Class A RV vs Class C: Which One Is Right For You?

Above, my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R in West Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're coming into the time of the year when RV shows open around the country and people are selling their old RVs or newbies are looking to buy one.

If one is of the last category, they should ask themselves, "Should I get a Class A or Class C motorhome?"

RV Life has posted an article discussing the pros and cons of Class A and Class C motorhomes.

Personally, I have a  2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C motorhome. Frankly, it suits me just fine and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The RV Life article begins with:

If you’re looking for a new RV, you may have narrowed it down to a Class A or Class C motorhome. These are both popular builds that have some similarities. However, they have pros and cons that are worth considering. Of course, the best vehicle is the one that fits your situation.

These motorhomes are the most common ones to find on the market nowadays. Class B motorhomes (aka camper vans) are great for short-term journeys, but they aren’t suitable for large groups or extended camping trips. Before you can find the perfect RV for you, it’s time to compare and contrast Class A and Class C motorhomes.

To read the article, go here.

Winnebago Acquiring Newmar

From what I've read over the years about Newmar RVs, they are one of the best manufacturers of top-of-the-line Class A motorhomes. Newmar owners have posted many words of praise over their quality workmanship.

Now, it has been reported that Newmar Corporation is to be acquired by Winnebago Industries. Based on what I've read about Newmar, the acquisition looks to be that this will be a good fit.

Yahoo! Finance reported:

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Sept. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Newmar Corporation (“Newmar”), a leading manufacturer of Class A and Super C motorized recreation vehicles ("RV"s) for total consideration valued at approximately $344 million, based on the closing price of Winnebago Industries stock on September 13, 2019. The consideration consists of $270 million in cash and a fixed amount of 2 million shares of Winnebago Industries stock, and represents a multiple of 5.2x Newmar’s last twelve months ("LTM") June 2019 Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and certain non-recurring expenses  ("Adjusted EBITDA"), adjusted for the value of the tax assets and anticipated run-rate net synergies of $5 million. 

For over 50 years, Newmar has been a leader in the RV industry with a reputation for quality, innovation, and service that has enabled them to become the industry’s fastest growing brand of Class A motorhomes. The privately-owned company manufactures premium Class A luxury, diesel and gas, and Super C motorhomes and generated revenue of $661 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of $55.2 million as of LTM June 2019.

To read more, go here. 

4 RV Buying Questions

Above, Class A RVs on display at the California RV Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Vacation season is pretty much here and there are some people seriously thinking about buying a RV to travel in.

But, before making a purchase of a new RV there are four questions one must ask themselves before taking the plunge, and Do It Yourself RV discusses each of them.

They begin with:

If you are in the market for a new RV, you may find the process to be a bit overwhelming. First, you have to make the decision on which type of RV is right for you. 

Do you want a Class A, Class C, fifth wheel, travel trailer, truck camper, skoolie, camper van, etc.? Once you answer that important question, you have to decide on a make and model. The possibilities are endless! 

To save yourself from buyers remorse and wishing you had made a different purchase, do your homework before you even start the process of buying a new RV. Think about why you are purchasing the RV, what is most important to you, and of course, your budget. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing which RV is best for you.

To read more, go here. 

The 2017 California RV Show

Above, shopping for a new RV? This is a good place to start. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"Life isn't fair. The fair's in Pomona!" - Lee Sholem, Adventures of Superman Director.

Indeed it is! I spent nearly three hours today at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (known as the Fairplex) in Pomona for the 2017 California RV Show.

There were RVs of every size and description from motorhomes, travel trailers, pop-up trailers, truck campers, toy-box trailers and fifth wheel trailers.

Above, the show has grown since the last time I attended. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All the big manufacturers were represented. The show has grown considerably since the last time I attended, at least about 13 or so years ago. It has grown so big that there was a golf cart shuttle service (many were sponsored by RV Trader) to take people around the show.

Above, inside the "big tent". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For myself, I was mainly interested in seeing what RV parks and resorts were there as well as accessories. As for RV parks and resorts, there were plenty in the big tent. As far as accessories, not many. At least none that I was interested in. That was disappointing.

My only purchase were some jewelry and eyeglass cleaners. Plus, a Coke from Pink's food trailer.

Above, Pink's was one of the refreshment stands available. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The starting time for the show was 10:00, but I got into Pomona at around 9:00. I spent about a half hour at a local Subway restaurant. Following that, I headed to the parking area for the RV show. After parking (I got a good parking spot close to the show entrance), I noticed people were being let in at 9:30. So I headed to the ticket booth and was let in.

Above, the new Winnebago Revel Class B. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At that time, there wasn't too much of a crowd. So I bee-lined it to the big tent. 

Above, the 2018 Minnie Winnie 22R. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the interior of the 2018 Minnie Winnie 25B. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the 2018 Minnie Winnie 25B. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After perusing the vendors in the big tent, I then wandered around (KOA Kampgrounds sponsored a free Ferris wheel for the kiddies) and headed over to the Winnebago area. I looked over the new 2018 Minnie Winnies, the new four-wheel drive Class B (the Revel) and the new entry-level Class A (the Intent). 

Above, the 2018 Winnebago Intent. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the interior of the 2018 Winnebago Intent. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Intent's outside galley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I wandered around to see other brands of RVs, such as Jayco, Fleetwood and Coachmen. 

The show was much too big to see everything. The best way to do so is to decide what brands one wants to see and particular models. At least the free shuttle would help getting one from one dealer to another.

Above, some Class A motorhomes were like small apartments. This one has a fireplace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another interesting item that I saw was an old, beat-up travel trailer. It was actually part of a display for a vendor called Vintage Camper Trailers. They specialize in restoring vintage campers and put out a magazine for vintage camper fans such as "collectors, restorers, admireres and dreamers."

Above, an old trailer at Vintage Camper Trailers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This little jaunt to the California RV Show whetted my appetite for a few years. It was fun to browse around. If anyone is thinking on buying a new RV, going to one of these shows will be a big help in the decision-making process. I noticed a lot of "sold" signs on RVs at the show.

Above, a Jayco Class C. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oh, yes. Sierra got something from the show too: a little football from the KNX-1070 Newsradio booth.

Above, an aisle in the Winnebago area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The show runs through tomorrow.

Don't Forget Your Dog Before Taking Off!

Winnebago just inveiled their new Class A gas motorhome, the Intent. The unveiling is currently in progress live on Facebook.

It has an interesting feature, one that could present a major problem. It has a "Pet Pal" tie on the outside. If someone forgets to bring in their pet, well, it could be what Clark Griswold did in National Lampoon's Vacation.