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MackinawMan's avatar
MackinawMan
Explorer
Aug 06, 2023

Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice

A little background, I am a veteran camper having purchased our first camper in 2001 and camping for 23 years now. We went from a pop-up to a 25' Dutchmen TT, to a 30' Cherokee to a 33' Jayco Eagle to our present 35' Sabre 5er.

Our tow vehicles went from a Ford Expedition, to a Ford Excursion V-10, to a Ford Excursion 7.3L Diesel, to our current 2000 F350 PSD, etc.

I only mention all of that for context, we've obviously camped a long time, with lots of different set ups, etc.

However, thinking now of going the motorhome route and leaning towards a Class A. I'm a teacher and with the kids long since grown and moved out, looking to travel during a week long Thanksgiving break, 2 week long Christmas Break, week long Spring Break, plus a week or so of personal days I can take. During Summer Break the plan is to spend 2 months at Mackinaw Mill Creek (hence the username).

When I say "travel" I simply mean leaving NW Ohio to venture south to get away from winter and set up camp at a local campground to hang out and be warm(er), as I've grown increasingly worse with seasonal depression issues, etc. I have a Ford Fusion Hybrid I plan on using as a toad.

This board has been a HUGE supplier of information for me since I joined way back in the day. I'm simply seeking any and all advice, the things I haven't thought of, or wouldn't...having never camped in a motor home.

Anything is appreciated....

(edit: Just noticed the signature is WAY out of date, lol)
Class A
  • LouLawrence's avatar
    LouLawrence
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    I don't think you are going to be able to get too far South, enjoy some warmth and get again during a week long trip. The other issue is you want to go were everyone else wants to go at the same time they want to go there so finding somewhere to stay could be challenging. That really applies to Spring break warm spots.
    As to the RV, it really all about the floor plan. Find something you think you love, spend a few hours in it thr way you think you would live in it, drive it a reasonable distance to see if you like it and can handle it. No need to go diesel with your limited travel plans but if you find one you love, that's even better.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    My advice is, a Newmar 2000-2018 Mountain Aire or better. millage below 70-80. travel to get what you want..
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Aug 06, 2023
    "As to the RV, it really all about the floor plan. Find something you think you love, spend a few hours in it thr way you think you would live in it, drive it a reasonable distance to see if you like it and can handle it."

    Thats good acvice. But just that is a salesmans dream. First research and develop an extensive PDI that includes checking everything. Bring your coveralls and check underneath, some tools to check for soft spots etc. Plan on a minimum of 4 hours. Don't provide the seller any money until you are ready to drive off the RV (non test run). Consider a profiessional inspection. New or used no difference.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Aug 06, 2023
    I think this thread is more about going from a towable to a class A vs. w to choose the right class A.
    The OP is a seasoned camper. While I don't know the OP I remember his post because he used to tow with a Excursion like myself.
    He also went from a V-10 X to a PSD X.
    Moving from a towable to a class A is a big financial jump/decision.
    My thoughts are that the Class A will always be more convenient. Easier to set up.
    and more enjoyable while traveling.
    However the class A will cost more. While I am contemplating a class A in my future, I don't think I would be happy with the performance of a gas class A.
    But I'm not sure I'm willing to spend what it takes for a nice Diesel Pusher.
    and there lies the dilemma.
    A fiver can have the same amenities as a class A. But will never be as convenient or enjoyable during the travel portion. However a fiver will generally provide more bang for the buck.
    My thoughts are what are you expecting to gain by going to a class A?
    Are you thinking gas or Diesel? Do you travel the mountains regularly?
    Does performance matter?
  • MackinawMan's avatar
    MackinawMan
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    LouLawrence wrote:
    I don't think you are going to be able to get too far South, enjoy some warmth and get again during a week long trip. The other issue is you want to go were everyone else wants to go at the same time they want to go there so finding somewhere to stay could be challenging. That really applies to Spring break warm spots.
    As to the RV, it really all about the floor plan. Find something you think you love, spend a few hours in it thr way you think you would live in it, drive it a reasonable distance to see if you like it and can handle it. No need to go diesel with your limited travel plans but if you find one you love, that's even better.


    Thank you for your input...a few things:

    1. I'm going to respectfully disagree with you on the week travelling thing. For one thing, the week is actually 9 days when you count the weekends before and after the week. I can be to the northern areas of Georgia and Alabama in 10 hours, which is basically one day, when I leave I would leave the Friday night before and be able to shave 3-4 hours off that easily, so Saturday would be a 6-7 hour drive, which is totally doable. This would be Thanksgiving week, which late November in those areas would be fine, and much nicer than NW Ohio.

