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Super class C Vs Class A

Yahoo Message Number: 10093
I am new in this Arena and have bought a Seneca, however will not take delivery till Jan. I bought it because I was looking for a diesel and one that does not require me to have an air brake endorsement on my driving liscence (it seems all class A DP,s are equipped with air brakes) Having made this move can any folks in the group give me the pros and cons of a class C versus a Class A. Thank you.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10094
Don't know what state you are in, but air brake endorsement not required in California for RV's (Housecars). Might want to check with your states DMV to see if same in your state.

The reason I went with a Super C is I wanted the space and convenience of a Class A, but with a bed above the driver in addition to the pull out couch and a bed in a bedroom. Also, wife said she wouldn't drive Class A; in case I needed her to drive, there would be a problem. No problem with Super C.

Wink

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10095
I did check with the authorities and an air brake endorsement is required. I am in Sask. and the endorsement involves examinations, test etc. plus an annual fee. Endorsement is compulsory in Canada. Hence my reluctance.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10096
I went with a super C for several reasons... As had low road clearance, and I take mine hunting, and to unimproved areas, I wanted the over the top bunk for my kids, and I really didn't like the way the As handled, but I wanted the space for friends and hunting party...
Morrigan

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10097
Wanted something between us and the bumper besides the windshield. Other reason, "the boss" said I want this. :)
Dave Sparke

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10102
For us it was the bunk above the cab for the kid, nice to have his own area I don't have to walk around for our entire trip.

Also we do alot of dry camping and the 100 gal. water cap. really was a big draw. Also the co-pilot really liked the GM cab area, lots more leg room than the Ford.

Wish we could have found a duramax instead of the gasser, but thats about the only thing I would change.

good luck.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10103
See, having seen all of the problems the diesel guys have, and the price difference in fuel, I'm damn happy that I didn't spend the extra 10000 on a diesel.
Morrigan

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10104
I have had diesels since I bought a new one ton dually in 03 and haven't had a problem any of them. Granted there is fuel premium but if you're going to have a class A or a super C why are you worrying about the cost of fuel? Really?
Denny

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10106
why am I worrying about Fuel costs? With an 80 gal tank and 15 weekends a year that I'm using it, all dry camp, all at least 5 hours away, that's why. I buy for quality, but I don't want to throw money away.
Morrigan

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10107
i figured it out and even with the cheaper price of gas, it would take me a gallon and a half of gas to go the same distance as one gallon of diesel, so it is cheaper to drive the diesel and the 80 gallon tank is great because now i only have to fill up every 600 miles vs 250 miles with my gas engine.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10108
wow, you get that bad of mileage? I get 10-10.8 MPG with my gas job.
Morrigan

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10109
Not sure which model MH you have. But weight of the different manufactures models range from 15,000 to 22,000 lbs before any weight is added. Glad your gasser is getting that good of mileage. I will keep my diesel that weighs in at 19,000 and gets 10.3 mpg over 60,000 miles.
The other thing to consider is checking values you will find the diesel are getting over $7,000 more at resale for the same model.
I have run well over 700 miles on a tank for fuel. Nice to have that extended range when traveling.
As far as problems with diesel over gassers on these motorhomes. I find it is about the same. If there is a difference on this forum. It's because the diesel models out number the gasser owners. Gulf Stream made more gas models than diesel. Over 90% of the Jayco's sold were diesel.
Back to the OP question. I like the Super C's because I can work on it with fairly easy access to many of the items that are located under a dog house on a gasser or under the floor of a diesel pusher.
Handling is good.
Most parts for chassis can be found at a local auto store.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10111
well if it's a diesel it's been running on gas for 4 years... It's a GS conquest with the 5.8 V8.
Morrigan

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10112
I've only filled my 2008 Bigfoot up once but I think it only holds 40 gallons it's a Duramax. Is the larger tank an option with jayco?

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10113
I believe that all the Jayco Seneca's were built with the 80 gal tank. W.L. Check out Pilot/FlyinJ as they have an RV card that will get you 6 cents a gal off. I like Pilot because their fuel is always fresh with a high turn over and their quite common on main travel routes. I'm not so well off that I don't look for fuel deals but I'm not going to worry about it if I can't find them. I've got to much invested to park the RV. I enjoy travel to much. In Feb we will be traveling from southern Utah to Tampa FL. for a cruise. Flying there would be a H---- of of a lot cheaper but I love driving my 35GS. Just some thoughts.
Denny


Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10114
The Kodiak's came with a 8.1 gas engine. 5.8 would be in a van cutoff chassis.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10115
Standard tank on a Kodiak is 60 gallons. Most of the us got the 80 gallon upgrade. Look at the build label behind driver side sun visor. Compare codes to this build sheet.
http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/mediumduty/proddesc.jsp?year=2009&brandID=1&line=206&modelID=1473&package=1593&series=1§ion=1&page=0#cat15
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10116
Wow, thanks just what I needed. My gas gauge said I had a quarter of a tank left and it took 30 gallons to fill it up. I'll check it out.

