. And, of course, we had to get a truck as well. Turns out we simply hate it. The reasons are many. 1st - having to a big truck at all wasn’t great, but the hook up , set up, & take down time is very long. There is little outside storage. Driving a 50’ long rig can be a white knuckle experience. Yes the size inside is bigger and if you stay in places for long periods it is nice. We had (have….still selling) a Grand Design 2400RL. Nice rig but you really need a 3/4 ton to pull it. We have now acquired a used sprinter-based class c with smaller overhead and only 24’11”. Drives like a big van and we are close to having it personalized. My only advice is to listen to others, but do a very thorough job of documenting your needs moving take into forward.

[@ournexttrail]

Thank you, it’s important to get different perspectives. Thank you for sharing your experience with us

[@flpaintman71]

Nice video. My thought as a current trailer owner, but looking to switch to a C. First watch someone do a complete backup and hookup of a travel trailer with anti sway bars and safety check before you make your decison. As someone in my 50s and having a travel trailer is a bit campier, however, setup and breakdown is a lot more work and you don’t have access to trailer amenities when on the road. Most Important…I’m in pretty good shape but still had to cancel a trip on a week my bad back was questionable. And what if my back went out mid trip. I was not worried about driving with a bad back, but was worried about setup at camp leveling the trailer and getting anti-sway bars connected as that would be too much for my wife to handle on her own. Plus you can easily add a tow bar and bring your car with much less hassle with quick connect packages, but honestly you can just easily live without a tow vehicle if you prefer depending on the situation and drive the class c, super easy breakdown. Keep in mind you will also triple your gas fill ups when transporting a travel trailer. We went to St Augustine which is only a few hundred miles from our home in south Florida and we had 3 gas stops on my semi fuel efficient truck. Unless you have a diesel tow vehicle plan on always needing gas especially when you have to travel into the wind. Most class C s have at least 55 gallon fuel tank so and less sway , so your fuel efficiency will also be better. My next camper will be a class C. One more thought, class C’s are much easier for weekend getaways. We keep our RV stocked and ready to go but checking and hookup on our travel trailer is still hours more pre work to get a safe hookup as opposed to those running a class C, where you check your tires oil, generator do a walk around and you are on the road.

[@doakkrause5862]

Love the video-We initially thought we wanted a class c and rented one but found we didn’t like it. We rented an Airstream which was nice but we ultimately went with a 2023 Rockwood 2442BS 5th wheel. Don’t be intimidated towing a trailer-you’ll be an experienced pro in no time

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate the encouragement too! I’ll be sure to let John know he can become a pro! Thanks.

[@ournexttrail]

This is so exciting! We are taking our first steps to getting an RV. Think of all the adventures ahead. Which RV do think is best? Please leave a comment & don’t forget to like & subscribe. Thank you!

[@williamsneedjr4129]

My vote is a class C and it's easier for travel and set up and if you get a 32ft with autolever

[@richardwilloughby4007]

Excellent and clear comparison for novice campers! I appreciate the open mind and open communication style demonstrated here. Thank you for sharing your search.

[@ournexttrail]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@On-down-the-road]

I moved out of a 1998 Dutchman classic. Nice couples camper one space 26 years it lasted. I bought a 2007 sprinter with king suite. Bedroom slide, and super slide. 35' . The person I bought it from used it one, or twice a year. It said like new, and it is perfect. If your looking to buy one, to last 20-25 years, buy from a brand that has been around a while. Grand design is all new, and all new floor plans. They don't hold up well, because the structure is all different from the older companies. They twist and shake themselves apart. Look at Keystone, Jayco, Montana, or winnebago, to get one that will last. Stay away from camping world crooks. I wish you the best of luck, and hope to see you DTR, down the road.

