Everything is starting to really create second thoughts.

[jimrf]

My wife and I have been looking into RV'ng for the past couple of years. We have narrowed it down to 2 RV's one based on if we go with Diesel, that would be the Winnebago Forza 36G and one if we go with gas, that would be the Georgetown XL 386, my wife really likes the layout. However over the past couple of weeks I have been all over these RV forums and am now getting very nervous. All I read about are issues with the coaches, additional things I need to purchase and have installed -- sway bars, stabilizers, etc. What am I getting myself into?

[elkski]

being educated comes with a burden! You could just be like most in this World as sheep seem to be happy..

[pagosajoe]

Welcome to IRV2!

Well, you'd be getting yourself into a lot of fun! As with any mechanical system, there will be issues. We've all had our share. However, the prime purpose of this forum is to help people with problems they've encountered. So, you'll read a lot about issues RVers have faced. You won't need stabilizers and sway bars for the two coaches you have in mind. The diesel will give you a much smoother and quieter ride, but, selecting a coach with a floor plan you like is key.

What you don't read - as much - is all the fun times they've had. So, check out the two coaches you have in mind, know that you'll face some problems in the time you own it, and go have fun!

We're leaving on a trip to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef tomorrow, and can't wait!

[Scarab0088]

Seems that every new RV will have some "bugs" to work out. Just like a new construction home purchase, there will be a "punch list" of things the need attension. This would be addresses by the authorized factory service center. Unfortunatly, there is a boom in the RV biz and most all service centers are overwhelmed...like there is a 4 week wait at our local center to just get a diagnostic check.

About the gas vs. Diesel compario. There's really a simple answer...there is no answer. Gas is less expensive. Less to buy, less to maintain. Diesel RV's cost more to buy and maintain because all current models have fancier systems on the chassis (air brakes, airbag suspension, etc). Diesel MPG might be better...but not always.
If you drive more and sit less, the Diesel might have a quailty of life advantage...but remember there's the cost.

Get the floorplan you like best. That is generally accepted as the best advice.

Best luck

[Gordon Dewald]

You are getting yourself into RV'ing. It is a great occupation and many do it without fanfare or any special issues.

You are going to need a few accessories as manfactures do not provide a totally living ready unit. You will have to provide things like bedding, towels etc the same as you would in a regular house. Beds, tables and chairs are included unlike an S&B.

For some reason most do not provide a fresh water hose. Could be because of many personal preferences as to what length or color of hose each buyer prefers. One of those unanswered questions.

Handling fixes are dependent upon the personal preferences of the user. I know of many folks who like what they have stock. Others are continually looking to tweak their units. While you can improve any or all of them there will be conditions where the unit will have handling issues. Some want to forge through, others slow down or pull off until conditions improve. Lots of personal choice and decisions being made.

The thing to do is take a few of them for a test drive. If possible do it on a breezy day. We have driven both our units on windy days. The effects are there but not enough to make it white knuckling. There have been times I have been driving as slow as 30 because we had some deadlines. Without deadlines we would have stopped. We have the perfect units to sit, relax and enjoy ourselves until the conditions improve.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by jimrf

My wife and I have been looking into RV'ng for the past couple of years. We have narrowed it down to 2 RV's one based on if we go with Diesel, that would be the Winnebago Forza 36G and one if we go with gas, that would be the Georgetown XL 386, my wife really likes the layout. However over the past couple of weeks I have been all over these RV forums and am now getting very nervous. All I read about are issues with the coaches, additional things I need to purchase and have installed -- sway bars, stabilizers, etc. What am I getting myself into?

Be aware that in a diesel DP (engine in the rear) driving is more relaxed because the vibration and noise of the engine is 36 feet behind you...with a gas powered chassis you are sitting on top of the engine.

Also be aware that in a diesel DP when you want to run the generator overnight for sleeping with the AC on, it's noise and vibration is 30 feet away from you (in the front of the coach) ... In a gas chassis, the generator is under your bed while you are sleeping.

Two things most people don't notice until AFTER they have purchased 😃

[TMan59]

I love our coach. Just love it.

But what I have also learned is owning and RV is NOT for the faint of heart.
You gotta be tough. Figure it out. Look for answers when you don't even know the questions yet.

Again, wouldn't trade it for the world!

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

...Also be aware that in a diesel DP when you want to run the generator overnight for sleeping with the AC on, it's noise and vibration is 30 feet away from you (in the front of the coach) ... In a gas chassis, the generator is under your bed while you are sleeping.
...things most people don't notice until AFTER they have purchased ��

The whisper quiet gas genie on most all gas RV's is mid-ship. That's under your bed if you sleep on the couch

Safe travels

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by jimrf

My wife and I have been looking into RV'ng for the past couple of years. We have narrowed it down to 2 RV's one based on if we go with Diesel, that would be the Winnebago Forza 36G and one if we go with gas, that would be the Georgetown XL 386, my wife really likes the layout. However over the past couple of weeks I have been all over these RV forums and am now getting very nervous. All I read about are issues with the coaches, additional things I need to purchase and have installed -- sway bars, stabilizers, etc. What am I getting myself into?

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

It's definitely a lot to absorb, but you don't have to swallow all of it at the same time! Yes, it can be quite expensive getting started, depending on your tastes, but once that's over it's a wonderful lifestyle! We started RV'ing in 2001 and had three 5th wheels before getting the motorhome in 2012. We have loved every minute of it! (almost) We're getting ready to rent our house for a year and try fulltiming!

You'll find lots of good folks on here who are willing to answer any questions you may have, no matter how "silly" you may think they are!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[TurtleKent]

I personally would not purchase a new coach, especially for the first one. According to Lazydays, the average Class A is traded in after 15 months! New to RVing, you will likely be trading once you live with one for awhile. Save the depreciation and purchase a clean, late model used rig of your choice. It won't hurt nearly so much when you trade in a few years! Enjoy the experience. My 2¢.

[rvadventure]

Jim I know the feeling! We are now into our 3rd year, I never had a motor home before we purchased the one we have now. I based my decision on reading a lot of the threads on this forum. I will tell you that my wife and I never have had so much fun! We meet a lot of great people and really enjoy all the different RV parks and scenery. I currently still work and travel for my job, the last thing I ever wanted to do was go somewhere and stay in another hotel. But I love getting in that diesel pusher and heading out, it is fun to drive and for me very relaxing. I find the repairs and little things that need to be fixed pretty easy and actually fun. I can almost always find how to do it on this forum. I just replaced the air brake sensor that was beeping incessantly, with the help of the forum. Along with that I fixed the dash air, replaced the slide toppers, and fixed a hydraulic jack that was hanging up.The amazing thing is I will not fix anything on our vehicles, and aids joy doing it on the motor home, and I'm not all that mechanical. I say go for it, it is an amazing adventure.
Regards Marc

[speed racer]

Most people get on these forums to find answers to problems they have. These people are about 10 percent of the people that have motor homes. I have owned my MH for over 7 years and in that time I have replaced tires(because of age) a starter and an A/C clutch. This is a lot less than I have spent on my house. I travel most every summer and live in it in florida in the winter.

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by speed racer

Most people get on these forums to find answers to problems they have. These people are about 10 percent of the people that have motor homes. I have owned my MH for over 7 years and in that time I have replaced tires(because of age) a starter and an A/C clutch. This is a lot less than I have spent on my house. I travel most every summer and live in it in florida in the winter.

These are the kind of posts I like to read. Hope to have the same luck

[Darwin]

Be sure to drive both before making a decision. I have read more than once, don't drive a diesel pusher unless you are ready to by one. I agree with this statement.