Full timing rig; the search continues

Like those morons who set the cruise, get up and make a sandwich, thinking Cruise Control is the same as Auto Pilot :S.

We also recline and sleep on long trips, which is also unadvised.

Most of us do it anyway. About the same as walking down an airplane aisle while in flight - hold on to furniture, countertops, etc along the way (and don't dawdle if you're back in the loo).

Getting up and changing drivers without stopping....now THAT'S unsafe and ill-advised ;)

One thing you've mentioned is being able to get up and walk around in the motorhome. That really is not advised. It is not safe.

norfla71 wrote:

It's bad enough being on the road for hours on end, without having to extend it due to a bad decision.

Reading this statement on your post confuses me.

If you and your wife do not like traveliing, why would you consider fulltiming? Just a thought.

JMO... We gladly gave up some closet space to have a w/d, but there are plenty of fulltimers who use a laundry mat without any issues.

Good luck with your decision. Hope it all works out for you, since needs and desires will change a whole lot over the next 5-10 years.

Maintenance will be an issue, as most parks tend to frown on changing oil and other fluids in the sites. :h :B Having dealt with this CW for maintenance, I can say Ibroadin is on the money, if not a little low, for prices (gasser oil change was almost $100, but that also included a full mechanical inspection and tire rotation). In comparison, Dodge wanted $120 to change the oil in my ram (12qts + filter) and that's just for the oil and filter (no other services provided). However, a couple of local big rig shops have special RV pricing for the service; it's all a matter of investigation to find the best deal.

Privacy is the last concern; the kids needs someplace to sleep, eat and keep their stuff. This is similar to being deployed on USS Whatever (did it for 20 years); we're all stuck in one place, and have to deal with the close quarters. We'll either be able to cope, or look like a Simpsons episode where Homer chokes out Bart. :W

Price for a new coach is a loosing proposition; only true wealth can afford that kind of depreciation and payment for the loan term. Not saying I haven't thought about it, or drooled over one. However, we're not 100% about anything over the next 20 years, but have narrowed down our choice to a pusher; we're going to be pulling an Enclave sized vehicle, and that's too heavy to be taxing a gasser anything. The next issue will be finding the right floor plan and cost. Thankfully, we have time; we rushed into our TH fiver and have regretted it since.

You're a tad high on the price of an oil change. Had one done a couple months ago at Freightliner on our DP (450hp Cummins) and it was $125 and change for 23 quarts of oil and a filter. $46 of that was for the filter.

The OP mentioned that he's set on a used coach because he wan't to avoid all the "emissions garbage" (DPF, DEF, EGR). You're right: The bugs will (hopefully) have been already worked out.

We wrestled with the same issues. Gas vs Diesel. We opted for gas because of the long-term expenses. $80 for an oil change in a gas powered beats $250 for a diesel oil change any day plus you don't have to find that "special" garage to have it done. Heck, even in the valley, Joe the mechanic can change oil(makes me think that even I can do this). There is a BH model in both diesel and gas models. With or without washer/dryer is a personal option. We opted not to have one as we wanted the storage space. The last issue is if you want used or new. There is good and bad in both. Used have all of the bugs worked out but unless you know the history, you could be buying a "pig in the pole". However, we bought new and are still returning the MH to the dealer to fix the "bugs". Best advice is read, look, listen, look, look and then look again.

I'm sure the OP knows his kids well enough to make that call, Friend. Good luck with the sale of your book and your RV inspection service.

You haven't said the ages and sex of the kids. I assume they are the same sex. I am confused why they would be sleeping in the main cabin. Kids need their own space especially when they get older. If nothing more than for privacy.

Both of those units are nice. It seems you have looked into quite a bit. In my book Finding the Perfect RV, I discuss some things you might want to consider (if you haven't already). Your needs are going to change when you go from weekend camping to full timing and from a family of four to just the two of you. Clothing, food, cooking, travel, length of stays and even maintenance time will all change. Which are some of the reasons people change rigs so often. It might be better to purchase on older unit now (and save depreciation as well as gain experience on what you need vs want vs would be nice to have).

Best of luck, full-timing is great.

There used to be several online; all I can find now is a Super Duty shooting fire out of the tip.

Deleted; all emissions garbage removed. Had I left it on the turbo would have gone sooner; the soot destroyed the bushings, which seized the vanes in the open position - no low end power. Other issues with the were injectors, sensors and other emissions equipment.