My advice is to first be sure that you've done a bit of traveling on a road trip, and that you enjoy camping. (I'm pretty sure you have if you are looking at an RV). Sometimes people genuinely do not like RV'ing and are more homebodies than they think they are when they buy.
With that said, be sure to shop around a lot. $30-40k can get you a really nice gasser as well, that is much newer than a DP. Not putting one above the other, just saying...
Also consider if you've never had an RV before, that going into a DP is like jumping into a huge bus. Consider all the factors first. Think about tow vehicles, if you want to go around town etc. It can be tough getting around in a DP in town if you just want to run to get some dinner or see a museum.
Consider that each type of RV has its own benefits.
Small Travel trailers are easy to tow, and you get to drive around tow vehicles in town.
Large travel trailers are more roomy, tougher to tow, but you still have the tow vehicle to get around in.
Class C's are often large and often have a good overhead bunk for a large family. Easy bathroom access. Easy to sleep overnight in a parking lot if you want. Drives like a truck & low to the ground. Self contained with generator.
Class A's are often large too. Mostly the same benefits as the class C. Higher up and larger views.
DP's are just huge, tons of room, but also tougher to drive and get around town/corners etc.
My PERSONAL opinion (others differ)- I have 2 setups I like the best.
1) Small travel trailer such as a Casita. This would be perfect for an old couple (my wife & I plan on doing this later when the children are older). I like the idea of an easy towing camper that is simple to hook up. We are the type that "keep on the move" and do not hang around at campgrounds long. We go to a destination see the sights, and leave. We like to explore towns and use our tow vehicle.
2) Class C pulling a toad 4 down. I like this setup because in travel, it gives me the opportunity to "wallydock" (sleeping in a wal-mart parking lot or Sam's club). It's great because they are free and you have the store you will use right there. It is pretty simple to hook up a LIGHT toad 4 down. The C would be self contained and can hold family/children, and be roomy. Toad great for in town. But the EPIPHANY of this setup in my opinion, is that if for some reason your Class C breaks down, you have a toad to unhook and drive. That way if you are stuck in the middle of no where, you can get to a nearby town until things get sorted out. You won't feel stranded with children. Even though there is always Goodsam roadside or AAA, having a 2nd vehicle that drives while you are out in the boonies is mega security. You know if your RV has any major issues that you can always get to a hotel or something. You won't have to wait for some tow truck guy to bring your wife and children after he brought you to a shop etc., in an unfamiliar town.
For 2 people I like my option 1.
For a family, I like the option 2.
Of course that is my opinion on the matter. (Class A works well with option 2 in my opinion)
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on
Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
