Edumacate me on RV's...please...

[Dottore]

We have been thinking of doing some longer touring in North America in an RV.

Something about just getting in the thing and pointing it in no particular direction that appeals to us.

Renting doesn't seem to make much sense, both because the units that are available for rental are often the worst rubbish, and because the day rates are more than the equivalent of good hotels.

So we thought of buying something used and reasonably nice—as the market is currently very good—and then reselling the thing, or not, depending on how much we enjoy the experience.

Since there are truly a bewildering array of manufacturers out there, I thought I'd ask here about what's good and bad, in particular what the good internet resources are for researching RV's further. Is there a PPOT equivalent for RV's for example?

Is there are guide that separates the high quality manufacturers from the guys that manufacture with plywood and nails?

Where to start?

We have not decided on a class. Probably want diesel. Need to sleep only two, but like a bit of room.

Any and all information from the brain trust will be gratefully received.

[Seahawk]

Your problem is one of choices...too many.

I've settled on two options, a small trailer like this: http://woodwindcaravans.com/woodwindweb6_007.htm

Or a slide in like this: http://www.hallmarkrv.com/page/home.html

The truck option opens up so many alternatives. Look for used bargains in this market.

[kaisen]

I would do a Class C if you're just going to resell it when you're done. Much easier to drive, service, and find buyers for. Harder to find a diesel though. But much cheaper.

If you're hell-bent on a diesel, buy a newer Class 5 front-engine "Top Kick/Kodiak" or baby-Freightliner..... like a toterhome, but not configured for a 5th wheel.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Your problem is one of choices...too many.

I've settled on two options, a small trailer like this: http://woodwindcaravans.com/woodwindweb6_007.htm

Or a slide in like this: http://www.hallmarkrv.com/page/home.html

The truck option opens up so many alternatives. Look for used bargains in this market.

Thanks Paul.

Those both look interesting for different reasons. But I think I would like something you can walk through. And it would need to have a place for me to write.

I kind of like the Airstream Interstate—although it's very cramped inside because its so narrow.

The problem is one of choice though, you're right.

[TimT]

My bros diesel pusher is always for sale... It is not one of the behemoth RVs its on the small side for a diesel.. I think only one side slide out when parked...

I'll give my bro a call and get details if interested..

[ljowdy]

I've been involved with RV's since 1972 when I purchased a camper for my pickup truck I graduated to 2 different Class C motorhomes and 2 different Class A motorhomes. My current motorhome is a 40' diesel pusher and, it's absolutely great. I bought it new in 2003 as a retirement present to myself and haven't regretted it yet. It has 2 slides which make the insides much larger when you're stopped and like everything else I own, I've modified it to meed my needs. I installed a tracking satellite dish (tracks as you drive) flat screet TV's, Directv DVR, Banks kit which upped the HP from 350 to 435 and the torque from 1050 to 1200 ft. lb's. Pluse many ther things. Last summer we took a 2 month trip and covered alost 7,000 miles and during the winter months, we're at Glamis (sand dunes) for at least 12 to 15 days per month. see: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads14/IMG_00011241311415.jpg


A lot depends on what you want to do, we tow a GMC Envoy when we travel without the dunebuggy trailer, do you want to tow a car, tow a trailer, drive a small Class C and use that as your transportation or what???

When you've decided what you want to do then the education can really begin.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I think one of, if not the best class C out there if you go that way is called a Lazy Daze. Family owned company, that's all they make, in 3 sizes and several floorplans. There is cult following with these things. I have a used 92. There is a yahoo group:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lifewithalazydazerv/

Company website is:

http://www.lazydaze.com/

I'm not sure they've made a diesel in more recent models, I think they have been using the E-450 chassis with the Triton V-10 for several years.

Born Free is another company up in Canada I think that is known to make a good class C RV.

I think you'll find for resale purpose a smaller class c will be easier to sell after your trip than a class a.

Good luck!

[GWN7]

It all depends on what your plans are. If you want to use the RV as a base while exploring parts of the country consider a 5th wheel trailer. That way you have the haul truck to go to places. The down side is you can't haul a boat or other trailer along with the 5th wheel.

I went from a slide in camper to a class A MH because I was getting almost the same mileage with the truck/camper as the class A unit. The down side to a MH is once your parked you just can't pull up stakes and go launch a boat or run to the store if you need something.

[Jesset100]

I'd go diesel pusher, pusher or tag axle, and make sure the suspension is air ride. I find that 30 to 38 feet are just right for space and comfort and storage as well as ease maneuvering around camp sites.
Stay away from leaf spring chassis.

[TechnoViking]

I own half of a 2006 Jayco Seneca. My parents own the other half. It is a diesel with 2 slide-outs and it pulls my race car trailer.

It's great to have at the track.

The problem is, owning an RV is a hobby. You need to expect a huge investment in time and money to keep it running. It is not cheaper than a hotel. You can fly anywhere and stay in hotels for cheaper than owing/operating an RV.

Imagine your house...something ALWAYS needs fixing. Now imagine miniaturizing that house and moving it all over. Much more stuff to break, go wrong, etc. Warranties are nice until you realize EVERYONE who bought XYZ kind of RV has to go to ONE shop in your area to get all the little things fixed. You'll end up doing much of it on your own unless you want to have the thing in the shop 6 months out of the year.

If you are retired like my parents, the RV can be your hobby. It's defintely fun if you have the time and pateince to own one.

[911boost]

I agree, whether you buy new or used, be prepared to spend time fixing something or other.

Bill

[Zef]

Mine
Trip tp Pennsylvania...observations and pics

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Dottore

The problem is one of choice though, you're right.

I've been, "looking" for a bit and did buy a slide in that collapses for better stability while driving. I already had the truck and it's just for my son and I 90% of the time. I bought it used (two years old) for a song.

There is not only a plethora of RV's, the range of options (solar panels, automated satellite systems, rack systems, etc.) for all classes of RV's is staggering. I recommend finding an RV Show near you and having a go at it.

I don't know where you are in Cali: http://www.rvshows.net/RV_show.html