New to RV world, starting to shop.

TahoeDreaming wrote:
Good day everyone!

My wife and I had an opportunity to rent a small RV a few weeks ago to try it out. We really had a nice time. We had rented a Winnebago View (Mercedes Sprinter) and found it to be maneuverable and with good power. We stopped by a few local dealers in the area to look at a slightly different model, the VIA (small class A sprinter), but both locations were politely steering us towards a traditional class A gas model. In comparing the RV/Dollar, we agree that the Gas chassis is a good option.

I am researching and learning, but would certainly appreciate any perspective from experienced owners. Some bullets below;

• We are both in our 40's and plan to keep the RV until retirement age, at that point we would consider more of a full time unit
• We enjoy an RV that won't run into problems getting into smaller campsites around Tahoe and Northern CA, one salesman recommended we stay under 32 feet
• We will mostly be going as a couple. Occasionally we will have teenage children with us
• Diesel pushers are awesome, but at this point, don't believe the additional cost of purchase and operation makes sense. Post retirement, with longer trips, absolutely
• Living in Nevada, we would not pay any sales tax on a private sale on a used unit. A new or used RV dealer purchase would have 7.8% (a significant sum) and we can't fully claim the sales tax deduction (if extended to 2015) due to income

Would love any advice from the forum with regard to model/size/used vs. new

With your first statement and considering that retirement could be 10 - 20yrs away, I'd go with a used upper end gas model, not spending a lot of money and with the thought of another used one or two before retirement. By that time, you'll be well versed in what you really want, without spending for costly lessons along the way.