New to the RV World with a Question

[jvcouch]

I have never owned or traveled in an RV so I am a COMPLETE NOVICE. However, as I am now retired and would like to travel with a friend and our little dog and since airplane travel is becoming more of a chore we have been looking at RVs at two dealers - Lazy Days and Camping World. At this point, we have narrowed the possibilities to the following - Winnebago Fuse 23T and the Thor Freedom Elite 26HE (possibly the 23H). There is a fair difference in final price between the Winnebago and the Thors and, as one would expect, pros and cons for both. If anyone in this forum would like to give us newbies some sage advice we would be most grateful. Just a note - we do not plan on taking long trips but rather use the RV for one to two week long excursions. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[RckyMtnVia]

jv, you may want to get an online quote from Trans West, CW in Longmont and others. Also look at RV Online to see the lowest prices from dealers across the country. The lowest price for a new Fuse is $83,690. Here is the link: RV Trader
You can use these quotes to negotiate with LazyDays and maybe save a few dollars. We bought our Via from Lichtsinn in Iowa and had warranty service done at Trans West in Frederick with no problems.

[OLYLEN]

Spend a couple hours just sitting in the RV and see if it gets cramped, it most likely wont but also think about preparing meals and storage of what ever toys or hobbies you might bring along. I would disagree on the gen fuel and go with gas not propane. If you will want to boondock in hot or cold times the gas gen will run for days the propane hours. Try the bed out for comfort, both access and bedding time, a topped or different mattress is cheaper now.

LEN

[jvcouch]

THANKS to all of you who responded to my question with great advice. As we entered this RV world I am sure I will have more questions and as time passes perhaps some answers to assist other newbies to this exciting new adventure. Thanks again.

PS to RckyMtnVia – we do live in Colorado … Windsor to be exact and I did look at the online inventory of TransWest but I think we are going to purchase the 2107 Winnebago Fuse from LazyDays in Loveland which is about 5 miles from our house.

[RckyMtnVia]

I see that you are in Colorado, but not sure where in Colorado. In the Denver area I have found that TransWest in Frederick has a great selection of rvs and their after sale service is excellent. Like others said, try a number of dealers, and look at all the models you can. Eventually, a floor plan will stand out and that will be the one. Another tip is to stand in the kitchen and living area and figure out where you will store things and how you can utilize the space. Same for the bedroom and don't forget outside storage which can be critical for things like folding chairs, bbq, tools, extra food and water etc. In my opinion, Winnebago is better build quality than Thor, but also look at other class C models: Jayco, Fleetwood etc.

[DrewE]

I would strongly suggest that you rent a motorhome for a trip before buying one, particularly a new one. Doing so will help in several ways: you'll have a better idea of what to expect for living and driving experiences, and you will have a much better idea of some of the features you want or don't want. If for some reason you find that RVing isn't your cup of tea, you will have spent a lot less money to find that out.

[tatest]

You should expand your shopping to more than a single dealer's inventory, to get a better idea of the variety of living arrangements. Living arrangements, how well they work (or don't work) for the buyer are more important than who makes the RV.

Folks who find the RV not livable are the ones who keep trading for something that works better, sometimes never finding exactly the right one. Folks who find an RV that they can live in might keep the same one for 10 years or more, and keep using it. When they go to RV shows to look at what is new, most often the reaction is "nothing I've seen works any better than what I have."

That's the place you want to be with the first RV. Don't rush the shopping, we took about 15 months of visiting very large RV shows and looking at the stock of many dealers to find the RV that worked for us. I have friends who are on their 4th RV in ten years and they are still shopping for something that might work better.

[Bordercollie]

In 2004, we finally settled on a 27 foot Class C with rear bedroom and RV queen sized bed that is crosswise with left side against rear wall, access at the foot and right side. There is the usual overhead bed/storage and dinette that converts into a bed. There are a few Class C's that have beds mounted fore and aft with access on both sides some with a small slide to make room on the sides.
That layout might be more desirable i.e., easier access and easier to make. The overhead bed and convertible dinette beds are not comfortable for most adults with arthritis, therefore I would advise against 22-24 foot long rigs.
There's a lot more to know about Class C RV's including choice of roof material, Tires, brakes, cooling system, buying used vs new, the 12 volt electrical system, RV generators, operation of air conditioner and furnace, etc., etc. Owning , maintaining and using an RV is expensive, and requires effort either DIY or payed for at $100 per hour. Take your time and learn as much as you can to decide if you really want to get into RV'ing, what length/floor plan, brand and model you will want, etc.,etc. It's more like owning a cabin cruiser or small yacht than an SUV.

