Community Forums

mom-moo · 03-07-2016, 12:34 PM

We are trying to decide on which RV brand and model to buy and it is so overwhelming. Can anyone recommend a book or a web site that breaks it down simply. Thanks in advance

Mr_D · 03-07-2016, 12:47 PM

There are some out there. The problem I see is that you have to buy a membership and they may never even drive or sometimes even look at a rig before "rating" it.
I can read the brochures and spec's just as easily for less cost.

**TonyDi** · 03-07-2016, 01:17 PM

Mom-moo

I don't don't know where you live, but going to RV shows, especially the big ones will definitely be to your advantage. You'll be able to see all models and makes side by side. This should help guide you in the right direction. Even going to a large RV dealer, if only to browse, will help.

Or visit the different forums in here and get others opinions.

Best of luck with your search and Happy Trails!!

l1v3fr33ord1 · 03-07-2016, 01:21 PM

mom-moo-

Do you have any experience with RVs before (and are just trying to sort out makes and models), or are you starting with no significant knowledge? For instance, would you be able to explain the differences between Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes, or the difference between a fifth-wheeler and a travel trailer? If we know where you are along that curve, we can offer better advice.

In any case, welcome again to a great RV community!

TonyMac · 03-07-2016, 01:21 PM

Nobody can do the hard work of picking out your RV. You gotta do it yourself. As many have said before floorplan is key and for the most part, you get what you pay for. RV shows are money. But go to the dealers in your 100 mile radius and see what they have to offer.

sprayman · 03-07-2016, 02:59 PM

what do you need/want. as mentioned. once you decide let us know

and we can make some recommendations. thats the first and most important.

Jim

mom-moo · 03-08-2016, 12:27 AM

I live in northeast Texas. I have looked for some RV shows and it seems that most of them have already happened until the fall in our area we would like to have one that sleeps about8 . A full-size refrigerator is a must. As far as my knowledge I would have to say it is pretty limited. I currently own a coachman that we have never used it for traveling. It is parked and I stay in it a couple of nights a week for my job. We are currently looking for one to take our grandkids. I sure I can't pay the prices of an Airstream that I'm not looking for just the cheapest either

mom-moo · 03-08-2016, 12:28 AM

Sleeps about 8

Mr_D · 03-08-2016, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom-moo

Sleeps about 8

That's going to be a hard one. Might need to go to a toy hauler and put bunk beds in to get that many beds.
Our rig wouldn't do it but that's our choice!
Ours:
Entertains 6,
Feeds 4
Sleeps 2

TheMatrix · 03-08-2016, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyMac

Nobody can do the hard work of picking out your RV. You gotta do it yourself. As many have said before floorplan is key and for the most part, you get what you pay for. RV shows are money. But go to the dealers in your 100 mile radius and see what they have to offer.

I couldn't agree more. It took me a whole year to decide... not that I needed a year to decide but I knew it would be a year before I could buy one... so I took my time.. I fell in love about a thousand times, changes my mind about a million times 5th wheel, TT, 5th wheel, ARRRGGGHHH!!!

Finally decided on a 2016.5 Lance 1995 TT.

Good luck, the BEST way to figure it out is do your homework yourself.
Look at reviews first to get you going, decide on a floor plan and the things that are important to you. etc etc.

wahoonc · 03-08-2016, 04:30 AM

Here are my basic shopping recommendations:

Find a Floor Plan that will work for you
Find a dealer you can work with and you trust (this is the hard part)
Choose the brand/quality level you want
Research, research and research
Do a thorough PDI BEFORE you sign on the dotted line
Have fun camping!

Aaron

daveRG · 03-08-2016, 06:48 PM

I don't disagree with these guys..but I gotta recommend the Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel Comparison Guide by Eaton. It was very very helpful for a noob...the websites all have catches. Pretty cheap on Amazon...saved me a lot of time.

GreenFeather · 03-09-2016, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom-moo

We are trying to decide on which RV brand and model to buy and it is so overwhelming. Can anyone recommend a book or a web site that breaks it down simply. Thanks in advance

As others have said, there isn't anything that is going to satisfy your needs except you. Since there are no RV shows (and I agree, they are a money spin)... you need to put on the hard hat and visit RV dealers and look. As others have said, layout is an important factor. Remember, you're going to have to live with your decision, along with others that travel/camp with you. Also, what will pull it. If you have a 6 cylinder pick-me-up truck, you aren't going to pull much more than maybe 26'. And at that size, you won't find a trailer that sleeps more than 4. Perhaps one with tiny bunk beds made for elves.

Bottom line... don't rely on dealer pics. Pictures are very deceiving. Visit in person. Ask lots of questions and take notes. Go home and discuss. Pros and Cons... because it sounds like you will have to do a lot of compromising to be satisfied.

Something that I had to learn to accept while searching for our travel trailer... the RV manufactures today don't always have the best "quality control". So no matter if it is new or used, expect to find flaws and perhaps faster wear and tear. As someone else said, try to find a trustworthy dealer. It will be up to them to find those flaws and support you as a new RV customer/owner. Maybe try to find customer feedback on your local RV dealers first... Good luck.