RV Afficianados

[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