Never done any Rving before. so unsure what to purchase especially since our long term commitment is questionable..Used Class A is our first option but unsure about buying a Gas version will suffice going over Mountains etc..Used Diesel Pushers are hard to find on the East Coast especially since we want to stay under $50k for everything. 5th Wheels is another option but the cost of a truck to haul it etc is a problem. I am 67 and a disabled veteran so I think a 5th Wheel might be too much work for me on each stop, storage when not in use etc..Renting would cost me about 12K - 15k for the trip and I hate to throw away that kind of money....any ideas, I have already looked at many models of each...

How many will be traveling with you? Are you going to pull a toad?A gas Class A will do the mountains, it will take a little longer but it will get over the top.Have you considered a Class C or even a B?It depends on how much room you need.

Depending on the specific motorhomes, a gas class A could be faster over the mountains than a diesel pusher. It mostly comes down to power at the wheels vs. weight. The gas engine will be running at a higher rpm and so making more noise--and you'll hear it more with a front engine than a rear engine--but there's no doubt it will get you where you're going.I would start by thinking about what specific things are important to you in terms of how you use the motorhome and where you're thinking of going. If quiet driving is especially important, then a rear engine is a big help. If camping in small out-of-the-way public campgrounds is important, then a smaller rig overall (preferably with decent ground clearance) would be a benefit over a larger, lower one. Think, too, about what sort of interior features you would like: decent counter space for cooking? An oven you can use when not hooked up to electric power (or running the generator)? A bed that you can access from both sides (rather than crawling over a partner)? A shower or bathroom with lots of elbow room? A good spot for a cat's litter box? All of these and others may be tradeoffs to consider.While renting for a long trip hardly makes sense, it may be money well spent to rent an RV for a long weekend or even a week to get some idea of what it's like to use one and have some hint on features and layout things that work and that don't work for you. This is particularly true if you don't have any experience with one already.

gbopp wrote:How many will be traveling with you? Are you going to pull a toad?A gas Class A will do the mountains, it will take a little longer but it will get over the top.Have you considered a Class C or even a B?It depends on how much room you need.Do you plan on RVing after your trip? how often? $50K is not going to get you a Diesel class A that dosen't need some possibly expensive repair. You have to look at the issues of re-selling the class A if you don't plan on using much after your big trip. As suggested by others, look at a class C which won't cost you as much and is easier to RV in. I prefer Diesel over gas.

We've driven over the highest mountain passes in the West with two gas Class A's and a gas Class C. We wouldn't win any races, but I wouldn't worry about that issue.Excellent post by DrewE. Great idea to rent an RV locally for a short trip. In addition to the things already mentioned for you to think about, I always look at the accessibility of the utility hookups (dumping the tanks, etc.) and storage bays. Some of those sewer hookups on the RVs seem very difficult for my body to access without hurting my back! Actually I sometimes sit on a stool to deal with my hookups on the motorhome side.

Look at 33-36 foot DPs that were high end coaches when initially built. $50k should get you into the early 2000s in a Monaco or a Tiffin; late 1990s in a Newmar. Half that for a 90s Beaver. All nice coaches.

Planning a Cross Country trip Summer of 2018, what to buy

silverfz
Explorer
Oct 15, 2017
If u want the camping experience .You can rent cabins or rental campers that all campgrounds seem to have now.
Use cruise america or other to rent when needed at state parks. Unlike a car a used rv is a car and a house and such a long trip is going to have some breakages. You will be learning to rv ,fix stuff and live and move it.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Oct 14, 2017
Another question is why an RV? While I have RVed for many years and love every mile, its not for everyone and not for every trip. 50k spend on travel would get you to high end luxury hotels every night even if there are a bunch of you.
The suggestion that you rent one for a three day jaunt isn't a bad one as it will give you some idea of what is involved with an RV trip.
Blutoyz
Explorer
Oct 14, 2017
I am a newbie but in the YOLO crowd. There are tons of super low mile older class A rigs (late 90 to 2005ish) in great shape for in the $25K
and below range. With your budget you could grab one, have it gone through completely for issues, and have a real nice dependable rig for the trip. When you are done it will be paid for so you may just want to keep it. If not, turn around and sell it for darn near what you paid for it.

Sounds like a great trip...one that I would love to do when I retire
MarkTwain
Explorer
Oct 13, 2017
rogermack50 wrote:
Never done any Rving before. so unsure what to purchase especially since our long term commitment is questionable..Used Class A is our first option but unsure about buying a Gas version will suffice going over Mountains etc..Used Diesel Pushers are hard to find on the East Coast especially since we want to stay under $50k for everything. 5th Wheels is another option but the cost of a truck to haul it etc is a problem. I am 67 and a disabled veteran so I think a 5th Wheel might be too much work for me on each stop, storage when not in use etc..Renting would cost me about 12K - 15k for the trip and I hate to throw away that kind of money....any ideas, I have already looked at many models of each...

Its a **** shoot either way!!! spending $50K on an old used pusher is just as risky as potentially costly as renting of 12K to 15K per trip. Finding a pusher that does not need some potentially costly repair money is like playing the lottery. I would suggest looking at a Class C rv. Less money and depending on your physical limitations, easier to operate and use.
Greyghost
Explorer
Oct 13, 2017
Roger, If you are in Haverhill MA, take a ride up 125 and start to look at what's available in a good used coach or 5th wheel. In your profile you mention that 4 of you will be traveling together. That means 4 in a crew cab and a 5th wheel or 4 in a class C or class A. In the 5th wheel you are more likely to have 2 beds, one in the bedroom and the other being a couch that makes into a bed. A class A would be similar in accommodations while a C may not have the couch but would a bed above the drivers seat.

Gas or diesell will make the trip. We've driven both round trip, coast to coast. Also once you'very looked at a few and think you're close to see decision, rent one and take it out for a few days. Taking an RV trip sounds great, but it'seems not for everyone. Good luck in your endeavor.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Oct 08, 2017
You're getting some good info on here, but my thoughts, When in '18 and for how long ?
Also for someone that's never owned or used an RV of any type, you've got a whole LOT of planning to do and questions to ask of yourself before considering what type or size.
DrewE's idea of renting for a weekend or even a week, is an excellent idea, you may find out that you really don't want to do this at all, OR, you may be addicted like the rest of us. ;)
Walkdog
Explorer
Oct 08, 2017
When buying used lean against every portion of the inside wall. If you hear crunch or it gives, water damage! RUN
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Oct 08, 2017
Roger,

A question not asked or answered:
How Many is WE??

If it is two and you have been together a while, a sub-30 foot C might be a good answer.

Big advise here, do not buy anything with square corners that shows any sign of water damage. Even if they say that the leak was found and repaired, it can have done damage to the wooded framework that will be expensive to repair.

Matt
spoon059
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2017
OP, just a thought... if you buy a nice used rig and blow your budget, but take it across country and sell it within the year or the next year, you could probably sell it for about as much as you bought it.

DrewE had a great post. Something else to consider is towing a vehicle behind you, called a Toad. Unless you buy a small enough rig to drive around town AND are willing to unhook every time you need groceries or want to go to a tourist attraction, you will want a small car behind you that you can use for local trips.

Good luck, a cross country trip is an amazing good time!
jplante4
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2017
Look at 33-36 foot DPs that were high end coaches when initially built. $50k should get you into the early 2000s in a Monaco or a Tiffin; late 1990s in a Newmar. Half that for a 90s Beaver. All nice coaches.