Community Forums

grey2112 · 08-24-2017, 09:08 AM

We had a travel trailer in the past, 31 footer with single slide, towed by a 2500 Suburban. Sold it and got into boating big time, but now are interested in getting back into camping/traveling.

Although we could pull a trailer with our Expedition EL (2015) we'd rather have the family (me and my wife) and our 2 dogs (collies) and one cat all in the same vehicle, together, with space to move around, make a sammich, go to the bathroom, etc. Also want the option for my wife to bring the Expedition and tow one of our boats when we travel.

We live in the Tampa area and will, more than likely, do most if not all of our traveling in Florida, especially down in the Keys, St. Augustine, etc.

Will only be the two of us and the pets.

We are thinking at keeping it under 36 feet, Class A, and honestly I'd prefer a gas engine vs. diesel due to costs. My parents have a nice 40 foot DP, but it is way beyond our budget. We're not going to be full-timing it - more likely a few weekends a year and two 1 week trips a year starting out. We are 50 years old, and I've got some decent experience towing and backing trailers, so I feel a 30-36 foot motorhome should be fairly easy for me to drive.

Would like to at least have a queen bed, though a king sure would be nice.

We love to cook, so a good, well-laid out kitchen and decent counterspace, cabinets, and fridge is essential.

So, any advice on brands to looks at, or to definitely cross off the list due to issues with them? We want safe, decent quality, good reliability with regards to engine, tranny, components.

Budget will be $25k-$50k depending on what we find and how much more we're willing to pay for higher quality.

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but thank you in advance for your help.

PS - found a nice layout in a 2004 Holiday Rambler VACATIONER 37PCT with Chevy/Allison combo, low miles, and in Florida (where I live). Seems like the owners did a nice job of upgrading, maintaining, and using the RV. May have to check that one out, even though it is priced a little higher than the average ones around the country, but if well-maintained, new tires, etc. it may be worth the premium.

airshot · 08-24-2017, 10:31 AM

Wife and I moved into a class A from a travel trailer and not looking back. As you mentioned everyone together in one place with all the amenities at your finger tips. I believe you will find the class A much easier to maneuver than pulling a trailer, it is for us anyway, also easier to set up and take down. If the weather is bad you don't really need to even get out!
We have a 28' Allegro gas and can tow our 22' boat when needed. Good luck on your shopping, best advice I could give is look for history and receipts on any coach you buy. You want every piece of maintainence records you can get. Ours is an older 1994 model but a stack of records and receipts about 3" thick from anything ever done to the coach. Shows how well it was taken care of...

empty_nest · 08-24-2017, 12:56 PM

We just recently (3 wks ago) made the move from our 5th wheel, which we really liked, to a 34' Gasser. Still trying to get it all set up the way we want so we haven't had a chance to get out with it yet. May not even get out this year...... summers are short around here.

Anyway, one thing that sold us on this unit was that the previous owner had a file of all service, oil changes, etc, including receipts. Usually, somebody keeps records like that, they probably treated her very well.

Also, for some reason, I feel more comfortable driving the MH than my 1 ton towing the 5'r.