Forum Discussion

rdufokker's avatar
rdufokker
Explorer
Aug 05, 2015

Need suggestions

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first RV. After much discussion we have determined that we would be best to purchase the smallest DP we can. We have tight winding steep roads to our mountain house. We will be on the road for a month at home for a month. Some road trips might last longer. We need the best gas mileage we can get as I will be crossing the country working on a Wounded Warrior project and using my own money for fuel. It is just the two of us but we need lots of storage. I don't like loud vehicles therefore the DP. We need to purchase very soon, but won't pull the trigger if it's not right.

Thanks,

Richard Schnedl
  • There is no way a 36' MH will make the turns around our mountain roads and they are gravel roads with 8% grade in the turns. We originally looked at the VIA and REYO but too many bad reviews, so now looking at Tiffin Allegro 32ba, Newmar Kountry Air or Star, Four Winds Serrano, Thor Palazzo, Monaco Vesta or National Sea Breeze. Judging by the reported turn radius of some of these, the 32' might be pushing it.

    I also appreciate that everyone on all forums say that more length and floor plan are the most important, but I can emphatically and 100% say they are down the list for me and wife. To work on my Wounded Warrior project and using my own money, gas mileage is in top 3, getting up onto our mountain property is also. Quiet drive and floor plan are next. I will be putting and estimate of 30,000 miles a year to get my project going. Flying isn't an option due to logistics of sites I need to daisy chain together. This could mean thousands of dollars difference with just a couple of miles per gallon.

    So does anyone have good suggestions for 30-32'(max) I don't mind older models. I would rather have a 10 yr old mercedes rather than a new Hyundai.


    Richard
  • You must certainly will notice the driving between a 36 and a 40. Wheelbase makes a big difference.
  • Generally, the DP chassis will have a larger wheel turn angle, so they are surprisingly agile. I have not seen your roads, but a few things to consider.

    A longer wheelbase DP will be more stable on the highway than a shorter wheelbase, all other things being equal.

    The longer you live in the motorhome, the more often you wish you had a little more floor space. If you can get a 38 to 40 ft DP up those roads, you'll have a more living and storage space. The fuel mileage will not be that much different.

    Drive as many motorhomes as possible. You will be surprised at how well some handle, and how poorly some handle. Try to test drive in crosswinds, or on the interstate with big trucks passing you.

    Good luck with your search.

    Fred
  • I second the recommendation to go with quality, even if you have to go down in size or get an older coach.
  • rdufokker wrote:
    My wife and I are looking to purchase our first RV. After much discussion we have determined that we would be best to purchase the smallest DP we can. We have tight winding steep roads to our mountain house. (snip)
    Thanks,

    Richard Schnedl


    When buying, always look for quality, before size.
    When driving you won't notice the difference between a 36 and a 40.
  • We just purchased a 36' Tiffin- Believe they have several floor plans at that length. Good luck!
  • Winnebago has made a 34' DP since about 2000 to 2015