The more I learn, the more I realize what I don't know
So still on the fence about a FW vs MH and shopping continues. having owned 2 Class A's that's my comfort zone. But Since I need a new truck and FW's have a lot more space for the buck, I am leaning that way. However, the more I shop and learn, the more I realize I how much more I need to learn. You folks have graciously answered all my questions so far, but I have more.
First, one of the biggest hangups is frankly intimidation. Backing a FW into a tight camp site is intimidating. So is fueling up. Sure practice, practice etc. I've never really been great at backing trailers or boats. Now either of my Class A's I could put within inches of where I wanted to be. Will practice really overcome this - maybe some of you had this same feeling?
In shopping brands I have NO CLUE, what I am looking at in terms of brand hierarchy. I can tell you down to the nuts and bolts of every newer Class A out there but literally know nothing of FW's. Our budget is going to put us at 40-50k. No idea what brands/features or pitfalls to look for in that range. I also know some of this is clouded in personal opinion- and that's Ok. Opinions come from experience.
Generators - do most FW's really have no generator? Seems that way in my price range. We used our Genset a lot in our MH but of course we were in it at the time.
Stopping and using things - on long travel days I assume you can use the FW for a snack/lunch/bathroom etc. I assume either elec or lp fridge can stay on during travel, but many floorplans don't allow access to the fridge with slides in. Do you bump them out at a rest stop? I assume AC is out of the question. If you wanted to overnight and dry camp, seems without a generator you have pretty limited power via batts right? Provided you are fairly level, can you use the FW - slides out etc - , while hooked up to the truck?
Build quality - I was told (don't shoot the messenger) that despite price range, most FW's are built pretty much the same. That most of the extra price is in better appointments (cabinets, furniture, trim - this is largely true for MH's). I did see that some of the frames and suspension might be beefier on bigger ones. I was also told that tires on a cheaper FW can only last 5-10k miles? Is this true?
Maintenance - I don't want to assume, but seems like a FW is a lot less maintenance than a MH - mainly there is no engine, genset or transmission. Just regular maintenance - seals, plumbing, roof, batts etc. Am I right? I see a lot of noise about packing bearings etc, no clue what that's about.
Hooking up - again, looks intimidating. I see some come with electric, adjustable pins, sliding receivers, auto leveling to help some of this. But I wouldn't know a good FW receiver from a stick. Just how hard is hooking up? What does a decent receiver cost?
Seems like FW's in my price range don't come with a lot. They may have W/D hookups, but you have to buy the appliances. You have to buy the TV's, solar prep but no panels, etc. Just seems like there is more to buy to "finish" out the camper than a MH. Maybe it's just my price range and perhaps that's why my price range exists.
Pricing, I know what the %off MSRP is on MH's. It usually hovers around 26-30%. Does the same math apply for FW's. Will they throw in a hitch, or W/D, extras. I know this is negotiation (we are looking at new) but generally speaking.
As always I am probably over thinking most of this, but I want to have almost zero reliance on a salesmen. They have an agenda. I would like to actually know what I am talking about.
Thanks again for all your help in schooling me. I remember taking 5 years to pick our first MH. I really want to make a decision by fall on this one.
First, one of the biggest hangups is frankly intimidation. Backing a FW into a tight camp site is intimidating. So is fueling up. Sure practice, practice etc. I've never really been great at backing trailers or boats. Now either of my Class A's I could put within inches of where I wanted to be. Will practice really overcome this - maybe some of you had this same feeling?
In shopping brands I have NO CLUE, what I am looking at in terms of brand hierarchy. I can tell you down to the nuts and bolts of every newer Class A out there but literally know nothing of FW's. Our budget is going to put us at 40-50k. No idea what brands/features or pitfalls to look for in that range. I also know some of this is clouded in personal opinion- and that's Ok. Opinions come from experience.
Generators - do most FW's really have no generator? Seems that way in my price range. We used our Genset a lot in our MH but of course we were in it at the time.
Stopping and using things - on long travel days I assume you can use the FW for a snack/lunch/bathroom etc. I assume either elec or lp fridge can stay on during travel, but many floorplans don't allow access to the fridge with slides in. Do you bump them out at a rest stop? I assume AC is out of the question. If you wanted to overnight and dry camp, seems without a generator you have pretty limited power via batts right? Provided you are fairly level, can you use the FW - slides out etc - , while hooked up to the truck?
Build quality - I was told (don't shoot the messenger) that despite price range, most FW's are built pretty much the same. That most of the extra price is in better appointments (cabinets, furniture, trim - this is largely true for MH's). I did see that some of the frames and suspension might be beefier on bigger ones. I was also told that tires on a cheaper FW can only last 5-10k miles? Is this true?
Maintenance - I don't want to assume, but seems like a FW is a lot less maintenance than a MH - mainly there is no engine, genset or transmission. Just regular maintenance - seals, plumbing, roof, batts etc. Am I right? I see a lot of noise about packing bearings etc, no clue what that's about.
Hooking up - again, looks intimidating. I see some come with electric, adjustable pins, sliding receivers, auto leveling to help some of this. But I wouldn't know a good FW receiver from a stick. Just how hard is hooking up? What does a decent receiver cost?
Seems like FW's in my price range don't come with a lot. They may have W/D hookups, but you have to buy the appliances. You have to buy the TV's, solar prep but no panels, etc. Just seems like there is more to buy to "finish" out the camper than a MH. Maybe it's just my price range and perhaps that's why my price range exists.
Pricing, I know what the %off MSRP is on MH's. It usually hovers around 26-30%. Does the same math apply for FW's. Will they throw in a hitch, or W/D, extras. I know this is negotiation (we are looking at new) but generally speaking.
As always I am probably over thinking most of this, but I want to have almost zero reliance on a salesmen. They have an agenda. I would like to actually know what I am talking about.
Thanks again for all your help in schooling me. I remember taking 5 years to pick our first MH. I really want to make a decision by fall on this one.
