New Guy To The Forum

Welcome. It's like buying a car and a house at the same time. Don't get distracted by the flash and shiny things look in the corners, under things and behind things for signs of concern.

Welcome to the RV.NET.
Lots of good information on the forum.

Welcome to the forum.


Yes, there is a lot to learn. Start asking questions and reading posts on this and other forums.

I would start by going to RV shows and dealers to look at floor plans. Look at all makes new and used.

If buying used, condition is the most important thing.
A well cared for Brand X is probably a better buy than a beat up Brand A.

Leaks are a major concern for any RV. A small leak can do a lot of damage if not repaired.

Don't be in a hurry to buy. Take your time, look and learn.

Here's a list of Acronyms and Abbreviations you will see used on the forum.

Have fun with your search.

Welcome to another NE Ohioan! Look over the unit carefully for water damage. Look behind curtains that might hide water damage around and below windows, check out entire ceiling, seam areas, along every wall, carpets, flooring, corners. Carefully check out bathrooms. I would be nervous if the unit has been updated with new flooring or wall coverings. While that may be great, it could hide water damage. Once you get your unit, enjoy! We are lucky in Ohio to have wonderful State Parks. Also, if you are of retirement age, the Ohio Buckeye card has 10% discounts on weekends, and 50% discounts during the week.

The first time you soak your shoes while emptying the tanks, you will know grey water from black.

I guess I have been around long-enough to say welcome.

A used Class C is a great place to start. I don't know enough about brands. PPL in Texas has a great website where you can look at used RVs, photos, equipment lists and floorplans. I am sure there are other resources as well.

From observing the experiences of others, I would not get an old Class C, from the carbureted engine days, unless I was a good mechanic. As far as the appliances, they just plain break from time to time. Keep some cash or credit handy, for emergencies.

+1 on avoiding RVs with leaks, unless you have the means and talent to do the repairs - they can be major and the damage almost completely hidden.

Getting a fair deal is important, but concentrate on something well cared for. You will likely forget what you paid in a year or two anyway. We have purchased three motor homes. Each time, we knew when we had found the right one - an open and sincere owner (or dealer), frank answers to the questions, and a clean and well-maintained unit that seemed inviting to us.

I would not hesitate to buy a unit with a bad refrigerator or etc., if the story fit into a pattern of care. There are very few individual items on an RV that cannot be fixed with a few dollars - a pattern of long-term abuse could make the RV worth less than nothing to you. A bad engine, bad transmission, bad generator - pick two of the three, and do some quick research to find replacement cost and you will know what I mean.

Matt B

You'll be really fortunate if you merely soak your shoes. The movie "RV" with Robin Williams isn't all that far from the mark. Gotta love it!

Only thing you need to know about Rving is the hobby is about fixing things. All sorts of things. When you buy your class C make sure what ever it is you don't like about it you can fix it. Like mentioned above worst thing to fix is water damage. Leaks. The damage may look very small. In truth is it could permeate the whole RV.. But Fixable..LOL>

Hi Rich:

If you really don't know black water from gray, I would suggest buying an RV Buyer's Guide at your local supermarket. In that way, you can start to learn about RV construction, floor plans, tanks, and lingo. It will help when you talk to a dealer or seller to know what they are talking about. Also, you are not too far from Hershey PA. The country's biggest RV show takes place there in September. You can see various models, floor plans, options, and even buy if you are ready. Even if you don't buy, you will come away knowing a lot more than you did before going. Finally, before buying, try to have some idea of how you will use the RV the most. Camp at a favorite lake, travel the country, go tail-gating at Ohio State games? This will help direct you to what you need to have vs. eye-candy.

Best wishes, Bob

Richxd wrote:
I will retire next year God willing, and looking to get a used Class C.

Welcome Rich!

I feel the forum members here could better steer you into the right rig if we knew the answers to these questions.

- How long do you think you would be traveling? Weekends, weeks, seasons, or full-timing?

- Would you be traveling alone, with a spouse, grand kids, dogs, etc?

- Would you be touring regions of the country during your travels, or simply staying put at a destination or two?

- Will you be focusing on national parks & monuments, national forests, bureau of land managment property, etc? Or RV parks to benefit more from the hook-up conveniences and the social aspects?

- What kind of storage provision is available to you in Akron Ohio when not using the rig? Park against the house, in a barn, rented lot, other?

- Are you planning on a steady diet of bitter-cold winter camping, or maybe just try it once?

- You mentioned a class-C. Are you attracted to larger rigs for more of a house-like experience, or smaller rigs for improved mobility?

- Could you provide your spending limit on a used rig? $5000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 or more? Don't say $5000 to $25,000. Give your max limit becasue we will pretty much suggest you spend your max.

I think with these questions answered, you will be receiving some great input from this forum.

Hi Rich,
I am glad you posted your questions. Even though we have already been chatting via PM, I see other replies to your post with some tips and questions that I never thought of. That is why I am addicted to this site, so many people that are here to help. Sort of like "paying it forward", fellow rv'ers helping each other out however they can. A very big welcome to you!!! :)