Manufacturers or Models for full-timing.

[rollindownthero]

I have been researching Class A's for when I retire to full time in. People have said that there are some built for full timing, but then don't say which ones. So, are there manufacturers or models that are built more full timing rather than just vacationing in? If, so please let me know. I want gas rather than a DP. I am not planning on traveling that much. Will be buying a used one.

It is just myself so I am thinking around a 35' would be fine for me. I live in Florida and plan on staying there, moving maybe every 3 months or so. Any recommendations?

[dons2346]

super_camper wrote:

dons2346 wrote:
There is no difference between a "fulltimer" and a "non fulltimer" rv. The difference is the manufacturers warranties. Some mfgs will not honor a warranty if the rig is used full time and as such is stated in the warranty. Most say that the rv is made for "recreational" use only. You have to read the warranty.

I would like to know if there is any truth in this?

I was looking through RV's at the show including the documentation and warranty and did NOT find any references to this anywhere.

When you look at an RV at a show, all you are going to see is the standard 2 year, 24,000 mile type stuff. When you purchase the RV, that is when you see all of the documentation and the full warranty.

[super_camper]

dons2346 wrote:
There is no difference between a "fulltimer" and a "non fulltimer" rv. The difference is the manufacturers warranties. Some mfgs will not honor a warranty if the rig is used full time and as such is stated in the warranty. Most say that the rv is made for "recreational" use only. You have to read the warranty.

I would like to know if there is any truth in this?

I was looking through RV's at the show including the documentation and warranty and did NOT find any references to this anywhere.

[OhhWell]

Floor plan and type of appliances would be my first concerns. For me, I don't really care about the TV viewing angle as our coach is just for vacations. If I were full timing however, craning my head from the couch would get old real fast. The splendide combo washer/dryer in ours is nice and great to have on vacations but I would try for a stackable set in a fulltime rig. It's things like that that you have to think about. If I were full timing stationary, I could really care less what type of engine and chassis it has.

For full timing, I would want one with a residential 120v fridge for sure. I also would be prepared to keep up on water lines as they are not usually designed to be at full pressure year round.

[Ramair]

I have a Georgetown 378 and find it very roomy and comfortable for full timing. I have a couple of minor issues, which were corrected immediately, and the best advise I would give is find a exceptional dealer. That is the key IMO.

[DanTheRVMan]

prism wrote:

rollindowntheroad wrote:
OMG! I did not mean to start a world war over my question! I guess this website is useless. Just wanted a simple answer to what I thought was a simple question - quess not.

there is no war and how did u find this site useless?? If you read the posts there was a ton of Information given to you to consider
some I agree with and some I dont.My opinion is if u want a well built
unit that will last and will be roomy to live in,have upgrades such as better toilits and furnature,apliances in some cases,more options such as remote door locks,bigger bathrooms etc et. quite to drive in and Have enough power to hit the mountain passes go with a newer to new Diesel pusher
lots of late model and new to choose from. assuming your budget allows

There is no war. There are different perspectives.

I, like many, would like more and better stuff in my next MH also assuming my budget will still allow it.

But everyone here has different budgets now and different budgets during their life time.

I just tried to make a point that if you can not afford a MH loaded with great stuff in a tiffin, you would be mostly giving up the quality of the stuff in the MH not the quality of the build of the MH.

This is a different perspective than the poster above me. We may not agree perfectly with one another, but I respect his opinion and in no way view us or anyone else's comments here at war.

Thank god we all have differences, other wise when I went to buy ice cream there would only be one flavor to choose from. Differences of opinion can be a very good thing.

[rollindownthero]

I just looked up shows in the Tampa area this morning. I live about 25 miles from Lazy Days in Tampa and have made a couple trips over there. Thank you!

[Dale_Traveling]

Effy wrote:
Ok, back to the OP. Any manufacturer makes units that can be used for full timing. It's less about the brand and more about how you live in it. Floorplan, floorplan, floorplan,,,

Effy is spot on. Take your time and hit the shows. Floor plans generally are pretty static and even though the shows are new models you can get a feel for a coach then start looking for the same model or floor plan used. Big show in January at the fair grounds outside of Tampa. Good luck.

[prism]

rollindowntheroad wrote:
OMG! I did not mean to start a world war over my question! I guess this website is useless. Just wanted a simple answer to what I thought was a simple question - quess not.

there is no war and how did u find this site useless?? If you read the posts there was a ton of Information given to you to consider
some I agree with and some I dont.My opinion is if u want a well built
unit that will last and will be roomy to live in,have upgrades such as better toilits and furnature,apliances in some cases,more options such as remote door locks,bigger bathrooms etc et. quite to drive in and Have enough power to hit the mountain passes go with a newer to new Diesel pusher
lots of late model and new to choose from. assuming your budget allows

[wallynm]

Do not be discourage as some folks on this forum think that their opinion is the only opinion that has any validity. Like Congress they are always looking for fight. To my knowledge no model or company make a unit specifically for full timing. I have seen every size and vintage being used for full timing. I would chose one that has the size and accommodations I thought I wanted. I have friends that bought a used Tiffin that had some side wall problems well after the warranty was gone but was repair at the factory at no cost. Other companies IMHO may repair a significant structures issues after the warranty period.

rollindowntheroad wrote:
OMG! I did not mean to start a world war over my question! I guess this website is useless. Just wanted a simple answer to what I thought was a simple question - quess not.