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for watching & the advice. Especially about getting an Rv that will last 20 +

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

The big plus of a trailer over a Class C or A is that you do not have to tow another vehicle. With a Class C or A, you really do need another vehicle. If you want to go on an excursion or get groceries, you need to have another vehicle. My last trip, I was out there for two weeks, and I lost my camping space when I went out to get propane. With a trailer, that does not happen. With a travel trailer, all that can be done with the tow vehicle. The important thing is getting enough truck for your trailer. LOTS of RV places say a 1/2-ton can pull the trailers but seriously, you need a minimum of a 3/4-ton and in many cases would be better off with a 1-ton. You don't want the trailer pushing the truck. You want the truck pulling the trailer. Another great investment is an antisway hitch. They help a LOT when pulling a tongue trailer. Something you might want to consider, since you are buying a truck anyway, consider a fifth wheel hitch. I have pulled both and the fifth wheel is by far easier to handle and maneuver through tight campground roads. There is a reason Semis are pulling fifth wheels instead of tongue trailers. I love RVing and camping and have done it for many years in a tent, a Class C, a Class A and both a travel trailer and a fifth wheel. I like the coziness of the Class C but do not like towing that extra vehicle because it is on all 4s and thus you cannot back that up. It was the same with the Class A. But the trailer and the fifth wheel I could, and the fifth wheel was so much easier to handle. The travel trailer was an 18 foot, and the fifth wheel was a 36 foot and still the fifth was easier. I pulled both the travel trailer and the fifth wheel with the same one-ton Dodge dually with a diesel engine. BTW, I got 12 mpg pulling that 36-foot fifth wheel. OH! And remember to read the warranty before you buy it. Some warranties, you cannot get work done unless you return to your dealership, and some require you to take it to the manufacture location. That makes the warranty worthless if you are on vacation on the west coast and live on the east coast. You do not have to buy their warranty. Warranties are available just about any place. Many of the insurance companies offer that as well. So check with your insurance company about a warranty before you go in to sign the paperwork. Another thing I have noticed is that the workmanship in a lot of RVs is so much worse than it was in years gone by. Now, i would not even consider buying an RV with first having a home inspection done on one. It used to be you would only do that with the old ones; but now it is totally necessary for the new ones too, thus avoiding the heart aches of problems after you buy it. I hope some of these ideas and tips help you! Kim

[@ournexttrail]

Thank you so much for your help. I hadn’t really thought about a 5th wheel since we are just a couple and won’t be full timers. Thinking about it now though. Thanks 😊

[@that.schamp]

