The Quest for My Perfect Camper

[Olddawgsrule]

Thought this would be a good spot for this as would could help those along the path of purchase.

I will start by saying there is no one size fits all and to each their own. These are my observations.
Second, there really is no Perfect Trailer, we only come as close as we can to our wants.

Let's start!

I started this quest about a month ago after I learned my wife doesn't do as well as I hope on the water (ya, I was headed for a boat). So I moved on to land base travel. I came across this forum only a couple weeks back and have for this site to be very informative, active and a few jokesters to keep it lively!

For us, this not a weekend nor week vacation type of thing. We will be living in for extended periods, so size (layout) matters.

Day one of the RV Sales places.

This was Campers World. One of the largest in NH and a great place to start!

We start with the Class 3 Motorhome. This seemed like a possible choice and they had a few starting in at 67K. Considering a TT and a vehicle to tow, well can hit that $$ pretty quick.
Well, they came off the list pretty quick! What I thought they were is not reality. They are small when driving. Open them up when parked and we still felt much too small.

Took a quick look at the van campers and basically ran away.

My wife dragged me through a couple Class A's and knowing their way out of the budget and how nice they are, I really didn't even want to look, but good to for comparison.

Onward to the Travel Trailers. Two stuck out for the day.

First was the Prowler. Real nice kitchen (double bowl sink) and Frig of real size (6 cubic feet I believe, maybe a tad bigger). Full enclosed bath (which the wife wants) and good bedroom (I want twins, but all seem to come as Queens). The dinette slide out (side) is what we want (we now know). The longer units (30ft+) meant a longer slide-out and really made it spacious.
Con: Well, wood framed.. bummer, cause they're priced well! And the23ft really hit the mark for size and dollar.
Price about 23K for the 26ft we liked. AC and heater included.

Next came the Colemen Lantern series:

This one will stay on the list! All metal framed, no wood, Solar prep'd and outside kitchen, enclosed bath and bedroom, side dinette slide-out (found we really like this).
Looked at both the 23ft and 26ft and could go either way (26ft obviously roomier and nice sitting area in rear).

The 23ft we decided would be our choice and came in just under 20K

Lesson learned from the day. I need to look at a Toy Hauler and price them. Since I'm looking for open space that could be and answer for me.

So we've decided the Class A & C Motor Homes are out. As well as the Van Camper. The Travel Camper looks like our best bet.

Here's the list to Date:

#1 Is the Alto Safari. extremely light weight, not expandable but the roof raises to make it a real Travel Camper (tear-drop in transport mode). 3.? CuFt Frig, exterior shower (interior toilet), solar panel and windows galore! 34K 16 month delivery

#2 right now is the Coleman 230. Side dinette slide out, 6 Cuft frig, full bath, queen bed (which I'd probably tear out and do as I really want). $19,900

#3 Could be the Riverside Dream. I'm awaiting response from them to see if they'll customize for me. I'm looking at their 23ft model. Also side slide-out dinette (smaller than Coleman's), full bath, and nice kitchen. $20K

Much more to come as I proceed!

[Olddawgsrule]

Olddawgsrule wrote:

Dance Chick wrote:
Go to irv2.com forum and put in search - vacation trip is ending up terrible.
That's the name of the thread, and there are 10 pages to read about someone's trip that went downhill the end of June, and they are still stranded in Missoula MT with their Mercedes Sprinter diesel. Would be worth a read so you can make an educated decision.

Funny, the Salesman mentioned any repairs cross-country could be difficult. Thank you I will read it!

Oh My what a read!!! Thank you for passing that!

[Olddawgsrule]

The list now stands as:

#1 Is the Alto Safari. extremely light weight, not expandable but the roof raises to make it a real Travel Camper (tear-drop in transport mode). 3.? CuFt Frig, exterior shower (interior toilet), solar panel and windows galore! 34K 16 month delivery

#2 right now is the Coleman 230. Side dinette slide out, 6 Cuft frig, full bath, queen bed (which I'd probably tear out and do as I really want). $19,900

#3 Could be the Riverside Dream. I'm awaiting response from them to see if they'll customize for me. I'm looking at their 23ft model. Also side slide-out dinette (smaller than Coleman's), full bath, and nice kitchen. $20K

#4 A class C Motorhome Synergy RB24 coming in at $90K

Probably not really in that order.. Much to decide!

