We knew in 2016 when we bought our Newmar Ventana, that driving a 36.5-foot Class A motorhome was not our forever plan. We do not have a specific time in mind to downsize, but since we purchased a home base sooner than we originally planned, we may choose to downsize our 36.5-ft motorhome sooner than later as well. Starting our research now will hopefully provide us with a positive transition to a smaller rig when we decide the time is right. Our goal is to discover the small motorhome that is aesthetically pleasing to us while best fitting our needs. We know we will give up things like amazing basement storage, and no longer having our own washer and dryer. Both are significant cons, but the flexibility a smaller rig will give us is the main motivating factor to downsize.
Barry and I have recently watched a lot of YouTube videos, and so far we like the Leisure Travel Vans (LTV Unity), the Airstream Atlas, the Phoenix Cruiser RV (although it may be a foot or two longer than our goal), and the Regency Ultra Brougham. These all have a similar floor plan to Vinny, which fits us well.
January 2020, we attended the Tampa Super RV Show, and discovered the Coach House B+ motorhomes. We were quite impressed with it then, but Coach House basically shut down production during Covid, so no improvements/updates have been seen yet.
YouTube videos basically make us aware of and provide a cursorily look to the make, and model/floorplans. Sometimes we come across a more complete and in-depth review. Regardless, we will start checking these possible options (and others) in person so we can experience the inside space and look into the construction quality start to finish. Getting a hands-on sense of the available floor plans, and craftsmanship is critical. Along with a quality product the rv must feel livable and not be claustrophobic. I have a spreadsheet started. LOL
Phoenix Cruiser: 1 and 2 slide options! (About 1-3 ft longer than we’d like.) Really like how comfy the recliners look – AND that they go completely flat!
Regency is made in Ft. Worth, Texas. We discovered this one via YouTube when someone posted a review of several models from the 2023 Tampa Super RV Show. Its appears to be a real solid build. Outside storage doors seem to need you to hold them open – hmmm. That won’t work! Unique feature is that there is NO propane, NO generator on this coach. ALL lithium batteries + solar + 2 alternators on the engine that help create power. Biggest negative: Kitchen space is pretty minimal/tight.
Fife is just north of Tacoma and has numerous RV dealers, so we headed up there today in hopes to see a Unity LTV and other quality B+ motorhomes in person. Fife RV (where we found Vinny) had nothing. We moved on to Johnson RV since they had a couple LTV Unity models on their lot. Unfortunately, they were older models and floorpans we didn’t want. But then Mike from Johnson RV showed us a 2024 Renegade Vienna with a full wall slide. OMG. This motorhome was awesome…SO ROOMY! The more we were inside the more we liked it. I believe this COULD BE the ONE…WHEN we are ready.
The dual recliner seats were comfortable and had a table to share that was easy to put up and turns for easy in/out to the seats.
Nice quality pantry pullout. Best flip up additional kitchen counter space we’ve seen – size and sturdiness.
Bathroom area is separated into two spaces. The “outer area has a small, but OK sink and counter space. The mirror above it is actually the front of a decent medicine cabinet. The door to the right (with a mirror) is the door to the toilet and shower area. Loved the amount of light in here, both the skylight and the large emergency window. Space was not claustrophobic as many are to me.
BEDROOM area – “island” queen bed. Not much room, but you are able to get all the way around the bed.
This particular model (2024 Vienna 25VFWC) has a bed above the front cab, but is made in a way that gives you more head space to go between the driver/passenger seats and the living area than the front storage cabinet model where they go straight across the front. I didn’t take pictures of that area. Both cab seats turn around to use with living area. A con is that day shades are not provided at this time. (NOT MCD brand)
The following video is NOT the same floorpan we were in at Johnson RV, but it is close. We prefer the bed being down and made when you are parked vs a Murphy bed that you put up and down daily. Myles RVs does a great job looking at the Renegade’s quality build.
We are not jumping too fast because giving up the washer/dryer convenience is too much right now, and we still feel good in Vinny. We’ve been spoiled for the last 7 years. We will continue to do our research, but right now, this Renegade Vienna full wall side model with queen bed is at the top of the list! We will be keeping an eye on reviews and additional updates the next couple years.
Since we consider this a “work in progress”, we are open to other possible RV options to research! Seeing what we lean towards, please make suggestions of any quality B+/C you think we should consider. 🙂 Please give make/model/year and why you think it might be what we’re looking for. Appreciate your thoughts.
Mercedes is going from 6 cyl to 4cyl dual turbo same hp/tq. Considerations are being made to make it idle-able eliminating the generator. Not the house but chassis futures comming soon. Solar and lith a must. Wish you the best, like us you know when you will be ready. Jerry & Belinda
That’s great news! Thanks for sharing. We saw something about 6cyl to 4 on a friends YouTube channel when talking about the 2024 Grech Strada Ion.