@@ournexttrail Kim gives some great advice! I will add that you probably want to look at a single rear wheel 1 ton diesel truck with a "long" or 8' bed to pull a fifth wheel. On 3/4 and one ton trucks, a "long bed" is normally close to 8', while the "short bed" is closer to 6 1/2'. With the short beds, you can have maneuverability problems as the trailer will swing into the cab at high turning angles. The 8' beds give you more freedom of movement for making corners or backing into a camping spot. The downside of the 8' bed is that the truck is quite a bit longer and harder to fit into parking spaces at restaurants, grocery stores, or laundromat. There are devices that shift the fifth wheel mounting position as you move to reduce the limits of the short bed, but they shift weight distribution and add complexity. Fifth wheels put a lot of weight on the truck, and the truck needs sufficient payload capacity for the tongue weight of the trailer as well as everything else you have in the truck. The payload capacities you see advertised for trucks are often very different from the available payload capacity on the truck when you drive it home, due to accessories and options on the truck you actually buy vs the one the weighed for the advertised payload capacities. So it is easy to overload a 3/4 ton with a fifth wheel unless you are meticulous about getting exactly the right configuration of the truck and check your actual available payload on the truck before you go buy a fifth wheel. The extra capacity of the one ton trucks drastically reduces concerns about payload limits becoming an issue, and the one ton trucks are not much more expensive than their 3/4 ton siblings. The "dually" (DRW) configuration of 1 ton trucks provides extra security in case of a blow out - and more capacity than you are likely to ever need unless you are a hotshot or farmer - but at the cost of being too wide for many parking spaces, a loss of fuel economy, and higher tire expenses. Hence my recommending an SRW configuration. In terms of dimensions, maneuverability, and fuel economy, driving an SRW one ton is the same as driving a 3/4 ton - the one ton just has more capacity. If you know you will be towing a bumper pull travel trailer, a 3/4 ton truck is fine. Just be sure it has a mid-grade tow package. If you are buying a truck anyway, I would just get the one ton with a fifth wheel prep package up front so you have options later. 1/2 tons are not off the table for travel trailers - but to pull a large TT with a 1/2 ton truck, you need to be very specific about what features and tow package it has to insure you to not exceed it's capabilities. I've even towed with a mid-size - but it was a small trailer, and I knew every number and weighed in at 20# under the truck's GVWR. I had the back seats removed and put the truck's spare tire in the trailer to pull this off... To give you an idea on the weights: Right now, I have an F-150 with the (discontinued) 3.0 Powerstroke diesel. Crew cab standard bed (6'4"), 4x4 XLT. I bought it used, but first I went through the truck to figure exactly what it had on it. It has the 53B tow package, which could be 7,000# or 10,400# towing... Since it has the transmission cooler, solid sway bar, and the 5800# rated rear axle, I been able to determine that towing capacity is 10,400. The hitch is rated for 10,600 - but the truck is rated for 10,400 towing capacity because it has the standard bed instead of the short bed. I need a trailer brake controller- currently my old Tekonsha P3, which is a great brake controller - but I plan to add the factory Ford brake controller for the convenience and integration. I also need a sway control / weight distribution hitch to reach these capacities. I already have a Blue Ox hitch, so I'm good to go. On the payload front.... Headline numbers are "up to 1840# payload capacity!". Tech specs says 1805# for a 157" wheel base 4x4 powerstroke. The sticker on the driver door and "My Ford" lookup says 1616#. But - the same sticker says it has 7100# GVWR. Drop into a truck stop, fill it full of diesel, and hit the scales... 5900#. So that means I actually have 1200# of payload capacity available with a full tank of gas, an overweight dude in the driver seat, and various options on the truck. I think running boards, bed liners, and the hitch make up most of the "extra" weight. A bumper pull trailer should have 10-15% of it's weight on the hitch. Looking at the Grand Design 2600RB that had your interest - it's rated for 5795# empty weight, 7850# GVWR, with 594# on the hitch. That hitch rating is presumably at the empty weight, and is a nearly perfect 11% of the empty weight on the hitch. Let's say we load it up with full tanks, food, clothes, some extra batteries, and other misc junk to weigh in at 7500# with 13% on the hitch - 975#. That would leave 225# of payload capacity left on the truck, and I'd have to pick between the wife or the dogs. This is why most people will point you to a 3/4 or one ton truck. At current fuel prices, Diesels have just about the same price economy as a gas truck. The additional cost almost exactly matches the difference in efficiency, and the little extra money the diesel leaves you at the pump is consumed by DEF and extra maintenance costs. The diesel efficiency is probably never going to make up the additional costs. But the diesel gives range and longevity. The diesel is a 500,000 mile engine, not a 250,00 mile engine. The efficiency translates to range - with the same capacity fuel tank, you can stop less frequently and be more selective about where you stop. With a diesel, you can pull through the truck lanes at a truck stop with easy access, plenty of clearance, high speed pumps - and use a fleet fuel discount card. With a gas truck, you are more liable to be near empty and forced to squeeze the truck and trailer into the gas pumps at a regular gas station instead of a truck stop.

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

@@ournexttrail You can get a short 5th wheel too. They make wonderful short 5th wheel trailers. I have seen some that were 24-feet that I think would work perfect for my needs now that I am solo RVing. And remember if you put weight on the back of your trailer or 5th wheel, that counterbalances the tongue weight. I mean like a motorcycle or something. But be careful. Too much weight back there and you start to get sway action from it. You always want the vehicle pulling the Trailor, not the trailer pushing the vehicle and having some of the weight in or on the vehicle as well. It adds stability.

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

@@that.schamp This is all great information too! Thank you!

