Jul-29-2018 08:07 AM
Aug-02-2018 12:29 PM
Aug-02-2018 12:09 PM
4x4van wrote:
Working on the engine of a Ford class C is a nightmare; there is absolutely no easy access to anything, and it's all packed tightly into an extremely narrow space between the seats and under the dash. Opening the hood allows you to "see" the front of the engine (sort of). Opening the doghouse allows you access to only the back half of the engine. Neither actually gives you elbow room to do anything, especially on the front/sides of the engine.
Jul-31-2018 04:27 PM
Jul-31-2018 07:36 AM
Jul-31-2018 07:24 AM
Jul-30-2018 07:52 AM
Jul-30-2018 07:21 AM
Jul-29-2018 08:42 PM
pnichols wrote:
When we have to leave our dog in her playpen in the RV in warm temperatures in a non-hookup situation, we leave with the built-in generator and roof air conditioner running ... while at the same time FOR SAFETY BACKUP (in case the generator should ever quit while we're gone - it did once) ... we also leave a powerful 12 volt fan set on high blowing directly at the dog's playpen. In moderate temperatures we leave the front/rear roof vents open with the front vent's built-in fan drawing air from the rear vent through the full length of the motorhome.
We feel that this is a simple arrangement not relying too much on technology.
Jul-29-2018 07:44 PM
Jul-29-2018 04:57 PM
SidecarFlip wrote:
One thing I've learned (the hard way I might add) is, the more convenience and 'automatic' features any RV has, the more they break down as the acquire some age and the more it costs to get in fixed.
My latest one (I've had 5) is simple.
Convenience and automatic stuff is nice when new. Then it gets to be an issue.
Jul-29-2018 04:54 PM
Jul-29-2018 02:35 PM
SidecarFlip wrote:
One thing I've learned (the hard way I might add) is, the more convenience and 'automatic' features any RV has, the more they break down as the acquire some age and the more it costs to get in fixed.
My latest one (I've had 5) is simple.
Convenience and automatic stuff is nice when new. Then it gets to be an issue.
Jul-29-2018 02:19 PM
Rick Jay wrote:
6ofus,
Are there really going to be 6 of you travelling? If so, most likely you will exceed the chassis weight limits for either of those rigs. If you're OK, with that, fine. Some are, some aren't. Most of my comments and suggestions below are based upon the assumption there will be 6 of you travelling, 4 of them between 1 & 18ish.
I WOULD NOT recommend the TV over the counter as there will be times (assuming you have kids, or perhaps even your spouse) where someone will be wanting to watch the TV while meal preparation is being done.
In my opinion, outdoor kitchens add weight and use up valuable storage space, but to each their own on that. I've just never seen the point.
As for the generator, there are options out there. I believe there are some which you can even monitor via your smart phone, assuming you have wifi where the rig is parked. If the power goes out, it'll alert you and you can send a signal to start the generator. In fact, I'm pretty sure there are some which use the cellular network, assuming you're in an area with cell service. I'm sure there are also temperature cued remotes that can automatically kick in the generator if the temperature inside the rig gets too warm. I'm assuming you want this feature because you have pets? We travel with 2 dogs. If we're in a campground, I have the front A/C set at a lower temp than the rear, so if either A/C fails, the other will kick in. I also keep the roof vent open a bit with the fan exhausting the warm air. Not as good as A/C, but should keep the interior livable should there be a power failure.
If there are 6 of you, you're in a similar situation we were when we started looking for our "ideal RV" back in 2002. In 2004, after exhaustively checking out just about every option starting with small hybrids to tow behind our Odyssey, we ended up with our dual sofa gas class A in our signature towing the Odyssey. We looked at just about every option in-between as well. After 14+ years and counting, and it's STILL the best floorplan we've found for the way we use our rig. Our youngest child had just turned 1 when we bought it. The class C's, like you're looking at now, did not have the weight carrying capacity I figured we'd need for our family. Before we purchased I estimated about 2,500 lbs. of food, people, pets, water & stuff, and when I roll over the scales, that's just about where we weigh in. The large, dual slide E-450 units can't handle that much weight without exceeding their chassis limits.
If you're buying used and want a rig with that type of floorplan, I highly suggest you look at rigs a few years older like the Jayco Seneca's. They'll be pricier, but will most likely be able to safely handle the weight you need to carry.
My best advice, though, is not to rush into anything. Buying the wrong RV can be costly as you play the "trade up" game. Do your research before you buy and get the right rig the first time.
Good Luck,
~Rick
Jul-29-2018 10:31 AM