RV Afficianados

[sbgixxer]

I would guess many of our members have experience with RVs of all classes. I'm coming to you veterans for some help. I have an adventure that I'm planning hopefully for the 4th quarter of this year. I want to take my wife and newborn daughter on a year-long RV tour of the west to see the sights and visit family. The idea is to do a big loop from here to Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and back. Since we plan to "full-time" in the RV, I'll need a nice enough unit to keep us with a comfortable home-base. I'm looking at fairly large diesel pushers. I don't want a 40 footer, the space would be nice but probably too limiting because of size and ground clearance. I'm looking at 30' to 35' diesel RVs so I don't have to worry about pulling up passes with a car in tow.

We'll stay at some RV parks with full hook-ups but that won't be the norm. We will be doing some boondocking, staying with family, and hitting sight seeing areas.

I've considered 5th wheels as well but with a three month old, my wife would really like to have the ability to walk back and use the facilities and get whatever is needed while on the road.

So that's the gist of it. I'd like to learn from others' mistakes and successes and hear what people recommend as far as brands or really anything else. Is solar worth it? What's the best method for pulling a vehicle (from what I hear, 4-wheels down), best type of tow vehicles, etc. Does anyone know of a reliable way to make a little extra money while on the road?

Looking forward to hearing some first-hand experiences!

Shawn

[CapLock]

We have one family RV trip under our belt. Ours was only 14 days. Brand new RV and going down the road it seemed like it was going to fall apart. I am so glad we rented one. Felt a sense of relief handing the keys back. For a year I would look for a killer deal on a lightly used. Then sell it as soon as you get home.

[BushMasterBoy]

I bough an old motorhome with a 454 big block GM motor and every time I turn around something breaks on it. Still haven't go to go camping in it. I bought it because I know how to fix a 454 GM P30 chassis. In hindsight, I would have bought a used crew cab Ford F450 7.3 diesel and a fifth wheel trailer. I know this isn't exactly what you are asking. Just my take on the whole travel across the country thing. I lived in a 19 ft travel trailer for 13 years, pulled it with a 454 GM truck. Hope it all works out SAFELY for you.

[sniper7]

Since it is a full year I would definitely buy, not rent. If you were even thinking about it.

I only have experience with bumper pulls and 5th wheels other than getting to go on a couple trips in a diesel pusher my miles grandparents had. It was really nice, but also I think about 80k so very expensive.

Get the onboard generator. Onan is the best and about the only thing you will see available. Quiet, friendly on fuel, more than enough to run everything, and the couple I’ve messed with were easy to maintain.

Other than that, I don’t know on the pushers but best of luck in your search

[sbgixxer]

Good start to the discussion. I'm definitely not getting something too old for just the reasons mentioned...I don't want to be broken down on the side of the road every few hundred miles. I am willing to spend the $$$ to get something nicer and more reliable, I just want to make sure it will be more reliable. The idea is spend a decent chunk of cash for a nice unit, use it for a year or so then sell it and of course eat the depreciation. I'm ok with that over saving the cash up front then spending the same or more in time and repairs on the road.

Caplock - What kind of RV did you rent? Was it some variation of a cab-over Ford F series? I would assume those may feel a bit rickety since my work truck already feels that way and it's not attached to a home.

Bushmasterboy - At first I was torn between a 5th wheel and a self-powered RV. I like having the availability of regular repair-shops to do the heavier work and I figure I could handle most of the issues a trailer might have. Plus getting one of the modern diesel heavy duty trucks gives you plenty of torque. On top of that, when it comes time to sell, it's probably far easier. The huge negative that we might not be able to get past is having to be belted in to a seat at all times with no ability to stand up. With the RV, the wife can get up, go to the bathroom, lay down, grab a snack, rock the baby to sleep etc. That's the only real negative I see with a 5th wheel but it's a big one.

Sniper 7 - Did the diesel pusher you were on feel solid (quality construction)? What length and brand? Do you know if they had many issues with it?

Thanks for the help so far, guys.

[GilpinGuy'sDad]

I own a 1997 37' Beaver diesel pusher. Beaver is a very good brand. For your specifications expect to spend a lot of money, probably as much as your house or more. They suck fuel like mad. Expect 7 or 8 mpg. Very roomy inside but most only have 1 bedroom. Trust me your wife will not want to walk around inside while you are driving, unless I have mistaken your intent. If I were to plan a trip like yours, which sounds great by the way, I would look at something on a sprinter chassis or similar. Keep some of your money, stay at a hotel once in awhile and don't take such a big hit on the depreciation. Just my 2 cents. If you need a driver let me know, lol. Good luck.