    Late December Christmas is going to be Northern Florida (probably around the Kennedy Space Center) and roughly 16 hours, but keep in mind that's a 2 week break, so 4 days travel or so leaves 10 days of relaxation.

    As for spring break, my district's sprink break is usually in early April, it's not the spring break most people think of being in early/mid March. Additionally, being early-April means not having to go as far south, and less travel time on what will be a 9 day break again.

    I keep going back and forth between diesel and gas, but I agree, in the end I don't think it matters. Now, when we are full time travellers it certainly might be.

    Thanks again!!
  • MackinawMan's avatar
    MackinawMan
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    CA Traveler wrote:
    "As to the RV, it really all about the floor plan. Find something you think you love, spend a few hours in it thr way you think you would live in it, drive it a reasonable distance to see if you like it and can handle it."

    Thats good acvice. But just that is a salesmans dream. First research and develop an extensive PDI that includes checking everything. Bring your coveralls and check underneath, some tools to check for soft spots etc. Plan on a minimum of 4 hours. Don't provide the seller any money until you are ready to drive off the RV (non test run). Consider a profiessional inspection. New or used no difference.


    Great advice on the professional inspection...thank you!!!
  • MackinawMan's avatar
    MackinawMan
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    ArchHoagland wrote:
    Be sure you have windshield coverage on your insurance.


    EXACTLY the kind of advice I was looking for...thank you kindly as I would have never known that!!
  • MackinawMan's avatar
    MackinawMan
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2023
    Lantley wrote:
    I think this thread is more about going from a towable to a class A vs. w to choose the right class A.
    The OP is a seasoned camper. While I don't know the OP I remember his post because he used to tow with a Excursion like myself.
    He also went from a V-10 X to a PSD X.
    Moving from a towable to a class A is a big financial jump/decision.
    My thoughts are that the Class A will always be more convenient. Easier to set up.
    and more enjoyable while traveling.
    However the class A will cost more. While I am contemplating a class A in my future, I don't think I would be happy with the performance of a gas class A.
    But I'm not sure I'm willing to spend what it takes for a nice Diesel Pusher.
    and there lies the dilemma.
    A fiver can have the same amenities as a class A. But will never be as convenient or enjoyable during the travel portion. However a fiver will generally provide more bang for the buck.
    My thoughts are what are you expecting to gain by going to a class A?
    Are you thinking gas or Diesel? Do you travel the mountains regularly?
    Does performance matter?


    Hello Lantley old friend...good to "see" you, it's been a long time.

    Honestly the ease of just jumping and going, setting up, travelling comfort, etc. are what's all factoring into this.

    Also, our 2000 F350 is in GREAT shape as I've always kept up on maintenance, on all systems, and had body work done that took care of the rust issues that an original Wisconsin truck brought to Ohio was sure to have, it's basically rus-free now, not to mention a 7.3L PSD that only has 160,000 miles on it...having said that I just don't know about a 23 year old truck hauling a 10,000lb., 35" fifth wheel to Northern Michigan and back every summer, then to Tennessee/Georgia/Alabama and back in late November, then northern Florida and back in late December, then another southern trip sometime in early April..not to mention another potential week and trip with the personal days I get.

    So I could buy a newer truck, but diesel truck prices are just ridiculous, as I'm sure you've noticed. So...needless to say I'm weighing all options right now.

    I need something I can travel more comfortably in, but at the same time it needs to be comfortable enough to live in for the 2.5 months straight of June, July, and half-August while we're in Mackinaw.
  • craig7h's avatar
    craig7h
    Nomad II
    Aug 07, 2023
    A couple years back DW and I decided we needed to down size from our 35' fifth wheel. We decided to go the class A MH route, as it made more sence for us.

    We looked at many sizes and models we ended up with a 29ft gas. After a few short and a couple long trips we found out that we screwed up. Not moving to an "A" but a two short A. We lost so much storage that it made semi long trips harder to plan for. We ended up going to a 37' A with tons of both inside and outside storage. Now being gone for months at a time is really enjoyable.

    So my answer to your question moving to a class A was the best move ever. From storage to set up. Start looking for larger unit and work down. Think where you might be a few years down the road.

    Good Luck

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