Switching to a new RV can make even the most experienced full-timers feel like rookies all over again. When Phil and Stacy from “Today is Someday” took their brand new Grand Design Lineage Super C out for its maiden voyage, they discovered that changing RV classes is like learning to ride a bike after years of driving a car.
Everything feels different, sounds strange, and you’ll probably forget something important. Their first trip was filled with rookie mistakes, hilarious moments, and valuable lessons that’ll make you laugh and learn at the same time. If you’re considering making the switch to a Super C, buckle up for this entertaining journey.
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1. You’ll Forget Your Own Checklist Exists
When Phil and Stacy prepared for their first trip, they realized something terrifying. They didn’t have a checklist. After years of RVing, these pros suddenly had no idea what needed to be done before hitting the road.
Stacy confessed on camera that she was “formulating a checklist” while packing up. That’s like writing the recipe while the cake is already in the oven. The couple had to figure out which cabinets lock, how slides retract, and where everything goes—all while the RV was running and ready to roll.
According to the RV Industry Association, approximately 11.2 million households own an RV in the United States as of 2021. Many of these owners have experienced the stress of learning a new rig, making checklists essential safety tools.
If you think you can wing it just because you’ve RVed before, think again. Your brain will convince you that “it’s just like the old rig” right up until you’re three hours down the road and realize you forgot to secure the coffee table—which is now somewhere near the back bedroom, probably in pieces.
2. Water Systems Will Outsmart You
Phil learned this lesson the hard way. He started filling the freshwater tank, and instead of water going into the tank, it came pouring out the other side through the dump valve. Oops.
This is what happens when you assume a Super C works like your old Class A. Different rigs have different plumbing setups, and if you don’t study the layout, you’ll be creating your own personal water park in the campground.
The National Park Service reports that over 40% of first-time RV system issues involve water-related problems, from tank fills to leaks. Taking time to understand your specific system can save gallons of wasted water and embarrassment.
Your neighbors will love watching you scramble to shut off the water while it floods the campsite. It’s free entertainment for them and a humbling reminder for you that reading the manual isn’t just a suggestion—it’s survival.
3. The Suspension Will Feel Like You’re Driving a Boat
Phil described the front end of the Super C as “floating” during the first drive. That’s because Grand Design ships these rigs with the suspension wide open, requiring manual adjustment to suit your driving preference.
After some mid-trip tweaking under the RV (because who doesn’t love crawling around on gravel?), Phil managed to dial in the BDS suspension by turning knobs and making educated guesses. The floating sensation disappeared, and the ride became smooth.
Super C motorhomes typically weigh between 14,500 to 20,000 pounds, and their suspension systems are designed to handle heavy loads while providing comfort. Proper adjustment is crucial for both safety and ride quality.
You might feel like you’re piloting a ship through rough seas at first. But once you figure out which knobs to twist (and by how much), you’ll go from seasick sailor to smooth operator. Just don’t expect to nail it on the first try.
4. Leveling Systems Have a Mind of Their Own
Auto-leveling sounds amazing until it doesn’t work. When Stacy tried to level the RV at their Harvest Host location, the system gave up and declared itself “out of stroke.” Translation: You’re asking too much of me, human.
Phil had to back up the rig—which resulted in Stacy nearly getting whiplash from his overly enthusiastic gas pedal tap—and try again. Even after repositioning, they still weren’t perfectly level front to back, leaving them to wonder if it even mattered.
According to Lippert Components, a leading RV leveling system manufacturer, improper leveling can cause slide-out malfunctions and appliance damage. However, minor front-to-back unlevel conditions (under 2 degrees) are generally acceptable.
You’ll stand outside staring at your RV like it’s a Rubik’s cube, trying to figure out why the jacks won’t cooperate. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the system will throw you a curveball that makes you question if the rig is trolling you.
5. Driving Feels Completely Different
Stacy summed it up perfectly: “I feel like I’m ducking.” The Super C sits lower than a Class A, giving you a squattier feel. Plus, hearing the engine in the front instead of behind you is downright weird.
Phil noted that the visibility was different, the seats felt tighter, and everything behind him seemed like it would “fall at him” because the Jeep behind the rig sat higher than the RV itself.
Class A motorhomes typically have a higher driver seating position (around 7-8 feet off the ground), while Super C RVs sit closer to 5-6 feet, creating a noticeable difference in road perspective and visibility.
You’ll spend the first hour feeling like you’re in someone else’s body. Your depth perception will be off, your mirrors will seem wrong, and you’ll swear the steering wheel is in the wrong place. Give it time—or just keep driving until your brain recalibrates.
6. You’ll Discover Features You Didn’t Know Existed (Or Didn’t Exist)
Stacy’s saddest discovery? No ice maker. After years of having one, she was genuinely bummed about returning to the ice-cube-tray life. Meanwhile, Phil was geeking out over features like the exterior storage access and fancy cabinet locks.
The couple also discovered they could run one AC unit through the inverter without the generator—a game-changer for quiet boondocking. But figuring out which AC runs on the inverter took some trial and error.
Modern Super C RVs come equipped with sophisticated inverter systems, often ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 watts, allowing select appliances to run off battery power without noisy generators.
You’ll either fall in love with unexpected features or mourn the loss of old favorites. Either way, you’ll spend weeks discovering quirks and tricks that weren’t in the brochure. That’s half the fun—and half the frustration.
7. Everything Takes Longer Than You Think
Phil and Stacy expected pack-up to be faster with fewer “pieces and parts” than their old Class A. But because they didn’t know the new routine, everything took longer. From figuring out how to retract the bed to securing the coffee table on the roof rack, it was a comedy of errors.
Even simple tasks like turning on the generator or checking tank levels required app navigation and guesswork. The couple admitted they were genuinely scared of screwing something up.
A study by the RV Technical Institute found that new RV owners take an average of 45-60 minutes to set up or break down camp during their first few trips, compared to 15-20 minutes for experienced owners with familiar rigs.
You’ll tell yourself, “We’ve got this,” and then proceed to spend an hour fumbling with things that should be simple. Your confidence will slowly rebuild as you develop a rhythm, but that first trip? Plan extra time and maybe pack some snacks—you’re gonna need them.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Learning Curve
Switching to a Super C RV from a Class A is like starting over, but with better equipment and more expensive mistakes. Phil and Stacy’s first trip proves that even seasoned RVers need time to adjust. The floating suspension, confusing water systems, and missing ice maker might frustrate you at first, but soon you’ll be cruising with confidence.
The key is patience, humor, and a willingness to look silly while you figure things out. After all, every expert was once a beginner who didn’t give up. So grab your checklist (or make one on the fly), embrace the chaos, and enjoy the adventure.
Happy trails, and may your water tanks fill correctly on the first try!
SOURCES
- RV Industry Association – RV ownership statistics (2021)
https://www.rvia.org/ - National Park Service – RV system maintenance and common issues
https://www.nps.gov/ - Lippert Components – RV leveling systems and best practices
https://www.lci1.com/ - RV Technical Institute – Setup and breakdown time studies
https://www.rvtechinstitute.com/ - Grand Design RV – Lineage Super C specifications and features
https://www.granddesignrv.com/ - Today is Someday YouTube Channel – “Our First Trip Changed Everything We Thought About Super C RVs”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQevSlKg7Ec
