MackinawMan
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Re: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Monkeyman_and_Lady wrote: I've had a lightweight trailer and fell in love with the RV lifestyle. When the time came to upgrade our system (13 years in the trailer needed some AC repairs and the Tow Vehicle was in need of replacement), I opted for a gas class A. I have worked with the guys at CMI in Columbus. These guys gut new and used rigs to customize for corporate and private customers. If anyone knows what to look for in a new rig, they do. Their advice to me was: Don't get a full wall slide on anything. The structures are susceptible to warping and misalignment. Stay with higher end manufacturers. Winnebago, Fleetwood, Newmar. Avoid Thor brands. I took that advice (see signature) and am very happy I had that information. My V10 gasser isn't whisper quiet, but I never deal with the engine noise that others complain about. The handling is decent, as long as you remember you are driving a giant box down the road and don't try to race to your destination, especially on curves. Since I don't leadfoot it (65MPH on the high end, but where the traffic paces and I feel comfortable is where I drive it) I get 7.5 to 8 MPG. My one piece of advice to you, since you live in Ohio and plan on using it during the winter months - ensure you check the frame for rust, espc. on the fluid lines. If you buy new, get rustproofing on the chassis. Good luck and I hope this information has been helpful. Thank you...great information!!783Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Grit dog wrote: The update is great. But,IMO, don’t put a strict timeline on your decision. I think a pusher is a great option for someone who is putting on a lot of miles. Which sounds like your plans will be in that category. The big question and non of our business really is budget. Personally I’m a cheap sob when it comes to vehicles even though I could afford to buy new, so my perspective is different than some. But I feel there is great value in older used pushers. Not so old that you look at it and are like “wtf?” But mid 2000s ish seems to be a sweet spot for overall value imo. (I’ve been lookin a bit, just thinking about what’s on tap next). Actually the mid-2000's seems to be my sweet spot so you must have been looking and seeing the same thing I have been. Honestly from about 2003-2007 seems very doable, and I've come across several good looking rigs in ads so far, but of course the question is do they look as good in person as they do in the ads, lol. I've also come across a couple of 2000-2002 that are very tempting, but we'll see.784Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Just an update, as I've done further research, looked at ads, etc...I'm heavily leaning towards going with a diesel pusher Class A instead of a gas. Once I get closer to buying I'll undoubtedly have more questions and start more threads so thank you to all who have given advice so far. Just one more hurdle to clear here and then I'll know for sure if I'm going this route...and hopefully I'll know early next week. Thanks again!782Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
So for those of you that have gone from towing a 5th wheel to driving a Class A, how would you compare the two experiences? Currently we tow a 35' Sabre 5th wheel that's approximately 9,500-10,000 lbs. when loaded with a 2000 Ford F350 with the 7.3L PSD. It's a SRW, long bed and crew cab.. It's a very comfortable tow, so plenty of power to cruise and it also handles very well, don't even know the 5er is back there most of the time. Even in windy conditions it does great. Just curious....these are the questions I have.782Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Bruce Brown wrote: As far as making the move from a towable to a MH, the best way I've ever heard it said was... "With a towable the vacation begins after you're set up. With a MH the vacation begins as soon as you turn the key". A few years back we owned both - I would 100% agree with the above. Thank You Bruce, that actually helps a lot. It's kind of what I'm looking to happen.461Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Chum lee wrote: If you are considering a Class A with slides, make sure you are aware of what the floor plan looks like "inside" with the slides "retracted." Some floor plans are usable, some are not. When you are in travel mode, many popular rest areas are too tight to safely fully extend your slides. (without the danger of another oversize vehicle damaging them) IMO, it's good to KNOW that, now, before you sign on the dotted line. Chum lee This is something I have definitely started to notice as I've been looking at them online. Most of them have the standard dinette/couch slide that obviously is going to be off-limits when retracted. Thank you...461Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
Horsedoc wrote: I have no idea what Lou was trying to say, but will tell you to come on down and enjoy. Several hundred smaller, family oriented CGs here in N Georgia, NC, SC area from the Blue Ridge Mtns to Macon and the Fall line. Our tastes run to diesels because sometime we might get a wild hare idea and head west for a few weeks. Diesels are more dependable in my mind as we have had 3 and loved them all. Yep, exactly what I'm going for. I have NO problem with just going to a nice family campground and chilling for the week. I don't need a lot of activities to do...maybe just some local sites to take in, food to sample, etc. If not, just hanging at the campground is fine with me.462Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
RetiredRealtorRick wrote: Just wondering, since you mentioned "I've grown increasingly worse with seasonal depression issues", what exactly is it in NW Ohio that forces you to remain there? Maybe it's time for a permanent change? I know, not really helping to answer your initial question, but just a thought. I made that decision decades ago, leaving SE Michigan behind, and have never regretted it for a minute. My four kids and 5 grandchildren are here, so a permanent move just isn't in the cards anytime soon. I'd be trading one type of depression for another. However, I'm hoping getting out a week in November, two weeks in December, and then potentially another week in February (when I can use my personal days) can help. Early-April in NW Ohio can also be touch and go, as it seems like we've had cooler than normal springs for the last 5 years or so, which is why traveling over our spring break is also in the plans, even if it's just going somewhere in Kentucky. NW Ohio to Kentucky can be very different believe it or not.461Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
1995brave wrote: Remember if you get a Class A or C you will probably have to rent a car at your destination or get a toad to get around. I have a 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid that I plan on using as a toad. I've had the car for 7 years now, and it only has around 85,000 miles on it currently so lots of life left in her. Great car honestly....462Views0likes0CommentsRe: Thinking of buying a Class A and seeking advice
craig7h wrote: A couple years back DW and I decided we needed to down size from our 35' fifth wheel. We decided to go the class A MH route, as it made more sence for us. We looked at many sizes and models we ended up with a 29ft gas. After a few short and a couple long trips we found out that we screwed up. Not moving to an "A" but a two short A. We lost so much storage that it made semi long trips harder to plan for. We ended up going to a 37' A with tons of both inside and outside storage. Now being gone for months at a time is really enjoyable. So my answer to your question moving to a class A was the best move ever. From storage to set up. Start looking for larger unit and work down. Think where you might be a few years down the road. Good Luck Thank you for the advice...I've been looking at ones around 35' which is the same length as our current 5er. I don't see going much shorter than that at all for the reasons you mentioned, and maybe longer.461Views0likes0Comments
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