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shoebox303's avatar
shoebox303
Explorer
Apr 26, 2018

First Time Full Timing Family!

My wife and I and our two kids (7 and 10) are preparing to move into a full time RV situation and hoping to draw on the incredible knowledge you all possess to be as educated as possible through the process. Here's what we know:

1. We want a Class A that will pull our 2 door Jeep Wrangler.
2. We have one year to plan.

Here's what we don't know. Actually, we don't know what we don't know, I guess. But we'd love advice on things like:

1. Recommended bunkhouse brands/models of Class A's.
2. Speaking of brands, there are probably at least 5 brands with the same floorplan. Are some brands known for their quality or lack thereof? Or better at service for fulltimers that are moving around?
3. Setting up our domicile state. This is imporant, right? Does it matter where we set up residency?
4. What are the things you wish you would have known before you pulled anchor and drove away for the first time as a Full-timer?

Thanks, everyone. Looking forward to this discussion!
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2018
    First off, agree with Don on checking
    www.escapees.com
    they have sub groups within their membership which can help with everything from home schooling to rig repairs.
    They also offer a mail forwarding service as do many others and will help with Domicile. Check closely with the homeschoolers before settling on a domicile, states rules vary widely on it.
    In general I think its safe to say that most folks seem to have a fairly low opinion of Thor products, although there are some that have and love them, Most brands offer bunk models starting with units in the 33 foot area, although for full timing you will appreciate bigger.
    Many bunk units are just the bunks right off the hallway and not really a room for them.
    On the other brands, generally quality follows price, finding the right balance is as much a matter of your wallet as your ideals.
    As Don mentioned some 5th wheel units have much more living space for a family, for example the Grand Design Reflection 367BHS has a room that has a sofa bed, desk and closet which can be a school/play/sleep area, and another separate sleep area above it.
    You have a lot to research, enjoy your journey.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2018
    Sadly, I think your going to find that the majority of motor homes are designed for two. Families? Not going to happen.
    Check out Escapers.com. home base really depends on a lot of factors. Health insurance for one. TX and FL currently seem to be top choices. SD is also gets high marks for cheap easy resigination. But health insurance is not ao good.
    BTW, you do realize that motor homes are far more expensive to buy, own and maintain than other forms of RVs dont you? For instance you can buy a nice 38-40 foot fiver with a dedicated bunk room for the kids for around 75K and a decent diesel dually and your all in around 150K. Try to find a 45 foot MH for that price. Consider a set of tires for that 45 foot MH at around 5 thousand dollars. Add in two drive trains to maintain, 12 tires to buy, well things can get pretty expensive in a hurry. Now throw in the mix the MH going into the shop for repairs. Where are you going to stay? At least with a truck and trailer if the truck breaks you still have your home to stay in.

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