I've just started my research into buying a Class A RV. 40+ feet. I plan to make it my home for 3-5 years. I do plan to travel some during that period, but I guess you would call me for the most part a parker? Mostly in Austin, TX area. Please be kind the RV terms are new to me. I'm a professional photographer, so I need a quite of bit of storage, so a basement is required. I also plan to attach a motorized pole that can go up to 30 meters to the RV, not sure if some models are better suited to this or not.I plan to have a Dingy? A car towed behind the RV.For the most part it will only be me, living in it. Perhaps a rescue dog and/or cat too.I plan to buy used and am trying to stay below $250,000 as a budget.I also don't really like most traditional RV interior design. I like mid century modern design. I don't care for carpet, lots of wood cabinets, large over stuffed chairs or sofas. I'm not saying these are bad or wrong, it's just not what I'm looking for.I need 50 amps with 5 or more outlets. I travel with a lot of "super" computers and 2-4 large LCD monitors.Gas or diesel?What else am I missing? Looking forward to a new location free life.Robert

Robert,Your budget is excellent. The modern style might be much harder to find unless you are wanting an Airstream trailer which many have a very contemporary design. I'm not sure how far 30 meters would be as we use 'feet' in the USA.Although you mentioned mid century modern, there are some class A's that have a clean look but I have never seen an interior that is super modern. Usually leather furniture, all tile floors, a legless dinette and neutral colors will give it a cleaner modern look.Good luck on your search,MM.

Are you going to attach a sail to the pole to save on gas? Just kidding. I saw a couple of Wanderlodge Blue Bird motorhomes that had modern interiors like you specify. Sort of modern/ mid century look. A general rule of thumb is that if you are going to be parked most of the time a 5th wheel and tow car makes more sense than a motorhome. Whereas if you are going to travel more than park a motorhome is better. Up to you of course. It would be my strong, repeat STRONG suggestion that you learn lots about RVing before plunking down your 250,000.

Buying a really really expensive motor home to park and let it sit has to be one of the worst ideas posted this week. First is the initial cost, then there is the ongoing depreciation and maintenance costs to keep it in running condition. Then there is the damage inflicted on a unused motor and drive train. If your not going to drive it like it is intended, buy yourself a travel trailer or a park model and save a bundle of money.

A diesel motorhome has a heavy frame and would be no less susceptible to damage setting or moving. There are as many options as there are ideas. Ours has many outlets and most bigger RVs are 50 amps. Buy one that is a few years old and you can save money. We didn't buy our motorhome because it was the cheapest option out there. We bought it because it was what we wanted, and we can fold up camp and move in about 45 minutes. And we only get bad miles per gallon when we drive it.

I am a great believer in class As but if you are just going to sit most of the time, then look at a fifth wheel. I too am a photographer and understand what you mean about storage etc. I bought a 42 foot Foretravel with a six foot deep closet that holds a free drawers and water dryer too. Putting shelves on one side to hold my gear. I like the motorhome because depending on what and where I have taken the coach to close to the location. Benefit of the coach is comforts of home but it us too big for many places, so the jeep goes then.

A new potential buyer, looking for insight. | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

steveownby
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
image360 wrote:
Thanks all for the info and suggestions. It's a good start for me, and yes I plan to research this for at least 3-4 months before doing anything. It's a long road of course - pun intended.

Is driving around 1-2 months of the year with a schedule like 4-6 weeks in one place, then 5-10 days driving considered a "parker?" Would that be enough to keep the mechanical's in good shape?

With your budget, I would look for a top line diesel pusher in the 2005 range. With your interior requirements, I would take it go a first class RV remodel business in Elkhart, IN and have the interior done to your satisfaction.

Call Jack Harris at Mastertech in Elkhart. 866-895-4556. Very professional and can do anything you want with interior.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
image360 wrote:
So typical of forum members that do not what to THINK about possible new ways. I've not posted or viewed this forum before my OP. And yea, I think green enhancements are a extremely good thing. Do any of you care about your grand children? Are you all still climate change denier?

I want to thank those that actually gave some very good advice, much appreciated.