[tderonne]

There was an RV designed exactly like what you are talking about. The CT Coachworks Siena. They had a few floorplans in the 35' to 40' range. It had residential appliances. Lots of storage.

One for sale

It was originaly known as the "Flounder". It got a lot of talk here at RV.net. Just search the forums....

[rollindownthero]

OMG! I did not mean to start a world war over my question! I guess this website is useless. Just wanted a simple answer to what I thought was a simple question - quess not.

[DanTheRVMan]

I am most familiar with tiffin so I will speak to that specifically

Quality differences between gas and DP are not that large.

Walls are the same, roof is the same, a lot of things are similar.

Built on same assembly line by the same people

DP rides better, get bigger generators, more space, nicer amenities, etc.

But quality of the mh does not vary a lot although quality of a specific component put into the mh may get better. for example ceramic vs plastic toilet and there are many other examples of better components as you spend more money.

But the build quality does not change much from gas to dp in the tiffin line.

[Effy]

Ok, back to the OP. Any manufacturer makes units that can be used for full timing. It's less about the brand and more about how you live in it. Floorplan, floorplan, floorplan. Just about every manufacturer also makes some iteration of the same floorplans. This is critical. Pick one you love and find the unit you like best with that floorplan. When looking at units, really spend a lot of time and visualize yourself living in it. Go through the motions of daily routine. Is the seating good for the TV, can you walk around the bed, is the kitchen conducive to cooking full time, do the slides encroach your outdoor living space, is the toilet comfortable (some leave your feet dangling), is the R value vs BTU of AC and heat a good level, dual pane windows, "good" cabinetry and finish, Stove, Refer, HW, What type of roof, etc etc. Most RVs are just that, recreational vehicles and not designed for the rigors of full time abuse. Many however are. Usually the more costly offerings with better finish and equipment. For the full timer this is no different than shopping for a home. Take your time, go to shows, get in and out of as many RV's as you can. ANd spend a lot of time on the critical details. For the casual RVer it's easy to overlook something that they can "live with". You can't because you will be living with it.

[prism]

dons2346 wrote:

prism wrote:

dons2346 wrote:

prism wrote:

dons2346 wrote:
There is no difference between a "fulltimer" and a "non fulltimer" rv. The difference is the manufacturers warranties. Some mfgs will not honor a warranty if the rig is used full time and as such is stated in the warranty. Most say that the rv is made for "recreational" use only. You have to read the warranty.

Looking at a RV built in the last 2-3 years there are defineatly Class A units that would be better for full timing as there made with better construction ideas +materials,better applinaces,better furnature,s Better electronics etc especially in the Diesel pushers models. however I have not heard or read where your warrenty is restricted based on number of days its in service? how could or would a manufacturer be able to secure and store that type of data?

What you are saying here is that the more expensive units are better constructed using more expensive materials. I do not disagree with this at all. What I am saying is that some manufacturers state in their warranty that the unit is warranted for recreational use only, not full time living. I thought nothing of it until a friend showed me his warranty where it was stated.

your friend has a 2013 diesel pusher via tiffin or newmar or entegra or winnebego or monaco or thor (one of these)and it says if you live in it full time there is no warrenty?Sorry i do not beleive that

Did I mention brand names? No Did I mention vintage? No

ok fair enough.I brought up 2013 because it would have warrenty and be reletive to the conversation Seeing as most warrentys are only good for one year and I brought up Diesel pusher because their usually of the best quality to live in full time(my opinion)
OK so what was the year make and model?
iam pretty pretty certain that none of the mentioned manufacturers refuse warrenty if you use the MH for full time use

[dons2346]

prism wrote:

dons2346 wrote:

prism wrote:

dons2346 wrote:
There is no difference between a "fulltimer" and a "non fulltimer" rv. The difference is the manufacturers warranties. Some mfgs will not honor a warranty if the rig is used full time and as such is stated in the warranty. Most say that the rv is made for "recreational" use only. You have to read the warranty.

Looking at a RV built in the last 2-3 years there are defineatly Class A units that would be better for full timing as there made with better construction ideas +materials,better applinaces,better furnature,s Better electronics etc especially in the Diesel pushers models. however I have not heard or read where your warrenty is restricted based on number of days its in service? how could or would a manufacturer be able to secure and store that type of data?

What you are saying here is that the more expensive units are better constructed using more expensive materials. I do not disagree with this at all. What I am saying is that some manufacturers state in their warranty that the unit is warranted for recreational use only, not full time living. I thought nothing of it until a friend showed me his warranty where it was stated.

your friend has a 2013 diesel pusher via tiffin or newmar or entegra or winnebego or monaco or thor (one of these)and it says if you live in it full time there is no warrenty?Sorry i do not beleive that

Did I mention brand names? No Did I mention vintage? No