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To: N. Theknow; alloysteel
What that dude said. But if you insist, I would suggest ignoring practically every comment on this thread. That's because just a quick perusal of the replies indicates many/most people responding don't have RVs.

If they did, their very first question would be the one I'm going to ask you: have you ever (fully) restored a car/boat/airplane, or built a house/addition (including foundation)?

Because if you haven't, run, don't walk, as fast as you can away from any notion about RVing. The simple fact is that owing an RV - whether it's a trailer or MH - draws on every mechanical, electrical, automotive, plumbing and other engineering skills you ever developed and/or used, professionally or hobbyist.

If you cannot do a complete break-down and re-build, then you will be at the mercy of mechanics. It's bad enough with a trailer, where it can sit for weeks locked behind a huge backlog. But at least you still have your driving vehicle. Going with a MH, whether B, C or A, means the entire vehicle is gone - and seemingly forgotten - leaving you high and dry. (Oh, by the way, regular shop don't take class A or C - maybe some B - so that means it has to go to a truck or RV center. Which means, yes you have to drive there and back.)

Secondly, when the work is finally done, have a chair nearby to sit in when you feel faint after reading the bill. (If you have a diesel, it should be a cot because you're definitely going to need/want it.) And by the way, just because the work was billed doesn't mean any problem(s) were actually fixed. RV mechanics go from dealer to dealer, with no real oversight or guarantees.

I say this as an owner of both a trailer and class C, and as a person who HAS restored cars and HAS built an addition to my house. (In addition, I'm actually friendly with my mechanic since we're both "car guys".) My RVs have fully taxed my mental/skills database. Get used to needing to read and understanding extremely complex diagrams, whether it's electrical, gas, water, etc. There aren't any short-cuts. There also aren't any stringent home level standards either, so even a minor short in a 12v circuit can burn the entire mother down.

With all this being said, if you insist, then do this: buy yourself a new stripped F150 with the eco-boost 3.5L + 10 spd tranny. Make sure it's a 2-dr, rear wheel drive, gas. 4 drs, 4x4 & diesel are all very heavy and destroy payload/tow capacities. If you special ordered one with max trailer tow, your payload will be around 2,000lbs. Ignore my advice and buy a pimped out, heavily optioned FX4 off the lot, and you'll be down around 1,500 lbs.

Secondly, buy a 3-5 year old travel trailer. Don't be too concerned about condition, because it will be worthless by the time you try and sell it. Unless it's an Airstream, the build quality is so low that they are essentially completely worthless after 7-10 years. (As the literally bust apart at the seams.)

The other standard warnings apply as well: service and maintenance, storage, MPG, camp fees, campground availability, degrading highway infrastructure, etc.

In summary, it is infinitely cheaper, more flexible, less stressful and more fun to simply drive a purpose built, long wheelbase transportation vehicle - say like a Honda Odyssey - and stay at lodges and hotels along the way. Get an Odyssey, load it with some fishing poles, cooler etc, and have fun driving to Alaska and back. Return to the Seattle area, and head east to Maine on I-90. When you're done with that, head down I-95 to Key West.

Traverse the country multiple times like Kerouac in On the Road, and you'll be thankful you followed my and Alloysteel's advice.

69 posted on 04/06/2019 6:02:51 PM PDT by semantic
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To: semantic

Excellent information. So true.


71 posted on 04/06/2019 6:05:31 PM PDT by ladyjane
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To: semantic

A New F150 with A Casita Trailer,
Yup.
Choice #2,
A 22’ ft. Winnebago towing my
Jeep Wrangler.

I plan on Full Time Arizona
Exploring Ghost Towns and Indian battlefields.

I am Ready Now to “Pull the Trigger!”


134 posted on 04/10/2019 6:38:30 AM PDT by Big Red Badger (Despised by the Despicable!)
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