Reflections on 6 Months of RV Research! ;)
Hi Class C Forum, I caught the RV bug about 6 months ago after a particularly stressful stretch at work. Researching RVs has become the way that I decompress when I have some discretionary time. Cu...
Forum Discussion
Hi All,
The OP here. I wanted to follow up and let you know how much I have enjoyed your insightful responses to my original post.
Red Jeep - If RVers like "waffles" because they like to "waffle" around, I should fit right in!!! ;)
Burlmart - "you've captured the nature of this C forum's way of discussing the physical form of the rig. what is just as important is when, where, how, and with whom you will use it. heated tanks, home (covered) storage, uneven SP sites, mostly inside, one person rises hours before the other, bring children or later grand-children."
I appreciate the points that you bring up. Heated tanks would be important to me. I would like the opportunity to do some cold weather camping. I also think I would choose levelers as an option to deal with uneven camp sites. Finally, I am an early riser and the DW is not. We tend to go bed at the same time, but I get up about 2 hours earlier than her. We do watch movies together, but she prefers HGTV while I like the Big Game! She reads, I don't as much. Thus, a bedroom area separate from the living area is important to us.
Teacher's Pet - "Nexus is a lot more RV for the dollar spent. Save your "fortune" for travel, don't dump it into the salesman's pocket. Having been to both plants, Nexus I believe I could work with, not at all with your final choice."
I am very impressed with Nexus. I am watching them closely. Since I have time before spending my "fortune," I will continue to monitor their floor plans and advancements.
MobileBasset - "but the length advertised in the specs is rarely the length of the complete vehicle. It is some other mysterious measurement. So if it really matters, measure it yourself. My vehicle model is a 25, the spec sheet says 26.6, my storage facility says it is 28."
Yes, I discovered this early on in my research. The digits mentioned in the model number do not correspond precisely to the length of the rig. The actual listed length can be several inches to a couple of feet longer. Due diligence is needed as with most things in life!!! ;)
j-d - " Remember, Floor Plan Rules! If you and significant other don't like the layout, Chassis, Roof, etc. etc. won't keep you happy. We thought of a B+ (yeah, doesn't really exist and it's more like a C- but how would THAT sell) but what we found was the attractive sizing reduces storage to darn near zero. DW wouldn't have one without a Pantry. We wanted an Oven. And a "separate bedroom." Ended up with a 31-ft C with wide (101") body."
I think my DW and I will spend considerable time in our RV, so the floor plan is critical. After 32 years of happy marriage, we want to keep it that way in the RV!!! ;) At the same time, there must be a reasonable amount of internal and external storage.
tatest - "What is on the market will likely be changing between now and when you have tuition paid off, particularly for B+/C, though it is also happening to smaller A designs. . . . Bringing GVWR down from seven tons or more to something around five tons, or less, has seen the introduction of lighter weight solutions to the house systems, such as tankless water heaters, composting or cassette toilets, all-electric systems replacing LPG appliances and on-board gensets."
Given that I am the front end of the RV research process, time is on my side. I agree with what you are saying. There are some really cool RVs and features out there right now, but I think the next 2 to 5 years are going to bring significant advancements.
eb145 - "Have fun researching this. . . .Here are my comments that might be useful for you. . . . My first TT had no slide. Very cramped, even at 30 feet, for two of us it was like living in a hallway. If somebody was at the sink, stove or fridge, nobody could pass. After 7 years of that we knew we wanted a slide or two. . . .RV shows let you spend lots of time in the floorplans that interest you without being questioned and pushed by sales people. Just tell the sales people that ask to help, that you plan to buy in 12 months or more - they can't run away fast enough when you tell them that :-)"
Yup, given our desire to stay at 27 ft' +/- two feet, I think we will need to go for a slide or two, particularly a sofa slide to open up the living area. I also thoroughly enjoyed our first RV show last month. Even though we are looking for a Class C and the show had primarily TTs and 5ers, we still had a great time. We are shocked at the size and beauty of some of the big 5ers!!!
Islandman - "You've done a fine job of analyzing all the things we look for in a motorhome; one caution don't let the price deter you too much. We purchased a used low-mileage Coach House and are pleased with our choice, it was less than half the cost of a new one and was well taken care of. "
Thanks. Yes, I definitely plan to keep used RVs on our list. A used Born Free, Coach House, Dynamax, etc. with the right floor plan at the right price would garner my attention in addition to my short list of Leisure Travel Vans, Phoenix Cruiser, Nexus, and Winnebago.
pnichols - ". . . We shopped mostly by reviewing the specifications, implementation workmanship, company reputation, and lastly - interior layout ... except for two things we would not compromise on ... we needed as short a possible (to be able to camp "anywhere") and a permanent bed always available (for the DW to quickly give her bad back a rest anytime). I guess you could say we wanted to buy-it-right-and buy-it-once, hence we had long term viability as our criteria and highest priority. "
I appreciate your insight. I think you are right. It is important to identify any items in which there is no compromise, such as a permanent bed, length, etc. I also agree that workmanship and company reputation are important to me, recognizing that there are issues with all RVs new and used from time to time.
