A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Topic: A FT GV or HRC Class C? (Read 1087 times) previous topic - next topic

A FT GV or HRC Class C?

December 14, 2015, 08:27:55 pm

If there are any members who have owned / driven a class C and also a GV Unihome, I would like to know your opinion and experiences with both. Pro's & Con's. I realize we are talking apples and oranges, so I'll just ask for advantages and disadvantages.

Reason ? I believe the DW is wondering if we made the right choice with the FT. When we started looking at motor homes we focused entirely on class C's because she felt that it would be more like driving her F250. We also liked the cab over sleeping for the boys. We looked at many and I especially liked a couple Holiday Rambler models, unfortunately we never drove one because the ones we liked were out of our price range. Therefore we have never driven a class C.

The search ended for me when we looked at our first FT that was on a lot next to some C's, she really liked the interior and at least considered looking at other FT's from that point on. For the price of a 10 year old SOB 28ft Class C we found a 95 U280. After a lot of reading on this forum and another, I was convinced the FT was the way to go for our 7500 mile trip next summer.

She still has her doubts and is not yet comfortable driving it because of its seating height and width compared to a class C.

Maybe some input from those who have driven both would prove my case? OR HERS?

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #1 – December 14, 2015, 09:16:04 pm

I own both and have since 07. The class c is not as comfortable as the FT. It is nimble but not in the wind and you are moved by passing trucks. The engine runs really hard and at high rpms climbing hills. Also you have very small tanks and you can not carry as much. If I had to have only one it would be a bus or a big super c but not the smaller class C.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #2 – December 14, 2015, 09:31:22 pm

Our first motorhome was a 26 ft Class C on a Ford E350 chassis. It was like you said- had the overhead bunk for my daughter, lower, shorter, lots less power and comfort. Class C's are built for short term use- weekends, the 2 week vacation, etc. This rig drove like a van that was way overloaded, rocked and rolled, shook at every bump. It was lower to the ground- too low so that the back rubbed the ground on a dip. Took time to get used to backing it up as visibility was limited to the mirrors ( small ones).

Foretravel is a totally different machine. It is built to drive a long while, had a powerfull diesel engine, better transmission with retarder, more comfortable ride, bigger generator, holding tanks, etc. This is a machine built to last , to travel many miles in comfort and safety. This is a longer motorhome, perhaps wider than the Class C ( is your coach 96 or 102"

), rides much smoother and is heavier. You have more storage in this coach and more ability to boondock ( bigger holding and fresh water tanks). I like driving my
Foretravel much better than a Class C, but it is different.

Take your wife out and practice with her driving. Once she gets used to it, she will be happy sitting behind the wheel.

Hope to see you down the road.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #3 – December 14, 2015, 10:09:28 pm

I have, in addition to the FT a 26' Lazy Daze. The LD has comparatively large tanks for its size. It will go places, and get into campgrounds that you wouldn't consider taking the FT to. I CAN change tires and do a lot of the maintenance items on the LD that I'd be to intimidated to try on the FT. The LD is noisy, rides like a truck, and has the cab ergonomics of a church pew. I'll probably be selling the LD in the Spring, the FT is just so nice to travel with....even if I can't get into some of my old spots. JMOO

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #4 – December 14, 2015, 10:31:29 pm

Have driven bunches of different RV's. Had our two Foretravels now 4.5 years and some 25+K miles so far. Last fall I had a chance to drive a 2012 Winnebago View on a Sprinter chassis. Did about 80 miles round trip. It was ok, but I am very much happier in my older Foretravels. The View was noisier with the little diesel working out front, more wind effect from trucks , and it seemed to like to tilt back and forth when it had the chance. I know the previous owner had done something to help the sway, glad he did. He upgraded from the View to my old 93 U225. My friends that bought the View are happy, but they have learned about smaller tanks, the lack of a true 4 season winter coach when caught in CO snow storms last May, or early fall freezes in New England.

Everything is a compromise, as there is simply no correct or perfect RV. Take that big 7500 mile trip and then tell us how much you liked all the comfort, quality, and ride. We have done two trips this year, that far, and I hope to keep this coach forever.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #5 – December 15, 2015, 05:12:09 am

Quote from: Ted & Karen – December 14, 2015, 09:31:22 pm

Foretravel is a totally different machine. It is built to drive a long while, had a powerfull diesel engine, better transmission with retarder, more comfortable ride, bigger generator, holding tanks, etc. This is a machine built to last , to travel many miles in comfort and safety. This is a longer motorhome, perhaps wider than the Class C ( is your coach 96 or 102")

Take your wife out and practice with her driving. Once she gets used to it, she will be happy sitting behind the wheel.

