I have never owned or traveled in an RV so I am a COMPLETE NOVICE. However, as I am now retired and would like to travel with a friend and our little dog and since airplane travel is becoming more of a chore we have been looking at RVs at two dealers - Lazy Days and Camping World. At this point, we have narrowed the possibilities to the following - Winnebago Fuse 23T and the Thor Freedom Elite 26HE (possibly the 23H). There is a fair difference in final price between the Winnebago and the Thors and, as one would expect, pros and cons for both. If anyone in this forum would like to give us newbies some sage advice we would be most grateful. Just a note - we do not plan on taking long trips but rather use the RV for one to two week long excursions. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Welcome to the Forums and good luck in your search. I am hesitant to say this, but you really need to spend time reading in the Camping World Accessories, Camping World Service, and the Camping World Sales forums on this site. It's better to be aware of the pros and cons of working with Camping World from the beginning. This is their forum web site, but the posts are there for you to read and educate yourself before jumping in.

I am not a fan of CW I believe that they will tell you anything but give you much less.Wherever you buy you should be at about 30% off list if a 2017 more if 2016.YOU NEED to do a complete inspection of the rig (even if brand new) before paying. After they have your money your rig will sit for a long time for repair. If you cannot inspect the unit yourself hire a mobile RV mechanic to look at the rig. DO NOT BELIEVE THE SALESMAN THAT they do a PDI they may or they may not.Also negotiate an out he door price with no add-ons except for actual plate and title fees.I would be looking at right around $68,500 out the door NO ADD-ONS.Dealers will try to add on all sorts of BS items. SAY NO!They need you you do not need them

It's just me, but I would stay away from the slide out kitchens. I would prefer the galley on the frame, although they offer the fridge on the frame. I'm like you, just shopping around but I don't think a Thor suits me (But I currently have my eye on the Thor freedom elite 29fe for the outdoor kitchen.) I leaning towards a Jayco Redhawk or a Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB but there are plenty more out there. I have plenty of time before retirement to check quite a few.Life is a journey, not a destination

Being new I'd recommend much more research. Unless there is a time crunch it might take a year to determine what rig is best for your anticipated RV lifestyle.Visit several dealers if possible. Visit campgrounds in your area and ask the owners what they DON'T like about their rig. Everyone will tell you how great their rig is but sometimes it's just to try to get you to buy the same thing to justify their purchase.

Some things that we considered important.An island bed. Climbing over each other is a pain.Check it out with the slide(s) closed. What can you NOT access with the slide(s) closed.We did not get a cab over bed, did not want one. We would recommend that each of you drive it just to see if each can should the other not be able to.A little jingle a long time RVer friend told us. Any RV should be able to handle cocktails for 6, Dinner for 4, but sleep 2.

New to the RV World with a Question | Good Sam Community

pedally
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
It's just me, but I would stay away from the slide out kitchens. I would prefer the galley on the frame, although they offer the fridge on the frame. I'm like you, just shopping around but I don't think a Thor suits me (But I currently have my eye on the Thor freedom elite 29fe for the outdoor kitchen.) I leaning towards a Jayco Redhawk or a Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB but there are plenty more out there. I have plenty of time before retirement to check quite a few.

Life is a journey, not a destination
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
I am not a fan of CW I believe that they will tell you anything but give you much less.
Wherever you buy you should be at about 30% off list if a 2017 more if 2016.
YOU NEED to do a complete inspection of the rig (even if brand new) before paying. After they have your money your rig will sit for a long time for repair. If you cannot inspect the unit yourself hire a mobile RV mechanic to look at the rig.
DO NOT BELIEVE THE SALESMAN THAT they do a PDI they may or they may not.
Also negotiate an out he door price with no add-ons except for actual plate and title fees.
I would be looking at right around $68,500 out the door NO ADD-ONS.
Dealers will try to add on all sorts of BS items. SAY NO!

They need you you do not need them
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
Welcome to the Forums and good luck in your search. I am hesitant to say this, but you really need to spend time reading in the Camping World Accessories, Camping World Service, and the Camping World Sales forums on this site. It's better to be aware of the pros and cons of working with Camping World from the beginning. This is their forum web site, but the posts are there for you to read and educate yourself before jumping in.

Forum Discussion

New to the RV World with a Question

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Camping World issue

Camping World

Email from Camping World

Real-World weights

new to the TT world