[Olddawgsrule]

Well, they did have the TT24 there (sold) and was able to get in and get a 'feel' for it.

I will say, with the layout of the RB24, Class 3 is back on the list. Onward to more research and find ours that offer it.

Pro's: 24ft is just enough length to keep maneuvering easy. Cockpit/driving area is comfortable and both seat turn around and slide into the living space (not sure all do..). Just enough room to move around and with the RB layout, Wifey can stay in bed if I decide to head out early! Backup camera standard (are they in all?). Solar ready (important to me, I have panels).

Con's: Diesel (Do all stations, everywhere have diesel?). Single burner electric induction range. For$90K+ you'd think you'd get 2 burners... Single bowl sink.. Again, a 1/3 2/3 would be nice.

For research: Can I switch out the range? Can I not have the interior shower I know you folks think I'm weird about this, but I'd rather have storage area (besides there's an outside one). Is the Frig 2way? Can I get a discount if I opt to not have the other two TV's (My God really, 3 of them.. Must have been an option in the one we looked at.)?

More to come!

[Olddawgsrule]

Dance Chick wrote:
Go to irv2.com forum and put in search - vacation trip is ending up terrible.
That's the name of the thread, and there are 10 pages to read about someone's trip that went downhill the end of June, and they are still stranded in Missoula MT with their Mercedes Sprinter diesel. Would be worth a read so you can make an educated decision.

Funny, the Salesman mentioned any repairs cross-country could be difficult. Thank you I will read it!

[Dance_Chick]

Go to irv2.com forum and put in search - vacation trip is ending up terrible.
That's the name of the thread, and there are 10 pages to read about someone's trip that went downhill the end of June, and they are still stranded in Missoula MT with their Mercedes Sprinter diesel. Would be worth a read so you can make an educated decision.

[Olddawgsrule]

I'm driving out today to look at a Class 3. Guess they're not completely of the list quite yet..

Found this and the layout works for my needs. The open floor plan I'm looking for and the Twin beds!

Synergy RB24

Pricing as I've researched looks like 2017 new, $90K

Think it's a fairly new Model cause I'm. having a time finding used older than 2017.

[Olddawgsrule]

To answer a couple questions asked:

Yes, I'm looking at new rigs. First I wish to see what improvements have been done and what the latest items out there are. Chances are I will buy used. Something about buying new and remodeling it seems wrong.. LOL

My, plans are to stay away from the cold weather! Yes, Spring/Fall can get cool, but I'm from the Nor'east, cold is below freezing.. LOL
My intention off the bat is to travel Spring through Fall and visit Canada petty extensively.
Ultimate would be to run South for winter and fine a spot to park it and fly home. Use it as a get-away during the winter.

I know sounds weird wanting to be in the Nor'east for winter, but I like snow!!

[2gypsies1]

You stated you'll be living in this for extended periods. Will you be in cold temperatures? Double pane windows will really help with cold and heat. Is the underbelly enclosed to keep the piping from freezing? You're looking at small RVs. You might want to eyeball the amount of stuff you'll be taking with you to make sure everything will fit and won't overload the trailer. An outside kitchen takes up a lot of storage space and you can easily just put a camp stove on a table and have your kitchen. What will you be towing with? If you plan to do remodeling, i.e., taking out the bed... make sure there's nothing important under that bed. Sometimes the water tank would be there.

[free_radical]

To toss my valuable advice in

Only YOU know whats best for you

Good luck finding it

[jplante4]

I assume you are looking at new rigs only. Class A will be back on the list if you go used. If you think new will be fewer problems, search this forum with the term "dealer problems" and read on. And it's not just the low end rigs. I ran into a guy with a Tiffin Allegro in Shreveport that was on his 3rd trip back to Red Bay to get things fixed. He had been trying to get his motor home back to California for 3 months.

I saw no mention of what vehicle you'll be towing with. If what you have won't tow what you want, you'll be buying something else. Do the research yourself. Don't take the salesman's word for it - "Yeah you can tow this with that".