New to RVing

Class C's are pretty easy to come by used. I would not buy new as depreciation is a killer. But a 5 year old class C after doing some research.

Here is a youtube channel that might interest you.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfqr5I-0RKK8Ha1PeKi0_ig

I agree with the Class C recommendation. While the Class B foreign chassis are very reliable (and get better milage), that one time it's not can make your life really miserable. There is very little on a Ford chassis Class C that is not a common pick-up truck part that you'll find sitting on the shelf of every auto part store nationwide. That entire drivetrain has been around for about 20 years now. Not bashing the Chevy chassis units (Dodge is long gone) but whatever is most common is the better choice, especially if it's also going to be your house. Makes repairs so much faster whether you have to use a shop or do it yourself.

Gig3000 wrote:
... snipped ... buying an RV to see the world! I started out looking at class B's due to being more stealthy. Now, considering Class C's. Diesel Winnebago, Itasca or maybe Coachman as i want an Island Bed.

You've posted your question in the Truck Camper forum. That's OK as many of us have had Class C's or B+'s etc. in the past. I suggest you post your questions in the Class C forum and hear from the people current running Class C's, B='s etc.

@OP- If you have never RV'd before, perhaps you might try renting a class C to learn about the aspects of the unit and life on the road. A little time on the "rented road" might give good feedback as to if you are ready for such a big step... especially one as drastic as selling a house to take up the alternate.

I love Mexico and go there as often as I can. Having said that, though, I would not recommend that a lone female travel through Mexico by herself. Mexico is not the lawless country that some people portray, but parts of it are somewhat rougher than most parts of the USA. And, of course, there are parts of the USA that are not suitable for lone female travelers!

I agree with sonuvabug, and will move from the TC Forum to the Class C Forum.

Wayne
Moderator

If it's not for too long, maybe an hour or more in most cases, the pets would usually be fine without the AC running while you run into a store. It does of course depend on the current weather and outside temperatures and such how long that can be. RVs are better insulated than cars (but not as well insulated as permanent houses).

But, anyhow, yes you can lock the RV and leave the generator and air conditioner running.

For used units, age and mileage within reason are less important considerations than overall condition and how well maintained the motorhome was. A ten year old, 100,000 mile RV could be less trouble than a two year old one with a few thousand miles if the latter was not maintained and the former was.

You might want to consider getting an ex-rental RV. At least the big companies (like CruiseAmerica) do a good thorough job of reconditioning the units before selling them, and they tend to have ones that are built more for general sturdiness than flashiness.

Getting a little bit of comfort and understanding about maintenance and some basic DIY mechanical ability would be a very big help. You don't have to become a professional mechanic by any means, but you'll save a lot of hassle and money if you can wield a caulking gun and screwdriver and tire pressure gauge without trepidation.

If you are planning on going to Mexico I wouldn't get a newer Sprinter diesel as they need ultra low sulphur diesel which Mexico does not have in most places yet. If you want to have a diesel you need to stay pre 2007 to get one that just runs on low sulphur diesel. The newer ones also require you to add DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) which might be a problem in some remote areas. Again pre 2007 diesels do not require DEF. There are some diesels that didn't require DEF till later. Ram pickups are examples of this.

I agree with a single woman in fact a single male also to travel in Mexico could be putting themselves in harms way. Not saying it is going to happen but it could. There is always safety in numbers. If somebody wants to do harm to you it is always easier to tangle with one person than two.

This is IMO

Welcome to the forum Jan. Risk is very subjective, most of us that have never traveled there may be a lot more wary than those who have traveled there many times. I would try to travel with someone that has been there before. From your OP it sounds like you will be living in the MH with two pets. I would think a small class A and a small tow car would be a better fit for your situation especially with two pets. Something will break on your trip and will need repairing, I like the idea of two vehicles that you can drive if one fails to get a replacement part. What ever you buy make several trips within the US to learn the technical stuff of how your MH works and fix/modify it for your longer trip. It took me 3 years and many repairs and shorter trips to get mine ready for a trip to Alaska. Good Luck on what ever you decide.

Want to know about RVing in Mexico...here is a Youtube video on that very subject posted today, March 5, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8YBKg0EFEg&t=8s

As to the type of rig...God Bless. It all depends, its like asking what is the best flavor ice cream...lol