[Old_Crows]

Welcome! More research. Your probably in the ball park w/ a 23-26' Class C as a first purchase. It will be easier to learn, use & drive. Operating costs will be kinder, especially with the newer Ford, Dodge, or Sprinter chassis vs a V-10 gasser.

Now...look at the floor plans. Find some that are appealing and meet your needs. THEN, find one and take a walk through. Open doors, drawers, beds, shower, lav. Walk through how you expect to use it by pretending to wash the dishes, cook a meal, make coffee... take a shower, set up/break down the bed. Watch TV. Some designs look great on paper but are a big fat pain when you try to use it. Headroom OK? The bedroom set up is REAL important.....

Construction and assembly ... RVs are a box and almost all the parts are thrown in. Some re-assembly is required. Quality varies even within the same model by the same mfgr. Open the drawers. Dig into the cabinets. Dig deep into the compartments. Do things fit well? Any broken wood structure? Missing screws, bolts, small bits? Does the wall paper match patterns? Upholstery stitching perfect and true? You get the idea. Its in the details.

Sit in the cab awhile. You spend a hell of a lot of time there. Its got to be comfortable and the HVAC first class (cabs are like green houses!!) Seats perfect for a long sit? Controls handy & easy to use? Can you easily slip from the cab to the coach? Or, do you have to climb over, around, through a "dog house" between the seats???? Is it QUIET when running on the road and ideling?????

Does the coach AC cool adequately and distribute air well. Is it QUIET???? If ducted..do all the ducts work?

Generators come in flavors: gas, diesel or LP. For your proposed use an LP is likely the best choice.

IMPORTANT: On the driver's door sill is a data plate. You want to know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, towing rating, & Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. On the passenger side door or sill is the Occupant & Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC). OCCC is how much the RV can carry (people, water, cargo). WHY????
You want a pretty big OCCC. Big as you can...RVer's take a lot of "stuff" and you dont want to be overloaded.

Then, you start looking at interior/exterior materials, colors, and the like.

We bought our second RV at CW. We didn't get a "deal". We got a fair price on a Sprinter based 4 Winds Ventura class B. The AC sucked here in Texas heat and sun. They replaced without charge with a larger unit. No fuss. Our next was from the local Winne dealer. Again, a good experience. It's all about how you approach things.

[jcsb]

Some things that we considered important.

An island bed. Climbing over each other is a pain.

Check it out with the slide(s) closed. What can you NOT access with the slide(s) closed.

We did not get a cab over bed, did not want one.

We would recommend that each of you drive it just to see if each can should the other not be able to.

A little jingle a long time RVer friend told us. Any RV should be able to handle cocktails for 6, Dinner for 4, but sleep 2.

[Dick_B]

Being new I'd recommend much more research. Unless there is a time crunch it might take a year to determine what rig is best for your anticipated RV lifestyle.
Visit several dealers if possible. Visit campgrounds in your area and ask the owners what they DON'T like about their rig. Everyone will tell you how great their rig is but sometimes it's just to try to get you to buy the same thing to justify their purchase.

[pedally]

It's just me, but I would stay away from the slide out kitchens. I would prefer the galley on the frame, although they offer the fridge on the frame. I'm like you, just shopping around but I don't think a Thor suits me (But I currently have my eye on the Thor freedom elite 29fe for the outdoor kitchen.) I leaning towards a Jayco Redhawk or a Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB but there are plenty more out there. I have plenty of time before retirement to check quite a few.

Life is a journey, not a destination

[darsben1]

I am not a fan of CW I believe that they will tell you anything but give you much less.
Wherever you buy you should be at about 30% off list if a 2017 more if 2016.
YOU NEED to do a complete inspection of the rig (even if brand new) before paying. After they have your money your rig will sit for a long time for repair. If you cannot inspect the unit yourself hire a mobile RV mechanic to look at the rig.
DO NOT BELIEVE THE SALESMAN THAT they do a PDI they may or they may not.
Also negotiate an out he door price with no add-ons except for actual plate and title fees.
I would be looking at right around $68,500 out the door NO ADD-ONS.
Dealers will try to add on all sorts of BS items. SAY NO!

They need you you do not need them

[DutchmenSport]

Welcome to the Forums and good luck in your search. I am hesitant to say this, but you really need to spend time reading in the Camping World Accessories, Camping World Service, and the Camping World Sales forums on this site. It's better to be aware of the pros and cons of working with Camping World from the beginning. This is their forum web site, but the posts are there for you to read and educate yourself before jumping in.