This chapter done, what next?

I assume you are comfortable towing and don't mind a truck.

I wouldn't toss out 5th wheels all together. A smaller 5th wheel is easy to tow and just as quick to set up (assuming you have a toad with the MH). We recently moved from a 28' to a 34' 5th wheel and really...I kind of wish we had stayed smaller. It's not a big issue but the smaller one was big enough for the two of us while still being more manageable.

Really it comes down to RV layout and how much stuff you want to take along.

Really look at how much room you want. I have a 21ft class C. It is great for ease of setup - just back in and level. It's big enough to have room for my needs. It has the cabover bed. I skipped the tele, microwave, etc, so my electrical needs are the least of my concerns. I can go well over 10 days without an issue. My limit is based on water. I have a 40 gallon fresh water tank that lasts 12 days with no showers but no major conservation in other needs. My 20 gallon grey and black tanks fill equally, so it's pretty perfect.

Due to the height and width, it is difficult to park in major cities, but I have no problem elsewhere. So, no need for a toad. By always putting things away after use, it is easy to drive off for a day trip and return.

A friend has a Toyota Sundrader. It is smaller than mine in all dimensions, but still has the same basic amenities. She can drive most anywhere and can easily park in cities. Again, it has a cabover bed.

A 24ft class C is the smallest you'll see with a dedicated bed below. It will likely be a corner bed. 26ft and up will more likely have a dedicated bed with access on both sides. GVWR will be your catch - many are limited. You really want to determine your weight needs first.

Gas mileage is going to be 7-10mpg regardless of size, etc. So you can figure out travel time on one tank from that.

A smaller class A might be a good option. Something under 32ft. Your wife might find driving it OK. And it is likely to have a greater GVWR.

I suggest you start visiting dealers and sitting in various sizes and classes. Look at the weights and tank capacities and make notes. Then you can start to determine which have what you want in a comfortable layout.

Our pockets have only medium depth...

The kids are not 100% gone but not likely to ever camp with us again. We miss the kids a LOT and we don't miss them much at all - if that makes sense? It IS a nice time of life.

For the travel plans - we intended to see the US circa 2008 or so and life just got in the way. Then we ended doing non-RV trips while the rig sat depreciating in the back yard. We want to do the RV-restart to see the US while we are healthy and able.

Not having kids, it's a wonderful opportunity for the Mr. and the Mrs. of the family to get re-aquainted again. You finally have time for each other without having to have kids in the mix of everything, or making plans around the kids or their activities.

Enjoy this time in your life. It only gets better! It's a great time to set the love-flames on fire again between you two.

My opinion, you sound like a candidate for a CLASS-C, or a smaller A. It's a magnificent world "out there", just waiting to be discovered by you too.

Hi davelinde,

This is what I would buy if I had deep pockets:

http://www.lazydaze.com/

IAMICHABOD wrote:
A good place to start is the Class C Sub Forum

Thanks - I actually did skim that before starting here in "general". I saw a few threads hitting topics of interest to me. Also some in the Class A area. To a large extent our situation is not unique and our path seems well worn. We picked the big 5ver because for the price we could not beat the storage and living space and features. We very much like having a small vehicle at our destination.

I'm pretty clear that if we go the C route we give up things like the 1800 mile cruising range of the HDT, and the days of dry camping possible in the hauler with a 5kW genset and huge holding tanks. But I'm not ready to drop the coin on an equivalent Class A and DW says she would drive a C w/dinghy (vs the HDT she refused to even attempt).

I'm trying to get my planning groove going again and be ready for the next RV show we try as C shoppers (I'll guess it will be the next time they set up in Tampa).

A good place to start is the Class C Sub Forum

If it hasn't discussed it soon will be.....A lot of question and answers about a multitude of Class Cs and if you don't see it just ask they seem to be very good at telling you what they think..:W

Good luck in this new Quest.