EMD360 - "Sounds like you are looking at new rigs and I understand how RV research and RV.net can be a great stress reliever too. . . .Enjoy your research and your search and get out on the road as soon as you can despite college tuition because you will not regret it. :-)”
I like your thinking!!! :)
Gene in NE - ". . .How did you decide on a motorhome versus a camping trailer? Some RV'ers omit that thought process. . . .I presume you have gone through that process and are settled on motorized camping. . . .One website that is interesting for shopping is PPL that shows floorplans and usually has pictures.
Gene, I "think" we have settled on an MH rather than a TT or 5er. However, we are early in the process and enjoying thinking about all options. I had my fascinations with TCs, but I really think a Class C will be the way we will go. My bro-in-law has a used Avion TT. He thinks the best set up is a full-size sport utility and a TT. I enjoy listening to ALL opinions!!!
kendall69 - " I selected the Phoenix Cruiser, and I can honestly say it is one of the finest RV's I've been in and or owned. The greatest thing about Phoenix cruiser, is you buy from the factory and they will bend over backwards to customize your purchase. . . .All in all I'm one happy camper."
Yup, PCs are at the very top of my list. I am really thinking about making a trip to Elkhart this summer and checking out the PC, Nexus, and other factories.
The Logans - "We spent almost two years doing research, talking to everyone we could in campgrounds, and visiting RV shows, dealerships and factories. In the end we narrowed it down to 4 main contenders who made quality rigs, and had floor plans that we liked, and in the price range that we could handle."
I am at the beginning of the curve you describe that led to your Jayco purchase. Definitely looking forward to other RV shows. At some point, it looks like Hershey would be the RV show event to attend!!! As I mentioned above, I plan a trip to Elkhart possibly this summer.
Bordercollie - "A class C motorhome is a box truck full of appliances and other gizmos that when working properly, give you some of the comforts of home while on the road, camping, or as a support vehicle for local sports, hobby, and family days at a local park. Owning a motorhome is actually taking on a "hobby" including periodic maintenance of batteries, and performing minor DIY fixes and replacements, and getting professional services from dealer or rv repair as needed. Owning a motorhome is similar to owning and maintaining a cabin cruiser boat. If you use and enjoy it a lot after the first year, it may be worth the total cost and effort of ownership. "
I love your synopsis! It does look to me that owning an RV is an opportunity for a lifelong hobby and lifestyle. After three degrees and working in the professional world since 1985, I am enjoying the world of work and responsibilities, but I am catching myself thinking about the future and planning for some additional down time and leisure and eventually retirement. I think an RV fits in my future!!! ;)
The OP here. I wanted to follow up and let you know how much I have enjoyed your insightful responses to my original post.
Red Jeep - If RVers like "waffles" because they like to "waffle" around, I should fit right in!!! ;)
Burlmart - "you've captured the nature of this C forum's way of discussing the physical form of the rig. what is just as important is when, where, how, and with whom you will use it. heated tanks, home (covered) storage, uneven SP sites, mostly inside, one person rises hours before the other, bring children or later grand-children."
I appreciate the points that you bring up. Heated tanks would be important to me. I would like the opportunity to do some cold weather camping. I also think I would choose levelers as an option to deal with uneven camp sites. Finally, I am an early riser and the DW is not. We tend to go bed at the same time, but I get up about 2 hours earlier than her. We do watch movies together, but she prefers HGTV while I like the Big Game! She reads, I don't as much. Thus, a bedroom area separate from the living area is important to us.
Teacher's Pet - "Nexus is a lot more RV for the dollar spent. Save your "fortune" for travel, don't dump it into the salesman's pocket. Having been to both plants, Nexus I believe I could work with, not at all with your final choice."
I am very impressed with Nexus. I am watching them closely. Since I have time before spending my "fortune," I will continue to monitor their floor plans and advancements.
MobileBasset - "but the length advertised in the specs is rarely the length of the complete vehicle. It is some other mysterious measurement. So if it really matters, measure it yourself. My vehicle model is a 25, the spec sheet says 26.6, my storage facility says it is 28."
Yes, I discovered this early on in my research. The digits mentioned in the model number do not correspond precisely to the length of the rig. The actual listed length can be several inches to a couple of feet longer. Due diligence is needed as with most things in life!!! ;)
j-d - " Remember, Floor Plan Rules! If you and significant other don't like the layout, Chassis, Roof, etc. etc. won't keep you happy. We thought of a B+ (yeah, doesn't really exist and it's more like a C- but how would THAT sell) but what we found was the attractive sizing reduces storage to darn near zero. DW wouldn't have one without a Pantry. We wanted an Oven. And a "separate bedroom." Ended up with a 31-ft C with wide (101") body."
