RV for Central America Trip
Hi, We are taking our kids (ages 5, 7, 11) on a one year trip in an RV from NY to Panama. We have looked at various different RVs out there and we want to make sure the RV is big enough to fit us and...
Forum Discussion
I think a medium-size C would be great, especially a 27-28' with a long wheelbase. This size can be tricky because they also come with very short wheelbases. Besides riding better, the longer wheelbase will reduce tail-swing, which might matter if you venture into town much.
I would avoid large slides. My mega-slide (14' x 42") has be problematic since day one. Mine's a Schwintek, so the worst of the worst, but more important is that if it gets stuck, it's too heavy to man-handle. A smaller slide, like only a couch or a dinette, could be fully disconnected and moved manually if need be.
I would not take a Class A very far south of the border. #1 reason being windshields. You're likely to get chips, and bad roads will twist up an A enough that any chip will likely become large cracks, and you probably won't be able to get replacements down there. E-series are still common enough in Mexico and Central America that you shouldn't have trouble getting glass, and a C isn't as likely to need it in the first place. Just like here, a cracked windshield is an easy excuse for an officer to pull you over, except down there, you'll need to present your ID with a wad of cash...
I think I'd seriously consider a former Cruise America Majestic 28-footer. They are built-out super simple, have lots of payload, and can be bought for cheap. I'd have zero reservations with a high-milage chassis, and the normal RV problems (leaks, appliances that don't work etc) are just as likely with a new unit, maybe more so, because at least Cruise America takes the time to fix those problems before sending them on the road.
I would avoid large slides. My mega-slide (14' x 42") has be problematic since day one. Mine's a Schwintek, so the worst of the worst, but more important is that if it gets stuck, it's too heavy to man-handle. A smaller slide, like only a couch or a dinette, could be fully disconnected and moved manually if need be.
I would not take a Class A very far south of the border. #1 reason being windshields. You're likely to get chips, and bad roads will twist up an A enough that any chip will likely become large cracks, and you probably won't be able to get replacements down there. E-series are still common enough in Mexico and Central America that you shouldn't have trouble getting glass, and a C isn't as likely to need it in the first place. Just like here, a cracked windshield is an easy excuse for an officer to pull you over, except down there, you'll need to present your ID with a wad of cash...
I think I'd seriously consider a former Cruise America Majestic 28-footer. They are built-out super simple, have lots of payload, and can be bought for cheap. I'd have zero reservations with a high-milage chassis, and the normal RV problems (leaks, appliances that don't work etc) are just as likely with a new unit, maybe more so, because at least Cruise America takes the time to fix those problems before sending them on the road.