[@mikemakar1220]

Looks like you already got some great advice, most all of which I agree with. Our situation was exactly the same as yours. We bought an inTech Terra Willow along with a new Ford F150. We really like both but are thinking of selling and getting a Renegade Vienna for the exact reasons you talk about. Pulling the trailer is not all that hard as most trucks have tow packages that have things like backup assist that make it quite easy to deal with the trailer. That being said, hooking and unhooking the weight distribution hitch can be a pain. We have an equalizer WDH but they are all the same. Ground has to be level and you need to be perpendicular to trailer or you won’t get WDH bars on. While you can’t back up if you are flat towing, it seems easier to deal with.

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for the information and watching the video! We've got so much to learn!

[@janehargis9301]

I enjoyed meeting you two! I’m also figuring out which way to go but I’m between a Class C and an A. The Class A feels like it’d be scary to drive so I’ll probably choose a C. It bothers me that you can’t get them with nice furniture unless you go to a Super C which is a whole other deal! Good luck in your journey! Research the company very, very well. Join owners groups and read through to see problems current owners might have. The industry is working on being better but some companies are much further along that path than others.

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for watching & sharing your thoughts

[@1alfonsorico]

I'll say, save your money, fly first class and stay at a 5 star hotel. Lot of savings!!

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

First time on your channel and subscribed and I look forward to seeing more of your videos and following along in your quest as you seek your perfect RV. :)

[@ournexttrail]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Hobiecat181]

Well, one of the biggest reasons to go with the travel trailer is when you set up at a camp your truck is separate so if you want to take a side trip or you need to run to get food or whatever you can just drive off and do it. With a class C when you make camp and you want to do anything you have to break down your camp to drive off, which is a big pain in the you know what! Full disclosure, we have a travel trailer and I love it so my opinion travel trailer all the way.

[@ournexttrail]

I agree with you. Sounds inconvenient thanks 😊

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

1st x viewer new subscriber

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks and welcome

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

I have driven my Class C for years. My only regret is that behind the driver's seat, there i s not room for me to tip my seat back. So, when I drive it feels like the seat is dumping me out on the floor. So, my next one will have a space behind it for to tip it. I recommend you watch for that an especially with a slide, since you will never see a display with the slide in. So, look to be sure there will be room to not only slide the seat back, but also tip it back as desired.

[@ournexttrail]

Thank you, would not have thought about the tip back

[@user-xk8vs7xt1c]

@@ournexttrail IKR? I didn't either when I bought this one. :)

[@rawar2377]

Nice video but I don't like the fish eye lens you're using.

[@djmmach]

Class C costs more to maintain, registration and insurance. Pro are easy to drive, move place to place quicker. Nicer for big group or family members to ride in . Travel trailer is opposite from the above

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching the video!

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

I will be interested to see what you choose. I sold Winnebago , grand design , heartland and others over the years as I enjoyed RVing and the wife was not old enough to retire and so I worked a couple more years Grand design are good units. One of the observations I made was people went from travel trailers to class A,B or C from travel trailers but it was rare the other way. The reason for most is it’s so much easier to drive a motorhome vs a truck and trailer. It’s a ponderous setup The second is wind. I live in Texas and we often have wind and it can be a white knuckle even driving a travel trailer and truck ( it’s also why many do to a 5th wheel like the GD 260) A motorhome tends to lend itself more to up and go. P

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks for watching & sharing your thoughts. We like the get up & go. But we’d probably have to pull a vehicle since we like to visit different places.

[@ournexttrail]

Thanks. We are considering a 5th wheel

[@n6nvr]

Well you've got the tow-behind dinghy covered, so getting around after you've parked is covered. I would double check the weights just to amke sure. Also look at the rear overhang of the RV. Will that be an issue if you plan to venture from paved roads, or even more rural roads, railroad crossings and sloped driveways.

[@ournexttrail]

Thank you, we appreciate the advice

[@user-xo2qx5ut8y]

Hello sir， i am your channel follower and i watched your all Vlog. I really love them. But now, i decide to purchase a RV, can u tell me why u do not set a washing machine or dryer in your vehicle? Especially the machine which can combine both of the functions and the size is compact?