Thinking of getting an RV - lots of questions
Hi folks. As the title suggests we are thinking of getting a RV and have tons of questions. Hoping some folks will actually read all this and maybe offer some advice :) We want to travel, but havin...
Forum Discussion
Wow you are new to RVing. But that's OK, we were all new at one time or another and we all had similar questions. I started some 35 years ago with a 28ft Class C. The term Class C comes from the construction, it is a "cut away" from a truck body. It in no way defines a level of superiority to a Class A, for the right motorhome is determined by your individual need. The Class C usually permits a Queen size bed in the rear and a Queen or double over the cab. Additionally the couch or dinette can be made into a smaller bed. Many motorhomes are now being presented with a table and chair instead of a dinette. Personally I like the dinette, remember it would be rather unsafe to sit in a freestanding chair without a seatbelt while traveling. I am in the process of purchasing a new RV now, some did not have the dinette I wanted. My research shows that a custom dinette of your choice can be fabricated by the many custom shops that advertise in RV magazines for about $3500. Just putting out some numbers for you.
Better made (reads more expensive) RVs tend to have more insulation. Even so the roof air in an RV will keep you really cool just about anyplace (except Las Vegas in the Summer). At 30ft or less one a/c unit is customary, larger rigs will have two a/c units. In a full hookup campground you can plug in and run your electricity all the time. We have often been to places where we have run our generator all daylight hours since we were not plugged in. The generator is rated for continuous use, but the oil level needs to be checked periodically. Propane is usually used as a heating fuel, cooktop, heater, water heater. Since we like warm weather camping a tank will last us for a year or more, as we plug in for electric water heating, and only use our 20 gal of propane for cooking.
Get Motorhome magazine and see if any of your friends get FMCA magazine or check FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) on line. Also go to some of the many RV shows sponsored by the dealers in your are.
When you decide to purchase, since it is a big ticket item, it is just like purchasing a car...or even a house. Prices are negotiable, but personally I don't like to haggle either, negotiation is something a little different. The dealer needs to make money, that is his business and he supports an employee base. I need to get a far price. Given research and an understanding of what you can afford I think an agreement can be accomplished without too much anguish.
Good luck, and keep asking questions.
Better made (reads more expensive) RVs tend to have more insulation. Even so the roof air in an RV will keep you really cool just about anyplace (except Las Vegas in the Summer). At 30ft or less one a/c unit is customary, larger rigs will have two a/c units. In a full hookup campground you can plug in and run your electricity all the time. We have often been to places where we have run our generator all daylight hours since we were not plugged in. The generator is rated for continuous use, but the oil level needs to be checked periodically. Propane is usually used as a heating fuel, cooktop, heater, water heater. Since we like warm weather camping a tank will last us for a year or more, as we plug in for electric water heating, and only use our 20 gal of propane for cooking.
Get Motorhome magazine and see if any of your friends get FMCA magazine or check FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) on line. Also go to some of the many RV shows sponsored by the dealers in your are.
When you decide to purchase, since it is a big ticket item, it is just like purchasing a car...or even a house. Prices are negotiable, but personally I don't like to haggle either, negotiation is something a little different. The dealer needs to make money, that is his business and he supports an employee base. I need to get a far price. Given research and an understanding of what you can afford I think an agreement can be accomplished without too much anguish.
Good luck, and keep asking questions.