[sniper7]

The pusher I was in for just the couple trips was I think it was around a 2008. It was a Winnebago but can’t remember the model off the top of my head. It was excellent. Huge slide outs, quiet, comfortable. Huge upgrade from a tent!

they didn’t mention anythiing for problems that I can remember.

[Great-Kazoo]

I own a 1997 37' Beaver diesel pusher. Beaver is a very good brand. For your specifications expect to spend a lot of money, probably as much as your house or more. They suck fuel like mad. Expect 7 or 8 mpg. Very roomy inside but most only have 1 bedroom. Trust me your wife will not want to walk around inside while you are driving, unless I have mistaken your intent. If I were to plan a trip like yours, which sounds great by the way, I would look at something on a sprinter chassis or similar. Keep some of your money, stay at a hotel once in awhile and don't take such a big hit on the depreciation. Just my 2 cents. If you need a driver let me know, lol. Good luck.


This is the way to go. One of the RV guys we had dinner with in Moab said his major expense was fuel. Second was maintenance & overall upkeep. There's so many things you could do with a bare bones sprinter or the Ford and still have $$ in your pocket.

Other advice is if you do the sprinter route, get a cheap compact vehicle to pull around. This way if and when (cause it will happen) you and the spouse need space. That vehicle will be a get away unit. Same if you did a truck/ 5th wheel deal.

[sbgixxer]

I've heard Beaver coaches are very nice. What do you feel makes them stand out as such, reliability, construction, electrical, amenities? I'm definitely not buying new. From my findings, spending $200k wouldn't be difficult and depreciation seems about 50% in 5 or so years. I did expect the 7-8 mpg range. I have looked at the sprinter chassis size but what's holding me up is a long stay in my home town for around 2 months during our year... that'd be a small house for that time and I'd probably have to rent a car to get around. It's not out of the question as it'd be a hell of a lot cheaper all around.

Why do you say my wife wouldn't want to walk to the back of the coach while en route? Is there that much movement? Do all your passengers stay buckled in their seats?

[Irving]

This is a very common thing for people to want to do now a days. I've read about it (usually in the context of some type of travel hacking) and the number one thing that everyone who's gone on trips like this say is to go on a shorter trip first. From what I understand, it's very common for people to get this idea into their head, then two weeks in decide that they are already done. So while I don't want to discourage your dream trip, I definitely encourage renting something for say two weeks, and try a trip of that length first. This will give you a MUCH better idea of what you want in a rig without committing you to anything. It's not uncommon that people do this and change their overall plan to mix things up (maybe we'll stay on a house boat for a month, then rent a tiny house for a month, whatever). Anyway, just an idea before sink a ton of money into this.

Advice freely given without knowing anything about you or your family. Maybe you regularly go on months long trips and are already hardened travelers; most people aren't.

[Marine24]

My father in law had a '86 Allegro that he bought new and we used to go with them on short trips, which were usually around 7-10 days. It was gas and I think bicycles passed up going through the Ozarks. Definitely a very comfortable way to travel and we didn't have any issues moving around the RV while it was underway but you had to be careful. There was usually four adults and one child on our trip. We typically overnighted in an RV park or at a hotel. The one bathroom was fine while driving, but think we ever took a shower in one. Not bad in concept but using the shower with four adults and a kid just seemed like more of a pain than it was worth.

Hauling a car is a good idea. We didn't typically do it and trying to maneuver a 37' RV through Branson, MO was a major pain. I killed a few curbs the few times I drove it. Driving on the highway/major roads was a breeze but I know what a farmer driving a tractor on a two lane road feels like in that RV. Not the most popular person on the road. Diesel definitely will help.

My wife and I have thought about buying an RV as well, but not that ambitious on the length of the trip. We were thinking a Class C but nothing beyond 26'. Don't really want sleeping arrangements for more than six. Just don't like that many people who I want to hang around with for an extended period.

[Big E3]

I have had a 27’ and a 35’ motorhome. The 27 was fun and fairly easy to maneuver and park. The 35 sucked at everything except when you finally got to where you were going. The 27 got 10mpg the 35 6mpg. If you tow a car, unless it is on a trailer you can not back up. I’ve had tow bars and tow dollies these can’t be backed up. That is a real issue because in the back of your mind think every time you start down a narrow road you’re saying to yourself can I ever turn this thing around. When towing you must find a place to pull through every place you go, every parking lot, you name it. And you are longer than some semi’s. The motorhomes are nice with older or more kids and long trips but after that a lot of downsides.

