Anyone into motorhome / RV travel ?

[guitar1580]

I'm considering looking for my first motorhome / RV.

I've camped in tents, vans, pickup trucks, and out on the ground, and now I'm finally considering trying an RV, and am wondering who may have good or bad experiences /advice to share about purchasing and traveling in an RV.

Since it would be mostly be used by no more than two people, I'm mostly considering the Class C style, with cabover sleeper. I'm attracted to the smaller, 22 to 24 ft. size, for ease of driving, parking, storing, etc. Gas mileage is a concern, since prices could go up again. I'd rather focus my spending on something as new as I can afford, as opposed to spending for large size. I'm probably in the range of a late 90s to mid- 2000s model.

The RV idea to me does seem like it would be much more convenient for a long trip, eliminating the need for booking hotels, carrying the luggage in & out, and up & down steps of several hotels along the way.

At first glance online, I see many RVs, of all sizes & varieties, for seemingly decent prices, and with reasonably low mileage. I wonder though, how many problems some may have from sitting and not being driven often enough … like some cars that have sat too long and end up being a money pit. I guess it's going to be like looking at a house and a truck at the same time.

Lots to consider, so that's why I'm starting my preliminary research by asking forum friends, since there seems to be lots of smart folks here. I also just found a couple of RV forums. Please feel free to share any experiences or suggestions that you may think of … and pics of yours if you desire. Thanks in advance. JT

 

[Roadtrash]

One of the good advantages to the motorhome is you can stop in a rest area or even a Walmart parking lot and eat dinner take a nap or whatever and not have to get out of the vehicle. This is great when traveling especially on rainy days.

I worked as a pipefitter/welder for many years and lived in a class A motorhome for a lot of that time and loved it. Sure the mileage isn't that great but I pulled a Ford Ranger behind it and it did real good when I stopped and wanted to go check out the area.

You just have to remember you can't carry everything you have at home with you. Space issues and all. Make sure your partner can handle the tight spaces because on those rainy days when you can't get out and do things they get a little cramped and you can get on one another's nerves.

All in all I loved it.

 

[Pete99004]

Usually better to buy used first couple of times until you are sure you want to continue RVing. Let the other guy take the big depreciation hit. Most sub-components are good for trouble free service for about 10 years - tires will rot out before you ever get enough miles on them -6 or7 years is recommended for tire replacement if the RV has been stored outside without any tire cover in grass or gravel/10 years if stored inside out of the sun on a concrete pad. Batteries - if serviced and charged correctly - last about 8 to 10 years as well depending on the make and type of usage. Usually a 3 year old unit is a decent one to buy - already got a bunch of depreciation off on the price and all the components are functioning well with good life left in them. Find a reputable dealer who will give you some warranty on the total rig (that you don't have to buy) and a good deal on financing. If you have cash you will get better pricing from private sellers - some will buy warranty programs to offer on the sale, but you will have to come up with the financing on your own if you don't have the cash selling price with many private sales. Check all for sale units offered on the internet as well as local so you have a feel for pricing. Check out NADA on models you have interest in to see what a reasonable price should be before making any offers. Also check for insurance/maint. and storage costs before hand if your not able to work on it yourself or have your own place to store it. Great way to travel, very independent - but not less expensive than motel/hotel & car travel. Make a list of what you expect to do with it and how often you are going to use it - then look for a model that will fit your needs. Don't buy more than you need on the first unit, because you will be trading after a couple of years when you know what you really want anyway. Hope this helps.

Pete99004

 

[loknload]

Currently the wife and I have a 38' Class A and we love it! We started with a used 35' Bounder. The one we currently have we purchased used when it was 2 years old. An older couple had for going to Florida and traded every 2 years! There are a lot of good used deals out there.
When we looked at our current coach we looked at Class C's and there were a few I was impressed with. Our Class A now has 3 slides and plenty of room.
Very shortly we will be getting it ready for a trip to Disney with our granddaughter.
Again don't be afraid to look at used ones there are a lot of good deals out there and you can save a ton of money, plus the previous owner already worked out a lot of the bugs! Just do your homework.
For a good informative RV board go over to...iRV2 Forums
It's a good board with a lot of good people like here!

 

[Llando88]

My wife and I just sold our Class B Roadtrek Mercedes Sprinter RV. We had it two years, and used it to do extended travel across the US.

We found it too small, so we are purchasing a 27' Airstream this fall.

I'm an admin on the Facebook group 'Class Bs, Cs and Small RVs'. We have over 1,000 members, if you are on FB that might be a good place to ask questions also.

