Manufacturers of Class A's

Newmar is one of the few builders that will give the R values for the insulation in their MHs. We have stayed in colder than we should be out in and also hotter than we normally like and have been comfortable in all conditions. Newmar's AC ducting system is the quietest I have ever heard in any RV, even at 100F.

Winnebagos are well designed and the build quality is generally as good as any others.

They do things like provide downloadable on-line wiring, plumbing diagrams, and sealant call outs.

They are not advertised as four season units but furnace heat is ducted into the enclosed compartment containing all of the tanks.

I have not seen any motor home I would want to spend a harsh winter in.

Due to family emergencies we have spent several weeks in CO in temps that got down to the teens at night and only up to the 20s in the daytime. We used a heated water hose and a small heater in the service bay and had no problems.

So what manufacturer's should I be looking at for full timing? So far in my research I have looked at the Newmar's and Tiffin.

As 2gypsises pointed out, Newmar makes a quality coach and would be a good brand to consider.

I would strongly urge you to give priority to the CCC (cargo capacity or total weight of stuff you can add) since the higher the figure, generally the better the chassis and the coach. A better quality coach will have better insulation to make cooling/heating easier, and better quality of materials which should hold up better in constant use.

What I've gleaned from reading on the forums is you might want to look at the CCC if you're going to fulltime as you'll be carrying all of your worldly possessions and don't want to get overloaded. I know people fulltime in all sorts of RVs, but I would imagine being able to carry more and tow more weight helps.

Hi:

Yes, there are manufacturers that let you know in the owner's manual that they are not intended for full-time occupancy. Usually they are like ours - entry level, lower priced units. We usually camp 60-75 nights a year, including well into the late fall and out again in early spring, so this is just right for us.

As an earlier post mentioned, there are brands that people full-time in that are quite comfortable. We are planning on moving up as we get closer to retirement - we just hit 50, so we have a few years to work yet!

Elizabeth

4-season RVs: typically RVers doesn't spend the harsh dead-of-winter months or 100+ summer months in an RV. They travel to more pleasant climates - especially full-timers. So 4-season and full-timing really isn't a big thing.

As for a good mfg. - we love our Newmar and the reason we bought it 9 years ago was because of talking to folks with Newmars and finding out that they were all happy with the build and how they kept their condition after years of traveling. As you read these forums you will notice that there are very few posts about problems with Newmars. Yes, as with any mfg. you 'could' have problems but your chances are slim with a Newmar. It's a very stable company and one of few who have not gone under with bankruptcy or selling out to another. It's a small company and no mass productions. They will do many custom changes - or they used to. We had approx. 100 changes/additions/deletions made. It was built for us. Some things were small like moving an electric outlet or adding one, but some were large, too. We wouldn't hesitate to buy another Newmar.

They're based in Indiana and you would be wise to take their tour and learn how they're made.

We've lived in it full-time for 9 years and even traveled for a summer to Alaska and it's still going strong and looks fantastic. You won't go wrong if you search for a used one. They hold up well. By the way, we didn't seek out a 4-season one but Newmars are very well insulated and by 'mistake' we have been in freezing and high heat temps - but not for long! Good luck!

Big show in Tampa in January

You will hear the word "four seasons" bandied about. Ask what they mean by that. It could just be a heater vent directed on exposed tanks, or it could be enclosed, insulated tanks with electric heating pads, recirculating fresh water systems, etc.

Hit the RV shows and look around. A rig that one person likes for full-timing may make someone else go insane.

Some are more suited for full time use IF you plan on being in colder weather, if not you could full time in just about any Motorhome or Travel Trailer that suits you....You need to hit a few shows (Like Hershey PA) and start to see what is out there and what you like. Remember there is no right way to do this.....you will find people living full time in class B Vans , Prevost Busses, and everything in between....