Hope to see you down the road.

Thanks Ted,
Ours is the 102 wide body, We do love the large tanks, fuel, propane, fresh water and holding.

I have tried to convince her that a 30ft class C will not ride as comfortably as the FT, and we have now put about 3000 miles on it in the last 6 months.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #6 – December 15, 2015, 07:38:38 am

I suggest you have her drive your Foretravel in a "low threat" environment if possible. Find a very long stretch of divided highway with very little traffic and very few curves. I think if she can drive it for an extended period under "low threat" conditions she will begin to feel at least somewhat comfortable driving it.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #7 – December 15, 2015, 08:20:38 am

Speaking as a person who (before buying our coach) had never driven anything bigger than a pickup truck, I completely understand your wife's trepidation. A big part of what makes the Class C "seem" more inviting is the driver positioning. You sit at basically the same level, and have the sight lines, as you do in a pickup truck. Driving a motorhome puts your "head" in a different place, both literally and figuratively. This is especially true in a GV, with the higher seating position! Until your brain adapts to the new viewpoint, you are going to be nervous and uncomfortable - there is no way around it. You can't "talk" someone out of this feeling - they simply have to drive the coach enough to get used to it. I completely agree with the advice given: try to let her get some seat time out on the super-slab, going from "rest-stop to rest-stop". I think if you can do this, she will eventually relax and start to enjoy the comfort, security, and excellent forward visibility provided by the unique driver position.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #8 – December 15, 2015, 08:30:23 am

I agree with the idea of putting her in the seat for a while. It will make a difference.
The first time I ever drove a semi, it was a cab over "Frightliner". I asked the old man how to know where the sides were. He told me to "put the dotted line under your left knee, and the solid line under your right knee, and go like hell"
That freed me up to pay less attention to exactly where I was in the lane and look further down the road.
Best of luck on this. Just don't get her too relaxed or you'll never get to drive!

Len

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #9 – December 15, 2015, 08:37:51 am

Quote from: lenspeiser – December 15, 2015, 08:30:23 am

I agree with the idea of putting her in the seat for a while. It will make a difference.
The first time I ever drove a semi, it was a cab over "Frightliner". I asked the old man how to know where the sides were. He told me to "put the dotted line under your left knee, and the solid line under your right knee, and go like hell"
That freed me up to pay less attention to exactly where I was in the lane and look further down the road.
Best of luck on this. Just don't get her too relaxed or you'll never get to drive!

Len

Len, that is the advice you gave me in NAC when I took delivery! It worked and I made it home safely.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #10 – December 15, 2015, 09:17:12 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – December 15, 2015, 07:38:38 am

I suggest you have her drive your Foretravel in a "low threat" environment if possible. Find a very long stretch of divided highway with very little traffic and very few curves. I think if she can drive it for an extended period under "low threat" conditions she will begin to feel at least somewhat comfortable driving it.

She has driven it once on a divided highway under those conditions, for only 15 to 20 miles. She was nervous but did OK, I sat in the co-pilot seat ( well halfway in it ) where I could get to the wheel if needed. She said that didn't help her confidence. Glad that there was that 4ft bike path on the curb side. (that's where I rode most of the way, straddled the white line). My hope is she will eventually learn to enjoy driving it. Just wondering if I should find a class c somewhere for her to drive for comparison or would that be a mistake?

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #11 – December 15, 2015, 09:23:24 am

Quote from: FourTravelers – December 15, 2015, 09:17:12 am

She has driven it once on a divided highway under those conditions, for only 15 to 20 miles. She was nervous but did OK, I sat in the co-pilot seat ( well halfway in it ) where I could get to the wheel if needed. She said that didn't help her confidence. Glad that there was that 4ft bike path on the curb side. (that's where I rode most of the way, straddled the white line). My hope is she will eventually learn to enjoy driving it. Just wondering if I should find a class c somewhere for her to drive for comparison or would that be a mistake?

She may never feel fully comfortable driving it. I enjoy driving a large vehicle, but my wife doesn't--and I don't think she ever would.

