Wife and I are starting to F/T RV life in spring 2020 and are looking to go ahead and get the rig now so we can play around, customize, and learn how to use it and drive it on some short weekend trips. In the backpack community, we call these "shakedown" hikes. :)This will be our first RV. It will be the two of us humans plus two canines (one large one small). We are avid tent campers so we plan to do a good bit of boondocking/off grid/off-road camping. I'm thinking BLM,National Forest, and state maintained campgrounds. (Perhaps after the first month or so, when I learn better what I'm doing)Our short search has pulled us toward a late model, pre-owned unit to save $$$, but still have modern conveniences. The model we like best now is a 2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25KS for these reasons:-4800 UVW-higher quality finishes/build(?)-large water tanks-2 entry doors-walk around queen bed (or murphy option)- ability to access the unit with the slide closed-small slide-solar charge point-not too large of a rig (??) for first time RV driver, but large enough to be comfortable- Used units in great condition can be found for less than $20,000 -3+ season comfort (so says the salesman)That's not all, but you get the idea. I'm not seeing much opinion about the MicroLites- anyone else have any experience with them? What else should I be considering? Any other brands you recommend? BTW, we are in the Southeast USA. Also, we will be using a 2016 Ford F-150 V6 4X4 Lariat as our vehicle (11,500 tow cap).Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

The solar port will not support a very large solar array , but that would not be a deal killer ! Myself , having two doors would not appeal to me , just takes up space for something useful . Staying small is correct , we went from 38 feet down to 20 feet and love the ability to drive like we are in a sports car . Walk around bed is what I would want , we pull over and take a nap , no hassle ! Water tanks will not be large enuff no matter how large for boon docking , we carry a 35 gallon tank in bed of PU. Good Luck

any brand new/used if it has water stains? run no matter what. a very little stain could mean a huge rot area you can,t see. me I like buying used, just my opinion private sellers are more honest than a dealer sales person looking for a check. whats a salesmen know about a rv that was just traded in?? look long and hard when you find the one hire a rv mobil tech to check it out. they,ll give you there opinion of the rv. little cost but money well spent.

One caveat told to me by fulltiming friends when we first started was that your first RV will not be your last. Things are never the way you think that they will be. What I thought I would enjoy/hate didn't hold up in several cases. Not enough to dump what I had, but enough that when the new wore off, I didn't hesitate to go get another RV that was more in line with my needs.Just think it thru thoroughly and pick what best seems to suit your needs- everyone is different. Pay particular attention to floorplan and how you envision yourself using the space. And WELCOME to the community!

I've got the Rockwood 2511S which is pretty much the same as the Flagstaff version. (Still made by Forest River).I tow it with a 13 F150 and it does it well, but would not want to haul anymore with it.I don't full time by any means, but I think I could with this rig. Everyone looks for something different in floor plans, and if the 25KS works for you, then I don't think you'll go wrong with it.I only have 2 trips under my belt with my Rockwood, but so looking forward to 2020 camping season!Good luck!Mitch

“so Also, we will be using a 2016 Ford F-150 V6 4X4 Lariat as our vehicle (11,500 tow cap).”What’s the truck’s payload? Probably be enough but PL is a better number for towing capacity after you subtract all the stuff and people in the truck. “says the salesman” Disregard all the salesperson says.As WanderingBob says, two doors are not necessary IMO, and takes lots of space.

Purchasing First RV- would like some advice... | Good Sam Community

ExxWhy
Explorer
Dec 25, 2019
Which V6 do you have in that truck? If it is the base non turbo, you don't have that high of a tow rating.
Dick_B
Explorer
Dec 25, 2019
Spend enough time in the rig to pretend you are going on a trip and how the layout would work for you when stopping at a Rest Area, for example. Can you use the Galley and the Potti without opening slides? Just my $.03 adjusted for inflation.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 25, 2019
Look for water leaks.

Look HARDER for water leaks.

LOOK EVEN HARDER FOR WATER LEAKS.

Add a 600 watt solar charging system and an appropriate battery bank. That may eliminate running a generator except for operating the roof air conditioner.

This link may help:

https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2019
“so Also, we will be using a 2016 Ford F-150 V6 4X4 Lariat as our vehicle (11,500 tow cap).”
What’s the truck’s payload? Probably be enough but PL is a better number for towing capacity after you subtract all the stuff and people in the truck.

“says the salesman” Disregard all the salesperson says.

As WanderingBob says, two doors are not necessary IMO, and takes lots of space.
MitchF150
Explorer III
Dec 24, 2019
I've got the Rockwood 2511S which is pretty much the same as the Flagstaff version. (Still made by Forest River).

I tow it with a 13 F150 and it does it well, but would not want to haul anymore with it.

I don't full time by any means, but I think I could with this rig. Everyone looks for something different in floor plans, and if the 25KS works for you, then I don't think you'll go wrong with it.

I only have 2 trips under my belt with my Rockwood, but so looking forward to 2020 camping season!

Good luck!

Mitch
CFerguson
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2019
One caveat told to me by fulltiming friends when we first started was that your first RV will not be your last. Things are never the way you think that they will be. What I thought I would enjoy/hate didn't hold up in several cases. Not enough to dump what I had, but enough that when the new wore off, I didn't hesitate to go get another RV that was more in line with my needs.

Just think it thru thoroughly and pick what best seems to suit your needs- everyone is different. Pay particular attention to floorplan and how you envision yourself using the space.

And WELCOME to the community!
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2019
any brand new/used if it has water stains? run no matter what. a very little stain could mean a huge rot area you can,t see. me I like buying used, just my opinion private sellers are more honest than a dealer sales person looking for a check. whats a salesmen know about a rv that was just traded in?? look long and hard when you find the one hire a rv mobil tech to check it out. they,ll give you there opinion of the rv. little cost but money well spent.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2019
The solar port will not support a very large solar array , but that would not be a deal killer !
Myself , having two doors would not appeal to me , just takes up space for something useful .
Staying small is correct , we went from 38 feet down to 20 feet and love the ability to drive like we are in a sports car .
Walk around bed is what I would want , we pull over and take a nap , no hassle !
Water tanks will not be large enuff no matter how large for boon docking , we carry a 35 gallon tank in bed of PU.
Good Luck

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Purchasing First RV- would like some advice...

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