Advice Needed: Class A for a large family

Kjmedwards: We were faced with similar dilemma. We have 5 kids (4 boys and one girl) still at home (plus my oldest son and his wife living in a different state). We ended up purchasing a new 3920 Newmar Canyon Star toyhauler RV with optional queen bunks in garage. Our configuration gives us 4 queen beds and with dinette in sleeping position will allow us to sleep 9 comfortably or 10 if 2 sleep on dinette/bed. I also purchased a “toyhauler tent” that mounts on the back ramp giving us an additional sleeping space (air mattresses on the back ramp parallel to ground). Our tow vehicle is our Sienna Van, however we have to tow that on our trailer (an ultra lightweight all aluminum trailer)… We would prefer to tow 4 down, but the Sienna VAN is not designed for that. I was a little concerned with added weight and performance in hills of PA. The v10 is a pretty good engine and I do not see much of a performance difference towing or not towing. Either way the 40ft motorhome is somewhat a “dog” in the hills but performs wonderful on the level. NOTE: With engine/tranny tow mode you get additional engine brake on downhill. (I actually prefer towing the trailer as the additional braking from the trailer comes in handy as coach is pretty heavy). Don’t expect to win any races in the hills and don’t expect to be able to get past many gas pumps but with 80 gals you can go 600 miles on a tank. Our kids all have had wonderful memories of cross country journeys and we feel the experience of RV travel has made them more “Worldly”… All in all a very worthwhile rewarding experience… best of luck in your journey.