Community Forums

RomanKoch · 05-26-2015, 02:57 PM

Howdy.

No coach yet, still in the "researching" phase, but definitely know I'm going that direction. No experience RV'ing, but working my way to being a minimalist, and someday a (mostly) full time status...I call it the "Gypsy Lifestyle".

I'll be lurking for a while, and maybe reaching out to some folks that have the same coach that I'm eyeballing (narrowed it down to two different ones, I think...now, just need to wait for the right one at the right price).

Liking the group so far, and will hopefully be able to run into some of you out on the road someday soon.

Thanks!
-Roman

**JohnRR** · 05-26-2015, 03:11 PM

Some say the search for a RV is fun in itself.

hal1phx · 05-26-2015, 05:03 PM

Tis an adventure indeed ..... There's lots of folks up in here that are more then happy to help with advise/opinions .... Biggest lesson for us was ... take your time ... stay a little open minded .... and have fun .......
We were set on one brand for almost a year when we discovered that hidden nugget that turned our heads ... we ended up with "the one" for us ........

denlock · 05-26-2015, 05:58 PM

Medico · 05-26-2015, 07:14 PM

Welcome, glad to meet you!

Chiefbvfd · 05-27-2015, 06:02 AM

Welcome and good luck on your search....

MSHappyCampers · 05-27-2015, 08:06 AM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

530ktm · 05-27-2015, 11:21 AM

Welcome. Give us a clue as to what it is that you are eyeballing and perhaps you will get some helpful information.

**TonyDi** · 05-27-2015, 01:28 PM

Glad to have you here.

Good luck with your search, and Happy Trails!!!

RomanKoch · 05-28-2015, 01:55 PM

Wow, everyone...Thank you so much for the warm reception.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530ktm

Welcome. Give us a clue as to what it is that you are eyeballing and perhaps you will get some helpful information.

@530ktm, I’m definitely looking to go straight to a Class A Diesel pusher. I really like the “Mid-Living” floor plans that have the kitchen up at the front of the coach, and also am looking for something with a smooth (not bouncy) ride…I’ve heard the Freightliner chassis (or Maxum) are good for that.

I think my favorite is the 40X floor plan from Fleetwood. I’m more concerned with the layout than the model, but would like to see something Expedition or above.

Winnebago had (or maybe still has) a 40L which I also liked. It’s a mid-living coach, with a fireplace, and many of the other Winnebago amenities. The 40R is another mid-living floor plan, but I have trouble wrapping my head around a galley that’s split into both sides of the coach. Just seems awkward to me.

Definitely looking used, to keep my price ‘affordable’ (that’s a relative term). And I’ve heard that 2009 was the first year that Fleetwood did pass-through storage. I like that a bunch, but it’s not a deal breaker.

I’ve also heard that new emissions requirements came out in 2010 which led to some wonky engine issues. (I haven’t had a chance to fact check either of those statements yet).

So, with all that, probably looking at a 2009 Fleetwood 40X (Expedition or better), or a Winnebago 40L (Journey/Meridian or better).

I know furniture can be swapped out, but since we’re dreaming: I don’t like what I call the “dentist chairs”…the recliners that can float around the coach. Would prefer some sort of dinette or ‘booth’ setup.

Also, would like to have a window that opens on the passenger side. I know the Fleetwoods have that, but I don’t remember seeing that on the Winnies.

Looking forward to learning with you all. Definitely a BUNCH of experience on this forum, and I plan to listen to all of the advice.

Thanks!

hal1phx · 05-28-2015, 03:37 PM

Sounds like you're getting a handle on floor plan .... Would recommend you keep looking at as many brands as you can ... within the criteria your looking for of course. Many Mfgrs have front kitchens .... we steered away from these as we wanted "company" traveling with us to be able to be "up front" if you will ... but most importantly we weren't exited about the additional weight on the front axles ... with you comment regarding bouncy ride ... this IMO could certainly contribute. Weight distribution is important.
Many Mfgrs also had pass through storage in the basement .... ours is an 03 and has 3 with slides .......... an awesome feature indeed.
Lots of great chassis out there and the "big rigs" all use air bags ... lots of air bags with their suspension .. makes for a most awesome ride.
Keep looking .... check out dealers, private sellers, shows etc in your area .... you'll find "the one" through this process. Looking for used could give you the opportunity to look at higher end coaches ... there are some beauties out there ... and some great deals .... and probably a better investment then a newer mid/lower end coach ((( I know ... investment & RV is a contradiction )))

As mentioned before .... take your time ... start to put together your priorities and Boom ..,.. you'll be on the road .....
Make it fun and enjoy !!!!

Steve Ownby · 05-28-2015, 03:42 PM

Quote:
I’ve also heard that new emissions requirements came out in 2010 which led to some wonky engine issues. (I haven’t had a chance to fact check either of those statements yet)

EPA requirements caused engine changes (diesel particulate filter) in '07 but generally didn't show up in coaches until '08. EPA requirements changes again in '10 (diesel exhaust fluid) but again this was reflected in 11' model coaches.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

BeachDude · 05-28-2015, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RomanKoch

... (narrowed it down to two different ones, I think...now, just need to wait for the right one at the right price).
..

Welcome fellow SoCal resident!

You are on the right track. Picking your favorite floorplan is the first step, then specific models and brands that have it, is next.

Once you know what to hunt for, only then can you narrow down a good price/deal.