I think my DW and I will spend considerable time in our RV, so the floor plan is critical. After 32 years of happy marriage, we want to keep it that way in the RV!!! ;) At the same time, there must be a reasonable amount of internal and external storage.
tatest - "What is on the market will likely be changing between now and when you have tuition paid off, particularly for B+/C, though it is also happening to smaller A designs. . . . Bringing GVWR down from seven tons or more to something around five tons, or less, has seen the introduction of lighter weight solutions to the house systems, such as tankless water heaters, composting or cassette toilets, all-electric systems replacing LPG appliances and on-board gensets."
Given that I am the front end of the RV research process, time is on my side. I agree with what you are saying. There are some really cool RVs and features out there right now, but I think the next 2 to 5 years are going to bring significant advancements.
eb145 - "Have fun researching this. . . .Here are my comments that might be useful for you. . . . My first TT had no slide. Very cramped, even at 30 feet, for two of us it was like living in a hallway. If somebody was at the sink, stove or fridge, nobody could pass. After 7 years of that we knew we wanted a slide or two. . . .RV shows let you spend lots of time in the floorplans that interest you without being questioned and pushed by sales people. Just tell the sales people that ask to help, that you plan to buy in 12 months or more - they can't run away fast enough when you tell them that :-)"
Yup, given our desire to stay at 27 ft' +/- two feet, I think we will need to go for a slide or two, particularly a sofa slide to open up the living area. I also thoroughly enjoyed our first RV show last month. Even though we are looking for a Class C and the show had primarily TTs and 5ers, we still had a great time. We are shocked at the size and beauty of some of the big 5ers!!!
Islandman - "You've done a fine job of analyzing all the things we look for in a motorhome; one caution don't let the price deter you too much. We purchased a used low-mileage Coach House and are pleased with our choice, it was less than half the cost of a new one and was well taken care of. "
Thanks. Yes, I definitely plan to keep used RVs on our list. A used Born Free, Coach House, Dynamax, etc. with the right floor plan at the right price would garner my attention in addition to my short list of Leisure Travel Vans, Phoenix Cruiser, Nexus, and Winnebago.
pnichols - ". . . We shopped mostly by reviewing the specifications, implementation workmanship, company reputation, and lastly - interior layout ... except for two things we would not compromise on ... we needed as short a possible (to be able to camp "anywhere") and a permanent bed always available (for the DW to quickly give her bad back a rest anytime). I guess you could say we wanted to buy-it-right-and buy-it-once, hence we had long term viability as our criteria and highest priority. "
I appreciate your insight. I think you are right. It is important to identify any items in which there is no compromise, such as a permanent bed, length, etc. I also agree that workmanship and company reputation are important to me, recognizing that there are issues with all RVs new and used from time to time.
EMD360 - "Sounds like you are looking at new rigs and I understand how RV research and RV.net can be a great stress reliever too. . . .Enjoy your research and your search and get out on the road as soon as you can despite college tuition because you will not regret it. :-)”
I like your thinking!!! :)
Gene in NE - ". . .How did you decide on a motorhome versus a camping trailer? Some RV'ers omit that thought process. . . .I presume you have gone through that process and are settled on motorized camping. . . .One website that is interesting for shopping is PPL that shows floorplans and usually has pictures.
Gene, I "think" we have settled on an MH rather than a TT or 5er. However, we are early in the process and enjoying thinking about all options. I had my fascinations with TCs, but I really think a Class C will be the way we will go. My bro-in-law has a used Avion TT. He thinks the best set up is a full-size sport utility and a TT. I enjoy listening to ALL opinions!!!
kendall69 - " I selected the Phoenix Cruiser, and I can honestly say it is one of the finest RV's I've been in and or owned. The greatest thing about Phoenix cruiser, is you buy from the factory and they will bend over backwards to customize your purchase. . . .All in all I'm one happy camper."
Yup, PCs are at the very top of my list. I am really thinking about making a trip to Elkhart this summer and checking out the PC, Nexus, and other factories.
The Logans - "We spent almost two years doing research, talking to everyone we could in campgrounds, and visiting RV shows, dealerships and factories. In the end we narrowed it down to 4 main contenders who made quality rigs, and had floor plans that we liked, and in the price range that we could handle."
I am at the beginning of the curve you describe that led to your Jayco purchase. Definitely looking forward to other RV shows. At some point, it looks like Hershey would be the RV show event to attend!!! As I mentioned above, I plan a trip to Elkhart possibly this summer.
Bordercollie - "A class C motorhome is a box truck full of appliances and other gizmos that when working properly, give you some of the comforts of home while on the road, camping, or as a support vehicle for local sports, hobby, and family days at a local park. Owning a motorhome is actually taking on a "hobby" including periodic maintenance of batteries, and performing minor DIY fixes and replacements, and getting professional services from dealer or rv repair as needed. Owning a motorhome is similar to owning and maintaining a cabin cruiser boat. If you use and enjoy it a lot after the first year, it may be worth the total cost and effort of ownership. "
I love your synopsis! It does look to me that owning an RV is an opportunity for a lifelong hobby and lifestyle. After three degrees and working in the professional world since 1985, I am enjoying the world of work and responsibilities, but I am catching myself thinking about the future and planning for some additional down time and leisure and eventually retirement. I think an RV fits in my future!!! ;)
