Hello, Single female here, selling my house and 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.Question 1: I am not mechanical at all...should i buy new?(i read about the hiring a Mobile RV Tech), I hate to buy new as i have a dog and cat that might damage it. If i buy used, what minimum age and mileage should i get?Question 2: I will have my animals with me. Do most campers have the ability to leave the camper on and lock the doors(with AC on) to run into a store?Question 3: I am planning to drive the RV from Ohio, through Texas, into Mexico and down to the lower Yucatan. Am I crazy?

Mt two cents.Buy a 2 to 3 year old gasoline Winnebago. No need to spend additional money on a diesel engine and the more expensive maintenance.Yes, you can leave your pets inside the moho with the AC running if it's too hot.You may be a little crazy, but the same could be said for most of us here. ;) Good luck in your adventure!

First off, welcome to the forum, and I wish you good luck with your ideas.As far as the type of rv, have you driven anything? That is pretty important, as is the fuel costs. Fuel is relatively low now, but it will not stay there. A class C gasser will only get 8 mpg roughly, a B diesel would do a lot better! I think also that the floor plan is the most important consideration that you have to make in either case. We will occasionally park our rv, lock it up with the generator and a/c running and hit a restaurant or store for a bit while Josie the Beagle sits behind the wheel and listens to the radio. I watch her occasionally with a camera, just for a laugh.Ohio to Texas is real cool trip, but I can't really comment on the Mexico trip, as I am not qualified to answer. I am sure someone else on this forum could advise you better on that topic, if you search the topic.If you were my daughter, I would tell you to be safe, not too naive, but remember, most people are really great. There is that 5% that ruins everything for all. Watch out for them!

I'll try Question 1: I am not mechanical at all.You must become mechanical to at least daily check the vehicle systems....radiator, brake fluid, steering fluid, tires, tire pressure, starting battery, engine oil...and the living systems...water, holding tanks, propane, house batteries. If you see a low level you must either correct it or seek help. BUT you can learn!

Middle daughter drives a OTR 18-wheeler coast -to-coast. Sometimes three to four weeks with just herself and her small dog. Fuel mileage sucks, but her company pays it, all maintenance on the truck, and most of her expenses. as well as giving her a new truck occasionally. Her truck has everything except a shower, and she gets those free at a truck stop, for fuel points. She gets to see a LOT of the country.

The class B's on the Sprinter chassis get good mileage but repairs can be expensive. A class C on the Ford E-450 gas chassis get lower gas mpg' s but are cheaper to repair with many more places to get service throughout the country. I like buying new but there are lots of class C's that are bought by first timers an soon replaced by larger rigs. If you want the ultimate class C look for a nice used 31' Lazy Daze class C.I would stay in the USA or Canada and not venture south of our boarders.

New to RVing | Good Sam Community

Bordercollie
Explorer
Mar 06, 2017
Don't be in a rush to sell your house. Try renting a rig or two before you buy. After a month or two travelling around this great country, that immigrants want desperately to get into, you may be better able to decide on the right motorhome for you. I think that a single female travelling south of the border is very vulnerable. A single male would be almost as vulnerable. There are some areas here in the US where local thugs prey on or harass RV'ers. You might want a 24-27 foot Class C, with improved suspension for rough country roads, that is maybe five years old but in great condition as verified by a pro truck mechanic and an RV service. Get itemized list of things needed with parts and labor estimates. Major comfort items ( roof AC, dash AC, fridge, furnace, RV generator, awning, converter/charger and house batteries can cost from $300 to over $1000. Six new Michelin tires cost $1300. Tires older than 5 years should be replaced. Engine cooling system, brake system (including brake fluid replacement and front flex lines, should be carefully inspected. Fuel system and fuel pump should be serviced as needed. An RV is a box truck full of appliances and devices that have limited useful life, more like a cabin cruiser boat that requires attention and maintenance than a car or SUV. Find out about emergency road service and other needed insurance in Mexico and South America. Get good advice and take advice with a grain of salt.
Wue
Explorer
Mar 06, 2017
I originally had my heart set on a Sprinter class C until I realized most have a fairly low CCC (cargo capacity). If you'll be full timing, you'll want a lot of stuff with you and you can use up the CCC in a hurry.
I decided on a small class C on a Chevy Chassis with no slides which allows me bring as much stuff as I want. Of course you may want to go a bit larger with a slight reduction in CCC.
Have fun looking!
Stan
Photomike
Explorer III
Mar 07, 2017
I also agree on the not selling part. Keep your house if you can, I know a number of people that went that route and after weeks, months or even a year they either wanted to go back home or had to for various reasons. If you can afford to rent it out. I also know a few people that moved all their stuff to the basement, sold off extras and rented out the main floor. They could come home at anytime and never felt homeless. If the economy keeps improving and house prices keep rising then you may find yourself unable to afford your current house in a few years. If you do keep it you can always sell later if you decide to.

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