Community Forums

WildRV · 10-30-2014, 10:18 PM

We are complete newbies to the RV lifestyle.

So new in fact that we don't even own an RV yet!

My wife and I had been dreaming of buying a sailboat and visiting exotic places but the reality is that neither of us are that experienced at sailing. Sure we do a charter every few years but that's much different to buying one to live on.

Anyway, recently we have been discussing trading the sailing dream for a "Land Yacht"! We decided that it might be safer and would allow us the opportunity to see this great country of ours!

We have been spending every weekend out touring the RV dealerships and the best we have done thus far is narrow our choice of RV down to a Class A-Gas rig.

So finally getting to the point of this post... I'm hoping to get some experienced feedback on the various makes and models. I specifically, would like to get your thoughts and opinions on what to look at and what to stay away from.

Please include in your reviews Why you are making the specific recommendations. Remember, I am new to this lifestyle and I don't know the differences between companies like Fleetwood, Thor, Tiffin, or Winnebago.

I look forward to your expertise and helpful guidance.

Thanks in Advance

DieselTech39 · 10-30-2014, 10:22 PM

Glad you're aboard. Congrats on the decision for a "land yacht". Best of luck in your search for the right rig for you. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

Santara · 10-30-2014, 10:48 PM

You have to go to the Tampa show in Jan. They all are there

lappir · 10-31-2014, 03:20 AM

Take a tour of your local campgrounds. TY park is a good one and there are others in the area too. You can bike at TY and then circle through the RV park to get a closer look at some of the RV's. Depending on the day you might also see someone outside doing odd jobs around the RV. Don't interrupt someone who is parking or hitching up, but most other "Campers" are willing to share their experiences with their particular vehicle. Visiting a RV show will allow you to go inside almost every type and model of an RV. There is one in Fort Myers a couple weeks after the Tampa show that would be several hours less of a drive. I have attended both and while I can do the Tampa show in a day it's a long day (From Wellington, FL)

Rod

Chiefbvfd · 10-31-2014, 05:01 AM

Welcome to the forum and the RV Lifestyle.....

MSHappyCampers · 10-31-2014, 05:25 AM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join the bunch here!

I would suggest that you spend time in the Owner's Forums here, browsing each manufacturer, reading the threads, getting an idea of how many problems you see. Of course you can post specific questions in each of these.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Medico · 10-31-2014, 08:13 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

**JohnRR** · 10-31-2014, 09:49 AM

Good luck with your plans.

"007" · 10-31-2014, 10:23 AM

Welcome WildRV to irv2.
Here is some information that may help to get you started in your new adventure, info is not one of your choices but what these people went through may give you a perspective of what you are about to enter.
The top threads are people looking for what coach to buy, below them is a group call the Hoot's and threads on all their coach's they wound up with.
Enjoy the reading and good luck in your pursuit.

WildRV · 11-01-2014, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!

We plan to attend the RV show in Tampa, fl. This coming January... In the meantime, we are spending most every weekend at the various RV dealers here in South Florida.

We found the Fleetwood Bounder 36E recently and really like the layout and features of this particular rig... Does anyone know of any issues or problems that might have plagued owners of this RV make & model that they could share with us?

Right now this RV is at the top of our list!

Thanks

Santara · 11-01-2014, 10:53 AM

what yr & what frame

calhyatt · 11-02-2014, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildRV

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!

We plan to attend the RV show in Tampa, fl. This coming January... In the meantime, we are spending most every weekend at the various RV dealers here in South Florida.

We found the Fleetwood Bounder 36E recently and really like the layout and features of this particular rig... Does anyone know of any issues or problems that might have plagued owners of this RV make & model that they could share with us?

Right now this RV is at the top of our list!

Thanks

If you provide us with the year and make of chassis we can help you a little better. Good luck in your search..

FormerBoater · 11-03-2014, 07:40 AM

I live in Fort Lauderdale, currently traveling but will be back next week.

Would be glad to take you out to the storage facility where I keep the
Eagle. Once I get my air pressure sensors replaced (alarm stays on constantly) we can even go for a spin on one of my exercise the coach runs.

My knowledge base is limited to diesels, but you should have some diesel exposure as you start gathering information about what you eventually will purchase IMHO.

Just send me a PM.

WildRV · 11-03-2014, 08:08 PM

For those asking specs On our RV of choice...

We are looking at the 2014 Bounder 36E.
The power plant is a 6.8 Liter Triton V10 362 Hp with the Ford 5 Speed Automatic with overdrive. The chassis is the Ford Workhorse chassis.

Let me know if I can supply any other information.

Thanks