New to forum, looking for general info

[Donrickey]

Hi folks,

Sure you've heard this one before. I have been retired since 2001 and the wife will probably be retiring within the next year. We are beginning our search for an RV which we plan to use extensively for a couple of years as we enjoy the road and look at various retirement areas in the West/Southwest. We currently reside in Virginia, but also have a place in Colorado and much prefer that area of the country for retirement. Would continue to use the RV after that point, but not sure how extensively.

Have limited personal knowledge of options out there right now. Only one friend whom is currently RVing and that is in a fifth-wheel, not an option we want to consider. Would prefer a Class A, would also consider good-sized Class C. Budget ($100,000 to $125,000) and preference is driving focus to a late-model gas engine Class A. We have been zeroing in on a Pace Arrow, but would like to know if there are some good references available. I have some experience, but it goes back several decades. Used to drive a 28 foot Travco (any of you youngsters remember those?) many years ago. Things have changed trememdously.

Hope someone can recommend some good literature or other sources. I realize this is an open-ended question, but would sure appreciate some pointers. We're working to narrow this down. Definitely fun, but also definitely intimidating.

Many thanks.

Don

[John H...]

Can't actually answer your question or suggest anything, but just want to welcome you to the forum. A fulltimer who can give you advice will chime in here sooner or later. Good luck. John H...

[RobRV]

Welcome to the Forum. We are Happy with Our Choice of Class A . We Still live Fulltime in Our Cottage by the Lake so are not about to try it in an RV just yet.
We have owned several Makes and Models and Rented several Others over the Years but decided early on that 5th wheels and trailers were not Our cup of tea.
Class C's were good when the Kids travelled with Us! Now it's just the two of Us and a Class A is perfect!
As far a Makes Go We like the Quality of the Newmar Line at least We like the one that we presently Own!

[Donrickey]

Thank you, Rob & John, for the replies. Glad to be here and appreciate the Newmar reference. We'll check them out as well. Will also keep checking the forum for any other info or suggestions.

Thanks folks!

Don

[popsuscdds]

It seems to me that you will know what you really want after you've had a Class A for a few hundred or thousand miles and a year or two. Your budget is more than adequate to get into a gasoline rig as a trial. Get something on the inexpensive side knowing that you're going to dump it later perhaps.
You are the only person who can know what the "perfect" rv for you will be.
Experience will point the way.

Have fun
Milt

[Mac99]

Don,
I suggest you focus on the floor plan/layout of coaches first, as that is where you will be spending most of your time. Diesel pushers are quiet under way, and have better resale and fuel economy. You certainly have the budget to explore
lots of options. I'd suggest you get the biggest coach you can handle.
Good luck !

[Donrickey]

Thanks for these comments, folks. I know we have our work cut out for us. Are there any recognized standard publications that might be recommended that offer brand comparisons or good research points? I'm concerned about this because I wasn't even focused on looking at the different floor plans--an obviously good suggestion. Makes me wonder what other basic factors I'm not considering. I think I'm looking for a book on the order of RVing for Dummies!

Perhaps some of you have some friends that have gone through this before. If so, and if they found a good resource, I'd sure enjoy hearing about it. Already know this forum is going to be a great resource.

Thanks.

Don

[JimM68]

In the gas class A world, PaceArrow is top of the line. You will get all the extras / features of a high end coach. Big kitchen, big refer, washer-dryer, etc. along with insulated glass, day night shades, leather, etc.

Still, we're thinking of moving into a DSDP, and our 99 may be up for sale soon.

[az bound]

There is a little known company out there called CT Coachworks that builds an excelent coach, and their after sales service is the best. You will find that this coach has many of the upgrades found on high end rigs as standard equipment, residential appliances, 42" lcd tv, full size shower, AGM batteries and Onan Equanox EMS for those that like to boondock. All as standard equipment. Check it out. www.ctcoachworks.com

[Vegasdan]

[QUOTE=Donrickey;688049]Thanks for these comments, folks. I know we have our work cut out for us. Are there any recognized standard publications that might be recommended that offer brand comparisons or good research points? I'm concerned about this because I wasn't even focused on looking at the different floor plans--an obviously good suggestion. Makes me wonder what other basic factors I'm not considering. I think I'm looking for a book on the order of RVing for Dummies!

Perhaps some of you have some friends that have gone through this before. If so, and if they found a good resource, I'd sure enjoy hearing about it. Already know this forum is going to be a great resource.

Thanks.


We have been fulltiming now for a month in our DP. We studied this lifestyle for 6 years before we took the plunge, so we have a lot of books we used for preparation as well as talking to numerous folks who were fulltiming. We also went to the "Rally" in Albuquerque a couple years ago. Some good reads are, "Idiots Guide to RVing" by Brent Peterson, "Fulltiming for New and Used RVers" by Ron Jones, "All the Stuff You Need To Know About RVing" by Ron Jones, and "Fulltiming" by Gaylord Maxwell. Gaylord has passed away now but his words are full of wisdom. As far as anything out there that will guide you in a purchase of one brand over another, there just isn't anything that I know of. Remember that RV (motorhome) manufacturers are basically just "assemblers". They buy most of the parts, components and drive trains from other manufacturers. Generally they provide the shell and in some cases make their own cabinetry. What it will come down to is what floor plan works for you and what is affordable. If you are considering used, many coaches (like ours) are "orphans", the manufacturer went out of business for one reason or another in the past 2-3 years. If that is a concern, then narrow your search down to the manufacturers that are still in business-Winnebago, Tiffin, Newmar, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck!

[TXiceman]

So that you will get the most bang fro the buck, look at units that are 2 to 5 years old. Let the first owner take the hit for the depreciation and get all of the bugs out. If you are worried about things breaking, get the dealer to work an extended warranty into the deal.

Ken

[Rick&Cheryl]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

So that you will get the most bang fro the buck, look at units that are 2 to 5 years old. Let the first owner take the hit for the depreciation and get all of the bugs out. If you are worried about things breaking, get the dealer to work an extended warranty into the deal.

Ken

I agree 100% with this. You can get a quality DP in the 38-40 ft range with your budget. I dont think you will regret buying bigger and a DP. Not only will it live out better, it will also hold value better if you decide to sell at a future date.

[Donrickey]

[QUOTE=Vegasdan;688143]

Originally Posted by Donrickey

We have been fulltiming now for a month in our DP. We studied this lifestyle for 6 years before we took the plunge, so we have a lot of books we used for preparation as well as talking to numerous folks who were fulltiming. We also went to the "Rally" in Albuquerque a couple years ago. Some good reads are, "Idiots Guide to RVing" by Brent Peterson, "Fulltiming for New and Used RVers" by Ron Jones, "All the Stuff You Need To Know About RVing" by Ron Jones, and "Fulltiming" by Gaylord Maxwell. Gaylord has passed away now but his words are full of wisdom. As far as anything out there that will guide you in a purchase of one brand over another, there just isn't anything that I know of. Remember that RV (motorhome) manufacturers are basically just "assemblers". They buy most of the parts, components and drive trains from other manufacturers. Generally they provide the shell and in some cases make their own cabinetry. What it will come down to is what floor plan works for you and what is affordable. If you are considering used, many coaches (like ours) are "orphans", the manufacturer went out of business for one reason or another in the past 2-3 years. If that is a concern, then narrow your search down to the manufacturers that are still in business-Winnebago, Tiffin, Newmar, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Wow, that's some great info!! Just what I was looking for. Many, many thanks for the pointers. Will pick up these books and start reading!!

[Donrickey]

I may consider the DP route, but not sure how much more I should budget for maintenance. Will add that into my research. Thanks.

Don