From what I've seen, I believe my best option is to find a well built coach and gut it to what I want.

And yea, a 30 meter or 90 foot pole (for those that can't do simple math here) is for photography, which is how I make my living. It's simply another platform to use to make images that can't be otherwise taken. If you doubt even this, just do a google search on high pole photography supports.

Personally, I see where you are coming from and where you want to go.

But really, living in a motorhome is actually pretty green in itself. We are living in a much smaller space, conserve water, use much less electricity compared to a small house. Solar panels can generate plenty of electricity if you buy enough of them.

If you are full-timing, there are no property taxes or maintenance of a stick and brick. Depending how much you drive the motorhome will require immediate or extended maintenance. It's something you can control.

BTW, I'm an accountant and born in the USA, we generally never use the measurement of meters so I really didn't know how long 30 meters were. Now I know it's 90 ft. What's wrong with using feet as a measurement?

Good luck,
MM.
RayChez
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
Maybe the best thing would be a retired BlueBird school bus and just pull all the seats out and convert it to what ever you want inside. Buy a used Thomas or Bluebird and do a conversion on it to fit exactly what you want. Because all these new or used motorhomes would have too much glitz for what you need. What you are looking for is a working platform and a place where you can sleep and cook you own food. Nothing fancy. And those chassis and body would be well built.
timmac
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
image360 wrote:
So typical of forum members that do not what to THINK about possible new ways. I've not posted or viewed this forum before my OP. And yea, I think green enhancements are a extremely good thing. Do any of you care about your grand children? Are you all still climate change denier?

I want to thank those that actually gave some very good advice, much appreciated.

From what I've seen, I believe my best option is to find a well built coach and gut it to what I want.

Gutting out a used/new one does not make things greener, it will still need lots of fuel to move it down the road, solar panels is about as green as you can get these gas hog machines, if your so keen on green than get a Prius and tow a tent camper..

The only reason I made the comment about this being a similar post was because there was about a month ago a newbie asking the very same thing as you and he was even a free lance photo taker asking about motorhomes with the very same upgrades, but his budget was less, maybe its a new thing for you free lance people, not sure..

:)
image360
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
So typical of forum members that do not what to THINK about possible new ways. I've not posted or viewed this forum before my OP. And yea, I think green enhancements are a extremely good thing. Do any of you care about your grand children? Are you all still climate change denier?

I want to thank those that actually gave some very good advice, much appreciated.

From what I've seen, I believe my best option is to find a well built coach and gut it to what I want.

And yea, a 30 meter or 90 foot pole (for those that can't do simple math here) is for photography, which is how I make my living. It's simply another platform to use to make images that can't be otherwise taken. If you doubt even this, just do a google search on high pole photography supports.
kitch251
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
You might want to give me a call...........we are getting out of the RV scene due to age. I have a great Phaeton.

Jim
803-649-2977
ncrowley
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
If you are looking at green construction, I would look at the Evergreen fifth wheels. We had one of their trailers and it was well made. They have a good web site you can look at.

If you want a Class A (which I can understand :-)), the newer ones have the tile floors in the main living area. I would just go look at lots and lots of them before making a decision. Also be sure and buy the best you can in quality.
timmac
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
2bzy2c wrote:
I think there is a lot of fertilizer in this thread.

His post seems really familiar like was mentioned above.
A 30 meter pole? Really?

Yep that's my take as well, just another troll with nothing else to do..

:B
2bzy2c
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2014
I think there is a lot of fertilizer in this thread.

His post seems really familiar like was mentioned above.
A 30 meter pole? Really?
VinCee
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
Well the green machine the OP speaks about aren't out there because the RV industry is in the business to make money. They build what sells. So if that means fat leather chairs, solid wood cabinets and tile floors, well that is what their customers want. Many many class A RV'ers do adapt solar panels to their rigs to dry camp, especially those through out the south west, but to mass produce, that would be to expensive for a limited market. If the OP wants a rig that will last I fail to see where "green" construction and materials is going to help him. Perhaps he can dump his tanks into a larger tank and use the waste material to make fertilizer in his spare time.