New to the RV World

[Steve&Dora]

Tom
You will have to factor in, if you can tow a trailer or not, for us we couldn't so that is why we went the motorhome route. Also something to consider is the length of stay. Trailers are a bit more work to setup, but you have more usable space in them once they are set. Again for us the shorter weekend trips led us to get the motorhome. One thing, is where do you camp? Are you boondocking or camped in the open, or do you go to a place that has hookups.

[Tom_Papa]

Steve&Dora,

I did like your earlier recommendation about first renting and trying several types before committing to a type of equipment.
Would you recommend rental places in the LA area? And what are the basic differences between equipment. I know I am all over the place in regard of options out there but I do not know how to narrow my selection or what to focus on. I hope you do not mind guiding me through the RV/MH world.

[wildtoad]

Try going to www.coachmenrv.com and you will see a wide range of different RV types and sizes. All the way from pop-up campers to large class A, fifth wheels and TT's. There are many such web sites around but this is the first on I knew had most types. Should get give you an idea of what's out there and a good place to generate some questions.

Tom

[Chuck 1935]

Originally Posted by Tom_Papa

Steve&Dora,

I did like your earlier recommendation about first renting and trying several types before committing to a type of equipment.
Would you recommend rental places in the LA area? And what are the basic differences between equipment. I know I am all over the place in regard of options out there but I do not know how to narrow my selection or what to focus on. I hope you do not mind guiding me through the RV/MH world.

Here are a few in the L.A. area to try. You can also try the Yellow Pages or do an internet search. Hope this helps. For a short trip we go to Leo Carillo State Beach during the week. It's on Pacific Coast Highway at the LA County and Ventura County line. It's easy to get there and easy to park although no hook ups. Good Luck !
www.elmonterv.com
www.roadbearrv.com
www.cruiseamerica.com

[Chuck 1935]

Tom-Papa
Here is another thought. Below I have listed a RV dealer in Thousand Oaks. I bought a used (thats all he sells) Motorhome from him and he is really a super guy. Rick is the owner. You can go online and see what he has and/or you could go out there and get the feel of what they are all about.



www.conejowholesaleauto.com

[Superslif]

We tent camped for about 13-14 years....after one bad rain storm...my wife and me said we have to get off the ground....started looking at used pop-ups....but didn't find anything that didn't need repair.....Ended up buying a new 99' Coleman pop-up. Was very happy to have dry beds. One suggestion on the pop-up route. You have to get one that has the front storage trunk.. This way you have a place to leave stuff in. But even with that you will end up loading up the whole inside floor area with gear.

Then in 05' we were going to buy a large sized pop-up, but settled on a hybrid.....If I had the tow vehicle to a tow the larger hybrid back when we were buying the 99' Coleman, I would have gone straight to the hybrid. We have 26 cabinet doors or storage spaces in the 05' hybrid we bought. I think for the hybrid, you get the most bang for your $$$. The 25' hybrid was only a few $1000 more than the larger pop-up we were going to buy in 05'. And the "high wall" pops were about the same price.....

Things to look for in a tt.

~counter space

~total cabinet space

~fresh water storage tank. Some only have a 28-30 gallon tank. The one we have is 46, and I think they went to 50 gallons for the 11' for the brand we have.

~aluminum or fiberglass exterior. Aluminum is cheaper, but the fiberglass is easier to clean and keep waxed.

~hitch weight, some units can be very heavy at the hitch. You have to know what your tow vehicle can tow. So you have to know what your vehicle can handle as total trailer weight and what your tongue weight limit is also.

~trailer width. They range from 7' to 8' wide. Going with a 8' wide unit really opens up the aisleway inside. Some of the cheaper tt's are only 7' or 7.5' wide to keep the cost down.....that one foot really makes a difference.....

[Steve&Dora]

Tom
Sorry didn't respond quicker. We are on our 3rd one now, the first was shared with my sister, then 2nd was a 87 27 ft Southwind. Our current one we bought new in the fall of 2004. Like you had tired of tent camping, and ended up in the class A. Although a C would probably have worked just as well at that point. You will have to see which one has the layout both in the drivers position as well as living quarters.

[Tom_Papa]

I think I reach a point to look into the real RV's and compare my last camping try was all about who is arround and what kind of RV they have. LOL

[Chuck 1935]

Originally Posted by Tom_Papa

I think I reach a point to look into the real RV's and compare my last camping try was all about who is arround and what kind of RV they have. LOL

Hey Tom, sounds like you need to find the Beer Can Hat folks. It shouldn't be about who has the most expensive RV. It's all about having a fun and a relaxing time. You should join us us at Leo Carillo State Beach and see what fun is all about. We go there at least once a month just to get away from what you are talking about. I think we are just down the road from us here in Shadow Hills.

[Steve&Dora]

Chuck
That looks like a nice park! I will have to check it out myself. Tom a park like that is an easy way to get to know folks who have RV's and see what they like.

[Glassalley52]

Have you thought about a RV show?

[Glassalley52]

Our experience: tents, 86 new pop up, tents, used 87 Class A, tents, new 04 pop up, new '10 5th wheel - 5th being our last. Lots of fun and memories over the years.

[Tom_Papa]

RV show? I did not know they did shows for RV. LOL

[Tom_Papa]

Wow, For how many years you guys have been camping and RV trip?