This is my dream

[Bostonborn]

Hello All. This was my dream, up until 2013, when my ulnar nerve blew out on my left arm and everything was put on hold since then. Now it's my dream again, to buy a motor home, and live in it, and see this beautiful country again. I've lived in Canada, and six other states in my lifetime, seeking fame and fortune, chasing the big bucks, as a single man should. Then the big dig of Boston broke out, and I decided to stay put for a while. I'm a little older now (55), I'm basically retired now. Excuse the introduction this way. So any advice on the best floor plan on a Class A Diesel pusher? It's just me and 2 small dogs. I have been looking and doing my homework, as I'm a first time buyer. There's a lot I don't know, with out experience. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

[gonesouth]

The last one we bought was after a country wide tour, across I-10 to California, back through Arizona and Texas to Florida, then up the East Coast. By the end of the trip we were able to find what we wanted on E-bay, from a dealer in Pa. We saw about 50 dealers, and 50 private sellers, and it was worthwhile.

A lot of the frogs out there are just frogs, but there are some princes out there, too.

My best advice is that your motorhome needs to be better in quality than your house, so that you don't miss your favourite chair. The real reason for buying a DP is that it drives better......if yiu look hard at your choices in houses and cars it will saya lot about your wants and needs in a motorhome.

[hotjag1]

I have 2 sugestions...1) make sure the coach you like has a large inverter so you can use your microwave or coffee machine when not plugged in, or having to fire up the generator...2)even though there is only one of you, I would suggest getting one with slides. Someday there may be 2 of you.

[2lazy4U]

If it's just you and two dogs, a Class C should work fine. You'll get better mileage and can fit in more spaces, plus they're cheaper. I would get a used Born Free or Bigfoot with a four-season package.

[gbopp]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I think your best bet is to attend one of the larg RV shows and walk through many different floor plans until you find one that suits your needs better than any of the others. Choosing a floor plan is very subjective and it is the one thing that you must live with 24/7.

X2. Look at everything, including Class C. See what you like best. Don't be in a hurry to buy, ask lots of questions and take your time.
There is a lot to learn but, it's all fun stuff.
Enjoy your search and eventual travels. It's a great way to see the country.

[coolmom42]

Some tips:

*Make sure you are comfortable in the bathroom & bed, in terms of size. If you are tall or large, that is not a given.
*Actually sit on the furniture (although that is easily replaced.)
*Make sure there is a spot to do your indoor hobbies, whatever they might be. You might need a place for a PC workstation, or just for a laptop. Make sure there is a good TV viewing position.
*If you find a RV with slides that you like, make sure all the space can be accessed without putting any of the slides out. Important for a quick stop. For just one person, I would look for a RV with NO slides.
*Get an inspection!!! From a certified RVIA inspector. As a newbie there are things you just don't know to look for.
*Have an emergency fund for repairs, and an ongoing fund for minor changes/upgrades.

[Gjac]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Depreciation is a killer. I'd look at a five year old unit. I'd not limit myself to diesel.

Do you know your camping "style"? For example I boondock and urban dock over 80% of the time, so I want my RV to behave as if it is plugged into "shore power" all the time. That would be an almost useless feature for someone who only stays in RV parks.

Don gave you some good advice. First figure out how you will use the MH. Will you be a traveler going from spot to spot across the country or a camper staying in one spot for a while. Do you want to stay in KOA type camp grounds with full hookups or more remote campgrounds with no facilities. Also if you state what you like to do like fishing, hiking, general sight seeing etc., that will help determine the MH that will best suit your needs. Everyone on here thinks differently and they will give advice based on how they camp.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Depreciation is a killer. I'd look at a five year old unit. I'd not limit myself to diesel.

Do you know your camping "style"? For example I boondock and urban dock over 80% of the time, so I want my RV to behave as if it is plugged into "shore power" all the time. That would be an almost useless feature for someone who only stays in RV parks.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

I might suggest along with visiting RV shows, you might attend an Escapees RV Club RV Boot Camp . This camp is aimed at people new to the RV life style. They fill up quick so check it out soon.

Since I see you are from Maine, this summer's Escapade is in Essex Junction Vermont. Check it out.

[Mr_Mark1]

donn0128 wrote:
Dreams have a way of turning into nightmares. Never ever buy new as a first timer. If that dream does fall apart soon after you could find yourself losing a lot of cash when you try to sell. Besides, very few people make the right choice the first time. You do also know that a MH is the number one most expensive RV there is.

Don, I would never say 'never buy one new' the first time.

We bought new on the first one. But, we rented three times before purchase. I read everything that I could get my hands on for 3 yrs. I subscribed to Motorhome magazine and the addiction was cemented! LOL!

I felt very comfortable in making the right decision and felt like I made a good first purchase.

Kept the first new one for 7.5 yrs. and went new again for the second one.

MM.

[donn0128]

Dreams have a way of turning into nightmares. Never ever buy new as a first timer. If that dream does fall apart soon after you could find yourself losing a lot of cash when you try to sell. Besides, very few people make the right choice the first time. You do also know that a MH is the number one most expensive RV there is.

[Bzeitham]

Consider a B+ such as the Concord 275 or 300. A lot of space and easier to handle.

[Parallel_Lines]

I'm about your age and just purchased my first motorhome. I bought a good quality older motorhome so that I could learn the ropes. If I like it as much as I think I will I may buy a newer, nicer one someday. Good luck on your adventure.

[Busskipper]

Bostonborn wrote:
Yes I am very mechanical inclined. I was looking at pic'so of other rv floor plans,there mostly set up for 4 or more people. I could do a little remodeling if need be. That's NP. I'm trying to keep modification down to a minimum. Any reputable sites were first time buyers look in my $ range?

PPL just to look take your time maybe a gas unit smaller to see it it works. If it's just you and the two bud's you might look into a "B" as a great unit to just drive, really different with just ONE.

You got the Class "A" thing wrong;
6-20 for Cocktails
4 for Dinner (maybe outside a few more)
but - SLEEPS TWO!!!!!!!!

Enjoy the search and this is the right site to get your info from.

BOL,

[bitubo]

pplmotorhomes.com. have rigs of all types.