Thinking about jumping back in

[Sun2Retire]

I've owned several RVs in the past, including Class B, Class C, cabover camper and the last one being a Bounder 40Z w/aftermarket slide towing a dinghy. So... I'm not new per se but I've been away from RVing for 15ish years and I'm sure lots has changed. Thought it would be worthwhile to start gathering opinions and advice.

The type of unit I'm starting a search for is a used Class A, 35-40' pusher diesel, 2+ slides under $75K (closer to $65K). 100+ water, washer/dryer, built-in dinette, bus entry, gas stove/oven (not a fan of the fancy inductive because a)I don't like cooking on it and b) I want to be able to dry camp without always running gen set. From what I've seen so far this gets me into recognized makes in the 2005-2008 range with 15-50K miles. Will just be two of us 99% of the time.

While I'm pretty sure you don't want to knock your fellow's brand, I wouldn't mind hearing what features convinced you to purchase your current rig in this class, and design features I should either avoid or specifically be looking for.

Generically, shopping tips would be great. Referrals for dealers in Phoenix area appreciated, or even direct leads to available units if you have them.

Things I'm thinking about:
-insurance
-towing insurance. Used Camping World towing insurance and was happy with that. While technically Geico has towing wonder if that's really enough
-regretfully will have to store, no place to park on my property. Things to think about?
-alarm system with cellular/text notification
-mobile internet
-Toad braking. Had one on last dinghy (air compressor, air hose to dinghy with air ram pushing dinghy pedal), pretty much worked but had issues (including Camping World installing it wrong jamming brake pedal causing loss of all braking on both rig and toad - ya was very scary). This time will have air brakes so what should I be thinking about?
-training. Put a fair number of miles on a big unit with toad, but it's been a lot of years. I realize training isn't legally required but have been thinking some time at a bus school certainly couldn't hurt. Thoughts anyone?

So thanks everyone for your input, I've got a lot of (re)learning to do!

[ncrowley]

The 2005 Dutch Star is a great couch. I hope it works out for you.

[2gypsies1]

Ours was a 2004 Dutch Star, Cummins, Spartan, 370. It performed beautifully in the mountains...and elsewhere. Highly recommend a Newmar.

[Sun2Retire]

Thanks for the ideas!

Looking like it may be a 2005 Dutch Star 3810 350. I'll drop a line to the rvsmart guy.

Scott

[frankdamp]

As far as a driving refresher, you may want to contact your local transit agency and see if any of their drivers would give you a lesson or two once you have your new rig.

Around this area, there are no bus-driver schools, other than the transit agency's own instructors. Arizona may be different.

[ncrowley]

I would recommend you contact the fellow at:

http://www.rvsmartllc.com/

to talk about the different brands of coaches and inspect any coaches you find. I used him in my search and he was very knowledgeable and helpful.