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10117
It would be interesting to know what his GVWR and GCVWR is. When I've got the toad hooked up with full fuel, water and propane, I'm just a bit over the 26,000 gross combined and last summer I averaged 10.3. I just don't see a gasser a gasser doing that with similar weight. I travel with third of tank of water to stay below the gross combined. I have a 5 speed that will have the sixth speed turned on next week in hopes for an additional .5 to 1 mile more to the gal.
Denny

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10118
I have the 33ds kodiak grayhawk 8.1. Loaded with water and gas im 17k plus I tow a car trailer with rock crawler 7k. Total with food and wife and kid im 25k. I get 5 to 6 average and i drive 60 mph with some hills... Best unloaded weight was 7 but never happens. Scott

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10119
Is the six speed in the Allison transmission controlled by the ECM you can turn it on and off?

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10120
Ours is a 32' Gulf Stream  6316, Duramax, tow a 32' enclosed trailer with a race car in it. At just over 26,000 lbs towing, we get between 8 and 9 mpg doing 60 to 65 mph. Unit is as it came except for a set of Koni's and airbags which were a very worthwhile investment.

Jim Mantle

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10121
Late 06 and early 07 5spds have the capability for the sixth spd.  The trans is controlled through the TCM (Transmission Control Module).  In order to turn on the sixth spd you need a Tech II and a vin # of a late 07 to present Kodiak/Topkick with a six spd.  You can't use a pickup vin.
Denny

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10122
I have an early 07, April, 5 speed. This sounds great and then I found out what a tech II cost. Will a dealer do this? It shouldn’t hurt smog at all

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10124
Some dealers will do it and others won't.  You have to inquire and see if the tech knows what he is doing.  Until its explained they will say it can't be done. Many have had this done and it' is working well for them.  It has nothing to do with emissions. Denny

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10125
i was the first to figure it out that you can reflash with a tech II most were sending them out to have the tcm reflashed by second party software i proved it can be done.  I was working on the tap shifter the 2500's trucks have but ran out of steam on that one and handed it off. On the flip side when it goes into 6th you have to stay on  the gas to maintain speed it will lug and when you kick it down it will go to 4th gear wont go to 5th, 5th gear is a nice passing gear. the tap shifter will cure that problem thou. I to have a gasser unit and have driven alot of diesel and will say the diesel will out pull the gasser any day 35mph up along grade and given it everything she has the diesel took me like i was standing still.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10126
For those that have a 06 and newer motorhome with a 5 speed. Here is a thread from Diesel Place on the subject.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447152&highlight=transmission
I see this as a necessary update for those with a 5 speed and a 4.78 rear axle.
Hardest part will be finding a dealer that will do it. Some have printed out the instruction and went to a dealer. Talk to a tech, not service write up person.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10140
I am not getting that much with my diesel albeit usually at GVWR and GCWR and lots of hills - I get about 8MPG

I did however get 13 on the flats through CA / AZ desert.

Be well,

~
Victor - KI6IM
Kodiak Diesel Dutchmen 34H Bunkhouse

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10141
And the DIESEL GenSet uses a lot less fuel out dry camping!!!

Be well,

~
Victor - KI6IM
Kodiak Diesel Dutchmen 34H Bunkhouse

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10142
By the time you get through security at the airport you'd be almost there !!!

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10144
The biggest advantage of the gas motor in the Kodiak's, is that it is legaly rated to tow more than any other gas motorhome that I'm aware of. 6500 pounds. All gas class A's are @ 5000 or less.

It's funny that the diesles are legally rated to tow less...There are a few Kodiak super C's with a 30,000 GCWR, but not many.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10145
Mine is 30,000 GCWR. Just read that yesterday. It's also a 6sp. 2350 trans,
but only gives me 5. In my case w/jeep behind I don't think I could hit 6th, unless it was downhill.

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10146
You should hit 6th if it's programmed in. I pull a full size pick-up and cruise in 6th with no problem.

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10147
I've been on one trip so far and no six speed. It must not be programmed
In. I'm going to pay attention to rpm & speed.

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10148
Its not the diesels are rated to tow less, but rather the engine, trans, GenSet etc all weigh more and thus screw you up on the difference between GCWR and GVWR. The A Class market is not one of towing, maybe a small car....

In the case of the Seneca and my Dutchemen is that the GCWR is the same at 26,000 but my coach only weighs 19K fully loaded whereas a Seneca weighs in at 23,000 so my towing Cap is ~ 7K and the Seneca is about 3K. This is mostly due to the extra luxury build on the Seneca.

Now the Gas Dutchman weighs a little less even adding the tow cap.

Be well,

~
Victor - KI6IM
Kodiak Diesel Dutchmen 34H Bunkhouse

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10149
The BigFoot was a rare higher GCWR - you probably have full air brakes and it has the bigger 2350 tansmission as opposed to the 1000 in most others. You are LUCKY!!! I am jealous. Very very few Kodiak chassis MoHo were built on this truck.

Be well,

~
Victor - KI6IM
Kodiak Diesel Dutchmen 34H Bunkhouse

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10150
My Seneca weighed in at 19640 with a full tank of fuel and half a tank of water

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #41 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10151
I feel lucky. Had smaller Bigfoot some years ago and loved Bigfoot. Has 2350 trans-but no airbrakes

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #42 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10152
You know I better check I have no air parking break but I do hear a pump when I first started up

Larry Payne  ⛳

Re: Super class C Vs Class A

Reply #43 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10153
If you don't have an air parking brake you have hydraulic brakes. The difference between the 1000/2000 and 2300 series trans is/or lack of a parking pawl. The gear ratios and everything else are identical, that is per the Allison tech who services my MH. The parking pawl is the reason for the 26,000 GCVW rating on most of the coaches.  The 2300 has the heavier parking pawl.