Community Forums

Bludiver · 03-26-2014, 06:38 AM

I am a new member of this forum but have read various threads prior to joining and have found the information very helpful. My wife and I currently live in the Virgin Islands and will be relocating back to the midwest at the end of May. We will be buying a Class A coach and become fulltimer's. This has been a dream of ours for several years. I would appreciate some input as to the type of coach we purchase. We will be paying cash but don't want to spend more than $35,000. Therefore we are looking at coaches from 1997 to 2003. We want something between 35-40' with at least one slide. My dilemma is between gas and diesel. We want diesel because we will be spending a lot of time in mountains and hill regions but I know we can get more amenities and maybe a newer coach if we go gas. I am also concerned about the maintenance cost with a DP.
I would really appreciate any input you can provide me as to the pros and cons of diesel vs. gas. I have read several threads and there is a lot of information out there already but I was hoping with the specific information I provided the knowledgeable iRV2 Forum participants might be able to give me some insights more specific to my situation. Also, any recommendations on dealers located in the KS, MO, OK, TX part of the country would be appreciated.

aschuh53 · 03-26-2014, 06:53 AM

check our the ads here also there are many good deals out there welcome to irv2

**TonyDi** · 03-26-2014, 07:29 AM

When you have done enough searching you will determine what is the best RV for you. Look at the floor plans of the class A's you can afford and that will help you make some decisions. While a diesel is going to be better in the mountains, a gas model will get you up the hills. You just have to be more patient.
Good luck with your search

alpinedrvr · 03-26-2014, 07:37 AM

Why would you want to relocate from the Virgin Islands?

Geoff

Bludiver · 03-26-2014, 07:46 AM

We have spent 5 yrs on St. Thomas and the beaches/water are beautiful but the island is only 3mi by 12 mi and after 5 years we have covered it all. We have always wanted to get an RV and travel the US and since we are both 67 we felt we should do it while we still have the mobility and can enjoy it.

MSHappyCampers · 03-26-2014, 08:02 AM

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

There's a lot to consider about the gas vs diesel. If you plan to keep it a long time I would definitely go with an older diesel, IF records show it has been well maintained. Unless you're unlucky enough to have a major problem with the transmission or engine, the diesel is not that expensive to maintain. Hope you find the right rig for your needs! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**JohnRR** · 03-26-2014, 10:07 AM

Good luck with your search.

JFNM · 03-26-2014, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bludiver

I am a new member of this forum but have read various threads prior to joining and have found the information very helpful. My wife and I currently live in the Virgin Islands and will be relocating back to the midwest at the end of May.

Howdy and Welcome!

No doubt that this will be a change of pace for you! I am attempting the opposite - get rid of stuff and get to the Caribbean!

My only thought isn't all that helpful but... Try not to be too affected by what the magazines and marketing machine tells you. I do a lot of cycling - reading the magazines you'd think you must have a $10,000 carbon bike to have any fun and that isn't the case. There is nothing wrong with starting with 'lesser' equipment, figuring out what you want/like, and then moving that direction.

Medico · 03-26-2014, 03:23 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Steve N Sal · 03-26-2014, 03:26 PM

Howdy and welcome aboard. Good luck with the shopping experience and hope you find what will work for you. Enjoy all your travels.

Chiefbvfd · 03-27-2014, 06:29 AM

Welcome to the forum......"Gas or Diesel" the question of the century...do your research and you'll make the right decision for YOU...

bdickson · 03-27-2014, 06:30 AM

Hudgens · 03-27-2014, 09:50 PM

Welcome to irv2. Last year we went through the gas vs. diesel analysis and I have to agree with those who have already welcomed you. I thought we would go one way and then some things came up in our research and we changed. The deciding factor actually turned out to NOT be gas vs. diesel. Take your time and have fun with the search...and good luck!

Bludiver · 03-28-2014, 06:11 AM

I appreciate the welcome wishes, thank you. I have done quite a bit of research and my only concern at this point is the cost of maintenance. For us I feel diesel fits our needs best. Now I am concentrating on finding a well maintained DP that we can enjoy without too many surprises. Any input from knowledgeable RV'ers is appreciated.