Advice for future (hopefully) RV owner

[tlevy]

Hi all

I would like some advice if anyone has any thoughts they would like to share.

I have dreamed of owning my own RV for years - and I think I can convince my wife as well. Was thinking the best way to get a feel for RVing would be to rent one for a few weeks. What should I be looking out for? I know next to nothing about owning one, so want something that will be easy to use and operate....any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Tom

[RedRaider93]

Welcome to the forum! I've never rented an RV before, so I can't speak firsthand, but I think it's a good idea to try renting before buying. That way you can get a feel for how everything works. Do you lean toward buying a Class C or a Class A? I think you can get good rental units for either one. Sorry I can't give more specific advice. Best of luck to you in your travels, and I hope you get to own one of your own someday soon!

[tlevy]

Ha! I don't even know what Class A or C is! Looks like i have a TON of research to do. .

[Moonrover]

The road has many turns. You seem to be on target by wanting to rent an RV for a few days of travel and of course staying at RV parks. That's where you will have the priceless opportunity to visit with seasoned RVers, full-timers, and first-timers like you.

Listening to their experiences will fatten your mental database. The daunting decision of what type, style, length, design, etc. RV to purchase will begin to codify. Nobody will have THE right answer for you, but everyone will at least give you their reasons for owning and driving what they have.

[tlevy]

Thanks Moonrover - truer words could. Not be spoken! Can't wait to get started. I think renting one makes the most sense. Then I can start zeroing in on what works for us and what doesn't...

[WillandJane]

Originally Posted by tlevy

Ha! I don't even know what Class A or C is! Looks like i have a TON of research to do. .

Basically, in a class A gas, you will be sitting on top of the engine....its in the back usually in a diesel....it will have the huge bus drivers windshield. In a class C, it will have a bed compartment above the drivers and passengers head and you will be sitting behind the engine much the same was you wherein a pick up truck.

WDK

[jacwjames]

tlevy,
If you are that green you need to do a lot of homework.

I would suggest that you continue to read the posts on IRV2, this will give you an idea of the types of problems people may encounter.

Start going to RV dealers and looking at both new and used RV's. This will give you an idea of value and what you are buying.

I would look at the full range of RV's from Class B, Class C, Class A. Look at the different options and levels of detail/finish. Again what does the additional money buy you. You can buy new, which will provide some level of protection since it will come with a warranty. You could also look for a newer used RV and buy an extended warranty.

Renting one would give you an idea of what to expect, I would suggest a Class C as they are usually smaller. Try it for a week and see if you like the lifestyle.

We started out camping in a Suburban, moved up to a 31' Class C, and now own a 38' Class A. Our current RV was used unit that I got at a very good price after shopping for years. It's options & finish are found in upper tier RV's. It is large enough to full time in and also provide all the comforts of home.

Good Luck

[tlevy]

Thanks to all for the great advice. I will continue to lurk on this forum, and may try to rent one in the near future.

[tholtman]

tlevy,
After recently going through the same experience I found trips to local dealerships very valuable in educating myself.

But I learned more by watching videos. Specifically, by these contributors:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBo...5HI5CXFsCxOhmA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33...DXepBuc3ry0rMg
https://www.youtube.com/user/RVgeeks/videos

[LSC9901]

Some great advice here already. Check around to see if there are some dealers in your area where you can go and look around. When you get there be honest and up front. Tell them you are merely in the learning stage and that you don't even know what you want. Hopefully if they have time they can give you tours through the different classes of motorhomes.

Talk with folks at work. You might be surprised who you know that has one. If you can find a friend or a neighbor it'll be like hitting the jackpot. Most of us love to talk about our RV's and most of us can give you some differences between the classes of units.

Tons of info right here. You were smart enough to come here so utilize all we have to offer.

[Slolane]

Start by going to dealers and seeing the different classes, brands and models. Go for some test drives to see the difference in how the different classes ride. There is a world of difference in a Class A diesel pusher and a Class C gasser.


Another thing to do is start reading some of the owners threads and learn the differences in the brands. You'll see there is a difference in quality and customer service.


After all our research, we ended up getting a 2012 Dutch Star 38, we pick it up in a few weeks. Now the research is over, let the fun begin!!!

[JMonroe]

You can rent any class of RV, but if trying to convince a skeptical wife I suggest you not start your journey in a tent camper or "pop up".

I'm going to assume you either have no vehicle capable of towing a travel trailer or, if you do, it is not set up for towing and you have zero experience towing a trailer.

I'd suggest you start by renting a class C (the type where part of the RV living compartment hangs out over the driver / passenger cab), something less than 30 foot. This will give you a good taste, it will share systems with both much larger and smaller RVs and will give you an idea what it is to maneuver one of these on the road and in the RV park or campground environment.

I warn you though, once you've started, you'll never want it to end.

[Clay L]

The last time I checked rental fees were around $1000 per week or more.
I would just take her to see a lot of motor homes.

[tlevy]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

You can rent any class of RV, but if trying to convince a skeptical wife I suggest you not start your journey in a tent camper or "pop up".

I'm going to assume you either have no vehicle capable of towing a travel trailer or, if you do, it is not set up for towing and you have zero experience towing a trailer.

I'd suggest you start by renting a class C (the type where part of the RV living compartment hangs out over the driver / passenger cab), something less than 30 foot. This will give you a good taste, it will share systems with both much larger and smaller RVs and will give you an idea what it is to maneuver one of these on the road and in the RV park or campground environment.

I warn you though, once you've started, you'll never want it to end.

Ha! That's the idea