You could try having her drive a class c to see what she thinks, but be prepared for the possible results. I don't think it would make any significant difference for my wife, because the vehicle would still be big and wide, but I don't know how your wife might respond.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #12 – December 15, 2015, 09:57:14 am

If what you mean by "HRC" class C, is "Holiday Rambler", per your original post, be aware that class C's vary as widely as do Class A's in terms of handling. The longer the rear overhang/shorter the wheelbase they are, the worse they handle. A 30' class C with slides is also going to have extremely low (as in likely well under 1000 lbs) CCC.

In recent model years, Lazy Daze and Born Free would be the only brands we would consider. Their quality and construction is on a completely different level. We had a Lazy Daze and would have one again, even though they do not have slides, if a smaller coach were in order for us. It would just be a weekender/short vacation coach, though. I know people for whom it's perfect, but I can't see a standard Class C working for our 4-6 month long trips (Showhauler/Dynamax/etc. being a different beast altogether).

I did find the Lazy Daze very easy for me to drive, no different than our F150 at the time as long as I remembered the length. I don't find driving the FT to be a challenge, although we might swap out the driver's seat again since this one is a bit too big for me without a back bolster.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #13 – December 15, 2015, 09:57:43 am

Perhaps a solution would be to get your DW (and yourself) signed up for an RV driving shool experience.
RV School
We did this after buying ours about six years ago. It was one instructor who came to our campground, our coach and the two of us, one driving at a time. The class lasted two days, six hours each dy. Almost all of it was driving. Some in giant empty parking lots, some city streets, some two lane highwy, some freeway. We drove into a Target to figure out how to geti, park and get out. We drove into a gas station to see how that works, bought some fuel and departed.

When we were done we had experienced most of what we were going to have to do. The best part of the class was building confidence in ourselves and each other. Are we perfect RV drivers? Not by a long shot but much better than with no skills at all. Our instructor was patient and calm which was helpful. When we were done he told us that all we needed now was time behind the wheel and practice. Which we do.

We both drive now, Susan about 1/3 of the time. I think this is a good opportunity for both of you to learn something about driving your coach. Brett Wolfe reminded us that there is also a driving class at an upcoming FMCA event.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #14 – December 15, 2015, 10:01:55 am

Quote from: lenspeiser – December 15, 2015, 08:30:23 am

I agree with the idea of putting her in the seat for a while. It will make a difference.
The first time I ever drove a semi, it was a cab over "Frightliner". I asked the old man how to know where the sides were. He told me to "put the dotted line under your left knee, and the solid line under your right knee, and go like hell"
That freed me up to pay less attention to exactly where I was in the lane and look further down the road.
Best of luck on this. Just don't get her too relaxed or you'll never get to drive!

Len

I'm a chick, never drove anything bigger than an SUV & learned to drive the coach in about an hour from "the pro", Gary Omel, on an easy back road system, so no traffic to speak of. The one thing that stuck with me was him exclaiming (nicely, every time I got too close to the solid line on the right side) "why am I on the white line?! Why am I on the white line?!" I rarely even think of the lanes anymore, am so used to this method of Len's & Gary's. Especially good for construction zones. Another tip I got from Gary was (as Len has said) always look further down the road & anticipate conditions, especially watch for tail lights in front, anticipate slowed or stopped traffic, stop lights, construction, etc.

An additional "bonus" was Gary's DW Sandy as co-pilot for the 1st half of my 1st road trip, a 350 mile caravan (with construction, interstates, back roads, rest stops, etc.) with 4 other FT's. Her calm manner & experience in the passenger seat (riding with Gary O!) really helped immensely.

Also, I cannot recommend highly enough having your DW attend the annual Foretravel Ladies' Driving School, (usually every Nov.) where she'll drive "the big boys" (IH 45's) & after that, your coach will seem like a sports car! (not sure I'd tell her the big ones are 45'). They also have something for the guys everyday, it's the best confidence builder ever. Maybe Mike & Jackie will chime in here, Jackie just took the course, did beautifully.

One more tip, it might be good for someone other than you (the spouse) to be the designated instructor...just sayin'.....

