New to rving

[Bharfenes]

My wife and I are new to RVing and will spend the next year researching until we sell one our homes and replace it with class A at 35” or less. Looking at Tiffin, Newmar and Winnebago so far. We see floor plans we like but: Gas or Diesel.? We will have a CRV to tow. The more we look the more confused we get. Suggestions on what is key to look at would be helpful.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by Bharfenes

My wife and I are new to RVing and will spend the next year researching until we sell one our homes and replace it with class A at 35” or less. Looking at Tiffin, Newmar and Winnebago so far. We see floor plans we like but: Gas or Diesel.? We will have a CRV to tow. The more we look the more confused we get. Suggestions on what is key to look at would be helpful.

Buying your 1st RV is always and adventure and a challenge at the same time.

1. FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT IS TO MAKE IT A POSITIVE ADVENTURE and NOT a chor.
2. Walk each RV floor plan. Don't simple view it on paper
3. Rent one several times. First for a weekend and then for a week. You will quickly determine more precisely what fits your comfort level, adventuresome spirit and financial position
4. Take the plunge!!!! Buy something and begin living the dream!!!!!!

[beamisl]

Hello,

Welcome to the Forum! You did the right thing coming here to learn what you need to know about purchasing an RV. The gas / diesel decision is a personal choice. Do you plan to do a lot of mountains (diesel) and traveling or mainly just driving around and parking for extended periods (gas).

Go to PPL Motorhomes website to check out floorplans and then as suggested, find a rig in your area to walk through, sit down in, stand in the shower (is there enough room to wash your hair without bumping your elbows), work around the kitchen. You get the idea.

Start a list of what you would absolutely need to take along with you and what you would LIKE to take along with you. Are there enough storage compartments for all of it?

If it is raining, is there enough room for both of you to sit inside comfortably and do rainy day things. Sometimes you need to ditch the salesman and spend a bit of time sitting inside the rig for a bit. Lay in the bed, is it comfortable (long enough for your height)? Sit in the driver's seat. Can you reach everything, how does it look from the mirrors to you?

Go to a thread called "RV Fixes for Newbies and Oldies". Just read it. It will start to explain a few things. Then start reading any thread here just to learn more. YouTube has videos on draining tanks, fixing things, leveling, and anything RV. Spend your time studying your options and learning.

Floorplans are usually how people pick RVs. Make is important too. Do you want new or used? Both will have issues just like a vehicle or a house and maintenance for both.

This is a great way of life. I came here 5 years ago to learn just like you. Bought 3 1/2 years ago and love our rig. I retired 3 weeks ago and we are spending the winter in a warmer climate for the first time. It is Wonderful!

Take your time. One thing to think about. If you sell your house prior to purchasing the rig, some lenders will not lend if you have no residence (address). Check this out with your lender prior to selling your house unless you plan to use the cash from your house sale to purchase the rig.

Have fun, you are going to love this! Lynne

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

Knowing how and where you will be doing most of your RVing will be important. If you're going to use it occasionally and for local trips then gas is a way to go. If you'll be in mountainous areas and will be on the road a lot then a diesel should be considered. Remember a diesel is more than just an engine. It's air brakes, air ride, engine braking systems and torque for towing.

Good luck with your search and let us know if we can help.

Happy Trails!!!

[momdoc]

Welcome. Lots of good folks and good info here. That was a great post by Beamil.
Floor plan that works for you is the most important thing. You should attend any RV shows that may be in your area as you will get to see many coaches by many builders. Try out RVing in a rental for a couple of trips. The rental does not have to be the coach you are looking but get a feel for living in an RV. The water, heat, shower, sink, stove, TV, holding tanks basically work the same in all. You just want a feel for it.
Good luck in the search you will love the adventure.

[Stever53]

Hi


Good luck with your search

this place is great

Safe travels

[saddlesore]

When you get down to the "brass tacks" on prospective coaches a few things to consider....
For Your FIRST COACH...BUY USED!...a bit larger than You "think" you want or need...
That way you can (and You Will) make the newbie mistakes, and discover what you like/don't like/ & absolutely Hate.... before you buy that "Forever Coach"
Have the sales "critter" close up the coach as if you were traveling..or camping where you cannot open up the slides....
Tell the critter to leave for a while..Go sit everywhere is it comfy?
Go lay on the bed..comfy?
Sit on the toilet usable? stand in the shower..is it big enough? (and while you are there..have your mate watch the floor of the shower while you are standing in it..DOES the floor "FLEX"?? if so find another coach..bad/cheep build there is indicative of the rest of the coach's quality and build...

Can you get to and fully use every appliance? (sink,cooktop,fridge)
Can you traverse the length of the coach without being a contortionist?
Can your get to and use the toilet (AND the shower???
Is the bedroom usable without extending a slide? (or the DW needs a nap while you are traveling)
NEXT..
Look at the size of the fresh/black/gray tank capacities..in this case..BIGGER IS BETTER!

Does it have a leveling system? (trust me.... it is really important for your relations with the DW!!......don't ask how I know this..

Galley sink size.... Is it large enough to fit a "crock pot" in the sink & is there an electric plug in to power the crock??? (build a stew in the morning, plug it in..when you shut down for the day... dinnah is ready!)(by putting in the sink it will stay put and not wander off the counter....again..don't ask how I know this...chilli

WARNING!!! Don't even THINK about buying from Camping World..RUN AWAY!! You can thank us old farts when you see us...


Happy trails! and good hunting

[plasma800]

Originally Posted by Bharfenes

My wife and I are new to RVing and will spend the next year researching until we sell one our homes and replace it with class A at 35” or less. Looking at Tiffin, Newmar and Winnebago so far. We see floor plans we like but: Gas or Diesel.? We will have a CRV to tow. The more we look the more confused we get. Suggestions on what is key to look at would be helpful.

There, I fixed it for you.



If I were going to live in it, Diesel is the only way I'd go. Even if I wasn't going to live in it, I'd still choose Diesel. If funding were a problem, I'd find an older Diesel. A diesel bounder, dutch star, phaeton, Allegro Bus, foretravel, country coach.. that would be my personal short list, on my longer list would be american coach revolution, eagle These are all tried and true, in the wool RV's with a large knowledge base behind them.

On new, you can never go wrong with a Phaeton or a Dutch Star.

Models in the 35 foot range with Diesel are going to be far and few. Most of them are 40' in the diesel versions.

Gasoline owners, some of them love their units, and they are practical. The biggest complaint is the noise from the engine directly between your front seats. If I were going gas, I'd start at the Newmar Bay Star and Canyon Star.

Dealer network matters. Camping world is O-U-T in my book.

Sit down and strap in, because searching for an RV is an a TASK, and a serious one at that. Lot's of dollars at stake, difficult to undo. Read, read and read some more.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!