Rich

 

[BigBoy99]

We looked at Travel Trailers/Motor Homes and decided they were not for us for several reasons. Do you really want the hassle of driving such a large vehicle and all of the extra expenses associated with it such as higher tolls, greater fuel expenses, etc.? Part of the travel experience is getting out and being with the locals and what better way than to find some small local eating establishment and mixing with the local people. How much interaction do you get when you are dining in your own space, eating the same foods you've had for many previous years? Also, being in a space which is long and narrow really doesn't thrill me. Having a motel room where one can walk a round is for me. The amount of money ones spends on the purchase AND upkeep of the travel vehicle will pay for many. many nights of stay in a motel. Most motels have laundry facilities so you don't have to look for laundromats and the problem of parking a vehicle which takes the space of several cars in a small parking area.

All in all, Travel Trailers/Motor Homes were not for us. To us, traveling in a nice comfortable car is the way to go.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Rent one. Take a short trip, two- three weeks.

This will let you draw from your own experience.

RV living is not for everyone. Better to find out with a rental unit.

 

[hoosierone]

We had a 32 foot Fleetwood Class A for seven years. It was a money pit. Many problems when new, covered under warranty but still had the aggravation of getting it to the dealer etc. I would NOT recommend a Fleetwood product! You have to take your chances on getting into a gas station when traveling. We usually would get off an exit that had several stations with the hope that we could fit into one. Flying J is good, but they are not everywhere. Expect breakdowns on the road. Of course they never break down at a convenient time. Driving through urban areas is a nightmare. I could go on, but there are some plusses. You sleep in your own bed, own bathroom and can cook your own food. Most campgrounds require quiet time at 10 PM which is nice. And did I say money pit? Storage, maintenance, license, insurance, high fuel costs, and the depreciation is like a rock. Good luck!

 

[Xfuzz]

The only way to come out ahead is to
USE it. Do not let is sit up any length of time.
should be driven 100-200 miles monthly.

Had a 30' class C and traveled quite a bit for two years.
The wife kept accurate cost records during a one month
trip. The next near identical trip with our Suburban and
staying in Hotel/motel's.....gas use with the RV
really off set the motel rates.

Results.....8% increase using the Suburban.
RV parks are cramped and the price is escalating.
In the hills or mountains you will average about 45 mph
in the RV...makes for a long day.
By the time you level, hook up water and electric to a
RV your luggage is in the motel.

Even buying a good used unit you still get soaked at resale.

 

[bigwheelzip]

The major rental outfits have fleet relocation specials, where they charge about twenty bucks a day and include the miles to the final destination and waive drop-off fees. We fly to the pick-up and fly back from the drop off. If we include other people, we rent a larger vehicle. Very easy and convenient for occasional RVing.

 

[CROSSROPE]

Growing up my family & I did a lot of traveling in our RV's. I really enjoyed it & miss it. We sold them in the mid 80's. We rented one back in the summer of 94' and went from Tequesta, Fl. to Cali! Was a FUN trip.

Down the road in my 60's..or sooner I'd like to buy a really nice one & travel all over the states stopping at all the state parks, attractions. Actually, my goal is to work for the NPS as a seasonal protection officer & the other 6 months travel in the RV...and teach tennis on the side.
We shall see...

 

[CROSSROPE]

Also, how about posting up some pictures of your past or current RV's?

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Before purchasing one I recommend renting one for a week at a time, then renting another one of a different type or size. This will help you learn what you like and don't like before you are stuck with something for the long haul.

Motor homes require insurance and vehicle maintenance, so the holding costs are considerably higher. Travel trailers require very little maintenance and insurance is much less expensive.

When you are ready to buy I recommend used units direct from owners. RV's depreciate pretty rapidly during the first several years, and dealer mark-ups make used units considerably more expensive than purchasing direct from a private party.

My needs have been very well met by a used Aerolite 21' trailer. Forced air furnace, A/C, range, oven, microwave, refrigerator, toilet, shower. Two axles for stability and very little tongue weight. Very comfortable for one or two people. The Aerolite brand utilizes aluminum and fiberglass construction, so my fully equipped unit weighs only 2800 lbs. Former owner towed it with a V6 minivan, and my F150 barely knows it is there. My usual 17-19 MPG highway drops to about 15 when towing this trailer. Comparable new units are well over $20K and used units on dealer lots seldom less than $8K to $12K. I bought direct from the owner for $3600 cash.

If you don't have the cash talk with your bank or credit union and set up a pre-approved loan or line of credit to shop with. Money still talks and BS usually walks. Private parties get real tired of people nickel and diming on price, then unable to come up with the money to close the deal. But a firm offer with cash in hand will frequently result in a great deal.

 

[Comrad]

We rented many many times and loved every minute of it. Always thought we would buy one but between maintenance, storage, insurance and depreciation we decided it's cheaper and easier to rent when we want to make a trip and the rentals are always newer models with low miles.

It's a great way to see Disney World too, their own campground inside the park with the easiest transportation to the Parks.

Rent one.

 

[cfplinker]

We used a small pickup camper for over 20 years and bought a used Class B conversion van about 10 years ago. The above posts bring out many of the advantages and disadvantages of having and using a motor home.

