To B or not to B

[Papa_O]

This is not so much a question. It is more the summary of a newbie's uncertain frame of mind. My brain has reached this point after seemingly endless research into the whys, and why nots, of class b motorhomes. At this point, analysis paralysis has taken over.

My wife and I are planning to buy a motorhome early in 2015. I have read, ad nauseam, the most important factors to consider when purchasing a motorhome. How you intend to use it always sits on top of the list. Having done that, we ARE clearly class B people.

Now the rub.

When I say that we have two motorhomes on our short list, specifically, the Roadtrek Adventurous and the LTV Serenity, seasoned RVers say I am comparing apples to oranges because the Roadtrek is a class B and the LTV is a B+.

As a newbie I see them as two viable alternatives for a class B couple. Admittedly one apparently more maneuverable than the other. The other with more room. Nonetheless, both still in the same ball game.

Having said that, can they really be so different, that I am comparing "apples to oranges"?

In conclusion, as I search my soul, I think we prefer the LTV Serenity for its balance of size and space.

Is this faulty thinking for a couple who would describe themselves as big city and scenic tourists and not so much as campers?

I apologize if this mindless babble offends or bores anybody. I think I need to step back from it all for a while.

[gerrym51]

GENECOP wrote:
As we sit here on a rainy day we are happy to have a little elbow room...my vote is for the Serenity....

gene-what type of rv do you have-I'd like a TARDIS myself

[gerrym51]

mileage is another factor. Width and height(more wind surface area) affects mileage more than length.

however my opinion on that is if your worried about mileage-don't buy any type of rv.:B

[GENECOP]

As we sit here on a rainy day we are happy to have a little elbow room...my vote is for the Serenity....

[gerrym51]

width and height are bigger factors than strictly length.

Roadtrek makes XL versions of 24 feet.

Have you looked Navions. similiar size

[Papa_O]

Shearwater. Thank you for your input. However, again I am drawn to your comment that my choice is a strange one.

The extended Adventurous, I believe is about 24 feet, approximately the same length as the Serenity. Yet again, it seems I am comparing apples to oranges.

I will have to believe, by those such as yourself, who know far more than I, that the seemingly marginal increase and width of the Serenity renders it a bad choice for city parking and maneuverability.

Thanks again for your input.

[stickdog]

I don't see any problem purchase what YOU want unless you want to join a group that wouldn't let you in without the "RIGHT" class and if so why would you want to join that group anyway?

[Handbasket]

Have you actually seen first-hand any B's (or small C's) first hand yet? I'm not talking about the specific model you're thinking about, but _any_. Seems to me that that's your next logical step. Get in with the SO, close the doors, sit and move around. Stay awhile.

Do be aware that a _lot_ of salesdroids will show you a 'B+'/C when you specifically ask if you can can see a Class B. Happened to me even before the 'B+' term was made up. Partly they don't know the difference, mostly they want you to buy what they have on the lot, right now. If you've got a smart phone, take it and do some on-the-spot research on whatever you're being shown.

Jim, "I tried to microwave instant coffee, and went back in time."

[Shearwater]

I second matt7591's suggestion of renting first.

If you want to drive through big cities you will find the Serenity to be cumbersome in terms of both length and width. Parking will be a problem - even parking garages will have height limits. Some cities will be extremely difficult - think San Francisco and maybe Boston.

Your comparison is rather strange - the Adventurous is built on the short Sprinter chassis. If you are concerned about space you should also consider Sprinters built on the longer chassis.

[gerrym51]

Papa O.

I also live in ma. and will be getting a b in first quarter of 2015.

It will be a Roadtrek 190.

The serenity is beautiful-ltv makes great vehicles-but an 8 foot wide vehicle is not a B.

width and height is the great conundrum more than length.

get what you want and be happy. you might rent a uhaul truck with similiar dimensions to the ltv and drive it around . if that seems ok then the ltv seems ok.

[matt7591]

The best answer is to rent a unit. A B+ is basically a small Class C so rent one from one of the rental places and see what you like and don't like.

Every motorhome - regardless of design - is a compromise of a number of different parameters.

You win if you identify which parameters are important to you and stay principled in your search to optimize those parameters.

Get what you will use, what will be easy to manage, and what will be affordable.

[Papa_O]

Thank you for responding. I believe I did post a related, but different comment. As I said, I think I need to step back from it all.

[Escargot]

Didn't you post this topic under a different title a week or so ago?
Maybe I'm confusing you with someone else.
Good luck with your decision.