Newbie Needing Answers

[rlecompte]

My family and I are looking to buy our first rv. We are not sure if we need to get a bumper pull, 5th wheel, or coach. It will be my wife and myself along with our 4 children (3 boys ages 11 and 9 and our daughter age 12). I would like something with 4 bunks that has privacy curtains or something to give the kids some privacy and would also like each to have their own drop down tv. We are looking to be on the road full time for 6 months to a year to start and then just frequent trips of two - 4 weeks at a time. What should we look for? Any ideas suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[APT]

On the road for 6 months? You need 3 rows of seats. That means you are in a TT. And you'll be taking along 3000 pounds of stuff with you. So I'd say you are limited to full sized passenger vans, 3/4+ ton. I highly recommend the late model GM twins with 6.0L/6-spd trans. Find a bunkhouse or toy hauler with a large cargo carrying capacity under 7k dry.

Mounting flip down TVs cannot be done on just any wall inside an RV. The walls are not designed to hold much weight, so they need a backer/brace inside the wall. Curtains can be added easily enough. Is 4 TVs necessary? I recommend tablets and headphones instead as long as you will have internet access.

[Roy_Lynne]

Check this out
This has enough beds and I could fulltime in it. Daughter could sleep in the over the cab bed and you could easily put a TV up there for her.

[rugermark2]

dgodinez wrote:
. I suggest going to a show or dealer and walking through a few of them, not really to get a brand name, but to find a floor plan that works for you.

I totally agree with this. You need to go to an RV show or to some dealers lots to get an idea of what you want. Bring a note book to make a list of pros and cons. Then after that you should be able to answer what's best for you and your family.

[Bumpyroad]

DutchmenSport wrote:
. The size and "muscle" of your tow vehicle will determine the size of the trailer you can tow.

yep, but first find a Trailer that fits your need, then buy TV to fit.
bumpy

[the_bear_II]

A Toyhauler bumper pull using a van as your tow vehicle sounds like the best trailer solution. The toyhauler garage area can be built to meet your needs...bunk beds, separate rooms...etc.

A 5th wheel limits passenger comfort while towing. You would need a crew cab pickup which can get tight for 6 people during long drives. Although the 5th wheel gives you the best floorplan options. I've seen several with bunk beds and 1/2 baths for the kids.

Rather than a Class C, I would go for a Class A with bunk beds...maybe an ex-tour bus would work.

[SteveRuff]

4 drop down televisions is probably not going to happen but tablets can fill that requirement. The fact is, 5 somewhat private sleeping areas is a huge barrier that I doubt you can overcome. Perhaps you should think along the lines of taking a tent along for the boys. With just you and the daughter in the RV you have many more choices available.

[DutchmenSport]

Do you have a tow vehicle or not. If you do not have a tow vehicle, then that will eliminate all towable RV's from your list immediately. You'll need to focus on MH's then.

If you have a tow vehicle that has some muscle, then you can focus on larger travel trailers or fifth wheels and can eliminate the MH search immediately.

If you don't have anything yet and are planning to purchase a tow vehicle, then match a trailer, what kind of tow vehicle are you planning on getting. The size and "muscle" of your tow vehicle will determine the size of the trailer you can tow.

Every RV, towable or drivable has advantages and disadvantage over the other. So, really .... before anyone can give you opinions or advise, you need to identify first... do you have a tow vehicle now or not?

[dgodinez]

You will get various answers to this age old question. Typically a Class C has more sleeping spaces for kids and families. Many have the bunk beds with the pull down TV's. I suggest going to a show or dealer and walking through a few of them, not really to get a brand name, but to find a floor plan that works for you.