Quality construction
Good Morning Class A owners. I have questions, I am currently a TT owner, have camped many years. I am looking to upgrade to a Class A. My questions are, Me, da wife, 3 lapdogs. Other fami...
Forum Discussion
real4u2c, Greetings from a fellow Hampton Roads RV owner. As you know the dealerships around these parts don't seems to have much in the way of bargains or selection. I ended up 400 miles south in South Carolina to buy my coach but I was focused in on a particular model, year range and budget limitations.
Been all over the mid Atlantic the past couple of years include a run into the Tennessee Valley and a loop around the Great Lakes in a 2006 31' gas coach. Never a problem on paved or gravel roads but I would avoid anything less improved including logging trails. My risk tolerance just isn't what it used to be.
Good idea to let the wife shop the floor plan while you worry about what's under the floor. I would love to have a 36' to 40' DP in my driveway but the gas chassis suits our travel and budget needs much better for the time being. When the day comes that we can head off into the setting sun for more than two weeks at a time I'll reevaluate our wants and needs.
Coach build quality can be a bit of hit and miss. Even the top of the line builders can have a one roll off the production line that never seems to leave a dealerships repair bays. With your budget and potential year range of the next coach you'll need to judge each coach individually. Initial build is important but after a few years of use owner maintenance starts become a much bigger factor. Pre-purchase inspections are paramount and I would recommend getting two inspections. One focused on the chassis and the other the house. The skill sets for each can be unique and I would rather have two very knowledgeable and skilled inspectors than one with a good general understanding. The inspections will cost a couple of hundred dollars but considering how much you are about to spend it could save you thousands later plus piece of mind. Independent inspectors are best if you can find them. No question of motives other than getting you a detailed report.
There are handicapped accessible rigs out there but they are a bit rare. Most are owner modified while as mentioned Newmar did build a few with the option. A quick search turned up this ONE. Might be a bit beyond your budget but worth considering if they still have it and you can push you budget.
Consider going to the RV shows if possible. DW's mobility may be a problem consider you'll do a bit of walking at a show. Floor plans can be a bit static even with time. Even though a new rig is beyond your budget you can at least get an idea of what a particular lay out looks like in person. Will a rear bath be better than a mid bath? Booth or free standing dining table? front kitchen or mid coach? Double couches or single couch and easy chairs? To many variables to suggest.
Good luck with your search and be prepared to travel when you find the coach you think will work for you. Don't buy sight unseen and always be ready to walk away if something just doesn't feel right. Don't second guess yourself and don't let the seller make the final decision for you.
Been all over the mid Atlantic the past couple of years include a run into the Tennessee Valley and a loop around the Great Lakes in a 2006 31' gas coach. Never a problem on paved or gravel roads but I would avoid anything less improved including logging trails. My risk tolerance just isn't what it used to be.
Good idea to let the wife shop the floor plan while you worry about what's under the floor. I would love to have a 36' to 40' DP in my driveway but the gas chassis suits our travel and budget needs much better for the time being. When the day comes that we can head off into the setting sun for more than two weeks at a time I'll reevaluate our wants and needs.
Coach build quality can be a bit of hit and miss. Even the top of the line builders can have a one roll off the production line that never seems to leave a dealerships repair bays. With your budget and potential year range of the next coach you'll need to judge each coach individually. Initial build is important but after a few years of use owner maintenance starts become a much bigger factor. Pre-purchase inspections are paramount and I would recommend getting two inspections. One focused on the chassis and the other the house. The skill sets for each can be unique and I would rather have two very knowledgeable and skilled inspectors than one with a good general understanding. The inspections will cost a couple of hundred dollars but considering how much you are about to spend it could save you thousands later plus piece of mind. Independent inspectors are best if you can find them. No question of motives other than getting you a detailed report.
There are handicapped accessible rigs out there but they are a bit rare. Most are owner modified while as mentioned Newmar did build a few with the option. A quick search turned up this ONE. Might be a bit beyond your budget but worth considering if they still have it and you can push you budget.
Consider going to the RV shows if possible. DW's mobility may be a problem consider you'll do a bit of walking at a show. Floor plans can be a bit static even with time. Even though a new rig is beyond your budget you can at least get an idea of what a particular lay out looks like in person. Will a rear bath be better than a mid bath? Booth or free standing dining table? front kitchen or mid coach? Double couches or single couch and easy chairs? To many variables to suggest.
Good luck with your search and be prepared to travel when you find the coach you think will work for you. Don't buy sight unseen and always be ready to walk away if something just doesn't feel right. Don't second guess yourself and don't let the seller make the final decision for you.
