Community Forums

debandtom · 02-12-2012, 07:19 AM

Hey everybody!

We're rapidly approaching the time when we can chuck our jobs and hit the road! The past year has been filled with research and reading forums just like this one to figure out what exactly we need to know and do before we plunk down a whole lot of money for our new "home". We've decided to full time it; got no real ties and hey - why not?

At this point we're leaning heavily on a used Class A 40-42 foot, and the Winnebago Tour or Itasca Ellipse seem to fit the bill nicely, but would love feedback. And any other words of wisdom would be most appreciated.

Looking forward to meeting you folks out there on the road!

Tom and Debbie

damdannyboy · 02-12-2012, 08:27 AM

Who's doing the driving, that's a long MH! Well enjoy the Adventure

Steve N Sal · 02-12-2012, 08:58 AM

Welcome to the forum Tom & Debbie. Sure glad you joined us.

Hope you enjoy your time here as well. Sounds like you have your plan of attack in line. Your choice with Winnebago line is great and as far as others there is Newmar, Country Coach etc. but the most important thing to keep in mind is the floorplan that fits you the best. Hope you enjoy shopping and find just the right coach for the two of you. Enjoy all your travels and do post here often and keep us all up to date. Be safe and Happy Motoring!!!!

historyljc · 02-12-2012, 01:03 PM

Hi Deb & Tom, welcome to the forum. Good luck with your plans on full-timing in the near future. If you're going to be where it gets cold, I suggest that you get a coach with an Aqua Hot heating system for the coach and hot water. Having to burn propane for heat in cold weather can run into some hefty heating bills in hurry.

ghoststories · 02-12-2012, 01:08 PM

Hello and welcome to iRV2, wishing you the best in your RVing adventures.

SarahW · 02-12-2012, 04:16 PM

Howdy Deb and Tom! Welcome to the forum, and good luck!

bsirby · 02-12-2012, 05:05 PM

Welcome Tom and Debbie. Good luck purchasing your new MH. The fulltiming in great for us even with ties at home. We rented out our house and when we are in town, we park behind our daughters house. This way we get out and travel and then come home for a couple weeks to get our grandchildren fix and then back on the road. I hope you have a great adventure and safe travels.

Fred1609 · 02-12-2012, 05:34 PM

Wlecome to the forum and good luck on a new chapter in your lives. What an adventure! Really look hard at the other forums for advise about your choices for a Class A. We don't have one, but just looking through other threads I read about rust issues in and around two piece windshields. So the more info you have on what to look for and what to stay away from will make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

sdennislee · 02-12-2012, 09:11 PM

Hi and

Have fun.

Chickadee · 02-13-2012, 06:35 AM

Hi Tom & Debbie:

WELCOME to the iRV2 bunch.

Steve & Lynette

MSHappyCampers · 02-13-2012, 06:38 AM

Hi Tom & Debbie! Welcome to IRV2! We're really glad you decided to join the group! Congrats on the upcoming retirement! Have fun and God bless!

debandtom · 02-14-2012, 03:01 AM

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome! We're scouring the Web trying to learn as much as we can, and I think we're at the point where we are realizing how much we don't know. A lot to consider, huh? But I got a couple of questions already:

Cost of insurance - any general ideas? We'd rather have too much than not enough

We plan on towing a truck and a motorcycle - what's the best way to do that?

Can an AquaHot system be retrofitted?

Realistically, what kind of MPG can we expect to get?

As you might have gathered I'm the one doing the budgeting and technical specs for the MH; Debbie is checking out the campgrounds and figuring out what interior/features we would like to have. The system seems to be working - we cover twice as much ground and no big disagreements (yet!)

The final question is a big one - the average cost of maintenance. We're planning on setting aside funds to cover the routine stuff and I have no rea clue as to how much that should be.

any info would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

RVNeophytes2 · 02-14-2012, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by debandtom

Cost of insurance
We plan on towing a truck and a motorcycle - what's the best way to do that?
Can an AquaHot system be retrofitted?
Realistically, what kind of MPG can we expect to get?
The final question is a big one - the average cost of maintenance.

We spend about $900 on insurance, including roadside assistance. With Blue Sky.

Retrofitting AquaHot is expensive, into 6-digit territory; price varies.

Our 350 hp Cat C7 gets 7.2 mpg on the avg.

Maintenance depends on lots, eg coach maintenance before you buy for used, warranty svc for new, if you DIY, etc. A little as $300/yr or thousands, if you farm it out.

(When I thought of pulling my truck, MH friends all said the same thing: use a tow bar and supplemental brakes, install a driveshaft disconnect.)