new to rv

We had exactly your scenario and budget about five years ago (just as the recession was kicking in) and thought about it for two years before buying.

It's a process. Get the Go Rving DVD. Look a lot online, go to several shows and dealers, get brochures to study and manufacturer DVDs to watch as you narrow it down. We read a couple of books (helped understand some of the issues), got a free subscription to MotorHome mag by attending an RV show. Talked to friends, spent a few nights in their RV while visiting. Test drove a used C. Got familiar with which brands had best reputations.

We started off wanting a used Class B small RV because we wanted to tour long distances and see the US and Canada and fuel costs were a concern, especially as our retirement accounts dropped in 2008. Seriously considered trailers, were tempted by bigger A and C RVs.

I came to realize there was no perfect RV, that any choice would involve some compromise. The B class RV would have limited living and storage space and was really most suitable for only two people. But along with great fuel mileage, it had fast campground set-up and departure, could fit in any campsite, we both could drive it easily, we could park it in our driveway and could use it as a second vehicle as needed. (Those are features that mattered to us, but not to the next guy. And they may not matter to us five years from now.)

Kept drooling over new class As with great layouts. Ended up full circle when we suddenly found a great used B nearby. We have loved it and keep making our long trips.

Best advice I've read on this forum is to pin down how you are really, truly going to use your RV and what features matter most to you in priority order. Try to find something that hits the top priorities on the list, and buy one you are actually likely to use often. Then you'll get your money's worth out of your investment.

thanks to all.i do have exper. camping, I live in the north part of mich I will do my homework. what magazines would you recommend?

West Beachhouse wrote:
Your search begins...Good luck...

Take a look at the website:

www.rvreviews.net

Yes - look but don't buy anything from them. Useless waste of money. This is a Consumer Reports for RV's wannabee. I bought a comparison report and it wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.

Look at the various types of rv's available. When we were looking, it just seemed that the Class A motorhomes were us. That is what we got. The 5th wheels would be our second choice (more room if parked for long periods) and after that would be the Class C motorhome. Look at all your options and see what personally appeals to you the most.

You are embarking on a wonderful journey. Here are some suggestions.
1. Figure out what kind of camping you like to do or envision - resorts, state parks, forest service, boondocking.
2. Explore - see what others do, talk with RV owners, visit RV shows, walk around campgrounds and observe. Campers are friendly people.
3. Decide on brands and models and floor plans that you like.
4. Map out your price range - what you can afford or debt you can live with. Sometimes it is better to buy a little older coach to stay in your price range and get what you want.
5. Make sure mama is happy with the choice!
6. Find what will meet your needs, buy it, and enter the world of RVing.

We were tent campers for 35 years. We like to do USFS and state park campsites. We discovered Monaco Safari Treks with the bed in the ceiling that comes down at night and disappears in the daytime. We enjoy a 29 ft. coach with the living space of a 38 foot coach with a large bathroom. This is a quality coach in a small package. Why tow 9' of bedroom that you only use at night?

If you can live with the bed, a Trek is wonderful! Check out Trek Tracks website.

We found our Trek in Iowa on the internet. Our first journey was driving it back to Oregon. Happy travels and hope you find the unit that meets your needs.

That's the good and bad of getting started in the hobby/ lifestyle. There is such a diversity in the gear and how/ where we each use it that it is mind boggling.

Some use them for travel, others park them in a site forever and use them like cabins.

Some like to park in resorts where they are stacked like a cord of firewood and can barely open their awning, We prefer out in the middle of no where, we see no one and our clearings are usually a few acres at least.

Some like the rustic experience with tiny campers, others like monster rigs with every luxury you can imagine.

Lastly, some just camp a few times a year, others send half the year in nicer climates or even live full time in their rigs.

For each of those extremes there are a million possibilities in between. No one has it right or wrong, it is what works for them and all that matters is they have a good time doing it.

So how do you envision yourself going about this, in what and where?

I am kind of in the same situation as you, except that I have 10 years before I retire. I have been researching living full time in a class a motor home for about 4 months now. I find that the more questions I find the answers to the more questions I have. All I can say is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. I would like a 35' to 40' class a, some people have said that that size is far to big for one person, but that's what I feel comfortable in. Go to RV shows and dealerships in your area. I live in Clearwater, FL there are numerous large dealerships very close to me. My budget as of now is in the $50,000 range, but who knows if I win the lottery, that would all change.

Good luck to you! I know I can't wait to retire and head on down the road.

Have you had experience camping at all? Most of us RVers probably started as tent campers, either with parents, scouting, or on our own as we became adults. Knowing whether you like getting out into the woods and lake areas for hiking, fishing, photography, or sightseeing might give you some hints as to what you plan to do with an RV. Getting out into the country versus resort camping (more full-serve, cable TV, activities, swimming pool, etc.) may indicate the need for better mobility (motor home versus a trailer/tow vehicle).

One aspect of a class A or C is that getting those types of vehicles into small parking lots while sightseeing is difficult. Having a "toad" (a smaller car in tow) will allow you to get away from the campground to see those interesting places. Having a travel trailer or 5th wheel allows you a vehicle to use for exploring and is somewhat similar with the class A/C and toad in this respect. Personally I think a trailer with a tow vehicle is less expensive and more versatile, but many will swear by their motor homes for their own reasons.

As noted by another poster, renting an RV might give you better vision about what your end game might be.

Good luck with your quest. Be sure to visit this forum often just to read the various threads relative you issues that interest you. I'm sure you will gain some good insight regarding future plans.

Your search begins...Good luck...

Take a look at the website:

www.rvreviews.net