Helping In-laws -First RV Advice

Dusty R wrote:
A slid gives a lot more living space but last I knew they are #1 in problems/repair.

When you think about it, what else does a slide offer us ?

Maybe if it has side windows it might offer a better view ?

I guess another plus is allows to test our rv repair skills ?? :)

Remember years ago when we spent our time camping and enjoying what we all love, the outdoors, nature and being with each other.
Today, it seems like every time I go to push a button I hesitate and think to myself and hold my breath..."I hope this is going to work , so I don't have to spend my day inside fixing this !"
Multi-meters should have a message that appears on it's screen, when you turn it on it reads, "Oh no Bob not again" !

Opinion of a more general nature, not everyone is as indecisive as others and maybe the fellas inlaws know they want a class c.
Anywho, with that budget, their options are very numerous for very low mile Cs in the 10 year old giver take range.
Not much to say about them. Several brands on Chevy chassis and if one is in great shape and everything works, it will be as relaible as any.
Good luck shopping.

Must be RV year. My inlaws who've never camped or RVd ever in the almost 30 years I've known them just bought a little TT. Mostly so they can travel and be Rona proof, lol.

Worst part will be actually finding campsites this summer I bet!

A slid gives a lot more living space but last I knew they are #1 in problems/repair.

My last class C was a Chateau 28A. The shower & commode were on top of the wheel wells. At the age of 70 that was not a problem. I added a handle next to the shower door so I had something to hold onto getting in & out of it. Folks with short legs wanted a stool for their feet to rest on when using the head. That arraignment lasted four years.

Then I found my current camper that I should have/could have bought first. I now have a big walk in shower. At first blush, my oh my, it is in the bedroom! When I fully open the “bathroom door” the entire bedroom is the bathroom. A person can go into the bathroom and close the door for privacy. That leaves the hallway open. Or open the door all the way for lots of room.

I travel alone. But this setup will work great for two people also. My son, wife & grandson have not had problems using this floorplan.

The only thing I do not like about my current camper is it has a slide. But it is fully functional with the slide in while traveling.

+1 to rent the first RV. Make a weekend trip, then a full week trip.

Class C is where I would point them in that price range. Easy to rent.

Want a bed that they can walk around with easy access
-Father in law is a Chevy guy

The 28A floorplan is a popular rental floorplan and they are available for sale in used units across the country in that $40k price range in a nice simple easy to use floorplan.

IM not sure if any model 28A has the GM option.
IMO, the 28A floorplan fits your needs. It offers an island queen bed, its a short queen but you can make the full queen sheets work, although I agree its not ideal, we did it in our last 2 units with no real issues.
It offers a wide 36" shower, a dinette and sofa with a good view for the 40" tv in the cabover area.
Its a non slide unit which allows you to be stealth in a roadside rest area or any parking lot for a snooze without having to deploy a slideout letting others know that you are inside.
The older I get the less I want to deal things malfunctioning. Not having a slideout is one of those things. If you do choose a slideout model, make sure you have full use of the rv with the slide "IN"...just in case.



The floorplans will be limited to find a rear island bed north/south.
You will find more of a selection in a shorter class C if you choose a side mounted slideout housing a full queen bed but it will be a folding mattress. The slide will have to be deployed in order to use the bed. Using an rv in that manner is less stealth if you plan to do the roadside stop-n-sleep routine.

Good luck in your decision, be safe.
Bob

My current rig (see sig.) takes up two diagonal parking spots in any shopping center I have been too. It is not hard to maneuver around.

I would not be overly concerned about mileage. How the rig was maintained and what weather conditions it was driven in are more important I think. The big issue for me is was it driven allot on winter roads that were salted. If you look underneath the unit you can determine that.

The larger the holding tanks for fresh water, gray & black water the better.

Things to look for I have found value in while having in a class C ….


Walk into shower. Some showers you have to step up to get into them.


Corner shower, some are bigger than others. Big ones are real roomy inside.


Counter space by the kitchen sink for food prep.


Large outside rear storage. They can be up to 100cu ft.


No window over the headboard of the bed.


Livable with slide(s) in.


A north south bed that is offset to one side. That gives you room to walk & dress on one side.


60x80 real queen bed. Uses standard bed sheets and such.


Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 chassis. As a Ford guy, I have found the Chevy better. Hate to admit that.


Just a comment. All class Cs have an overhead above the cab designed to be a bed or audio center. It is a great place for storing things. My current rig has lots of storage behind the TV in the overhead area.

and before they buy, give them a gift,, hire a rv inspector to check out the rv, cost?$150 or so but it,ll be the best part of helping them. those inspectors find things you,d never think of checking. even on new rv,s and most important leave,s you out of finding things good/bad about the rv.

it really will depend on the length they think they need IMO. We know folks who bought a new 24 ft and sold it within 6months and bought something bigger. Also what type of towed vehicle will they want? Even a 24 ft is a pia to drive in traffic in towns although many claim its not (?) but finding parking spaces etc needs to be a concern for them. Do they need an actual class C or will a B+ be more to their needs. No big overhead sail over the cab to add to wind resistance.

There are just too many variables in a question like this. Check craigs list for available units, also go beyond the local area which might require a short trip to view and check out. Wife Loved the Jayco units we looked at but we ended up with a winnebago instead. Storage in/outside is a big concern to also contemplate. Yes a rental may show what they want/like and maybe at around $500 for a weekend not a bad expense to help decide.

Here are a couple of class c/B+ found on local craigslist:

https://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/d/scottsdale-2015-itasca-cambria/7122651876.html


https://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/d/green-valley-2015-winnebago-aspect-m27k/7122558436.html

Rent first. You didn’t mention what type of camping they plan on. Makes a difference regarding water and waste tanks, batteries, length etc. Toad desired? Be careful with your advice...”I'm not very knowledgeable about RV's but...”