Barthmobile Portal
Class C road manners
12-23-2013, 08:00 PM
chuckdClass C road manners
Evening all:Barth wannabe (maybe) that has been surfing here for a long time, and stealing some great ideas.
I have a 1979 Prevost Liberty conversion, 35 footer, rather rare. Looking to add something smaller, no toad etc.
I have started a conversation with the owner of the C listed in your want ads. My question is how is the ride and handling? Over on the Trek site, they go through a lot of machinations to get the vehicles to handle well, heavier springs, track bar (panhard) etc. Same on the Barth?
Any thoughts on the C? Chuckd Stillwater Mn
12-23-2013, 08:22 PM
RustyI don't know what Class C you're referring to, but ,I had an '89 24' Fleetwood, Chevy C30 HD chassis (8,500#). That one had the 5.7L and TH400. It handled quite well EXCEPT in crosswinds over 20 mph, and was a real handful if those winds were gusty. I never got more than 9 mpg.
I think the mods the other forums mentioned are for the class A P30 chasses.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
12-23-2013, 08:35 PM
chuckdRusty you are correct, but chevy chassis have a lot in common between the van cutaways and the P30 or P32 chassis. The biggest issues that the Treks have are their susceptibility (sp)to cross winds and trucks passing. Similar to yours. The Treks have a lot of rear overhang, which I think contributes to their swaying in the breeze.
Chuckd
Stillwater Mn
12-23-2013, 08:54 PM
RustyI looked at a 28' Trek FrED before I bought the Barth. I think a couple of issues affect the Trek handling. One is the front track which is less than my Spartan chassis. The second is that I have a solid front axle while the C30 has unequal wishbone IFS.
My Breakaway has a 146" wheelbase - only 2" longer than my 1T LWB Ford van (my rear overhang greatly exceeds the 28' Treks), yet passing semis provide only a slight nudge. I've driven the Barth in gusty crosswinds >35 mph, and my report is "You have to drive it, but you don't have to fight it." My only gripe about driving in high winds? Wind noise!
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
12-23-2013, 10:20 PM
Mogan DavidClass C motorhomes are generally notorious for being white-knuckle-makers in cross winds and for being very thirsty. The wood framed ones are also notorious for structure failure and wood rot.
But, if you mean the vintage Barth C from CO recently posted,
http://westslope.craigslist.org/rvs/4160158609.html I think it would be a nice, solid C otherwise, if you are willing to put a number of hour$ into it.
12-23-2013, 11:25 PM
chuckdIt is the Colorado class C. Looks good, but sometimes they all do in the Internet pics.
Chuckd
12-24-2013, 07:12 AM
Mogan Davidfigure on spending at least $2K more than you spend to get it
12-24-2013, 11:08 AM
bill hGM chassis Class A Barths are often built on a little higher weight rated chassis than similar brands. The same might apply to Barth class C coaches.
I have only owned one class C MH, on a Dodge chassis, and it was OK. It did not have a lot of overhang, though. The holding tank was way in back, and it handled better with it empty.
.
84 30T PeeThirty-Something, 502 powered
12-24-2013, 10:22 PM
Rustyquote:
GM chassis Class A Barths are often built on a little higher weight rated chassis than similar brands. The same might apply to Barth class C coaches.
I'd guess, due the rear entry, it's not a 27' but a 23'. The cab looks like a C30 HD cutaway, 8,500# GVW.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
12-25-2013, 12:52 AM
StinkyDaddy"These babies have a cult following"...
12-25-2013, 10:35 AM
Steve VWBe careful with that "c" word! (you may be on thin ice, ask Kevin)

I guess since I am an "official Barth junkie" I must be a member of this elite cult? And we have a Grand Wizard... Hey we may be dysfunctional, but we're family!
If I had a pole barn I'd get a diesel pusher, a class C and a trailer with my Regal and have a proper shrine!
Good luck with the Class C, welcome to the "Barth enablers forum"

9708-M0037-37MM-01
"98" Monarch 37
Spartan MM, 6 spd Allison
Cummins 8.3 325+ hp
12-25-2013, 11:08 AM
ryegalHi I have a class C Barth a 1975 and I love it. One time in Idaho with bad winds and I learned fast to get off at next exit lol.. Now can anyone tell me what is the size of my holding tank???? I have my manual but it does not give the size? As most of you know I LOVE MY Barth
Proud owner of a 1975 classic class C
12-25-2013, 11:48 AM
Mogan Davidquote:
Originally posted by ryegal:
Hi I have a class C Barth a 1975 and I love it... Now can anyone tell me what is the size of my holding tank???? I have my manual but it does not give the size? As most of you know I LOVE MY Barth
32 gal
https://www.barthmobile.com/eve...1087061/m/5223960557