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401nailhead's avatar
401nailhead
Explorer
Mar 22, 2015

Antiquing in a Class B, and our introduction

So this is a decent discussion topic anyway, but also I would like to introduce ourselves, Greg and Ann, pre-retirement but starting to pick up that scent, always had the wandering spirit, but now making the decision to get the Class B this year. Love roadside Americana in all conditions of restoration and disrepair and decay, in fact old postcards and traveling ephemera from the past are my passions, and if it's on the roadside, I love it.

We just like the idea of touring and antique hunting as much as camping, so Class B was a no brainer. I want to be able to drive downtown Chicago when we get there, drive on twisty roads in the mountains, park anywhere, live a compact life, etc., etc. Our first RV will be a 1996 17' Coachman on a Chevy G30, to be picked up later this week.

Now on to antiquing. Maybe more on this topic soon, to avoid making this post too long. We are antique dealers and searched for a model with doors in back and space there for boxes, and perhaps a piece of furniture or two. The Coachmen with twin back beds will allow for a piece of furniture between the benches/beds, and lots of space for boxes of postcards, paper, and glass here and there. We like built in cabinets and closets, but they would confine us in packing various antiques. Anyone else have ideas and experiences with antiquing in a Class B? I will probably post more in the future on this topic. I'll add this, the Winnebago Travato was looking pretty good for its back storage, and the Roadtrek Zion was looking good as well for its rear set up, but the back loading ability and capacity in the Coachmen drew me in, at a low price range. At times, we will be hauling merchandise to set up at an antique show, so we will see how that goes.
  • Welcome, and congrats on your new adventure.

    When it is time to upgrade, you might want to take a look at a model with a trifold sofa:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWH3yK28ET0

    This was pioneered by Great West Vans, and is now also offered by Advanced RV. The rear storage space is HUGE. Even when configured as a bed there is a lot of space, since the bed/seat mechanism is attached only at the sides of the van, leaving the underneath clear-span all the way across.
  • ryegatevt wrote:
    How about a small cargo trailer? I have not (yet) towed with the RT, but my Tacoma pulls a 5X8 Bravo trailer with no trouble at all.


    x2. The van part can handle a little trailer no problem.
  • How about a small cargo trailer? I have not (yet) towed with the RT, but my Tacoma pulls a 5X8 Bravo trailer with no trouble at all.
  • Welcome to the forum - enjoy your class B. Hope you'll make it to the B rally.
  • 401nailhead wrote:
    Love roadside Americana in all conditions of restoration and disrepair and decay, in fact old postcards and traveling ephemera from the past are my passions, and if it's on the roadside, I love it.

    We just like the idea of touring and antique hunting as much as camping, so Class B was a no brainer. I want to be able to drive downtown Chicago when we get there, drive on twisty roads in the mountains, park anywhere, live a compact life, etc., etc.


    That's us, too! That's how we have enjoyed our B!

    Less emphasis on the antiquing for us because we are not dealers and have enough of them already. We have, and occasionally do, bring a 'find' home in the B --- usually from close to home if it's a larger item.

    "B"usy
  • If you are antiquing for small items - items that fit in your hand - then a B is fine. If you look for furniture or large items, there is no storage for anything like that - not unless it is purchased on the last day that you are heading home and do not plan to sleep in the Class B's bed that night.

    We find the B's storage very limiting to what we can purchase on a trip. There is just so much room in a B and most of that is living space. We have bought antiques while we were out in the B but these were books, small glass pieces, etc. I have seen a few nice things that just would not fit anywhere to get them home.