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #15 – December 15, 2015, 10:14:55 am

I was careful to not say that, Dani. 😜 Every coach feels different. I haven't driven a 45' IH45 but wouldn't be intimidated by it but it was good learning to drive our coach.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #16 – December 15, 2015, 10:56:47 am

Having never owned a class C, but graduated from 23' to 29' to 33' to 40' with my wife, I can say she will never drive and say's why should she? She considers the driving a chore and likes the freedom to move around the coach when she wants to. Something to consider when choosing whether both can drive, or having a more comfortable trip overall.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #17 – December 15, 2015, 10:59:37 am

This is a great thread! I've showed it to the DW and she understands the need to be able to horse it around should it be needed.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #18 – December 15, 2015, 11:28:26 am

FWIW,
I would recommend a couple of things. 1st, agree the driving schools should be helpful and fun.

A friend of mine stuck a paper dot about an inch in diameter on the windshield and told his wife (and him) to try to keep the dot on the middle line of the road. This would provide a good reference on where the bus was supposed to be. One other point I find helpful is use the rear view mirrors to check where the bus is in relation to the white lines. I think this works very well for me. If the back of the bus is in the right spot, then it just seems likely the front is also. The only real concern then is the turns. Just remember the bus is long and the turns are wider. A class C that is short has less of an issue than a longer class C. I have seen Class C that are at 32-34 feet. Well, at that length, there really isn't a lot of difference on wide turns vs my 36. Best of travels

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #19 – December 15, 2015, 11:30:09 am

Quote from: Michelle – December 15, 2015, 09:57:14 am

If what you mean by "HRC" class C, is "Holiday Rambler", per your original post, be aware that class C's vary as widely as do Class A's

Yes, we looked at a couple of HR' s that we liked. They seemed to be on the upper end of the class C's that we inspected. Our current TT is a Holiday Rambler.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #20 – December 15, 2015, 11:35:13 am

Quote from: Miz Dani link=msg=

One more tip, it might be good for someone other than you (the spouse) to be the designated instructor...just sayin'..... 8)
[/quote

So very true Dani....
Don't understand that one...

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #21 – December 15, 2015, 11:36:15 am

Had this conversation with countless customers over the years. Our Foretravel dealership was just down the road from the local county transit district bus yard and the inter city buses were in and out constantly.

I remember showing most couples on a demo ride that the bus next to us was normally driven by a gal.

I told customers to move there head one foot left in the lane versus their car.

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #22 – December 15, 2015, 11:55:37 am

Quote from: FourTravelers – December 15, 2015, 09:17:12 am

She was nervous but did OK, I sat in the co-pilot seat ( well halfway in it ) where I could get to the wheel if needed. She said that didn't help her confidence. Glad that there was that 4ft bike path on the curb side. (that's where I rode most of the way, straddled the white line).

Your seating position would make me nervous. You have to learn to be a passenger, and BOY is the view different from the passengers' seat.

It takes a bit of time to get accustomed to essentially driving a "cabover semi. The feel of lane position is different than driving a " hood". It will take more than a few minutes behind the wheel to get the feel. There are a couple "tricks" to staying in the centre of your lane in a cabover. First look to where you want to go. Second glance at the passenger side convex mirror to see that you are you are left of the white line. That will develop the "feel" of lane centering. But it's gonna take more than fifteen minutes. The ladies driving school is a great confidence builder from everything I have read on the Forum.

I don't think you can beat the comfort and ease of handling that the Foretravel provides.

Roland

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #23 – December 15, 2015, 12:01:30 pm

Heck, should not be much trouble for me, Judy's been telling me how to drive for 40 years!

Re: A FT GV or HRC Class C?

Reply #24 – December 15, 2015, 01:09:45 pm

We bought the twin to your coach at about the same time (5 mo.) and drove it almost 3,000 miles home. I can tell you that it was more of a struggle to stay "between the lines" until I realized not to try to hard. I mean, I had to to look down the road a little and pay attention to where I was "going to be on the hwy" and less attention to where I was on the hwy. Once I started doing that and trusted myself, I looked down the side of the coach in the rear view mirror and was always where I needed to be.
The road I chose in New Mexico on the way home drove me nuts until I figured this out. I swear that road was only 9' wide.

So is the class c that you are looking at a 102 or a 96. We sure love ours becoming more comfortable driving it every time we take it out. Haven't hit the magic 5,000 mile sweet spot yet. At about 4,000 now. It's just about business when driving. Not a lot of texting, eating, hair combing or knee driving going on.

Oh, buy the way, Suzie doesn't drive it yet. Something about peripheral vision. She is considering the Foretravel driving school 👍

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