I think it's time to buy

AGC wrote:
I’m definitely looking forward to having an RV. I’m trying to schedule a pre-purchase inspection next week in Reno, NV. Depending on what they find will determine my next steps. If it passes inspection my plan is to fly out and inspect/drive it before I pay for it. My wife and I have been talking about getting an RV for some time and was set on a TT until we really thought about the benefits of having a MH over a TT and we think it will make the trip itself a lot more enjoyable (I hope). I know it will cost us a little more but I’m hoping it would be worth it (MH over TT). It’s interesting that I’ve purchased cars that were more expensive sight unseen and at times without a pre-purchase inspection and I was nowhere as nervous as I am right now with buying a MH. To me a MH is a lot more personal than a car (if that makes any sense at all)

It's not more personal than a car, but it's more complicated. Why are you buying so far away? That seems like it would just add more stress to the process.

I’m definitely looking forward to having an RV. I’m trying to schedule a pre-purchase inspection next week in Reno, NV. Depending on what they find will determine my next steps. If it passes inspection my plan is to fly out and inspect/drive it before I pay for it. My wife and I have been talking about getting an RV for some time and was set on a TT until we really thought about the benefits of having a MH over a TT and we think it will make the trip itself a lot more enjoyable (I hope). I know it will cost us a little more but I’m hoping it would be worth it (MH over TT). It’s interesting that I’ve purchased cars that were more expensive sight unseen and at times without a pre-purchase inspection and I was nowhere as nervous as I am right now with buying a MH. To me a MH is a lot more personal than a car (if that makes any sense at all)

Buying any RV is a******shoot. Some wring hands and research for years, others impulse buy at a show. Either way it should be fun and a trip out west sounds like an adventure. Research the value of the MH and find out what issues these things have. Have a pro check it out. I think MHs are great for kids.

I replied to your post earlier today, but I no longer see it. I've not used this system lately and I think it may have been removed because within the content I indicated that my rig was for sale. I think that must be a no-no. So I'm revising what I sent so that you'll have the information on the BT Cruiser from my point of view. I have a 2006 BTC and it has been a very good machine. Typically I've found with motor homes you have many problems (I've had 3 others), however, I've had no major issues with the BTC. It has been very reliable. So I would recommend it. Gulf Stream is no longer in business, but I've not had any problems with maintenance done by RV dealerships or my local mechanic. The advantage of the BTC style is that you do not have a cab over the driver's compartment. I prefer that because having a cab over feels like you're driving in a cave. Of course not having one you lose the bed that is typically in that area. The sofa pulls out to make a comfortable bed. The slant style roof allows only for an entertainment center with a couple of cabinets. I usually get 8.5 to sometimes 9 mpg on the road with the Ford 450 engine. Not sure you can tow a mini-van weight wise with this rig. I tow a Honda Element. You mentioned a tow dolly in your post. I suggest you think about this, because in my opinion it is much easier to hook up and tow with a tow bar than a dolly. With a dolly you also have to sometimes find a place to leave it in small campground spaces. Good luck!

Does it have bunk beds? it can be a hassle making beds every night only to unmake them in the morning to eat. Then where does all the bedding go during the day. With bunk beds each has his or her OWN space. To keep clean and store there stuff.
And when the couch is not a bed you and wife have some place to set after the kids have gone to bed other then on your bed.

Before I say anything, I will tell you that we camped with our kids in a pop-up, and then moved to a travel trailer when they were in college. We've never owned a class c or any type of motorhome.

The following points popped into my mind after reading your post:

1. If traveling with two kids....soon to be bigger teenagers, does the class C provide adequate sleeping quarters as well as space for their stuff?

2. Do you plan to travel with bikes?? Class c motorhomes can have a limited cargo capacity. From my point of view, they are great for a couple, but when I look at them at RV shows, I don't see traveling in them with two kids.

3. With two kids, I see the advantages of a TT or FW, with a truck that has room for bikes, sporting gear, etc. And, the truck can serve as a second vehicle for daily use. In our case, my wife had a very short drive to work and would take the truck.

4. I don't know the specifics, but make sure you know how towing a car on a dolly impacts your cargo capacity on a class c. At the same time, if you go t a TT/FW and truck, you have to look at the payload capacity of the truck.

5. Another advantage of the TT/FW option is that you can go ahead and buy a 3/4 or 1 ton truck and have plenty of towing capacity. You can look for a really good used trailer, use it for a year or two and determine whether it meets your needs. If you've determined that you would like something else, the financial impact will be minimal i.e. a good used trailer won't lose that much in value, and you don't have to worry about the truck.

But, bottom line is buy what you really want. By buying used, if the price is right, you can use it for a year or two and trade it in for something else if it doesn't meet your needs. I just always hate the sales tax bite!!
Good luck....hope your out there soon and enjoying a new rig!!

Well... The only question I have is "What took so long?".

Welcome to the club, you WILL enjoy it, trust me on that.

Any questions feel free to ask however "Which one" you will find every make and model has supporters. (Which is why I do not offer suggestions with the following exception)

If someone says I like my RV,, Ok,

IF someone says I HATE MY RV.. Listen to them.

I would ask a moderator to move your post to the Class C forum for better exposure. There are a few of them with the Ford 6.0 diesel engine which I would stay away from. I would not worry about buying used as long as they have the maintenance records. There may be a member in NV that would look at it for you.