We've stayed with the small (19.5 foot) unit because we are usually moving to a different place almost every day. Setup is finding the level place on the campsite, plugging into the electric if available, and turning on the gas. That's 3-5 minutes max. Teardown is almost as quick because I need to check to see that all of the vents are closed. We try to stay in State and National Parks if possible since they are much cheaper than the commercial campgrounds. The fridge can run off either propane or electric so electric, while nice, is not essential. A couple of years ago we spent a week in the Badlands/Devils Tower area and the total campground cost for 7 nights of camping was $56.00. Yes, we to use the Golden Age passport for National Parks and have found that many State parks give a senior discount.

On some vacations we choose to do the motel route for various reasons. We have run the numbers enough times to know that camping in the RV (average 15 mpg) and figuring on KOA rates for a tent site or electric only will be a tossup compared with taking the ECHO (40+mpg) and staying in the discount motels and eating at local small restraunts. Where we have stayed in one place for a while SWMBO can pack enough food in the RV to last us for a week figuring 3 meals a day before we need to restock. The problem is water. We carry 22 gallons of fresh and have to conserve it. You just have to watch what you are doing.

The ideas above to rent different sized units and see which fits your style of camping best is very good. You have done pickup type camping so you know what is involved there. Now you get to evaluate the setup/teardown times vs. the increased living space of the larger units.

One advantage of the RV that has yet to be mentioned is the fact that a potty is alway available at the next pulloff down the road. And some naviguessers really appreciate that.

 

[DeadAye]

If you can't get (and USE) a motorhome large enough to tow a car (or (WAY better yet) a Jeep) then get a truck and travel trailer.
The biggest problem with an RV is you get it all situated, then level, then connected to water, elect, and sewer and then realize (even a day or two later) that you need to "run to town for something"

Tow your Jeep or TT and when you get back from town you're still connected and level

PS - We're now TT folks. AND camping season is right around the corner!
Camping is much better when all the kids are in school --- YMMV

 

[CROSSROPE]

We rented many many times and loved every minute of it. Always thought we would buy one but between maintenance, storage, insurance and depreciation we decided it's cheaper and easier to rent when we want to make a trip and the rentals are always newer models with low miles.

It's a great way to see Disney World too, their own campground inside the park with the easiest transportation to the Parks.

Rent one.

How much to rent an RV nowadays?
I'm not sure how much my parents payed when we rented an RV back in 94'. But I recall we had trouble with the toilet..in the waste holder, it had hardened & so it was a pain in the neck. We also had some electrical problems with it; my parents complained & got a good discount.
I'd say there's pluses & negatives with renting. I'd rather own my own & know it inside & out.

 

[CROSSROPE]

We looked at Travel Trailers/Motor Homes and decided they were not for us for several reasons. Do you really want the hassle of driving such a large vehicle and all of the extra expenses associated with it such as higher tolls, greater fuel expenses, etc.? Part of the travel experience is getting out and being with the locals and what better way than to find some small local eating establishment and mixing with the local people. How much interaction do you get when you are dining in your own space, eating the same foods you've had for many previous years? Also, being in a space which is long and narrow really doesn't thrill me. Having a motel room where one can walk a round is for me. The amount of money ones spends on the purchase AND upkeep of the travel vehicle will pay for many. many nights of stay in a motel. Most motels have laundry facilities so you don't have to look for laundromats and the problem of parking a vehicle which takes the space of several cars in a small parking area.

All in all, Travel Trailers/Motor Homes were not for us. To us, traveling in a nice comfortable car is the way to go.

Hotels are super expensive nowadays! No thanks.

I'd have a couple bicycles with me & a Jeep too. You can hit up the local spots, eat, whatever you want. Hell, don't forget Uber. Haha. Super affordable it's crazy, and quick to pick you up. Hopefully they'll get stricter with their hiring practices. LOL
But hey, that's why one should be carrying their S&W on em!

 

[Farmer17]

All I can say is please rent one and make sure you can comfortably drive at speed limit speeds. I drive a lot as part of my business and pass dozens of RVs everyday and they are usually driving at least 25 mph UNDER the speed limit. On a multi-lane highway no problem, but on a long single lane road with no passing zones, it's a drag. Remember you're not the only one on the road and also make sure you are proficient at backing up. Try exploring in the Colorado mountains and find out there is a rock slide or a washed out area of road and you have to back down a single lane mountain road with no guard rails. It happened to my wife's grand parents.

 

[loknload]

Here is a picture of my current coach(one like it) and I wouldn't travel without it! As stated elsewhere 25mph under speed limit!,this coach will do 70 mph easy unless some car pokes in front of me! Really irks me going up a hill!
It has the power and handles very well. As with anything it has its expenses but so does everything involving fun, leisure and pleasure!
We've traveled to a lot of interesting places in our motorhome and when we get to where we need to be we just rent a car, Enterprise will pick and bring you back when your done. No wear and tear on your motorhome, no wear and tear on your car!
Since I won't fly I like staying in my own portable abode!