I'm in the process of researching my next motorhome. My first and current rig is a 19' 1996 Freedom Wide Leisure Travel that I've had for 3 years. I've learned a lot replacing and fixing... it now runs great but still lacks the essentials I require i.e. a better more usable shower / bathroom, better road handling esp for little twisty mountain roads and dirt roads and most importantly improved insulation to keep my dogs comfortable.
I need a balanced vehicle for my mixed uses: 1) will be attending dog shows so need some way to store/haul crates and exercise pens. . . the dogs don't need a lot of room inside. 2) I plan to travel a lot doing long mileage trips which will include frequent boondocking (am not planning on planting anywhere for long periods of time and will only be carrying a bicycle, no toad) 3) as mentioned above I enjoy the back-roads and sometimes dirt roads and I tend to drive fast when I'm on long "boring" stretches of highways. 4) I've been traveling alone with my dogs but would like a way to occasionally have an extra bed of some sort for those times when someone asks to go with.
In addition to the above after driving my '96 Dodge van based RV to which I've added rear stabilizers, front stabilizers, wheel spacers etc etc... I crave good road handing and decent gas mileage so have been focusing on the diesel sprinters with dual rears. Am curious about the new road stabilization feature and wondering if it's worth waiting for this and/or what years are best... after 2013 or anything over 2008?
I'd like to stay under 24 feet, under 23 feet even better which is where my dilemma starts. At the big Southern Cal RV show last year I fell in love with the Leisure Travel Serenity which is closer to 25'. I loved the wider aisle, the stand up shower and the extra bed. But it's longer than I'd wanted, has only one entry door (I have a bunch of dogs) and as I understand it will need aftermarket stabilization so not the best choice.....
Also liked the Great West Legend on the regular (non extended chassis)with couch that moves forward for storage, and the Pleasure Way Front Lounge or Twin Bed. On Roadtreks I loved the boon-docking features. Others I'm considering 20' to 23' Leisure Travel and Airstream. I did not like the Era or the View (Class C) I've yet to see the new Traveto. I can't afford the fancier customized B's / B+ as they are way over 100K even with discounts.
I don't need new but will consider new at the RV show where they drop the price... am wondering what year Diesel Sprinters added self-stabilization features or is that still to come, is it worth it? I've heard Ford motorhomes provide better handling but because of the long miles ahead, not thrilled with the gas mileage.
Looking for feedback on road handling, storage, boon-docking, dirt roads, insulation, comfort of the cabin, usability of the shower, comfort for long solo driving, insulation... are there others I should consider? Years? They can be hard to find... Thanks. Jamie