I think with one small child or a baby I would go 5th wheel. Almost any time your wife needs a break you will too. You need to keep babies strapped in any time you are moving anyway. You can jackknife a 5th wheel and turn it around in tighter places. You always have a vehicle to drive when you get there as well. Personally, I would look for a 5th wheel with the lower height overhead bedroom area. With two people and a baby you don’t need a stand up bedroom that reduces your mpg when towing. The smaller the trailer the smaller the truck you need as well. Standard single tire axles so you’re not wearing out six tires on a dually.

I have more info but don’t want to drone on.

[Great-Kazoo]

Something else to keep in mind. When it says Sleeps 6 they usually mean 2 adults, maybe 4 if 1 couple doesn't mind sleeping on twin bed. The other 4 are kid sizes sleeping accommodations.

We looked at a 22' that "slept 4" there wasn't enough room for 2 adults comfortably and what ever luggage, camping gear, etc one wanted to take. The 26' "Sleeps 6" yeah us and the 2 pups.

Storage, Storage, Storage. The interior may be what you and the spouse "always wanted". It's how much storage room is there for that trip.

Last item is ...Where is the bathroom in relationship to eating and sleeping area. Rarely will you want to make use of it when there's a few people with you. Just sayin.

[Wulf202]

I grew up around RVs all classes, lived in them full time and now own a 5th wheel most of my family have some type still. I've made several posts about all this before. Have you read the other threads?

The problem with traveling out west is the amount of nothing between the things you want to see

Rent one for a long weekend and get some of the silly notions taken care of like walking around while its moving.

A few years ago my dad did this but the whole country.

[killianak9]

I had the same idea and decided on a 5th wheel (2013 Forest River Wildcat 323 QB) 3 years ago. I already had the Diesel (04 F250 powerstroke crew cab long bed)to pull it so it made more sense for us. Glad I did because at the time we were going to travel a lot ,then got a new job and well plans changed!
To echo BigE3, I believe a 5th wheel might be a better option mainly
The convenience of having the truck (not having a tow vehicle to unhook if you get in a bind )
and with a young child many 5th wheel floor plans are more conducive in function, like having a bunk house or separate room for your kid to sleep ! many RVs that I have seen have mostly the same full timers floor plan and very few with a separate room per say. If that’s not a big deal then you’re good to go.
We average about 45-60 Days a summer camping in our 5th wheel and although never owned a coach, we really love and enjoy our 5th wheel. Depending on what you buy I also think you may take less of a hit on a camper and a truck versus a coach.
I’m sure you’ve thought of this but hit up a few different RV lots and check them out to really get a feel for how little or more room you think you could live in!
Prior to this we owned a 25 foot Jayco hybrid ( hard sided but fold out beds like a pop up) that was really nice for just the wife and I.
Once our first kid came, we sold it to upgrade to the new 5th wheel.
You’re welcome to come check my 5th out , see if that’s even an option and how we set it up.

[ben4372]

Whatever you decide on but something a few years old to save the depreciation and let the first owner shake out the bugs. RVs are much like boats, always something to fix. If you are going to do this, get handy. Bring a multi-meter, a bunch of fuses, a few extra lights, and maybe even some extra wire. I also bring RV gunk glue, some foil HVAC tape. and some other bits. I have never been on an outing and not needed something adjusted or repaired or smacked. And new ones are even worse. Another reason a 5th wheel is nice. Easier to get an oil change in PU than an class A.

[OtterbatHellcat]

2 cents....avoid a Sprinter or it's counter part.

[GilpinGuy'sDad]

Beaver coaches are known for quality construction and have all of the amenities that you need. All come with a diesel generator dual air conditioners, a hot water heat boiler beautiful woodwork etc. I checked our beaver forum and there is a1999 for sale for $61k with 89k miles,a fair price. Put a few more dollars together and you can get a much newer sprinter chassis coach in better shape. Remember you are driving your house down the road at 65 miles per hour, they take a bit of a beating. As for moving about while driving I don't recommend it. It is quite like moving about in a small boat. Don't get me wrong, I love my motorhome, but it is just as much of a money pit as my boat was. Please do your due diligence before you make your purchase. Good luck.

[Wulf202]

I've heard nothing good about the sprinter drive train.

[DFBrews]

our shop labor rate is 250 per hour for coaches they are miserable to work on. and please please do not get one with a white interior.
they are like a big heavy box truck, the engine and suspension are the major repairs that we see.
How much are you looking to spend

[brutal]

Poke around on rvtrader.com for a while to see what might pique your interest.

