5'er to Motorhome

[buckeyes]

We are currently traveling in our 30' 5'er and thinking of upgrading to a motorhome or some kind of self contained rv. The things we dislike about the 5'er are the constant jarring while driving of the truck and rig, leaving us exhausted, the hooking and unhooking, the fact that we have no freedom of movement while traveling such as bathroom, taking care of the pets, basically being comfortable.
The biggest complaint is that our bedroom is small, and hard to move around in. I am 6'03 and would like a stand up bedroom with real closets to hang a shirt.
My thought is that a Class C is not going to fulfill our needs and that a Class A is financially out of bounds. We are newly retired and don't want to put everything into the RV money wise. Is there somewhere where we can trade without getting ripped, and not having to sell the home to buy it.
I guess my basic question is: what do you think the benefits are of going to a class A and are they worth the risks if any. Thanks.

[buckeyes]

We are currently traveling in our 30' 5'er and thinking of upgrading to a motorhome or some kind of self contained rv. The things we dislike about the 5'er are the constant jarring while driving of the truck and rig, leaving us exhausted, the hooking and unhooking, the fact that we have no freedom of movement while traveling such as bathroom, taking care of the pets, basically being comfortable.
The biggest complaint is that our bedroom is small, and hard to move around in. I am 6'03 and would like a stand up bedroom with real closets to hang a shirt.
My thought is that a Class C is not going to fulfill our needs and that a Class A is financially out of bounds. We are newly retired and don't want to put everything into the RV money wise. Is there somewhere where we can trade without getting ripped, and not having to sell the home to buy it.
I guess my basic question is: what do you think the benefits are of going to a class A and are they worth the risks if any. Thanks.

[campernut2]

Well we went to a Class A for some of the same reasons. I can tell you that when traveling it is really nice to be able to get up and go potty when you need to. Of course my hubby can't do that but what the heck I do drive some of the time! LOL It works great with our Dogs too. They are comfortable and so are we. Of course it is a little different when they have to go potty. They stand at the door but that means we have to pull over fast! Can't just let them out at 60 miles per hour.

[Roland]

Gene,

For all the reasons you gave and campernut seconded, DW and I are very satisified with our Class "A"; currently our 5th. There are now Class "C"'s with slides and basement storage over 30' on diesel powered Kodiak chassis. Tough to give suggestions as you don't indicate any preferences. (gas or diesel, new or used??). Getting ripped is a function of the dealer you choose and the realism you possess.

We bought our last three from Lazy Days in Seffner, FL. Depending on the time of year they may have hundreds of new and used units for sale. They have a large towable section, which may help your trade. Extremely large inventory of Class "A"'s. You can check their inventory on the net. If you are looking for used, you need a good salesman as the best trade-in's are frequently spoken for before they arrive. Combine a trip to Ft. Wilderness at Disney World with a stop over at Lazy Days RV Rally Park. There are also several other large dealers in Florida and you can get a lot of 1st hand information on one trip.

[Farmerjones]

All the above, and ya know if you need a run-about, another twelve hundred will get you a little toad. Then you're not burning lo-mileage fuel while you're camped.
The fact that you mentioned the word "budget" means you know about depreciation. If you know about depreciation, you know you want used. We've gotta '99 V10 gasser and we could not be happier. Everybody's different, and i'll say it again: This here forum has paid for my computer in the money it's saved and the knowledge and advice you can get. Best of Luck

[Gordon]

We went to a Class A from a 5er for exactly the same reasons as the folks above mentioned.

We owned a 32 foot 3 slide 5er and truck previously.

We figured that going to a Class C, with less room then the 5er had was not in our best interests and we would wind up going Class A diesel anyway, so might as well get it over with.

The final straw, I must admit, was knocking myself unconscious on the king pin (2nd time it happened, so I guess I don't learn well)

A coworker asked me the other day, "was it worth it"! After thinking on it for a minute or two, I came to the conclusion that I wish I had made the move years ago.

Yes, it was more expensive. Since I still have about 10 more working years ahead of me, I figured I might as well get it paid off while I can. In the mean time, I plan (and we are) using it as often as we can.

Mileage (as if it really mattered) is actually better with the coach then when towing a 5er with a dually.

[Gary RVRoamer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> My thought is that a Class C is not going to fulfill our needs and that a Class A is financially out of bounds. We are newly retired and don't want to put everything into the RV money wise. Is there somewhere where we can trade without getting ripped, and not having to sell the home to buy it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

A Class A doesn't cost any more than a Class C of similar size and you don't need to buy a new one of either type. Lots of nice used rigs out there, so set your budget limits and go shopping. Take your time and bargain hard. That big truck you are hauling the fiver with is worth a lot of money, even if a used trailer is not, so you have something to bargain with. Check the NADA book values before you shop, both for your trade and the year/make of coaches you are interested in.

Lazy Days was mentioned and their selection is terrific. As a high volume dealer they can and will offer excellent prices. You should be able to get a nice, fairly late model twin slide gas motorhome in the 34-36 foot range for around $50k. Somewhat more if you want diesel, but if you can live with single or no slides you can get some outstanding used diesels too - even luxury models will be in your budget range.