Suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Envious...
Is it for vacations or living in?
Always buy one that has more storage than you think you will need. Might try renting for a long weekend to see what it is all about. Oh, and every RV park is infested with the guys in the blue or brown one piece outer garment that are more than happy to tell you what you are doing wrong.
There are some excellent buys on pre-owned rvs/motor homes.
I could never afford a motor home but there are advantages. Maybe ten years ago, a hurricane hit Central Florida. For a couple of days I saw an almost unending stream of them going by my house heading away from the storm.
People lucky enough to just get out of Dodge whenever they wanted.
In my opinion Tiffin makes a great motorhome within reasonable price.....
.....are you looking for quick trips.......months long trips or full time?
A lot depends on if your RV is going to be you permanent lifestyle or just for frequent vacations.
I highly recommend you rent for a trip or two to make sure that is what you want to do. RV’s don’t hold their value at all, and there are retirees who sink their money into one only to realize they don’t enjoy it as much as they thought they would, but they are stuck with it unless they take a huge loss. I have heard people say a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into, an RV is the same thing. Things break, you make mistakes, upkeep to keep it on the road, they cost quite a bit of money. The other neat thing about renting, you will find what is important to you in amenities. I am on my third fifth-wheel and still hate that I overlooked problems in the floor plan that don’t suit us.
There is also the issue of how you want to live, those 45’ motorhomes can’t get into a lot of campgrounds, but you give up a lot of comfort with some of the smaller ones.
I love traveling with our trailer, we always have a place to sleep and can eat food we prepare, but travel times are extended and it can be difficult to get around sometimes.
First don’t listen to the RV sales people.....they won’t tell you what you see is what you get. The hitches, tubes, hookups etc. will be added expenses....... And those sales people likely have never bought one themselves so they can’t truthfully answer your questions..... Do your home work because you won’t get an instruction booklet specific to the model you buy, just a generic booklet.
There’s lots of videos on how to buy and what to watch out for on you tube........so just be informed before you go buying.
BTW Know that they move around their lots frequently so just because you don’t see the one you saw before doesn’t mean it’s still not there...
A lightly USED one.
A lot of people buy these and then hardly use them. So then they sell them.
You can save a ton of money by buying a used one in good shape like that rather than buying new. You might save 10’s of thousands of dollars.
And declare it your primary residency.
It really depends on what you want to do, where you want to go and how much you want to spend. We had a 27 foot travel trailer for many years, with lots of bells and whistles in it. It suited us, as we had a big Tundra truck to attach it too. In hindsight, we would have purchased an Airstream. They are around and the vintage ones are great.
First, what is your budget?
We have had a fifth wheel, 34 ft. Montana, for five years. Really have enjoyed it. It has a stainless steel residential fridge, electric fireplace (really will warm the whole camper) A/C front and back, tons of storage in the camper and underneath, computer desk, four burner gas stove, oven and combo microwave and convection oven. Four slides. Our only regret is that we have a king bed instead of a queen. The queen would give us more “walk around” room. Very roomy bathroom and shower. We tow it with a 250 Ford diesel. Well balanced and easily towed. MR. RR even lets me drive it.
We usually leave this cold climate and spend two or three months each year in Arizona. Very comfortable living.
I suggest if you are sure of an RV also get a car you can tow along like a dingy. You park your RV and take car into town; the RV is like a movable camp from which you come and go. Also get a roadside assistance insurance like Good Sam Club in case you are somewhere and need a tow or have to change a tire. There is no way you can change a tire by yourself if you have a 37 footer RV.
Also it is great to park overnight in a Walmart parking lot if you are on your way somewhere. Walmarts are good that way.
Start off with a smaller class c unit for several months to see if you are suited to life in a confined space.
Once you think you are comfortable with the lifestyle, get a larger coach and a late-model car as your towed.( A proper 4x4 with a transfer case is best for flat towing).
Get a membership with a camping group like CRA, but don’t get a NEW membership, find one for sale on the community board at a campground you have stayed at and enjoy.
THEN and only then, go shopping for a new coach unit. A motorhome is a significant expense that you will NOT get your money back from. so tread carefully.
My parents went that route and had a wonderful time for many years until dad’s passing.
I hope this helps.