Some friends have a 35' Windsor they got for a steal. 7 or 8L CAT engine. It's a beast. $250K+ unit as new for like $80K a few years old as I recall, but they've had it for a good many years now too, maybe 15? Very solid but I think he gets like 5-6MPG pulling his Samuri and jetskis behind at about 60MPH. It's a really solid unit and they do move around in it, poop, make samiches, etc. when rolling. He does his own maintenance, has a nice shop, barn storage, ec. and is handy guy, so that saves them a lot.

From the rear, they're usually master, potty, shower/sink/dressing, kitchen/lounge, driving. There's is closed off between the kitchen and the rest and also a door to the MBR.

There's an RV show every few months, might go poking around to get ideas too.

[Wulf202]

Deals are available for less than what you're expecting to loose on the class A you could own outright. Just saw this

https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/tro/d/5th-wheel-toy-hauler/6556379109.html

"2018 5th Wheel Toy Hauler Trailer - 30' long - full bath with shower enclosure, walk around queen size bed with 2 cabinets for clothes - kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless counter top, recessed sink, gas range - Refrigerator - Norcold 6.3 cf 2 door gas/electric refrigerator with freezer, 30 BTU gas furnace, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, 2 20lb gas cylinders, pantry - fold up seats for toys to be hauled - 6 gal water heater, microwave. Front power jacks with stablizer - exterior shower - black tank flush - 15 ft power awning with LED lights, Stereo with outside speakers (AM, FM. CD's, DVD, Bluetooth)
Can be purchased with 3/4 ton Ford pick up with 5th wheel attachment for $31,800"

[Irving]

Wow!

[Gman]

My dad had a good friend that was in the RV sales business. He had a saying about RVs; "The first thing you think about after buying an RV, is selling an RV."

If it were me, I'd probably go the truck/5th wheel route, but then there's only 2 of us going somewhere in the truck. That's a heckuva deal posted above, but I have to wonder about the details...?

I wish you the best!

[sbgixxer]

Yeah, seems like owning an RV is similar to owning a boat. I've been in industrial mechanics for a while so I'm mechanically inclined but I don't exactly want to tow a trailer full of tools and spare parts so I can do the work. The 5th wheel route is getting more attractive.

[Gman]

I like the ability to easily get around whenever I've arrived at my destination, so it's either tow a car, or unhook the 5th wheel and take the truck.

[Wulf202]

I run a 3/4 ton diesel and a 36ft toy hauler. The nice thing about my toy hauler is the on board generator and fuel station that can feed the motorcycle and generator 30 gallons. It also has a 10 foot garage, that one has no separate garage. Mine is the equivalent of a 2 bedroom but has 4 queen size sleeping areas. I can house comfortably 4 adult males with out crossing swords and be boondocking until the black tank fills up. By myself I can go 3-4 weeks as long as I take very conservative showers.

[Martinjmpr]

When are you looking to buy? Autumn is a great time to buy used because people would rather sell than store for the winter.

[brutal]

Deals are available for less than what you're expecting to loose on the class A you could own outright. Just saw this

https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/tro/d/5th-wheel-toy-hauler/6556379109.html

"2018 5th Wheel Toy Hauler Trailer - 30' long - full bath with shower enclosure, walk around queen size bed with 2 cabinets for clothes - kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless counter top, recessed sink, gas range - Refrigerator - Norcold 6.3 cf 2 door gas/electric refrigerator with freezer, 30 BTU gas furnace, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, 2 20lb gas cylinders, pantry - fold up seats for toys to be hauled - 6 gal water heater, microwave. Front power jacks with stablizer - exterior shower - black tank flush - 15 ft power awning with LED lights, Stereo with outside speakers (AM, FM. CD's, DVD, Bluetooth)
Can be purchased with 3/4 ton Ford pick up with 5th wheel attachment for $31,800"

Translation.

Too small for real toys, needs a 2nd A/C, fridge too small, LP too small, and I wish I had a bigger truck to haul a bigger TH. P.S. It's got a shitty Furrion RV head unit that sounds like crap.

[Coffee]

[sbgixxer]

When are you looking to buy? Autumn is a great time to buy used because people would rather sell than store for the winter.

That's about when I'm looking... maybe a little earlier. If everything comes together this year, I'd start looking towards the end of summer. The idea was to get out of here when it starts to get cold since I'll be heading to AZ and CA first.

[Wulf202]

Translation.

Too small for real toys, needs a 2nd A/C, fridge too small, LP too small, and I wish I had a bigger truck to haul a bigger TH. P.S. It's got a shitty Furrion RV head unit that sounds like crap.

[Coffee]

I've seen guys cram an 18 ft boat in these things... not tandem, Inside the toy hauler.