Motorhome Size Recommendation

[QualityTime]

Great site, thanks for all of your contributions.

I will buy a Tiffin next year, probably the Allegro Bus. Now what size if you had to do it over again? (please, if there is another blog that deals with this please redirect me).

Both my wife and I are in our mid 50's with good health, grew up boating and camping (tent, trailer, etc), will be mostly my wife and I (and 2 small dogs) although at times I want to take friends on adventures and journeys (e.g. another couple), want to explore regions like the coastline of Oregon (get to somewhat isolated areas at times) to spending a couple of months in places like Alaska (e.g. extended road trips). Don't see myself tailgaiting or spending week long periods at a cement campground.

So, should I go for a 36' for the access, the 40' for the extra room, or the 43' for the more of everything with potential limitations?

P.S. Comfortable towing a vehicle behind also....

Any experiences you all have encountered that would help me?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Batman_777]

Get the biggest thing you can afford is the usual answer; however, special needs and desires override. Tags are controversial.. I hear pros and cons with everything. Living Full-time? Part-time? On the road a lot? A little? The more slides, the more room. Warranties? Manufacture in bankruptcy? going in bankruptcy? Reputable dealer? You should get 25% - 30% off new MSRP in the current RV market.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f86/decis...ice-59580.html

[fatboysrule]

We have a 42 TAG, prior to that we had a 37 ft. 5th wheel toy hauler with a Dodge tow, the MH is much easier to drive and get into tight campgrounds that the 5th wheel. I love the TAG because I don't have to worry about the amount of stuff we put in the motorhome. Before we were always limited by weight restrictions. We like you are in our early 50's and love to explore, we also love motorcycles, so the TAG allows us to take a bike with us, on a lift on the rear of the motorhome. You have to list your needs, what is most important, and match your needs to your RV.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I started with tents, truck and camper, 25' Gas M/H (1973 Escapade), 36' DP (Monaco Dynasty 1995) and now the 43' DSDP with Tag. I moved up as I could afford, then with the DP's it was what we liked. The M/H we now have followed us home. We had decided it would be an Allegro or Newmar, but had not seen a floorplan that met our expectations. When we saw this unit we knew it was the one...longer than I ever thought we would own and the tag. After 4 years and 42,000 plus miles I have no regrets. We have visited, as some timers, every state except Alaska, Kentucky, and Ohio. British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Sure there are State and National parks that we can no longer camp, but we have the toad and have found that we can do day trips. Many of these parks would be a challenge in smaller units.

Bottom line take your time find the M/H that you LOVE, know what you need and want. Read this forum about extras like Hydro Hot, keyless entry, generators, Refrigerators on slides, tag vrs no tag and etc.

[Oldrtrcr]

QualityTime, agree with all the posts above. But here is my 2 cents worth. Like you, we travel sometimes with another couple. Have been out as long as 10 days with them and find our 40' Phaeton very comfortable. Even on rainy days. Now, having said that, my wife has seen the newer bath and a half floor plans and my wallet is in deep trouble. Enough said. Make your own list of have to haves and happy hunting.

[JoeT]

I have owned a 34' and currently own a 40'. I don't full time. If I had to do it again I would get a 36'.
However, if you full time, what the guy told me who built by metal barn said "no matter how big you make it, you'll wish you had made it bigger" may apply to a motorhome. That said, if I full timed I think I would look at the 42'.

[dieselclacker]

I agree with JoeT above. We boondock quite a bit, and are only part timers, our 32' Allegro fits us just fine. Easy in and out of most out of the way spots we enjoy, we also do not spend a lot of nights in RV parks. If I were to go full timing, I am sure I would go with a 40' or over. Can't comment on traveling with another couple onboard for an extended amount of time, have never been in that situation. Take your time think things out, buy what you think will suit your situation, and most of all enjoy!!!

Dieselclacker