Community Forums

Bubbs33 · 07-06-2017, 03:35 AM

DH and I are eagerly doing our research and preparing to buy our first motorhome. He has been retired since 2009 and I will retire in 2018. We recently sold our house and are in the process of downsizing and moving into a condo (rental) until I retire in 2008. We own a triplex in a small town on lake Erie where we will eventually retire too. In the meantime we are looking to purchase a gasser. DH fell in love with the floorplan for the Georgetown 378 until I pointed out we need a minimum of 6 seatbelts.

If health and life are good our ideal plan is to start out easy with a few short trips and then travel where the weather and road take us. Most of the time it would be just the two of us. Due to our interests, lifestyle and personalities we see boondocking as a preferred way of rving with use of national, provincial, state and RV parks mixed in. Our son and his young family will join us for trips 2 to 3 times per year and our retired friends will do the same.

Our wants and needs at the moment are:
- opposing or deep slides
- large capacity tanks
- a.c.
- bunks and over cab power bunk (queen)
- quick disconnect for L.P.
- washer/dryer preferred but not a deal breaker
- good power setup
- good internet capacity

I am very impressed with the comradary and advice on this forum and hope to some day be experienced enough to give back.

Bubbs

vettenuts · 07-06-2017, 05:21 AM

Not sure you have seen any of the new Newmar models but I looked at a 2018 Canyon Star and they now have a couch that opens into bunk beds so you wouldn't have permanent bunk beds taking up room when you don't need them.

Mount Comfort RV has excellent videos up on YouTube that show their coaches in detail. His new review of the 2018 Canyon Star 3701 will demo the bunk bed sofa.

momdoc · 07-06-2017, 06:35 AM

Welcome to the forum and good luck on your search. Floor plan is the most important first step. Visit lots of RV centers and even a RV "show" or two if you can

momdoc

Allen_C · 07-06-2017, 06:55 AM

Lots of options for you but what is your budget, preferred maximum length and preference for new vs used?

manderson2228 · 07-06-2017, 07:02 AM

Tiffin makes a floorplan that is similar to the 378 i believe. You might want to check that one out too! Tiffin makes a great coach.

computerguy · 07-06-2017, 07:28 AM

I originally looked at the 378. Ended up not crossing off the short list once I did my research on it.
The Canyon Star is certainly nice. I looked at it. And looked at it again. And again and again. Ultimately it was just too pricey for what you get. Albeit a top notch gasser.
Also looked at Tiffin Allegro. Again, nice but just too pricey.
Ended with the Bounder and happy with my choice. Came to me new and a heck of a lot cheaper than the other top contenders (the Georgetown was not a top contender)
FYI, you want list is really short and some are options easily installed and should not sway your purchase decision.
- quick disconnect for L.P.
- washer/dryer preferred but not a deal breaker
- good power setup
- good internet capacity

You will get better input form members if you are more specific. ie
2 ACs of 15k BTU and heat pumps
Seating and sleeping for 6 adults
50 Amp shore power with EMS and surge protection built in
2000 w inverter with 4 6v batteries
100 gal fresh water and 50 gal black holding and 60 gal grey water holding tanks
Budget $150k
CCC - 3000 lbs
etc

Bubbs33 · 07-06-2017, 07:33 AM

Our budget is like most best value for price. Seriously in CAN $ could do $175k for new. Prefer something gently used 2-5 Yrs old. Or new.

Regarding length we seem to gravitate to floorplans in the 35-38ft range. But need to understand if there advantages to other lengths. Our bucket list for travel includes Alaska, Banff, Jasper, Oregon, mid-west, Grand Canyon, Texas, New England, Smoky Mountains.. ..so I guess most terrains. Thanks all. Will check out the Canyon Star and Tiffin.

Allen_C · 07-06-2017, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubbs33

Our budget is like most best value for price. Seriously in CAN $ could do $175k for new. Prefer something gently used 2-5 Yrs old. Or new.

Regarding length we seem to gravitate to floorplans in the 35-38ft range. But need to understand if there advantages to other lengths. Our bucket list for travel includes Alaska, Banff, Jasper, Oregon, mid-west, Grand Canyon, Texas, New England, Smoky Mountains.. ..so I guess most terrains. Thanks all. Will check out the Canyon Star and Tiffin.

$175k Can is about $135k US. You should be able to look at Newmars and Tiffins with that budget. Good luck on your search

Arch Hoagland · 07-06-2017, 08:00 AM

Bubbs33 said:
" DH fell in love with the floorplan for the Georgetown 378 until I pointed out we need a minimum of 6 seatbelts."

I'm not aware of any Class A's that have 6 seatbelts. Of course there are a lot things I'm not aware of so could someone shed some light on a Class A that has that many.

Allen_C · 07-06-2017, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Bubbs33 said:
" DH fell in love with the floorplan for the Georgetown 378 until I pointed out we need a minimum of 6 seatbelts."

I'm not aware of any Class A's that have 6 seatbelts. Of course there are a lot things I'm not aware of so could someone shed some light on a Class A that has that many.

The Jaycos have 8 seatbelts. The Precept line may be worth a look.

computerguy · 07-06-2017, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Bubbs33 said:
" DH fell in love with the floorplan for the Georgetown 378 until I pointed out we need a minimum of 6 seatbelts."

I'm not aware of any Class A's that have 6 seatbelts. Of course there are a lot things I'm not aware of so could someone shed some light on a Class A that has that many.

My '16 Bounder 35K did (until I removed them and the L sofa and bench dinette)

Bubbs33 · 07-06-2017, 08:15 AM

FOREST RIVER rep has advised that the 377, 369 and all GT series 5 have 6 seat belts (including driver and copilot seats). The problem is when there is a free standing dinette.