Newbie seeking recommendations
Hello! My husband, daughter and two dogs are searching for our first Class C RV and I've done enough research to narrow our RV choice to that. I'm feeling stuck about what make/model/year/etc woul...
Forum Discussion
There is lots of information available on this and other forums, finding it will take effort in itself. General advice, buy 3-5 years old if buying used.
Our fridge, roof AC unit, house batteries, charging system and fresh water pump died at around 10 years. Have a used rig thoroughly inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service, if possible. Get written parts and labor estimates for replacements or repairs needed. Water leaks in roofs etc. are expensive to repair, don't buy a rig with stains or mold smells. Slides are nice but some are in the way except when extended, they can have leaks and mechanical problems. RV tires need periodic inspection for sidewall cracks and may need replacement after 5 years for safety and reliability regardless of tread depth and new appearance. Extended warranties are expensive and full of loopholes, better to save money for maintenance and replacements and repairs as needed. You can save about 1/2 the cost of RV repairs if you have the time, tools, skills, work space and help needed to do most repairs and maintenance yourselves.
Most RV's use the same brands of air conditioners, furnaces, appliances, awnings, etc., and the same Ford E-450 chassis. Almost all Class C RV's are the same width and height. Lengths vary from 22 feet to around 40 feet. Class C's need to be around 27 feet long to have a rear bedroom with RV queen sized bed. Most Class C's have dinettes or couches that convert to small uncomfortable beds. Sleeping in the overhead bed is OK for kids, most adults do not enjoy sleeping in the overhead which involves climbing down a ladder in the dark without waking your bed partner then climbing back up and getting back to sleep, bad for people with arthritis, etc.
Owning an RV is like owning a cabin cruiser or an airplane. It's a hobby in itself. Living in an RV is like living in a very small apartment. A lot depends on your personality and tolerance for inconveniences.
Our fridge, roof AC unit, house batteries, charging system and fresh water pump died at around 10 years. Have a used rig thoroughly inspected by a pro truck mechanic and an RV repair service, if possible. Get written parts and labor estimates for replacements or repairs needed. Water leaks in roofs etc. are expensive to repair, don't buy a rig with stains or mold smells. Slides are nice but some are in the way except when extended, they can have leaks and mechanical problems. RV tires need periodic inspection for sidewall cracks and may need replacement after 5 years for safety and reliability regardless of tread depth and new appearance. Extended warranties are expensive and full of loopholes, better to save money for maintenance and replacements and repairs as needed. You can save about 1/2 the cost of RV repairs if you have the time, tools, skills, work space and help needed to do most repairs and maintenance yourselves.
Most RV's use the same brands of air conditioners, furnaces, appliances, awnings, etc., and the same Ford E-450 chassis. Almost all Class C RV's are the same width and height. Lengths vary from 22 feet to around 40 feet. Class C's need to be around 27 feet long to have a rear bedroom with RV queen sized bed. Most Class C's have dinettes or couches that convert to small uncomfortable beds. Sleeping in the overhead bed is OK for kids, most adults do not enjoy sleeping in the overhead which involves climbing down a ladder in the dark without waking your bed partner then climbing back up and getting back to sleep, bad for people with arthritis, etc.
Owning an RV is like owning a cabin cruiser or an airplane. It's a hobby in itself. Living in an RV is like living in a very small apartment. A lot depends on your personality and tolerance for inconveniences.
